Recommendations for a underrated car for low $ and commuting high Kms

[squizzyhunter]

Good Evening
I am moving down to regional Victoria and will be doing some high Ks. I dont want to run the 110 on high Km commuting. So am looking for a cheap fuel efficient car, doest matter if old or what brand just good value and reliability.
In the past I have usually gone for cheap older Hyundais to run into the ground with my most recent one dying last week. They have been good value with that last one only owing me $350 after onselling for scrap after doing 450Km per week for 2 years (minus consumables). This time I am considering something more comfy for high country Kms. Many years ago I had a Peugeot 405 diesel which was a great car very efficient and a dream to drive on the Hwy. Like LR Peugeot's are not without quirks and have some unwarranted haters. So have been considering going back to a Peugot as people seem to hate them and dont seem to hold value due to peoples perception of them being hard to get parts for and unreliable. Are the newer Peugeots like the 307 diesel any good? They seem good value but I am unsure of real life reliability and wouldnt want to have to fork out $$$ for new injector pumps ect. From my time with the 405 I have a good perception Peugeot regardless of what seems to be a general perception of being ****boxes, am I now out of touch with what the what the newer Peugots are like?
So at the moment either going to go back to a newer Hyundai or Peugot diesel wagon 307 or 406. I seem to go through the Hyundais every 2-3 yrs running them into the ground.
Any suggestions? Volvo diesel?? Old BMW diesel?? Kia...

[Tombie]

Camry.... bland as hell but keep on ticking

[1950landy]

Hyundai or Kia booth out of same stable , they seam to go for ever with very few problems & get good fuel return. Not sure about the Peugeot Diesel out of the same stable as Citroen , we had a Citroen C4 Diesel for 4 years was second worst car we have ever owned cost us $56,000 got $6,000 trade in on a new Hyundai I30 Premium Diesel . The Citroen was always in being repaired were the Hyundai has a service once a year & requires nothing else & gets around 4.3 litres per 100 km's

[numpty]

Just sold my 16 year old Mazda 323 with 290,000K's. Still getting 7l/hundred and everything still worked including the air con, original clutch and mainly consumables replaced during it's life.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Mazda 3 or possibly an Hyundai i30 if I was looking for a medium commuter.

[DiscoMick]

Mazdas are great.
Suzukis and Daihatsus are cheap and go forever. A friend has a $100 Daihatsu which won't die. Uncomfortable but cheap.

[goingbush]

I was just about to call the scrappers to come get my PT Cruiser , Its got a new head / waterpump / timing belt . They are the things that usually let them down at 250k and why they are usually so cheap.

Bloody fabulous little car . Grandaughter heard I was dumping it and thinks she wants it , so I just paid the rego as the 3 months unpaid time was almost up. Its waiting for her pending a test drive to see if she can handle a manual, if not you might be interested ??

https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/22339710_1482217138526738_57651952039380196_o.jpg? _nc_cat=106&_nc_eui2=AeFm8J1Gp84_YwZRm0EXYTw-ejGC_3TSI_PRDwz48XGqdzTzQNkzBbtq_kA9k8eeNpP8oSKUHP YCoskXMhcRKxotB1FXppfF79zXDNW4M4kzSA&_nc_ohc=ex6b8fsmLK4AQnSKWhg-BsCIM6YdbWsgwB7Eri4Ym6CzJwZt95guXs2Sw&_nc_ht=scontent-syd2-1.xx&oh=b629b27d4c09c2e61e3b73aa436dc673&oe=5E7B7B70

[squizzyhunter]

Camry.... bland as hell but keep on ticking Yes I am a fan of most Toyotas but they hold their value too well from the reputation of reliability so are are either overpriced or appropriately priced from this.

[squizzyhunter]

Hyundai or Kia booth out of same stable , they seam to go for ever with very few problems & get good fuel return. Not sure about the Peugeot Diesel out of the same stable as Citroen , we had a Citroen C4 Diesel for 4 years was second worst car we have ever owned cost us $56,000 got $6,000 trade in on a new Hyundai I30 Premium Diesel . The Citroen was always in being repaired were the Hyundai has a service once a year & requires nothing else & gets around 4.3 litres per 100 km's

Yea I wouldnt touch a new Citroen the old ones were great... maybe the Peugoet went the same way then. Im happy to deal with maintenance and mechanical quirks but not big ticket item failures.
Yea im finding it hard to find fault with getting an I30 diesel at the moment, though they do hold their value (though not as much as the toyotas)
Its funny how my personal perception hasnt changed on the Kia's since my mum owned a nightmare of a Rio but i hear great things these days though

[squizzyhunter]

Just sold my 16 year old Mazda 323 with 290,000K's. Still getting 7l/hundred and everything still worked including the air con, original clutch and mainly consumables replaced during it's life.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Mazda 3 or possibly an Hyundai i30 if I was looking for a medium commuter.

Nice innings with the 323! Yea my partner has a Mazda 3 and its been great, she has done very high Kms with only consumables for nearly 10 years, it also has respectable efficiency at 7L/100km.

[101RRS]

My brother commutes from Newcastle to Sydney CBD each day - 280km per day (1,400km per week).

He bought a 2013 Mazda 6 Diesel and he has found it perfect - excellent fuel consumption but given the km he does, servicing and tyres come around with monotonous regularity but the car has had 100% reliability and are relatively cheap to buy.

Garry

[squizzyhunter]

Mazdas are great.
Suzukis and Daihatsus are cheap and go forever. A friend has a $100 Daihatsu which won't die. Uncomfortable but cheap.
me
Cheers Mick! I havent considered any Suzukis, I had an old Daihatsu many years ago and it didnt die it was just the rust that stopped me being able to re register it[biggrin]

[squizzyhunter]

I was just about to call the scrappers to come get my PT Cruiser , Its got a new head / waterpump / timing belt . They are the things that usually let them down at 250k and why they are usually so cheap.

Bloody fabulous little car . Grandaughter heard I was dumping it and thinks she wants it , so I just paid the rego as the 3 months unpaid time was almost up. Its waiting for her pending a test drive to see if she can handle a manual, if not you might be interested ??

https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/22339710_1482217138526738_57651952039380196_o.jpg? _nc_cat=106&_nc_eui2=AeFm8J1Gp84_YwZRm0EXYTw-ejGC_3TSI_PRDwz48XGqdzTzQNkzBbtq_kA9k8eeNpP8oSKUHP YCoskXMhcRKxotB1FXppfF79zXDNW4M4kzSA&_nc_ohc=ex6b8fsmLK4AQnSKWhg-BsCIM6YdbWsgwB7Eri4Ym6CzJwZt95guXs2Sw&_nc_ht=scontent-syd2-1.xx&oh=b629b27d4c09c2e61e3b73aa436dc673&oe=5E7B7B70
Thanks mate I know nothing about these PTs apart from my partner having an illogical visceral hatred of them[biggrin]
Keep me posted mate and ill try read up on them

[Bigbjorn]

Camry.... bland as hell but keep on ticking

How big a car do you need? Camry are near bulletproof. Corolla likewise. If you only need a small car the a Yaris is about the best around. Go to the government auctions for the best price on a near new car. Govt. cars are usually sold at 2-3 years of age and usually well maintained. Perhaps a last model Commodore. They are a really great car. Do not buy Euros if you want lower cost reliable motoring. At least three repair shops I know well refuse to book in Citroen/Peugeot/Renault/Audi/ Fiat/Alfa. Also some models of Volvo and Benz are not welcome. Neither are Land rovers.

[squizzyhunter]

My brother commutes from Newcastle to Sydney CBD each day - 280km per day (1,400km per week).

He bought a 2013 Mazda 6 Diesel and he has found it perfect - excellent fuel consumption but given the km he does, servicing and tyres come around with monotonous regularity but the car has had 100% reliability and are relatively cheap to buy.

