small economical car?

[Xavie]

G'dall all.

The time has come to get rid of the Disco I think and buy a small cheapo car to get to uni. No one will take my 2A though:angrylock:.

I will be travelling 120 kilometeres each way:eek: 4 days a week. So am looking at something which will do the miles, sort of comfortably, not break on me and not need too much maintenance.

I want to spend the smallest amount possible but am thinking around 13k is what I will be looking at?

Options which have come to mind are those mazda 2 things, little fords (don't know their name) and???? what else should I be considering?

[Utemad]

Geez. I did 160kms per return trip to go to uni. I thought that was bad.
Never any traffic though.

Purely from an economic perspective what exactly would you gain by selling your Tdi Disco (is it Tdi?) and buying an econobox?

You would lose money on the Disco.
Spend more money on another car.
Lose money on the econobox when you sell it and buy another LR when you graduate (assuming you do sell it).

Is the fuel and running costs that much less on a small car?

I'm doing postgrad externally. No travel time at all!

Good luck with uni though :BigThumb:

[MarknDeb]

Gday, i most certainly would be looking at a VW or Citron diesel, a work mate has the 1.9 Golf and gets it down to 4.5lt per 100k on the highway and i have heard the citron is very similar

[Hymie]

Why not get a diesel Freelander?

[101RRS]

Why not get a diesel Freelander?

I agree - diesel freelander is the way to go:cool:

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Ford Fiesta! (NOT FESTIVA). They are built in Germany by Germans. And they do a good job. We had one for a year and it was perfect. It drove **really** well. If you enjoy driving you really should drive one of these before you try anything else. You'll get a near new one for your money.

If you don't like driving and aren't worried about your safety get a Hyundai :) :wasntme:

[cookiesa]

Hyundai Excel, no maintenance, cheap to run, fine on the highway (although the power steering is better than non power steer for that!)

Basically look for something fuel injected (most will be, you have a reasonably high budget) Diesel if you can find one would be the best way (Eg Freelander, Golf etc)

Otherwise for that sort of money a late model Pulsar/Corolla etc is certainly around the money. Once you go to that sort of size though you will find it won't be much different to runing the disco (except of course maintenance/tyres etc are cheaper)

[Fusion]

Hey Xavie , Mate if i had the chance i would go the Vee Dub Golf . Go like the clappers and use bugger all fuel :D;) ..... plus they look neat too :D .

[Slunnie]

I'd go an Excel also.

They are cheap, reliable and just keep going. I think Hyundai are an under rated manufacturer, probably because they are from Korea like other lesser manufacturers and that they are pitched at the budget end of the market.

[Xavie]

Purely from an economic perspective what exactly would you gain by selling your Tdi Disco (is it Tdi?) and buying an econobox?

Is the fuel and running costs that much less on a small car?



Good luck with uni though :BigThumb:

I know what your saying and I though this through. I get 11-13 litres per 100 with the 33's, lift etc... and diesel being 1.80 per litre. compared to (according to the advert) 6 litres for a mazda 2 per 100km and fuel being generally 30cents a litre cheaper. Also general running costs. I suspect less would go wrong with a little 2wd thing.


Gday, i most certainly would be looking at a VW or Citron diesel, a work mate has the 1.9 Golf and gets it down to 4.5lt per 100k on the highway and i have heard the citron is very similar

I would like to go this way but I think it is to expensive. I'd like something in warranty also in case issues arise. But having driven both peugoet and VW diesels if I had the cash I'd go this way without a second thought.


Why not get a diesel Freelander?

cost of one that's not to old. I'm not great if something goes wrong on the side of the road and I couldn't afford to have it off the road. Also, I don't think it is the absolute best way of going... oh and having driven them I did not think much of it.

Xav

[Xavie]

The hyundai comments are intersting. I do believe they offer no safety BUT...... I drove 2 different ones for a year or so at work and an old excel had 280,000 on the clock and still went quite well.... This company did no maintenance either.

I suppose the other possibility would be a ford or commodore on lpg? Don't shoot me for the comment as I don't really know what the best option is. Just thinking it through. I do prefer larger cars for many reasons but it isn't necessary.

