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 Advice on first car? 
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Postby electric-j » Tue Jan 12, 2010 6:33 pm


Hey all. Been a lurker for forever but never actually posted anything. Just thought I'd see if any of you fine folk had some insight into what sort of car I should pick up.

I'm newly on my red P's in NSW, but not a 'young driver' (rapidly closing in on 30). I also did my L's in an auto. As a result, I'm limited to an auto car, non-turbo, less than 8 cylinders etc. I'm looking at a small to mid-size car, hatch or coupe. Most importantly, I don't want to spend more than $5,000 if I can avoid it. So far the cars I've seen around town that have taken my interest have been:

1997 Lancer Coupe - $5,000 (my favourite of the bunch, but it's the priciest - has some rust on the wheel/brake discs)
1998 Daewoo Leganza Sedan - $3,000 (smallish for a sedan, looks good for a 10 year old car, but all reviews I've read are poor)
1997 Festiva Trio - $3,000 (haven't seen it in person, but Festiva's are supposedly fairly reliable)

Besides that, I haven't found much of interest. I'm open to suggestions, though. I've heard Camry's are good, but haven't seen one for less than $7k. Any thoughts? Thanks.


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Postby djmenow » Tue Jan 12, 2010 6:49 pm


Stay away from Daewoos. The older Festivas are not that crash hot. If you want to stay towards the overseas models and only spend $5k thereabouts the Lancer sounds alright.

You could though get a really nice Commodore around the 1994-1998 VR-VT for around the same price and get more bang for your buck. I am a Holden fan so I would stay clear of Fords :yes: but if you wanted a Ford you could get a EF-EL Falcon 1995-1998 for around the $3k-$5k mark.

That much money restricts your choices but alot of the newer Holdens (well the 1997-1998) are quite decent on fuel. I have a 1994 VR SS V8 on Duel Fuel and I am a lead foot and I spend only $30 a week doing around 250-300ks a week. That car only cost me $5800 a year ago as the guy had spent $7500 on the motor not long before.

So no doubt you will get many bits of advice but get the car checked out 1st if you are spending that money as you could get more than you bargained for.


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Postby electric-j » Tue Jan 12, 2010 9:12 pm


Thanks for your suggestions. I have seen a few 97/98 Commodores and Fords floating around (and for surprisingly good prices), but the sedans are a lot larger than I want to be driving (for now). Still, they're not totally out of the equation. The only reason I've focused on overseas models is because they're smaller and generally reliable (Camrys and Lancers anyway).

As for not wanting to spend too much, it's mainly for two reasons:

1. I don't want to get boned on insurance (new driver and all); and
2. I'll probably upgrade fairly soon after I get my blacks.


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Postby djmenow » Tue Jan 12, 2010 9:33 pm


I dont like Camrys personally (ugly cars). With Holdens and Fords there is an abundance of parts available if needed and are quite easy to repair yourself. Plus if you are into it easy to add mods to.

Geez in WA there are no restrictions on vehicles when you are on P's. I think there should be but you see alot of P Platers with big V8s over here or turbo cars. Either that or girls in Hyundais trying to out drag my V8 :roll: :dizzy:


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Postby narly » Tue Jan 12, 2010 10:02 pm


I'm with djmenow , go find yourself a decent VS Commodore . You won't look back . Parts cost are cheap and readily available . Size isn't really an issue , they don't feel that big behind the wheel. I got myself a wagon as my weekday runabout ( to & from work ), this keeps the Jeep clean , packed and ready to go for long weekends and holidays . The commodore has done 250,000 k , doesn't miss a beat , starts first time all the time (note to self - new battery before winter) , doesn't burn any oil & drives like a dream . Insurance shouldn't be a problem and you may not want to upgrade to another vehicle , just upgrade the Commy , heaps of cheap mods and add ons . These guys can be a bit over the top but lots of good and usefull info as well http://forums.justcommodores.com.au/.
good luck & have fun


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Postby djmenow » Tue Jan 12, 2010 10:07 pm


Yeah I frequent that forum board to. A very interesting board. Big but very informative.


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Postby sharkboi » Tue Jan 12, 2010 10:17 pm


djmenow wrote:
Stay away from Daewoos.

:shock:
Jeez mate I have a Daewoo, had it for 4 years and I've had not one single problem with it!


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Postby mr_walker* » Tue Jan 12, 2010 10:18 pm


But it's a Holden....... :shock: edit: replying to above post, not sharkboi^^^^^^


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Postby atefooterz » Tue Jan 12, 2010 11:09 pm


mr_walker* wrote:
But it's a Holden....... :shock: edit: replying to above post, not sharkboi^^^^^^

No it is a hybred Opal / Vauxhaul :P


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Postby christelvr69 » Wed Jan 13, 2010 5:27 am


most of the cars in your list are fine.

my parents had a 98 leganza for about 9 years from brand new, done several trips melbourne to brisbane, never had a problem! it was a very reliable car. the only time we ever had a problem was one flat tyre on a brisbane to melbourne trip.

as for the camry, i bought one 2 years ago for $10 990 (2000 model). was owned by a old couple and had 35 000km on it. now it has 43 000km on it. never had a problem apart from the headlining coming unglued, although it was starting to do that when i bought it. The next car i want is a commodore, although i will be sad because apart from everyone at work saying my car is a "grand parents car" and i should "try to pick up at the bowels club" it is very reliable and does the job fine, and i am for some reason attached to it.

The point about parts for holdens/fords being readily available is very true. whatever car you buy from the list you will most likely get heckled by your mates.
in my experience if you dont have a holden or a ford you get labelled a wuss.

anyhow a 1st car is a big decision, i wouldnt worry too much as a few years later you would most likey buy a newer car anyhow.


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