Garry

Thanks Garry
I havent looked at the Mazda 6s as I assumed they would be out of my price bracket, I will have to take a look

[squizzyhunter]

How big a car do you need? Camry are near bulletproof. Corolla likewise. If you only need a small car the a Yaris is about the best around. Go to the government auctions for the best price on a near new car. Govt. cars are usually sold at 2-3 years of age and usually well maintained. Perhaps a last model Commodore. They are a really great car. Do not buy Euros if you want lower cost reliable motoring. At least three repair shops I know well refuse to book in Citroen/Peugeot/Renault/Audi/ Fiat/Alfa. Also some models of Volvo and Benz are not welcome. Neither are Land rovers.

Cheers Bigbjorn
I forgot about the Auctions, does it still work out worthwhile given the hassle, auction cost and mandatory haulage?
As for the size i would like a wagon for bikes & boards ect but not too fussed about size. In saying that the Yaris may be a little twitchy for high country kms (only speculation as I havent driven one though).

[Markf]

For a while I had a 99 auto Hyundai Sonata. Got it at 243k km's and unloaded it at 450k km's or thereabouts. To my knowledge it's still a daily driver from Dandenong to Hoppers Crossing. Cosmetically it's rubbish but mechanically it's fine. An old workmate has an early i30 with a bazillion km's on it and it's fine - just normal servicing. Lots of lease fleets are Hyundai's these days. One of the big wigs of 13CABS uses leased Hyundais and puts LOTS and LOTS of km's on them before he changes them over. He uses the Hyundai option because they never let him down.
If it was me, I'd go the Hyundai option. After a few years they start to look like crap but they go on and on and on. Tey seem to drink bugger all fuel too which is a bonus.

[Blknight.aus]

shorten the oil changes (I know guys that have installed quick drains and cut holes in the panels for access to filters) and the coolant changes

and on most small front engined mobile bump stops they'll go forever, till the timing belt lets go.

Id be aiming for one of the earlier mid sized diesel VW or volvos, one thing that the small cars do not stack up well against is roo strike.

[trout1105]

What is wrong with using the 110 as a commuter, The money you would save on rego alone would offset any fuel cost gains owning/driving the extra ****box car?
I use my D2a for pretty much everything and clock up 25-30K a year in it and it is WAY more fun to drive also much more comfortable than ANY of the hideous little ****boxes mentioned here so far[thumbsupbig]

[1950landy]

shorten the oil changes (I know guys that have installed quick drains and cut holes in the panels for access to filters) and the coolant changes

and on most small front engined mobile bump stops they'll go forever, till the timing belt lets go.

Id be aiming for one of the earlier mid sized diesel VW or volvos, one thing that the small cars do not stack up well against is roo strike.
My brothers VW Passat diesel that is not long out of warranty broke a water pump belt which then took out the timing belt , it has bent all 24 valves . Not good when the water pump was replaced by the dealer 6 months ago one would think they would have replaced the belt at the same time . They also make a shield kit that stops the Water pump belt from taking out the cam belt but this was not offered or fitted so a nice expensive job just before Christmas.

[101RRS]

I am moving down to regional Victoria and will be doing some high Ks. after doing 450Km per week for 2 years (minus consumables). This time I am considering something more comfy for high country Kms.

So you did 450km per week in Qld - what will you be doing in Vic?

Smaller crap boxes will not handle very high Km per week - you will something that does not scream its head off and is a bit more relaxed.

[squizzyhunter]

For a while I had a 99 auto Hyundai Sonata. Got it at 243k km's and unloaded it at 450k km's or thereabouts. To my knowledge it's still a daily driver from Dandenong to Hoppers Crossing. Cosmetically it's rubbish but mechanically it's fine. An old workmate has an early i30 with a bazillion km's on it and it's fine - just normal servicing. Lots of lease fleets are Hyundai's these days. One of the big wigs of 13CABS uses leased Hyundais and puts LOTS and LOTS of km's on them before he changes them over. He uses the Hyundai option because they never let him down.
If it was me, I'd go the Hyundai option. After a few years they start to look like crap but they go on and on and on. Tey seem to drink bugger all fuel too which is a bonus.

Thanks Mark
Yea the Old Hyundais just seem to keep on going (in all honesty Ive treated them poorly apart from Oil changes). And if you need parts they are stacked 10 high at the tip (mid 90s ones that is). An ex fleet i30 could be a great option at the auctions.

[goingbush]

Thanks mate I know nothing about these PTs apart from my partner having an illogical visceral hatred of them[biggrin]
Keep me posted mate and ill try read up on them

Yep most people that have never driven one hate them, and half that have driven them hate them, most mechanics wont touch them so they are really cheap or free to good home, this one only cost me $1500 . Oh I also put a new clutch in it.

Brilliant little cars and solid as , I deadset hit a kangaroo and leapt into the air as it went under me , not a mark and wheel alignment still true. Just cant afford to keep paying $700 a year rego for a car I don't need and don't have space to store.

I'll let you know if she doesn't take it.

[squizzyhunter]

shorten the oil changes (I know guys that have installed quick drains and cut holes in the panels for access to filters) and the coolant changes

and on most small front engined mobile bump stops they'll go forever, till the timing belt lets go.

Id be aiming for one of the earlier mid sized diesel VW or volvos, one thing that the small cars do not stack up well against is roo strike.

Cheers Dave
Quick drains and logical pannel holes now this is something I would definitely get behind, thats brilliant.
I will have a look into the Volvo, something like a late 90s early 2000s V40??. Volvo would also be good value for $ as most people dont want to be a "bloody Volvo driver"[biggrin]

[squizzyhunter]

What is wrong with using the 110 as a commuter, The money you would save on rego alone would offset any fuel cost gains owning/driving the extra ****box car?
I use my D2a for pretty much everything and clock up 25-30K a year in it and it is WAY more fun to drive also much more comfortable than ANY of the hideous little ****boxes mentioned here so far[thumbsupbig]

Cheers Trout
The reason is mainly that Ill need to spend some big $$ and time sooner rather than later. The 110 has been neglected due to $ after getting back from 12 months travelling up north in it. Even after the second interior wash I still come out with red dust on me, I have been putting off replacing the trasfer box as I really dont look forward to that (well untill Im set up down south with a decent shed with concrete floor). This is one of the reasons I want another ****box is so I can take some time again to give the 110 some much needed love. My 110 has always been a little rough but with a lot of help was able to get her to a mechanically good (body is another matter) for the trip. But with no time spent on it for a while I am reluctant to rely on it for everyday long commutes (300 Tdi with 420Km+). It is nice to not have to get it back to running order every day when trying to do some work on her again.

[squizzyhunter]

So you did 450km per week in Qld - what will you be doing in Vic?

Smaller crap boxes will not handle very high Km per week - you will something that does not scream its head off and is a bit more relaxed.

Yes will still be going those sort of KMs on average

[101RRS]

So 450km a week is not much at all - I thought you said high km [thumbsupbig] in that case any old **** box as long as it reliable will do.

Garry

[rick130]

Yea I wouldnt touch a new Citroen the old ones were great... maybe the Peugoet went the same way then.

If you wouldn't touch a newish Citroen (and I wouldn't either outside warranty period) avoid Peugeot as the Citroen is just a re-bodied Peugeot.
They are identical mechanically (except the gas suspension)

[DiscoMick]

We love our 2015 Mazda 2 as a reliable comfortable economical commuter car. It has only needed servicing and just got new tyres at 60,000 Ks. We had a Yaris before that and it was also ultra reliable, but the Mazda is a better drive, the engine is livelier and the auto is six speeds, not 4 as in the Yaris. Plenty of Mazda 2s around roo.

[squizzyhunter]

If you wouldn't touch a newish Citroen (and I wouldn't either outside warranty period) avoid Peugeot as the Citroen is just a re-bodied Peugeot.
They are identical mechanically (except the gas suspension)

Cheers Rick, I did not know that.
Looks like I only like the old french cars now then

[Arapiles]

Just sold my 16 year old Mazda 323 with 290,000K's. Still getting 7l/hundred and everything still worked including the air con, original clutch and mainly consumables replaced during it's life.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Mazda 3 or possibly an Hyundai i30 if I was looking for a medium commuter.

I also had a Mazda which was largely faultless, but the Mazda 3 is notoriously noisy so maybe not ideal for long drives.