Thanks for your comments. I am not looking forward to this as it will kill my bank account but is the only option if I want to do uni. So it is a bit of a stressful situation.

Xav

[Wilbur]

Hi Xavie,

You look like spending about three hours a day driving. That could be a waste of a LOT of time, time that is hard to find spare if studying at uni.

If you get a proper drivers car, the pleasure of the journey will lull your mind into a creative mode, and you will be able to utilise your travel time constructively thinking about your studies.

Get a jangling little (or big) buzz box, and your head will be so frazzled that you will just waste three hours a day dreaming of the joys of a better car.

You might consider an older peugot diesel. A friend bought a 406 new about ten years ago, has done well over 300,000 k's with no breakdowns, and gets outstanding economy. You can pick a good one up for well under ten grand.

Whatever, you owe it to yourself to have an enjoyable car. Passing a uni course is hard enough at best of times, but waste three hours a day in an uncomfortable car......

Good luck,

Paul

[Xavie]

Paul, I totally agree.

I have spent a long time on carsales the last few days :( and am slowly considering a subaru. They are heavier on fuel but safer and I know how they drive. If I sold my motorbike as well I could then go for a Subie but I do it hesitantly. The reason I go this way is heading up and over the mountains we get black ice often through winter and a touch of snow and quite a bit of rain.

I'm waiting with baited breath on the outcome:p

[Slunnie]

Which Uni?

To be honest... I would just drive to the station and catch a train in - especially if is one of the unis in town. There are express trains off the mountains that shoot straight into Redfern and central, and its great down time to just chill and listen to music, sleep, troll through your notes or whatever. No thinking, no traffic jams.

[F4Phantom]

I dont know what you mean by cheap but 13k for me is a but exxy if you want to save money. Bugger the warranty, buy an older car in the mid 90's which has proven it self through the test of time. I recon you can get a top car for 5k. Some I have considered over my last 5 car purchases are


peugeot 306, 305 diesels
renault diesels
2008 porsche 911 twin turbo (very cheap on insurance)
mercedes have some 90's bullet proof diesels for around 10k
i dont know about korean cars except I wouldnt own one.

[Wilbur]

Paul, I totally agree.

I have spent a long time on carsales the last few days :( and am slowly considering a subaru. They are heavier on fuel but safer and I know how they drive. If I sold my motorbike as well I could then go for a Subie but I do it hesitantly. The reason I go this way is heading up and over the mountains we get black ice often through winter and a touch of snow and quite a bit of rain.

I'm waiting with baited breath on the outcome:p

Hi Xavie, Yep, Subarus are great cars, Japanese or not. Certainly vastly more a drivers car than a Toymota. Good luck we will all be interested to see what you decide.

Cheers, Paul

[MarknDeb]

Ok you like the idea of a hundi, this is a beauty and its on CarSales.com.au and in NSW and sold by a dealer

Vehicle2007 HYUNDAI i30 FD SXPrice$17,650 *Kilometres18,074


HYUNDAI i30 Dealer Used Cars For Sale - carsales.com.au (http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars/dealer/HYUNDAI/i30/details.aspx?Cr=1&State=New%20South%20Wales&R=6286723&state_id=898&__No=0&__Ns=pCar_StatusSort_Int32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_Price_Dec imal%7c0&__N=4294965579%20898%20834%20258%20287%20285%20121 6%204294852939%20785&distance=25&RegionID=785&trecs=21&__Nne=20&seot=0&silo=1000&__sid=11BD7815D17F&Model=i30&__Qpb=true&Region=State%20Wide&Make=HYUNDAI)

[djam1]

I wouldnt hesitate to use a Subaru I have used them as reliable family transport for years. Not as cheap to run but they are safe and reliable apart from CV joint boots every couple of years.

[Captain_Rightfoot]

I know I always go on about safety, but you're all LR lovers and I'd like to think you'll be around for a while longer.

From the ANCAP reports on the Excel.

Occupant protection Marginal
Structure Poor
Restraints Marginal.

You can read the rest of the report here (http://www.mynrma.com.au/cps/rde/xchg/mynrma/hs.xsl/hyundai_excel_air_ancap_1997.htm).

