What to buy under $60k?

[Colonial]

PomBstard said:

Little bit away from what you're thinking, and down a size, what about a Liberty 3.0R-B wagon? Nice flat 6, not exactly small inside, reasonably economical, and very discreet in metallic blue. Probably a bit more reliable than a Jag or a Holden.

We have an Outback, and have had subaru's for years and years and years

Plenty of space for 4, damm reliable and all around excellent cars. Currently have a 97 Liberty with 290xxx on the clock as a hack car which runs perfectly. Orginal engine and gearbox.

Good call is what I am trying to say basically.

[deviant]

How about this for some Uber cool

http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars/private/AUDI/...sid=117A5E7C4A17&Cr=4&Ns=pCar_PrivateSpecialFlag_Int32|1||pCar_ImageCount_Int32|1||pCar_LastModifiedDate_DateTime|1&State=Western%20Australia&distance=25&silo=1003&seot=0&Nne=20&R=372730&N=4294967194+83+834+285+257&Make=AUDI&state_id=83&trecs=23

[ariddell]

Yeah, the only issue I have with a Subaru is that there are so many of them around. Had an Outback 2.5 as a hire car a while back and it was gutless beyond belief, couldn't pull the skin off milk. Is the 3.0 that much of a jump up from the 2.5 to not feel like a major step down from a big torquey v8?

That link didn't work, what was it?

[deviant]

5th car down...Audi S2. Its the only one I have seen in WA, its been for sale for an absolute age though so I dont know whats wrong with it..

http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars/AUDI/private-...

[ariddell]

Nice, might as go whole hog and go for a UR though to really get something pracical for everyday use though..

On the Audi theme I have seen a 2001 S6 with 125,000km within budget though that might be worth a look. Straying slightly from my original criteria but tempting.

[PomBstard]

ariddell said:

Is the 3.0 that much of a jump up from the 2.5 to not feel like a major step down from a big torquey v8?

It is a big difference from the 2.5. I presume the Outback you drove had an auto box which I don't think is torquey-enough for. The 3.0 R-B is a pretty good all-rounder for touring and carrying stuff, and comes with a nice 6-sp manual. As usual, having a drive is the only way to tell, but would certainly be my choice for $60k of my own money.

[Colonial]

Was the 2.5 a manual or an auto? Manual is peppy, auto is gutless.

The 3.0RB is a peach of a car.

Oh, and you are concerned about exclusivity coming from a Commodore?

[ariddell]

It was an auto, i see they also do a 2.5 turbo version which might be worth a look.

Hey i rarely see another Commodore around Melbourne, honest... *cough*

[7805]

What about a Touareg V8?

http://www.drive.com.au/used-cars/VOLKSWAGEN/TOUAR...

[deviant]

Bloody hell...has anyone else seen the price on the new shape Impreza STI?!?!

Base Spec...$59,990
Spec R (Recaro seats and a few tweaks)...$64,990
Sat nav and stereo upgrade...$2,990

Add the on road costs and the luxury car tax it will get stung on and you are looking at a $70,000+ Impreza!!!
Tick some boxes for STI performance parts and other options and your going to be in some serious debt...i'm sure the repayments and interest are going to get you near on $100,000!

[7805]

Great looking car though - I was up at the Brisbane show last week for press day and I have to say, it a nice car... all the same, no excuse for such a high retail price... wait for the driveaway deals I say, although that will be a while off yet.

[deviant]

7805 said:

Great looking car though - I was up at the Brisbane show last week for press day and I have to say, it a nice car... all the same, no excuse for such a high retail price... wait for the driveaway deals I say, although that will be a while off yet.

I go completely against the grain and say it is actually the best looking Impreza to date...they have never been pretty but this shape works for me.

I think the STI looks damn good and I really like the new interior, they seem to have kept the STI ethos where Mitsubishi seem to have lost their way with the new Evo X.

Oh and here is what really really stings...

Do a direct Yen to Aus dollar conversion and you could buy a Spec R in Japan for $35,000...They are not cheap cars for the average Japanese person to buy with their low wages and high living costs...but still...$35,000!!!!

[7805]

Totally agree with you, its a great car... I still cant get my head around why cars are so expensive here, okay, I get the LCT and Stamp duty but FFS its not that expensive shipping things here... My Lotus is in a container on its way over here at present and the shipping cost is only $3500 (excluding insurance) so the manufacturers and importers are putting a hefty mark up on the vehicles.

I reckon Mitsubishi will become 'popular' now the plant in Adelaide is closing, its seems to be that way out here, whenever someone says you cant have the Aussies try even harder to get it! IMO of course.

[ariddell]

Finally ended up making the purchase today after looking at way too many options over the last while and getting myself thoroughly confused as to what i actually wanted in the process.

Final choice came down to between the Lexus LX470 and a Range Rover.

Ended up going for a 2003 model Range Rover, Vogue spec so kitted up with all the toys and decent 3 year warranty for when all the toys break.

Cheers for the suggestions guys, much appreciated.