There are some really cheap, near new Falcons around with the LPI LPG fitted. The drawback is the lack of boot space in the sedan because of the LPG tank.

[bsperka]

I30 diesel or 1.5l Honda Jazz. Both have a timing chain and great fuel economy. Mazda 2 for fuel economy as well, but some engines apparently have a timing belt, so need to factor in the replacement cost every so often. Or drive it until it goes ping.

[Homestar]

Yes I am a fan of most Toyotas but they hold their value too well from the reputation of reliability so are are either overpriced or appropriately priced from this.

Depends on how old and what dollars. I have a ‘97 Camry V6 with 250KKM on it - cost me $700. Likely to still be going when I die I reacon. Needed lower control arm bushes and a few things I got for $60 from pick a part to get a RWC for it. Drives great, is my junker/family spare/friends spare car, and those that have driven it comment how quiet and smooth it still is for its age.

Anything for under $1000 with a RWC is dirt cheap IMO.

[squizzyhunter]

I30 diesel or 1.5l Honda Jazz. Both have a timing chain and great fuel economy. Mazda 2 for fuel economy as well, but some engines apparently have a timing belt, so need to factor in the replacement cost every so often. Or drive it until it goes ping.

Ha ha yea with my former hyundais it has been a drive till ping plan. Thats another +ve for the i30

[squizzyhunter]

Depends on how old and what dollars. I have a ‘97 Camry V6 with 250KKM on it - cost me $700. Likely to still be going when I die I reacon. Needed lower control arm bushes and a few things I got for $60 from pick a part to get a RWC for it. Drives great, is my junker/family spare/friends spare car, and those that have driven it comment how quiet and smooth it still is for its age.

Anything for under $1000 with a RWC is dirt cheap IMO.

I agree thats a great deal, is it pretty thirsty or not too bad? I suppose for back up vehicle the efficiency wouldn't be great issue.

[Blknight.aus]

What is wrong with using the 110 as a commuter, The money you would save on rego alone would offset any fuel cost gains owning/driving the extra ****box car?
I use my D2a for pretty much everything and clock up 25-30K a year in it and it is WAY more fun to drive also much more comfortable than ANY of the hideous little ****boxes mentioned here so far[thumbsupbig]

I do it in a 6x6...

remarkably, the motor bike and the arkie have about the same travel times for some destinations,

the bike because it can thread through the smaller gaps.

Arkie because its seems that most of melbourne has worked out that the orange blinky light is someone telling you what you're about to do, not begging permission...
Apparently the ole NT Might of way roadrules work here too.




I will have a look into the Volvo, something like a late 90s early 2000s V40??. Volvo would also be good value for $ as most people dont want to be a "bloody Volvo driver"[biggrin]

yep easy on insurance too And, runs on vege

[Bigbjorn]

Cheers Bigbjorn
I forgot about the Auctions, does it still work out worthwhile given the hassle, auction cost and mandatory haulage?
As for the size i would like a wagon for bikes & boards ect but not too fussed about size. In saying that the Yaris may be a little twitchy for high country kms (only speculation as I havent driven one though).

Perhaps buy here before moving to Freezeyourarseoff Land. I don't know how auctions are run in Vic but here you buy an ex-Govt car at auction with a Safety Certificate and can register it there and then.

I was a fleet manager some years ago and would only ever buy Holden-Valiant-Falcon. Jap second then Euros dead last and only under pressure from jumped up execs who needed a "prestige" car to drive to the private school, golf club, etc. When these broke down they amazingly took a long time to fix, waiting for parts, and so on. I would rent them a Corolla or Datsun out of pure spite.

Bit of history now but the most reliable and lowest repairs were VC Valiants. This fleet had 70 of them. Aside from the occasional disaster, usually country reps busting holes in radiators and sumps and ignoring gauges and lights, and continuing to drive.

Squizzy, if it was me I would be looking for a low kms. last model Commodore.

[Stuck]

SV21 Camry. Still a few tidy one's about.

[squizzyhunter]

Perhaps buy here before moving to Freezeyourarseoff Land. I don't know how auctions are run in Vic but here you buy an ex-Govt car at auction with a Safety Certificate and can register it there and then.

I was a fleet manager some years ago and would only ever buy Holden-Valiant-Falcon. Jap second then Euros dead last and only under pressure from jumped up execs who needed a "prestige" car to drive to the private school, golf club, etc. When these broke down they amazingly took a long time to fix, waiting for parts, and so on. I would rent them a Corolla or Datsun out of pure spite.

Bit of history now but the most reliable and lowest repairs were VC Valiants. This fleet had 70 of them. Aside from the occasional disaster, usually country reps busting holes in radiators and sumps and ignoring gauges and lights, and continuing to drive.

Squizzy, if it was me I would be looking for a low kms. last model Commodore.

Thanks for the insight BigBjorn
Ill be heading down at the end of the week so wont have a chance to get one up here before I move down.
I never been much of a fan of commodores (or falcons for that matter) I will look into them now though as they are probably now good value as not many people do like them. Still look quite inefficient at 9-11L per 100Km though.

[Tote]

I run a factory gas Falcon RTV ute in and out of town 5 days a week, previously we had a BA sedan on dedicated gas. By far the cheapest vehicle to run I have ever owned. Cost on fuel is about $60 per 550KM and parts are reasonably priced. If you get the late model injected ones they even have a couple of extra KW over the petrol version. 285000 KM and still going strong, I bought it with 34,000 on it
I bought the ute from Queensland and the BA from a "wholesale" dealer in Melbourne. The BA was cheaper there than at the Canberra auctions.

Regards,
Tote

[rar110]

If you want more comfort than the mainstream offerings, with economy and reliability, in a car that likes long hauls. Here it is.

You have been blocked (https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2007-Peugeot-407-ST-HDi-Auto/SSE-AD-6430749)

The Japanese Aisin 6 speed autobox was used across several makes incl Land Rover, Toyota, Hyundai.

It’s not my car but we have the 407 sedan which is nice.

[V8Ian]

Late model Falcon/Fairlane, preferably with the Barra motor. Cheap to buy and maintain, solid, comfortable and better protection than a buzzbox in case of animal strike or prang.
Thousands of taxi owners are lamenting the the inability to operate a car as cheaply and efficiently as these.

[NavyDiver]

Depends on how old and what dollars. I have a ‘97 Camry V6 with 250KKM on it - cost me $700. Likely to still be going when I die I reacon. Needed lower control arm bushes and a few things I got for $60 from pick a part to get a RWC for it. Drives great, is my junker/family spare/friends spare car, and those that have driven it comment how quiet and smooth it still is for its age.

Anything for under $1000 with a RWC is dirt cheap IMO.

Following a similar vain just a little more luxury. Wifes Lexus Es300 2003 was with M&D until they brought a new Merc.I just drove it to the auto spaky to repair the mirrors ($20 thanks Chris)
Lexus ES ES300 2005 Price & Specs | CarsGuide (https://www.carsguide.com.au/lexus/es/price/2005/es300)
I saw a few at auction for stupidly small money. Leather and luxury really and not loved by those who do not know them. If I wanted a very comfortable and very cheap second hand drive. The Merc steellers offered M&D $500 for it.
[bigwhistle]

Kids are taking ours.

[squizzyhunter]

If you want more comfort than the mainstream offerings, with economy and reliability, in a car that likes long hauls. Here it is.

You have been blocked (https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2007-Peugeot-407-ST-HDi-Auto/SSE-AD-6430749)

The Japanese Aisin 6 speed autobox was used across several makes incl Land Rover, Toyota, Hyundai.

It’s not my car but we have the 407 sedan which is nice.

ive always liked the Peugeots since owning the 405 which was great, however i am cautious of the newer ones reliability otherwise the diesel 407 or 307 would be at the top of my list

[squizzyhunter]

Late model Falcon/Fairlane, preferably with the Barra motor. Cheap to buy and maintain, solid, comfortable and better protection than a buzzbox in case of animal strike or prang.
Thousands of taxi owners are lamenting the the inability to operate a car as cheaply and efficiently as these.