If you can afford it (and you've said you can) why not buy from a nation that has the same safety values as our own? At least you know that the people designing the car have been thinking "my wife/daughter could be driving this one day". This is a sample of one of those cars. (http://www.mynrma.com.au/cps/rde/xchg/mynrma/hs.xsl/ford_fiesta_ancap_2004.htm) Anyway, happy shopping!

[Xavie]

Which Uni?

To be honest... I would just drive to the station and catch a train in - especially if is one of the unis in town. There are express trains off the mountains that shoot straight into Redfern and central, and its great down time to just chill and listen to music, sleep, troll through your notes or whatever. No thinking, no traffic jams.

I ahve been doing that for work for years but Unfortunately it is Bathurst and having looked at the timetable I won't have much luck. I have decided though if money completely dies then catch a train to mt vic and leave the car their for instance. That cuts 40-ish kays off.


I dont know what you mean by cheap but 13k for me is a but exxy if you want to save money. Bugger the warranty, buy an older car in the mid 90's which has proven it self through the test of time. I recon you can get a top car for 5k. Some I have considered over my last 5 car purchases are


peugeot 306, 305 diesels
renault diesels
2008 porsche 911 twin turbo (very cheap on insurance)
mercedes have some 90's bullet proof diesels for around 10k
i dont know about korean cars except I wouldnt own one.

Yes I have considered going down the route of cars which have prooven themself but I'm not sure how I would decide on that. I have heard some extremely awful things from mechanics and owners of the old peugoets so I wouldn't go that way. Pity because I do like them.

Xav

[Xavie]

Thanks Captain. I looked at the fiesta on car sales after it was mentioned. It looks like a nice little car as much as a nice little car can.

The next question for me is what is fuel economy but Ill do some further research once I nail down several models which I can consider.

[JDNSW]

If your concern is primarily costs, you need to bear in mind that in most cases fuel costs are way down the list. The two biggest costs are capital cost and depreciation, usually followed by other fixed costs (rego, insurance etc.) and only then fuel, followed by maintenance and repairs. You have to do a lot more mileage than you indicate before fuel becomes a major consideration (or drive something that uses ridiculous amounts of fuel).

Of course you notice the fuel, because you pay for it every few days, whereas most of the other costs you only have to fork out at long intervals.

John

[Xavie]

I didn't take a lot of notice of the peugoet diesels I just thought they'd be way out of my price but having done a search they are actually really cheap compared to many other vehicles. If I can find out about extended warranties and get one I may go this way....

Xav

[paulthepilot_5]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ (http://imageshack.us)

Cheap, small and very economical:p



:angel:
Paul

[Xavie]

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/1891/defendernj3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Cheap, small and very economical:p



:angel:
Paul

Lol. I have onejust like it but it is Silver!

[PAT303]

D/gas the disco.That is the cheapest.I owned a VW Polo for 10 years and it is the best built car I have ever owned,a relo loves Pugs and has had a long and good relationship with them.Subaru's are the dearest jap cars to own,I worked for one company who ran two of them and the service costs and parts in particular were eye watering.I personally don't think you would save anything getting a different car. Pat

[F4Phantom]

D/gas the disco.That is the cheapest.I owned a VW Polo for 10 years and it is the best built car I have ever owned,a relo loves Pugs and has had a long and good relationship with them.Subaru's are the dearest jap cars to own,I worked for one company who ran two of them and the service costs and parts in particular were eye watering.I personally don't think you would save anything getting a different car. Pat

yes I have had 3 subaru's, they are good but they like to drink a bit. The manuals use the same amount of fuel as the autos. I would actually not suggest a subaru.

Small FWD use the least fuel & European cars care a lot about the passengers when safety comes into it + euro's have been making better small cars for a long time because unlike the USA a small car in Europe does not mean you are poor and want to drive crap. We get the benefit here in used values because Aussies get a little scared of servicing and reliability, the fact is some cheap euro models here are very reliable.

One other thing the euro hatches do better than japs and lesser is ride quality, every jap car I have ever had, even the mazda/eunos 800 feels tinny compared with bmw's, mercs, and even the RR!

