$22k to spend on a car. What do you buy?

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by b2tf

Too small

ok. That narrows it down a little.

How about a Mitsubishi Lancer VRX hatch? With a sunroof
http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...ode%20matchany

Sedan
http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...d=1321575D1311

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by blueoval

ok. That narrows it down a little.

To give you an idea, I like the Euro we have now but I wouldn't go any smaller. I prefer a bigger car like a Falcon etc but it wont be my main car so it has to suit mrs b2tf moreso than me.

On the shortlist we have an FG XR6 (found some for $23k with the 6sp auto), Mazda6 and Subaru Liberty.

[Professor Farnsworth]

and what of the focus?

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by Professor Farnsworth

and what of the focus?

Not feeling the Focus. Ford's smaller cars like Mondeo, Focus etc dont really do much for me.

[blueoval]

Cool. Fair enough. If that's the case Austin I'd go with the Mazda or Subaru Liberty.

This one has leather
http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...d=1321575D1311

[galaxy xr8]

That Subaru above is a nice looking vehicle, I don't mind them and being a 4cyl/manual, should be good on fuel.

[El Caballo]

Originally Posted by b2tf

Can assure you the ashtray has never been full. Perhaps if you don't agree with me updating cars you can take that elsewhere though.

Its your money, do what you like, no need to get your feelings hurt because someone else doesn't think like you do.

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by El Caballo

Its your money, do what you like, no need to get your feelings hurt because someone else doesn't think like you do.

Sure is my money, dont get your feelings hurt cos I don't want to keep the car!

[El Caballo]

Trust me, they aren't.

[kocho]

The Accord and Mazda 6 are bigger than the Liberty.

[Windsor342ci]

Hey mate,

Myself and the Mrs are in a similar situation to you and she's due for a new car soon. We've already decided an EVO 9 but that might be a little to full on for your Mrs. liking.

I think a nice respectable car is a Subaru Forester or more so a Liberty 2008 or there abouts. A very respectable looking car and great quality.

Just something outside the circle.

[KR1STO]

Is hers/yours preference aussie, jap or euro cars mate..?

[blueoval]

I reckon he is leaning towards Jap Kris. The VW Golfs are too small. My feeling is Austin is looking for nothing smaller than the Accord euro his mrs already owns. Mazda 6, Subaru Liberty seem to be on the top of the list with the possibility of going an FG if he can find the right one for the price.

[Uncle Niceguy]

Originally Posted by CRYHSV

Hey mate,

Myself and the Mrs are in a similar situation to you and she's due for a new car soon. We've already decided an EVO 9 but that might be a little to full on for your Mrs. liking.

I think a nice respectable car is a Subaru Forester or more so a Liberty 2008 or there abouts. A very respectable looking car and great quality.

Just something outside the circle.

that one mate and if you have the option do the H-6 the parents have one and to say the least their impressive.

[Franco Cozzo]

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...dge=4294773319

Click that link, Mazda 3 MPS. Not too small, would be easy for the lucky lady friend in your life to drive and its fun to drive (hope you have strong wrists if you go for a series 1)

[doktoravalanche]

There might be a few of them out there, but the XR6's are good value and great to drive........just not that fashionable unfortunately!

[FG50T]

2012 Hyundai Elantra! $20,950. Suspension tuning carried out in Aus, lowest drag co-efficient of it's class, 6sp auto, 5 Star ancap, bluetooth/ipod etc. Seems to have all the goods. Hyundai's new stuff is pretty impressive.

[DJM83]

Mate i know of an LV XR5T in Melb with 80k on it for 22k, if thats something she might be keen on.
http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...spx?R=11194008

[Professor Farnsworth]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...dge=4294773319

Click that link, Mazda 3 MPS. Not too small, would be easy for the lucky lady friend in your life to drive and its fun to drive (hope you have strong wrists if you go for a series 1)

torque steer?

[davocol]

You could pick up a G6e for that price nearing the end of lease, that is a lot car for the money. A few others to consider

Maxima (fwd but great value)
Kia Cerato (you might get a demo)
Subaru RX

The Mazda 3 is also fairly roomy inside and the resale is great.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Professor Farnsworth

torque steer?

Who cares? Haha.

Its all part of the fun, smash the accelerator and she steers herself

[bingoTE50]

Renault Megane diesel sedan? Honda CRV ? Hyundai Getz with a 10k sound system ...

[9lives]

07 to 09 Subaru Forester?

[Smoke Pursuit]

Why not the Mondeo? Our MB XR5 Mondeo is as big as my GT on the inside.. and it has a bigger boot, its great!! (would be good with dogs too as you can fold the back seat down flat!

Try and find yourself an MA XR5, once you drive it you won't look back.

[kinksta]

+1 for the Mazda 3 MPS, great car to drive, torque steer is barely noticeable in 95% of driving.

Unless you are doing track work or driving like a moron around corners as fast as possible.

New Hyundai's are great too...

[Professor Farnsworth]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Who cares? Haha.

Its all part of the fun, smash the accelerator and she steers herself

no i meant in relation to your comment 'better have strong wrists'..

[WiggyMK2]

My vote would be a new lancer or a near new aurion. Both brilliant cars.

[JC]

Ford Mondeo or Focus.

Brand new Hyundai i30 sports CWT.

Holden Cruze (new one).

Merc C200 (may be a bit older than 3 years, but for the money, it's a lot of reliable car and for $22k, you should get a 5 or 6 year old one).

Mitsubishi 380 (had to throw that one in - take one for a drive before dismissing it - they're 5 speed CVT auto, with tiptronic that is almost as good as a manual, without the left foot action). You can get a 2008 series 3 model for around $15 to 17k, easy (and they have 5 year warranty from factory, and the 2008s apparently came with 6 years warranty - VRX is pick of the model, GT a bit more upsec for not much more $$$$)!

There's a diverse group for you.

Or do what I did - go out looking for things in a car you like/want/need, and buy the one that ticks the most boxes. For me, it had to be:

used or new (not fussy), but not too old.
large enough to fit 3 booster seats across the back seat
use less fuel than the AU2 XR8
have ***some*** power and handling
had to have warranty; and
had to "look" not too bad.

I was nearly going to buy the Hyundai i30 CWT (wagon) sport, but ended up with the 380 - could have bought an early FG XR6 for similar money, but thought I'd try something non-ford this time (mainly due to 5 year warranty on the Mitsu).

[JC]

Originally Posted by FG50T

2012 Hyundai Elantra! $20,950. Suspension tuning carried out in Aus, lowest drag co-efficient of it's class, 6sp auto, 5 Star ancap, bluetooth/ipod etc. Seems to have all the goods. Hyundai's new stuff is pretty impressive.

And 5 year warranty.

[GT 160]

Mother in law has a Mazda 6 sports luxury in a diesel and its an absolutely brilliant car. I think her's is an 2009/2010 model though so maybe out of your price range.