I run a factory gas Falcon RTV ute in and out of town 5 days a week, previously we had a BA sedan on dedicated gas. By far the cheapest vehicle to run I have ever owned. Cost on fuel is about $60 per 550KM and parts are reasonably priced. If you get the late model injected ones they even have a couple of extra KW over the petrol version. 285000 KM and still going strong, I bought it with 34,000 on it
I bought the ute from Queensland and the BA from a "wholesale" dealer in Melbourne. The BA was cheaper there than at the Canberra auctions.

Regards,
Tote

Ill have a look into the falcons then as I have never thought of getting one before. I just spent the last hour researching some of Fords Diesel models like focus and fiesta (modeo auto trans seems like a nightmare).

[Fattima]

Been mentioned before but a Falcon with a Barra engine will go forever, cost next to nothing to buy and maintain, comfy and if on LPG really cheap to run.

[rar110]

ive always liked the Peugeots since owning the 405 which was great, however i am cautious of the newer ones reliability otherwise the diesel 407 or 307 would be at the top of my list

We have a 407 with the same motor/trans. The only issue has been caused by the EGR, which for some reason no longer works. [emoji12]

Freelander & Mondeo are two cars with a variation of the same motor/trans.

I’ve been told the earlier Pug 5 speed auto was problematic. So you need to check this if looking at a 307/407.

[AK83]

I'll weigh in against the current thought process re Peugeots. Ultra reliable!
Canbe expensive to get wear and tear and service items if you only ever use the main component channels, but we're slowly finding cheaper alternatives for these items.

Brother has had 405 and 406(wagon) both petrols, then finally a 307hdi.
All exceptional cars by comparison to similarly aged crapbox runabouts that I've had and/or driven.
None of the pugs have been unreliable, but the two petrols models were 'looked after' by idiot mechanics and or previous owners.
Only reason bro sold them was situational. 405 had to go as family outgrew it.
406 he gave to me for a few months, and finally insurance claim came through and they paid him out more than it was feasible to sell on the market.
Had insurance not paid him out, I'd still be driving it.

eg. the previous owner of the 405 had an issue with it's rear lights/indicators where they were cross connecting in strange ways. Three elecs over 3 months couldn't work out what/why.
As part of the RWC obviously had to be done.
My mechanic is 100klms away, so RWC was to be done there, and he sent us to his elec mate around the corner to sort the rear lights. In about 30 secs he'd done whatever grounding issue it had, RWC was had about an hour later.
Only conclusion is that a lot of mechanical operations are either stupid or lazy, or both.

What happened with the 307(1.6Hdi). Dad now owns it. Dad has to be at a minimum the worst driver in Melb, maybe Vic .. dunno about the rest of the country.
He's had the pug for about 4 years now. His old Explorer was too costly for a pensioner, bro sold the pug for next to nothing.
For background. My dad has never had a car that he hasn't destroyed in some way or another rendering it too costly to continue repairing the next thing he'd buggered up.
60 series diesel LC, Exploder, Frontera, Bluebirds, Cadillacs .. you name a supposed fairly reliable vehicle .. and he's stuffed it in one way or another.
2 clutches in the Exploder in less than 2 years(about 15K klms)
The Frontera had had for 2 years, cost him an arm and a leg, he'd done about 15K klms(maybe less), I then took it over. I had zero $s and needed a vehicle to continue working as a courier (for 18months).
I'd done 170K klms in it basically trouble free. Only real issue I had was that the idiot LPG installers places the main tank to converter hose between chassis and body under the body weld fold. Body cut the gas line.
Other than regular service items, never gave me issues broken down or failed in a major way. while he had it tho, he'd stuffed the starter, broken two starter ring gear/flex plates, burnt fuel pump, busted diff .. etc. he thought it the most fragile vehicle he had.
Never mind that I did 170K klms in it, primarily around town tho.
eg. to give an idea of his incompetence. He left the Frontera running all night one day, not realising it was still running. He thought he'd switched it off, it ran all night and used all it's petrol and LPG. He went to start it the next day, battery flat and when he jumped it, it wouldn't start. he called me to come have a look, and I pulled my hair out trying to work out why it won't start(maybe 20mins or so) .. he had no idea it was all out of fuel. ARRGGGHHH!

So now he has the '04 307 1.6Hdi Pug now. That he's done 20K klms in it now, all around town, and that it has fallen to pieces .... a la blue brothers Dodge style ... is amazing!
He can't help but start off in second. He won't get it through his head that he's going to kill the clutch and flywheel .. ie. why the Exploder clutch failed 2 x in 15K klms.
He's smashed the pug 3 times now, 1 major, 2 minors(did I mention he has to be THE worst driver in Melb!! [bigrolf])

It's done 150K klms now, and things are due for repair or replacement.
Modern diesels don't have injector pumps, so wouldn't worry about that. Some models(that I'm reading) use different DPFs tho, and his model uses the DPF fluid type. Hard to track stuff when they change it all the time at the factory, but we recently sorted his DPF fluid issue. EGR came up as a error, and that was fixed about 4 weeks back. Not overly expensive, just not easy access.
DPF fluid was a lot harder to sort it tho. Took me a couple of weeks to locate a reasonably priced DPF fluid replacement. if you just go get it from the common sources it'll cost close to 1K for the 2lt it needs.
I found a source in the UK, cost him $200, we just had to transfer it from a bladder type setup(they use in one type of model) to the specific plastic reservoir setup his car uses. No biggie, just something you wouldn't trust an lazy-idiot workshop to do!

If you're self reliant, I'd have no issue recommending a 307 Diesel Pug. Around town he regularly gets in the 5lt/100 range, best brother/dad and I have seen at any point has been 3.5lt/100 on a run to Ballarat.
If you don't know Melb - Ballarat 100klms each way, either mainly uphill or downhill all freeway. But the fuel use was for both up and back.

My experience so far is that the Pug has to be the most solidly built, reliable and indestructible vehicle out there! Could well be that this one is a one off, and he was lucky to have got hold of it for his current needs.

Hopefully this year(if all remains well at work), I'm also considering a small cheap runabout myself, and No 1 choice ATM is a small diesel pug too. Up to about $4K will be my planned budget.
Brother only just got a Tdi Golf for his son, have driven it .. don't like it as much as the Pug tho. Much of a muchness in many ways, Pug smoother quieter tho.
Golf does feel more solid in terms of body sense. Both similar era and klms. On my local bumpy street test track, Pug is miles better, quieter and smoother suspension.
Main advantage the golf has is it's DSG box. No idea how durable it is, just feels nicer 'to drive' in that sense.

The usual chatter that Euro cars are unreliable or irrepairable .. never experienced it myself.

[Homestar]

I agree thats a great deal, is it pretty thirsty or not too bad? I suppose for back up vehicle the efficiency wouldn't be great issue.

Does under 10’s on the freeway, can be a bit thirsty when peddled hard around town but compared to all my other cars, it’s very fuel efficient - That’s against an RRC, 101 and XJ6 Jag... [emoji16]. I would use it as a daily driver no dramas if I didn’t have a company car, but there certainly would be more efficient cars out there but not many more reliable or bullet proof IMO. [emoji106]

[Bigbjorn]

Late model Falcon/Fairlane, preferably with the Barra motor. Cheap to buy and maintain, solid, comfortable and better protection than a buzzbox in case of animal strike or prang.
Thousands of taxi owners are lamenting the the inability to operate a car as cheaply and efficiently as these.

Hardly, Ian. Taxi owners are the meanest creatures God ever put breath into. Every taxi in the Brisbane taxi district is now a hybrid. Everyone driver and owner I have asked lauds their economy. If Falcons were cheaper they would still be used.

[V8Ian]

Hardly, Ian. Taxi owners are the meanest creatures God ever put breath into. Every taxi in the Brisbane taxi district is now a hybrid. Everyone driver and owner I have asked lauds their economy. If Falcons were cheaper they would still be used.
If Falcons were available they'd still be used. I was speaking to an owner, he said at the end of the day Falcons made a better profit than a Prius. Its not all about fuel consumption.