[cripesamighty]

Just my two cents worth but we have a Defender and a Hyundai Accent. We bought the Hyundai new a couple of years ago for $15,000 on road when I was doing 70km/day and more on weekends.

The Accents seem to lose somewhere around $1,000/yr so you could pick up a two year old Accent with 3yrs still left on the 5 yr warranty for less than $13,000 depending on it's mileage. They are excellent value for money and a great run-around, being a decent size with pretty good fuel economy if you don't flog them hard. Worth a look.

[Xavie]

I can't believe I'm still looking at cars.... My eyes are going funny and my brain is melting....

I have a little while to decide so no rush at least.

I have gone thorugh maybe 5 car brands and I'm sitting with Hondas currently. Does any one have experience with them? I'm thinking civic. Reviews say the Jazz is loud on the highway and my goodness it is ugly.

Mazda is still on my list and so is Hyundai.

Holden, subaru, ford have been crossed off.

[bblaze]

Ok what would I do,
13 k will buy a decent small car BUT it will have all the modern things that can go wrong electriclly etc.
I would keep the landie
I would buy a Datsan 120y (enter laughter here), 40 + mpg, buy price- less than 1k, wont find an easier car to maintain- lift an engine out in 45minutes without lifting gear. Including rego and knock insurance, fuel and a spare engine for the year COSTS LESS THAN 5K for the year
worth a thought
cheers
blaze

[Captain_Rightfoot]

I can't believe I'm still looking at cars.... My eyes are going funny and my brain is melting....

I have a little while to decide so no rush at least.

I have gone thorugh maybe 5 car brands and I'm sitting with Hondas currently. Does any one have experience with them? I'm thinking civic. Reviews say the Jazz is loud on the highway and my goodness it is ugly.

Mazda is still on my list and so is Hyundai.

Holden, subaru, ford have been crossed off.
I'm going to give you another hint. I know someone very senior at Honda, and he thinks Ford Fiestas are the best! Where else can you buy a small euro for that money. All the euro safety, top driving, and superb economy for the money. The Jazz is excellent, but expensive, and the steering feels like playstation.

[DiscoStew]

Ok what would I do,
13 k will buy a decent small car BUT it will have all the modern things that can go wrong electriclly etc.


I can understand concerns about electronics on cars going off-road but I wouldn't worry about it for on-road use.

Electricity and silicon chips have been around for a long time now and are not new technologies.

I think it is misnomer that modern cars are less reliable. As a kid I remember that any time that the traffic ground to a halt coming back from the coast there would be cars pulled over from over-heating sitting in the traffic. You don't see that now. Likewise going up the range to Toowoomba or over the gap it was not uncommon to see cars over-heated.

[UncleHo]

G'day Xavie :)

I would seriously have a good think about what your main priorities are, first up costs, second distance, thirdly money outlay, and most importantly safety over the mountains during poorer winter conditions, 1st, you already have a constant 4x4 that you own.
2nd, a 300TDI usually does about 10l per 100K, driven sanely,
3rd, save the outlay and invest in maintainance.
4th, fully chassised vehicle,constant,4x4,high visability/road
stance.

And most importantly being in greater Sydney area you have a wealth of both technical support and parts service availability from the forum and it's members, and would most likley get roadside assistance from members if your Disco had problems, as there are members all through the mountains and on to Bathurst :) and at the end of your Uni course, you still have the Disco that you know, love, and are comfortable with, and driving :D and in a fender bender it will be Disco-1 === Econo box-0 :thumbsup:


cheers

[mark2]

I'd look at a Hyundai Getz -similar specs to the Jazz, Swift etc but much better value for money.

Can get a 2 year old one with 3 years warranty left (5yr, unlimited km warranty) for about 10k

They have dual airbags, ABS, 4 wheel discs, power windows, mirrors etc etc. Korean build quality these days is surprisingly good.

And drive surprisingly well also - will do about 170 km/h:eek: and return about 7 liters per 100.

We've just traded a V6 Pajero shopping trolley on a Getz and I've calculated that the fuel savings alone over 5 years would pay for the Getz, even if I torched the pajero and got nothing as a trade.

I have a mate at work who does a similar commute to you, also in a Getz and he has nothing but good things to say about it.

[Psimpson7]

Suzuki Swift's are supposedly pretty good.

[cookiesa]

I'd go an Excel also.

They are cheap, reliable and just keep going. I think Hyundai are an under rated manufacturer, probably because they are from Korea like other lesser manufacturers and that they are pitched at the budget end of the market.

FUnny thing is in the states they are one of the most awraded vehicles for customer satisfaction over 10 years!

[4X4V8]

I to am looking for a car >$15k and I am afraid I don't buy the thing about modern cars don't breakdown anymore. Maybe the tow trucks just arrive more quickly these days, so you don't see 'em on the side of the road as much.:wasntme:

Anyway, I have been looking at Laguna wagons - small displacement V6, so okay economy, 5-star safety with side curtain airbags and ESP and cheap as chips. Nothing else has this combo for the price. Just can't find a good one yet, so am thinking of looking at something else. Maybe Japanese.

Laguna I saw yesterday - one owner, Renault serviced from new - had been back so many times and had so many problems: example: ECU replaced, altred odo reading so reads 56,00km, car done 85,000km actual.

Four mths out of extended warranty, pulley dampener disintergrated, cause cambelt to jump, bent valves. Renault paid for the two new heads, but the owner wass till up for a $5k repair job. No coolant in overflow, so my guess is the head repair was not a good one, either.

I've looked at five Lagunas now and interior quality is awful. Look like Soviet grade plastics, just age badly it seems.

So to cut a long story short, my opinion is don't buy European unless you feel like taking a risk. If you want to watch the maintenance budget, go popular Korean or Japanese. If you want to take a risk - and love driving - then grab a Euro. That's what I'm trying to do.

And I feel your pain re carsales etc. I'm fast getting over it, too...

[waz]

What's wrong with the KLE??

W

[edddo]

Well from a financial perspective I think you are going down an expensive and unecessary path....I would seriously keep the tdi but I would put standard size highway bias tyres on it...this will improve your economy a fair bit hopefully to around 10l per 100.. It will also make it nicer to drive on those hilly bitument roads. Then I would consider d-gas to further improve it if you want to.
You then get a 4wd to cope with the black ice, snow etc, keep your off rd wheels/tyres for off roading, avoid realising your depreciation, get to keep a Landy, and save yourself some headaches, maintain your landy lifestyle!:cool:

The only proviso for the above would be if you are up for some serious expenses on the Landy.

Cheers

[Xavie]

G'day Xavie :)

I would seriously have a good think about what your main priorities are, first up costs, second distance, thirdly money outlay, and most importantly safety over the mountains during poorer winter conditions, 1st, you already have a constant 4x4 that you own.
2nd, a 300TDI usually does about 10l per 100K, driven sanely,
3rd, save the outlay and invest in maintainance.
4th, fully chassised vehicle,constant,4x4,high visability/road
stance.

And most importantly being in greater Sydney area you have a wealth of both technical support and parts service availability from the forum and it's members, and would most likley get roadside assistance from members if your Disco had problems, as there are members all through the mountains and on to Bathurst :) and at the end of your Uni course, you still have the Disco that you know, love, and are comfortable with, and driving :D and in a fender bender it will be Disco-1 === Econo box-0 :thumbsup:
.

cheers

Thanks UncleHo. Keeping the disco is appealing and it is one of my favourite vehicles now but it is not set-up for that much distance on a daily basis. If I were to keep it I'd need to lower it as it has a 4 inch lift. Lowering it I am led to believe will cost a bit as to get the 4 inch lift it meant replacing a lot of parts which need to be replaced to lower it :(. I have been told I'd be up around 4 grand at least to get it done. I don't have the space to do any of the work currently.

[BMKal]

I've recently been driving a few different small cars around Perth. They were hire cars used until the company I am working with got on it's feet and purchased some new vehicles, plus a few demo's while we were deciding what to buy.

I was very surprised and disappointed with the Toyota Corollas. Nothing flash to drive, and bloody thirsty - although I have no doubt they are reliable.

Hyundai's - nothing against them really, but they have no character. If I was going to consider one, it would be the i30. The Accent is reliable and probably compares well against the Corolla - the Getz is too small and flimsy for me.