[bsperka]

Late model Falcon/Fairlane, preferably with the Barra motor. Cheap to buy and maintain, solid, comfortable and better protection than a buzzbox in case of animal strike or prang.
Thousands of taxi owners are lamenting the the inability to operate a car as cheaply and efficiently as these.Most taxi drivers that I've talked to love the Toyota hybrids as much cheaper to buy and run than the Falcons (when they were available).

[NavyDiver]

Most taxi drivers that I've talked to love the Toyota hybrids as much cheaper to buy and run than the Falcons.
I wonder if stop start driving most taxis would do would change that if it was long distance high speed runs?

[350RRC]

Following a similar vain just a little more luxury. Wifes Lexus Es300 2003 was with M&D until they brought a new Merc.I just drove it to the auto spaky to repair the mirrors ($20 thanks Chris)
Lexus ES ES300 2005 Price & Specs | CarsGuide (https://www.carsguide.com.au/lexus/es/price/2005/es300)
I saw a few at auction for stupidly small money. Leather and luxury really and not loved by those who do not know them. If I wanted a very comfortable and very cheap second hand drive. The Merc steellers offered M&D $500 for it.
[bigwhistle]

Kids are taking ours.

Good freudian slip there. [wink11] [thumbsupbig] [thumbsupbig]

cheers, DL

[350RRC]

I'm loving how many people have favourite ****boxes that they are very familiar with and have driven into the ground......................


and pretty much none are Landrovers! [bigrolf][bighmmm]

DL

[DiscoMick]

I'll support Homestar on old Camrys by saying our skint refugee friends love them and the car park at church is full of them. There are thousands of them around, they cost nothing to buy and maintain and the four cylinders are economical.
They are horrible to drive, boring as, but they are perfect if you just want a dirt cheap buzz box to neglect, abuse and flog to death.

[V8Ian]

I'll support Homestar on old Camrys by saying our skint refugee friends love them and the car park at church is full of them. There are thousands of them around, they cost nothing to buy and maintain and the four cylinders are economical.
They are horrible to drive, boring as, but they are perfect if you just want a dirt cheap buzz box to neglect, abuse and flog to death.
I have a friend, who after owning multiple 4s and 6s, found the six more fuel efficient.

[Tombie]

If Falcons were available they'd still be used. I was speaking to an owner, he said at the end of the day Falcons made a better profit than a Prius. Its not all about fuel consumption.

Here they went to hybrid Camry’s and I’m hearing the running costs are way lower. Drivers enjoy them as they’re more comfortable and better hvac.

All the falcons were flogged off quickly after the Camry had proven a hit.

[bsperka]

I'll support Homestar on old Camrys by saying our skint refugee friends love them and the car park at church is full of them. There are thousands of them around, they cost nothing to buy and maintain and the four cylinders are economical.
They are horrible to drive, boring as, but they are perfect if you just want a dirt cheap buzz box to neglect, abuse and flog to death.Not a Camry, but similar manufacturing and crash worthiness results. The younger the better when it comes to safer cars.
"Old vs New Crash Test* 1998 Toyota Corolla vs 2015 Toyota Corolla" on YouTube
YouTube (https://youtu.be/_ttkVRwOtVE)

[Tombie]

Not a Camry, but similar manufacturing and crash worthiness results. The younger the better when it comes to safer cars.
"Old vs New Crash Test* 1998 Toyota Corolla vs 2015 Toyota Corolla" on YouTube
YouTube (https://youtu.be/_ttkVRwOtVE)

Who cares [emoji41][emoji41]....

if we all went about looking at all risks like this we wouldn’t go outside. Never ride a bike or animal. Wouldn’t swim in the ocean.

Life’s too short to be so paranoid.

[RANDLOVER]

Here they went to hybrid Camry’s and I’m hearing the running costs are way lower. Drivers enjoy them as they’re more comfortable and better hvac.

All the falcons were flogged off quickly after the Camry had proven a hit.

I think that is also because of the slush box, the hybrids are very efficient in stop start traffic, as no slippage and also recover braking energy. However I think the OP is talking about lots of country miles not much stop start stuff.

[Tombie]

I think that is also because of the slush box, the hybrids are very efficient in stop start traffic, as no slippage and also recover braking energy. However I think the OP is talking about lots of country miles not much stop start stuff.

Our taxis run out to our mine sites and nearby towns regularly.

[3toes]

Brother picked up an early Lexus RX for not much. Seemed to be no demand for them second hand. There were plenty full dealer service history to chose from and people keen to do a deal. Has run it for a couple of years now with no problems. Would be more comfortable for a longer commute.

A friend once said to me / You could drive a Hyundai i30 Sydney to Perth but would you want to when could do it in something that would leave you less fatigued for not much more cost.

[3toes]

As someone who has run fleets the hybrid works for stop start city driving. Had to ban them where were doing highway trips as were blowing out the fuel bill due to higher consumption in this type of driving.

[V8Ian]

Who cares [emoji41][emoji41]....

if we all went about looking at all risks like this we wouldn’t go outside. Never ride a bike or animal. Wouldn’t swim in the ocean.

Life’s too short to be so paranoid.
Stay inside and a bloody aeroplane might crash into the house. Ya not safe anywhere. [biggrin]

[Bigbjorn]

Brother picked up an early Lexus RX for not much. Seemed to be no demand for them second hand. There were plenty full dealer service history to chose from and people keen to do a deal. Has run it for a couple of years now with no problems. Would be more comfortable for a longer commute.

A friend once said to me / You could drive a Hyundai i30 Sydney to Perth but would you want to when could do it in something that would leave you less fatigued for not much more cost.

Lexi have always had poor resale value. The used trade has never taken to them from introduction seeming to regard them as a Toyota in fancy dress not a legitimate prestige or luxury car. The prestige trade has always had the "keeping up with the Jones's" factor. One simply does not have a plebian car if one lives in Toorak or Wahroonga. Got to have the "right" vehicle to drive to the private school, yacht club, exclusive golf club. So a used Toyota has no prestige value. Luxury/prestige cars have always had poor resale value and high depreciation.

If you are looking at an LPG car, ensure the availability of gas on your commute. Servos here have been removing their gas bowsers in recent years. I asked the owner of the freehold servo near me "Why" when he removed his gas bowser during extensive renovations. He said sales had shrunk to negligibility due to the taxi fleet going hybrid, the big fleets getting out of Falcodores as the leases fell due and into small newer cars that used much less fuel. Only customers were people with big old V8 collector type cars and eccentrics hanging on to heavy petrol 4WD's.

[NavyDiver]

I'm loving how many people have favourite ****boxes that they are very familiar with and have driven into the ground......................


and pretty much none are Landrovers! [bigrolf][bighmmm]

DL
Disco3 going to 500,000 plus for sure mate [thumbsupbig] As long as hail doesn't get me again.My prior Disco would have been past that now if not for hail. Just cannot meet the very cheap reliable drive part of the thread. Very few LDs at the 1k or so mark.

vein or vain regards the Typo king aka ND AKA James just not called late for dinner please [biggrin]

[bsperka]

Who cares [emoji41][emoji41]....

if we all went about looking at all risks like this we wouldn’t go outside. Never ride a bike or animal. Wouldn’t swim in the ocean.

Life’s too short to be so paranoid.It's not about being paranoid, but aware of the risks in older cars.
Someone suggested getting a Camry SV21. It's just something to keep in mind - the younger cars are safer. I know that mashing your foot to the floor with ABS brakes allows you to steer around a hazard, whereas in an older car, you just skid into it.
The newer manufacturing methods and steels actually make the car shell stronger. Don't know the manufacturing name, but anything with the complete side panel welded onto the roof panel, rather than the roof being welded at the side pillars. This change started around mid 90s. It also made building the cars cheaper, as no need to dress the visible weld areas; they were now hidden by a plastic strip on the roof.

[Homestar]

Who cares [emoji41][emoji41]....

if we all went about looking at all risks like this we wouldn’t go outside. Never ride a bike or animal. Wouldn’t swim in the ocean.