Ford Fiesta and Mazda 2 - again too small and flimsy for my taste (we just got rid of the wife's Festiva partly for this reason - it was a Ford re-badged Mazda).

I'd be seriously looking at a Mazda 3 or a Holden Astra. Both around $20K new, so you should be able to find a good second hand one in your price range.

For my work new vehicle, we bought a Holden Astra. While it may not have been my first choice and I'm still not a big fan of the styling - I have to admit that I'm very impressed with it so far. Very nice to drive, comfortable, roomy interior, huge boot space (I've got the 4 door hatch) and surprisingly economical. About the only thing that I've noticed where it compares poorly to some others in the same price range - it does not come standard with cruise control - but for what I'm using it for, that doesn't matter.

If I had the final choice in what we bought - would have gone with the Mazda 3 hatch. From my own comparison, nothing else in the class beats them.

I've been lucky though - this is a company car and costs me nothing - and I still get to keep the Disco (although it gets very little use now, except when I go home on the weekends). Duing the same period, we have replaced the wife's Festiva (which has been a reliable and very efficient little bus) with a new - demo model - Camry. Wanted something bigger and more substantial than the Festiva - it does get driven on country roads a bit where there are plenty of roos. I'm not a great fan of the Camry - there's plenty of others that I'd look at first, all things being equal - but we simply couldn't go past the deal that we were offered on this one.

Having said all of the above, if I was driving 120 km each way five days per week - I'd be keeping the Disco and spending a few dollars on it to get it up to scratch and get the best fuel economy out of it. As has already been suggested - replace the tyres with standard highway rubber, and install diesel / gas.

[rovercare]

Thanks UncleHo. Keeping the disco is appealing and it is one of my favourite vehicles now but it is not set-up for that much distance on a daily basis. If I were to keep it I'd need to lower it as it has a 4 inch lift. Lowering it I am led to believe will cost a bit as to get the 4 inch lift it meant replacing a lot of parts which need to be replaced to lower it :(. I have been told I'd be up around 4 grand at least to get it done. I don't have the space to do any of the work currently.

I'm sure you could find someone to swap in a standard lift for return for your 4"........plus whoever told you 4k is a moron:mad:

Selling a tdi disco for 7k? buying another 13k small car for financial purposes only to buy another landrover in the future is stupid

The only viable way is to buy a car of LESSER value than what you get for the disco

If you going to buy small, buy a bloody Hyundai excel, mid-late 90's, they ARE extremely reliable, cheap to run and second hand parts are practically given away, you can find them with <100k on the clock for around 3k and they will easily see 300k+

All the EURO's are nicer, but simply, if its for financial purposes, are a silly way to go, you buy EURO because you want one

[stevo68]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Xavie https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/08/768.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/general-chat/64217-small-economical-car-5.html#post822392)
Thanks UncleHo. Keeping the disco is appealing and it is one of my favourite vehicles now but it is not set-up for that much distance on a daily basis. If I were to keep it I'd need to lower it as it has a 4 inch lift. Lowering it I am led to believe will cost a bit as to get the 4 inch lift it meant replacing a lot of parts which need to be replaced to lower it :(. I have been told I'd be up around 4 grand at least to get it done. I don't have the space to do any of the work currently.

I'm sure you could find someone to swap in a standard lift for return for your 4"........plus whoever told you 4k is a moron:angry:

Selling a tdi disco for 7k? buying another 13k small car for financial purposes only to buy another landrover in the future is stupid

The only viable way is to buy a car of LESSER value than what you get for the disco

If you going to buy small, buy a bloody Hyundai excel, mid-late 90's, they ARE extremely reliable, cheap to run and second hand parts are practically given away, you can find them with <100k on the clock for around 3k and they will easily see 300k+

All the EURO's are nicer, but simply, if its for financial purposes, are a silly way to go, you buy EURO because you want one Look, I'd have to agree with Rovercare on this one....though he could use a little finesse :p. If the only reason for not using the disco is because of the lift, as suggested look around and find options. If per se it did cost $4k you are still ahead of the game compared to what you are prepared to pay for another vehicle, $2k is a lot of fuel. I do 3 x 170km round trips per week to Brissie and then km's on top of that, all round 800+ kms per week. With highway and burbs travel, I fill up once a week.