Life’s too short to be so paranoid.

agreed! I drive a 101 and old Jag on the weekends too - both death traps compared to my Camry. I'd say a lot of us here drive much unsafer vehicles than a 20 year old Jap ****ter.

[Tombie]

It's not about being paranoid, but aware of the risks in older cars.
Someone suggested getting a Camry SV21. It's just something to keep in mind - the younger cars are safer. I know that mashing your foot to the floor with ABS brakes allows you to steer around a hazard, whereas in an older car, you just skid into it.
The newer manufacturing methods and steels actually make the car shell stronger. Don't know the manufacturing name, but anything with the complete side panel welded onto the roof panel, rather than the roof being welded at the side pillars. This change started around mid 90s. It also made building the cars cheaper, as no need to dress the visible weld areas; they were now hidden by a plastic strip on the roof.

Agree, my point is to stop worrying about it so much.
What may happen seems to cause so much angst in modern society. We really are into Bubble Wrapping our lives.

We cross roads with barely a thought, walk along footpaths etc. the odds of a horrendous MVI are quite low, with most being low speed bumps.

I could use only my very safe (comparatively) D4 as my only method of transport. However I choose to use our Defender or my litre bike quite often as they provide enjoyment - important don’t you think?

[bsperka]

Agree, my point is to stop worrying about it so much.
What may happen seems to cause so much angst in modern society. We really are into Bubble Wrapping our lives.

We cross roads with barely a thought, walk along footpaths etc. the odds of a horrendous MVI are quite low, with most being low speed bumps.

I could use only my very safe (comparatively) D4 as my only method of transport. However I choose to use our Defender or my litre bike quite often as they provide enjoyment - important don’t you think?I'm not worried about it at all. Just aware. I don't worry about much... If I can change it, I will, or if not, I just accept it and move on. To me, worrying is like being on a rocking chair - you are doing something but it gets you nowhere.

[djam1]

Vw Polo 9n3 TDI 2006-2010
Brilliant car as tough as and 5 litres per 100
And very quick I bought 3 of them one has done 330000 with oil changes and timing belts

[spie]

I'm loving how many people have favourite ****boxes that they are very familiar with and have driven into the ground......................


and pretty much none are Landrovers! [bigrolf][bighmmm]

DL

The only landrover you drive into the ground is the one that you are buried with ;)

[Rok_Dr]

A bit late to the party but might I suggest either an early-mid 2000’s n16 Nissan pulsar or if your budget extends far enough a good Td5 disco 2. The pulsar is nothing special but it’s reliable and has a timing chain not a belt. Befor I sold mine to my daughter I was getting 7l/100km average fuel consumption.

As for a D2 if you shop wisely you can get a lot of car for the money as they don’t seem to be holding their value.... unlike the Defender.

cheers

Steve

[3toes]

Even in Europe you buy Japanese if you are looking for a vehicle that will give you a long and trouble free motoring experience

[RANDLOVER]

A bit late to the party ………..

Steve

Even later to the party and a bit more general in nature, don't get a metallic car as the clear coat seems to go sooner or later, especially if out in the sun, not sure if driving it while sunny helps keep the coating cool and therefore makes it last longer. Although I have heard that some newer plain colours still have a clear coat?

[Tombie]

Even later to the party and a bit more general in nature, don't get a metallic car as the clear coat seems to go sooner or later, especially if out in the sun, not sure if driving it while sunny helps keep the coating cool and therefore makes it last longer. Although I have heard that some newer plain colours still have a clear coat?

Pretty much all vehicles post 95 have clear coat...

[DoubleChevron]

about 7 years ago when I got my wife the poogoe 407 .... I drove a near new 307 2.0 HDi 6spd wagon (so the best one ... the 2.0 HDi and proper gearbox). I didn't even get out of the service road and I was looking for somewhere to do a Uturn and take it back. It was the roughest most uncomfortable piece of **** I'd driven in a long time. It jiggled and bounced its way down the service road like a bloody Hi-undie....

The 407 was much, much, much better. That piece of **** is way to low for serious kms. We have smashed every bit of plastic off its belly ... it has been a reliable POS (other than the flywheel started rattling at 60,000kms ............. which I succussfully ignore until about 160,000kms at which point the throwout bearing punched its way through the center of the clutch plate). I replaced it with a valeo solid flyhweel conversion kit.

What I didn't realise at the time was every other car the 307's size was an horrible riding uncomfortable lump of **** too............... sigh ..... So if you want one of those ... .DO NOT BUY ANYTHING WITH A 4SPD AUTO .... Walk away .... You want the 2.0 diesel and 6spd auto or manual. the guy at french connection runs an old 307 as a work run-about .... about 6months ago it rolled over 1/2million kms and is still going strong.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=156580&d=1577536809


The mechanics you are talking to a full of it. There is nothing difficult about the modern poogoes/citroens etc.... they are just a modern plastic car full of electronics like everything else you can buy.

seeya
Shane L.

[prelude]

It depends mate.

Diesel or petrol and what level of comfort? Jap's are usually a good bet, mostly the honda/toyota kind if you buy them old enough. Modern-ish jap's are not much better then your average brand these days.

If you would like a diesel see if you can find anything with a circle-L engine, it's an isuzu. So the first honda civic diesels (if you got them down there) or an opel/vauxhaul/whatever else they are branded corsa. (it seems, according to wikipedia that it is called the Holden Barina over there)

All the 1.7 diesel units are extremely reliable in my experience. The only problem will eventually be rust.

I would steer clear of anything relatively new. I have read about peugeots in this thread and to be honest, the newer 1.6hdi engines are a disaster often needing rebuilds or replacement after only 150k, at least down here. Of the french cars peugeot is probably the "best" at least it drives best but citroen and peugeot are mostly the same engines and valeo crap. (which we know from our landrovers, unfortunately).

Someone suggested a volvo, good buy if you go for an 850 of V70 or the likes, steer clear of the V40. It was built by us dutchies and by far not as good as the 850/v70.

Can't say anything about the kia/hyundai stuff. Seems ok but built for their 7 year warranty stunt mostly?

Cheers,
-P

[DoubleChevron]

It depends mate.

Diesel or petrol and what level of comfort? Jap's are usually a good bet, mostly the honda/toyota kind if you buy them old enough. Modern-ish jap's are not much better then your average brand these days.

If you would like a diesel see if you can find anything with a circle-L engine, it's an isuzu. So the first honda civic diesels (if you got them down there) or an opel/vauxhaul/whatever else they are branded corsa. (it seems, according to wikipedia that it is called the Holden Barina over there)

All the 1.7 diesel units are extremely reliable in my experience. The only problem will eventually be rust.

I would steer clear of anything relatively new. I have read about peugeots in this thread and to be honest, the newer 1.6hdi engines are a disaster often needing rebuilds or replacement after only 150k, at least down here. Of the french cars peugeot is probably the "best" at least it drives best but citroen and peugeot are mostly the same engines and valeo crap. (which we know from our landrovers, unfortunately).

Someone suggested a volvo, good buy if you go for an 850 of V70 or the likes, steer clear of the V40. It was built by us dutchies and by far not as good as the 850/v70.

Can't say anything about the kia/hyundai stuff. Seems ok but built for their 7 year warranty stunt mostly?

Cheers,
-P

There weren't many 1.6HDi's sold. Apparently the oil galleries are too small, so if you miss oil changes (missing an oil change is BAD with the extended oil change periods these days) they will sludge up and starve the turbo and kill it. Apparently it is a very big job to try and clean out all the oilways through the motor if the oil hasn't been changed often enough .... after the turbo has been replaced. How do you know if a car has been serviced correctly if it has had several owners before you though ?

The 2.0 HDi's seem to be bullet proof. They seem to go forever. You want an older one without the FAP for simplicities sake :) I don't think the 307 was ever sold iwth a 1.6 either way ... wasn't is only the C4 and small 'vans ?

seeya
Shane L.

[prelude]

Perhaps not many were sold down under, which is a good thing :)

Models in which the 1.6 HDi was/is installed: Peugeot 206, 207, 208, 307, 308, 407, 508, Partner, 3008, 2008, 5008, Citroen C2, C3, C4, C5, C4 Picasso, Xsara Picasso, C3 Picasso, Berlingo, DS3, DS4, DS5, Ford Focus, C-MAX, Fiesta, Fusion, Volvo C30, S80, S40, V60, S60, V50, Mini Cooper D, Mazda 2, 3 and Suzuki SX4

I remember reading an article in a fleet owners magazine specifically talking about this engine and that it was the number one in engine problems over all brands. They mostly did not make the standard lease term (down here anyway, 180K or 4 years mostly) and needed rebuilding or replacing. There is at least one company that does nothing else then rebuilding these types of engines and there is a wrecker here that has a special service for fleet owners which has this engine on #1 as well.

Perhaps we have way more of them running around and that accounts for the large number of trouble, I don't know. In any case, my money would still be on an isuzu diesel!

Cheers!
-P

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Avalon.. just do it, trust me...

[Tombie]

Avalon.. just do it, trust me...

Not as far as I could throw ya’ [emoji48][emoji41]

[DoubleChevron]

Perhaps not many were sold down under, which is a good thing :)

Models in which the 1.6 HDi was/is installed: Peugeot 206, 207, 208, 307, 308, 407, 508, Partner, 3008, 2008, 5008, Citroen C2, C3, C4, C5, C4 Picasso, Xsara Picasso, C3 Picasso, Berlingo, DS3, DS4, DS5, Ford Focus, C-MAX, Fiesta, Fusion, Volvo C30, S80, S40, V60, S60, V50, Mini Cooper D, Mazda 2, 3 and Suzuki SX4

I remember reading an article in a fleet owners magazine specifically talking about this engine and that it was the number one in engine problems over all brands. They mostly did not make the standard lease term (down here anyway, 180K or 4 years mostly) and needed rebuilding or replacing. There is at least one company that does nothing else then rebuilding these types of engines and there is a wrecker here that has a special service for fleet owners which has this engine on #1 as well.

Perhaps we have way more of them running around and that accounts for the large number of trouble, I don't know. In any case, my money would still be on an isuzu diesel!

Cheers!
-P

That may be the one. Your not confusing it with the petrol 1.6 (supercharged??) I think its a BMW derived engine that had a lot of issues as well. Mostly with the cam timing setup if I remember correctly. Most of these have probably been fixed under warranty.

My mother owned a 1.6HDi from new in a Citroen C4. Other than incredible fuel economy ( 4.5'ish L/100km from memory) it was a little rocket on overboost. We changed the oil every 10,00kms (I think the manufacturers recommendation was 20,000kms .... so obviously a missed oil change is a HUGE deal .... 40,000kms without an oil change :o ).

[PhilipA]

For goodness sake, forget European and buy something Japanese or South Korean.
Funny thing to say on a European forum, but I only need one workshop queen so bought Honda as the main runaround.
Honda have good resale for a reason.
Regards PhilipA

[DiscoMick]

Over the last 40 years we've had a series of small petrol Hondas, Toyotas and Mazdas and they have all been excellent. Just make sure they get regularly serviced.
They included:
A Corolla which was great until it was written off when an on-coming vehicle pushed me off the road near Nabiac on the old Pacific Highway.
A early Civic which we flogged up and down the Pacific for years, loaded to the roof.
Another Corolla hatch which survived family abuse until it was handed on to our student son, who totally neglected it in Sydney, but it refused to die.
A Vios which we bashed around Bangkok and the back blocks of Thailand for 3 years without ever letting us down.
Our current Mazda 2, which is the best of the lot.
So I certainly endorse those who recommend Japanese. I have no experience with Europeans. Our oldest son has a Kia Carnival family wagon which seems a good thing.
Whatever you buy, don't neglect servicing. It will save you money.
Hope that helps.

[AK83]

That may be the one. Your not confusing it with the petrol 1.6 (supercharged??).....

Yeah, 1.6Hdi is definitely available in the 307s. As I posted, my dad's wagon has it.
I'm of the opinion that, if it's 'dad' proof .. in that he hasn't killed it in the 2-3 years he's had it .. it's unbreakable. He's notorious for breaking a vehicle in one way or another.
Bro owned it prior to dad, so the little 307 has some history on it now.

I service it for him, I don't think we've gone over 15K klms tho .. most likely 10K klms at most.
It has had it's share of problems tho .. but in it's defense he's smashed it 3 times now, 2 minor, one major.
Worn gearbox bush, then had a loud knocking noise .. moron repairers didn't tighten subframe fixings properly, and worn rear wheel bearing, all after his accidents.

Like I said in my earlier reply, DPF fluid was a bit of a pain to finally do.

At the moment it has a starter issue, in that when hot, it doesn't want to kick over. Small copper link into the stator is old/worn(greened up).
Can work around it for now, flicking key on/off rapidly till it powers up. Dad can't get it through his head how to do it tho.
Starter not an easy job to remove/replace, is the only reason I haven't done it .. will get it to mechanic as it's just a lot easier on a hoist.

Otherwise, 307(wagon) is a relatively decent design I'm finding it's more easy to work on than not, and economy wise, he's getting 6.5lt/100 around town, and 4 on the highway.

[superquag]

Our Mazda 121 Shades won't die, over 240K
Amazing large inside, even for 2m tal (fat) l #1 son

[FisherX]

Probably a little late on this one but here's by two bobs worth:

1. Freelander 2 TD4 - great on the highway 7L/100, comfy and reliable

2. Jaguar XJ8 - Freaking awesome on the highway, comfy as ****, ultra quiet and great on fuel on the highway 6L/100

3. Commonwhore - cheep, comfy, good on the highway, and not too bad on fuel at highway speeds 9L/100

4. Falcon - same as commodore

5. Toyota Yaris - I wouldn't but many do.

[goingbush]

Thanks mate I know nothing about these PTs apart from my partner having an illogical visceral hatred of them[biggrin]
Keep me posted mate and ill try read up on them

Sorry mate but the Granddaughter took the PT Cruiser, her Mum had me get a safety check & RWC , apart from a couple of indicator globes that had the orange peeling off it only needed a Tierod end. Not bad for 260,000km ish . RWC bloke commented that he never realised they were so good to drive & bloody solid underneath.

[superquag]

... Not bad for 260,000km ish . RWC bloke commented that he never realised they were so good to drive & bloody solid underneath.

Apart from their yellowed plastic headlights... I don't mind the look of them. Certainly more interesting than the Oriental blobs on wheels.

(Remember when a Kingswood looked like a Holden? Same with Falcons...and Valiants.?)

One would hope the interior is as practical as Retro styling suggests.

[PhilipA]

A mate had one but the engine self destructed.

An interesting point about the PT Cruiser is that they were designed to have a lower tax rate in the USA as they were classified as a van.
Regards PhilipA

[goingbush]

A mate had one but the engine self destructed.

An interesting point about the PT Cruiser is that they were designed to have a lower tax rate in the USA as they were classified as a van.
Regards PhilipA

yes, timing belt must be replaced at 200,000km , water pump at same time , or they will self destruct, and like LandRovers most mechanics wont touch them. Its why PT Cruisers over 200,000km are almost free.

[scarry]

yes, timing belt must be replaced at 200,000km , water pump at same time , or they will self destruct, and like LandRovers most mechanics wont touch them. Its why PT Cruisers over 200,000km are almost free.

They also like a drink,and the one a mates wife had,destroyed two gearboxes,before it was pensioned off.

[goingbush]

They also like a drink,and the one a mates wife had,destroyed two gearboxes,before it was pensioned off.

Hope not, mines gone to a Family with 2x Learner Drivers , they want to learn in a manual. Gearbox is perfect at the moment , hope it can stand up to kids that have only ever been in Automatics.

[3toes]

The PT is a rebodied Neon. The engine used was a joint development effort by Rover and Chrysler prior to both being taken over. It was made in South America. BMW kept the engine when they released the new Mini as design was too far advanced when they took over to change. The factory and engine design are still in production although now owned by Fiat.

[Redback]

Mark 5 1.9l diesel Golf, 198,000ks never missed a beat, 3.5l/100ks on the freeway, 5l/100ks to and from work.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Oh yes! Hybrid Taxis are wonderful things,, until you are the customer.
They ride like ****. All of them.

[PhilipA]

Oh yes! Hybrid Taxis are wonderful things,, until you are the customer.
They ride like ****. All of them.
probably because the drivers/owners buy **** tyres then run them at 50PSI. (as they used to do with the Falcons)
Regards PhilipA

[Homestar]

The later rear wheel drive dunny doors were a catastrophe in our fleet - we couldn’t get rid of them quick enough. Complete junkers by 150,000KM - be very careful if you went this route IMO. All were burning oil by this many KM, also multiple ECU and wiring harness faults. Easily the worst vehicle I’ve had as a company car and I drove a 12 year old Hiace with 360,000KM on it for 2 years so that’s saying something.

[p38arover]

I like the look of the PT Cruiser - it's so NOT like most small cars in appearance.

[superquag]

Despite owning one, and appreciating "boring" but hitherto reliable, I cannot recommend the Toyota Camry.

Mine is '98, but I'm assured that the same 'Remote Locking' problem afflicts up to 2008 , and perhaps later.
What's the problem ? - randomly sends an UNLOCK pulse through the car, all doors unlock. Great overnight, or in a shopping carpark !
When driving, this also but not always, sets off the hazard (burglar alarm ?) flashers for two or dozens of flashes, not a great safety feature to confuse other drivers...

So far, NO idea, from myself or several Auto sparkies... The best one was 'Manually lock the LH rear door'...as this is the actuator most likely to play up, apart from the driver's door one. That fix lasted a 3 days.

Shrt story, the system apparantly is both fragile, and almost impo$$ible to trouble-$hoot.
Apart from the actuators being $hundreds, ebay ones are $70 or so. - Reasonable, for a cheap Chinese knock-off, but lets not suggest the BCM, at $2,809 (Genuine, of course). Toyota must surely, be aware that they've had a long-running problem. ?

-That's what one sparky has been reduced to trying for the late model Camry parked in his workshop. For a few weeks so far.

Maybe I'm a grumpy old flatulence, but I reckon such Basic systems should be bullet-proof and last at least as long as the vehicle is registered.

One Call-Out sparkie over here has a website, featuring Camry and another most surprising Jap brand, the mainstay of his business... for the same reason... Remote doors & Immobiliser failures.

A rusty, beaten up old holden or falcon is starting to look good !

[3toes]

These was a problem with most remote central locking systems of the period where they would open or not lock. This was due to the design not shielding the system from common signal sources in a normal environment. These were triggering the system rather than your remote.

Could not lock my Range Rover of the same period at an airport. It also would not lock or unlock at the shops in a street near where I lived. Not locking was better than not unlocking. Some times if you pushed the car a couple of metres it would work again as was out of range of what ever was causing the problem.

Same problem plenty of other places solution by Land Rover was to buy a newer one that had a ‘better’ system fitted.

[DiscoMick]

I've heard stories about locks being triggered while driving down streets.
Here's couple of probably silly questions.
Can some kind of shield be fitted to block interfering signals?
Does it help to fit the system common overseas where the doors lock when you drive off and touch the brake pedal for the first time?
Probably not, but just curious.

[trout1105]

I've heard stories about locks being triggered while driving down streets.
Here's couple of probably silly questions.
Can some kind of shield be fitted to block interfering signals?
Does it help to fit the system common overseas where the doors lock when you drive off and touch the brake pedal for the first time?
Probably not, but just curious.

The doorlocks on my D2a lock up as I drive off, Fantastic idea if you have kids in the car or if you are in the city to prevent a car jacking which unfortunately is becoming more common lately [thumbsupbig]

[Rok_Dr]

The doorlocks on my D2a lock up as I drive off, Fantastic idea if you have kids in the car or if you are in the city to prevent a car jacking which unfortunately is becoming more common lately [thumbsupbig]

Yes that's a programmable feature. I tried it out when I bought mine, but reverted as it annoyed me. Also the chances of getting car jacked in Perth in a 17 year old disco are minimal and I don't have small kids anymore [smilebigeye][smilebigeye][smilebigeye]. What is more useful is a single press of the fob unlocking all doors. I quickly got tired of 2 button presses as more often than not I was also having to load things into the boot/rear seat.

Cheers

Steve

[PhilipA]

Despite owning one, and appreciating "boring" but hitherto reliable, I cannot
recommend the Toyota Camry.


So your 31 year old Camry's door locks don't work?
Diddums.

But how is the engine and transmission and suspension etc.

I bought a wagon about that age for my daughter for about $1800 with 6 months rego and good tyres with wait for it 340KK on the dial.

I was astounded at how it drove. It had an auto rebuild at some stage and a new alternator , and when I opened the oil filler I quickly closed it again as there were inches of sludge in there.

It drove them about for about 2 years with minimal problems and only when the main seal leak got so bad that it failed a roadworthy was it replaced.
They called it Moo due to the sound it made.
I reckon those old Camrys are GOLD.
Regards PhilipA

[DiscoMick]

Our refugee friends love old Camrys and Taragos.

[superquag]

So your 31 year old Camry's door locks don't work?
Diddums.

But how is the engine and transmission and suspension etc.

I bought a wagon about that age for my daughter for about $1800 with 6 months rego and good tyres with wait for it 340KK on the dial.

I was astounded at how it drove. It had an auto rebuild at some stage and a new alternator , and when I opened the oil filler I quickly closed it again as there were inches of sludge in there.

It drove them about for about 2 years with minimal problems and only when the main seal leak got so bad that it failed a roadworthy was it replaced.
They called it Moo due to the sound it made.
I reckon those old Camrys are GOLD.
Regards PhilipA

Engine is pure gold, perfect balance between economy and hoon-ability, as and when (rarely) required. Good mileage generally, no quibble there at all.. Rear dampers have reached use-by date... again, they suit how I drive anyway, almost reminds me the Lady Sarah... soft and comfortable.
If the door locking would die, along with flashing the hazards and bipping the horn... I'd be fine to lock/unlock with the key. Like all my other cars ever did.

I'd be more than happy with the door-locking system being taken out totally, but it appears (correct me if I'm rong) to be interfaced with the Burglar alarm / flashers/horn
And $2,809 BCM, somewhere...

TESLA cars are in the news, and again for the wrong reasons (or Right ones!) This time selling high priced options whether you want them or not. Those of us who waste time on YouTube will appreciate the difficulty of doing with a TESLA, what we think nothing of doing to a Land Rover.... Fix it yourself. Without the 'stealer' getting involved...
Even replacing a smashed door mirror needs it to be 'electronically mated' with the car's computers. By the Dealer.

Tesla now committing financial FRAUD by charging its car customers thousands of dollars for “upgrades” without permission or consent (https://deception.news/2020-01-18-tesla-committing-financial-fraud-charging-customers-phony-upgrades-without-permission.html)


That philosophy even sinks as low as .... farm tractors... Government now forcing tractor manufacturers to build them like smartphones so they can “brick” themselves and become unusable (https://www.newstarget.com/2020-02-01-government-now-forcing-tractor-manufacturers-to-brick-themselves.html)

But I'm not surprised with anything an American Conglomerate comes at...

John Deere was the company that bought out Australia's only home-grown Tractor brand / factory , Chamberlain Tractors. (Western Australia) but with the assurance it would keep the marque alive.
It didn't.

Now we are seeing more and more 'electronics-dependent farm machinery', with all their reliability and 'proprietary' problems.
Anybody see a pattern ?[bigwhistle]

[superquag]

Where's the I've got a Very Red Face emoticon ?

-
After disconnecting nearly every component, the last one....- as usual - struck gold. A 3-wire connector from the driver's lock-barrel to the BCM.

"Everyone" had told me the driver's door 'Master' actuator fails (?) and causes every problem under the sun. Nope, just a simple change-over switch falling apart from Old Age.- I know how it feels !!! .[bigwhistle]

Turning the driver's door key doesn't move the lock mechanism, (only a switch) - the actuator does.