If you feel your disco is reliable, then I would look at bringing that up to scratch and having it is a a daily driver/ play toy. Personally am not a fan of small cars, simply from a safety perspective, it can have all the ancap ratings in the world until it is hit by a larger vehicle. I think this was shown recently in another thread where a Audi Q7 nailed a smaller car. If anything, again as RC has said, if you sell for $7k...to save $$$ you dont spend more, you spend less.

Regards

Stevo

[rovercare]

Look, I'd have to agree with Rovercare on this one....though he could use a little finesse

Regards

Stevo

Fi.......nesse.........:confused:

What's that?:angel:




Oh you mean sugar coating:D

[Xavie]

Thanks Guys. Had to skim the last couple of posts as I just got an urgent work call so am heading to Sydney.

I'm seriously considering keeping the disco now.... I'm going to take it to a mechanic whose opinion I trusts and see what it will cost me to get it all done and then get d/gas done if I decide to keep it.

The engine was only rebuilt 40,000 kays ago and it does drive well. However I suppose I'd want the standard diff gearing back as that was changed to cope better with the 33's.

I will be confused as it is all engineered so hopefuly I won't have to get it enginnered back to standard as it will already be within adr's then but.... I'll have to find all of that out.

I'll also have to do sums on how much the diesel will cost but that can be done in my head on the way to sydney.

Thanks again. Everyone has been extremely helpful.

I would prefer a d1 v8 on gas though :twisted:

Xav

[Xavie]

Well, Mechanic says it is a reasonable way to go. I disagree with rovercare that spending money to save money is stupid as when you do the sums fuel over 3 years for the disco will sit around the 25 grand mark where as a smaller car is about 16K. (at current prices). Then cost of parts for a L.R. to a small car... Well I'm expecting to pay more for landy bits and more often but...... All that aside.

I also found out Diesel gas may be in trouble. They have made it illegal in at least Victoria to install it and are considering putting the ban on all states. Don't know if this is completely true but came from the horses mouth.

However.... I have found a possible donor vehicle to make mine standard and they want a lift so.... I'll lose my maxi drive but that's okay.

Xav

[EchiDna]

Xavie,
Fuel and repairs aint the only "cost"
Your Disco might be worth $7k now but in 3 years it will still probably be worth more than 50% of that, lets call it a future value of $4k. Using your figures, with fuel/maintenance @ 25k over the three year period = $3k depreciation + $25k = $28k total out of pocket, excluding oportunity cost of investing the $$ in an appreciating asset.

Econobox = $14k - $7k(from the disco sale) for the startup cost (assuming no loan). In three years @ 50% depreciation (maybe worse?) it will be worth about $6-7k. so you are down $7k + $16k for the fuel/maintenance = $23k out of pocket, then buy back a disco for $4k to get back to where you already were...brings you out at around $20k, but with more out of pocket up front, so a greater opportunity cost. If you had to take out a loan, the situation is MUCH more in favour of keeping the disco...

Also, if you "de-modded" the disco (sold the lift kit, the muddies etc) and bought on-road stuff you would probably make a grand or so on the deal, not lose $4k...

All that said, I think your fuel/maintenance costs are a bit skewed as diesel while more expensive, it is also much more efficient than petrol - so I doubt the difference is $3k per year.

[MarknDeb]

I'm going to give you another hint. I know someone very senior at Honda, and he thinks Ford Fiestas are the best! Where else can you buy a small euro for that money. All the euro safety, top driving, and superb economy for the money. The Jazz is excellent, but expensive, and the steering feels like playstation.


Yes if i remember correctly the Top Gear team love em aswell ;)

[Xavie]

Xavie,
Fuel and repairs aint the only "cost"


All that said, I think your fuel/maintenance costs are a bit skewed as diesel while more expensive, it is also much more efficient than petrol - so I doubt the difference is $3k per year.

I agree about it not being the only cost but if I'm flat broke at the end of uni thats okay.... as logn as I have my degree:)

I'm not sure about fuel costs. I mean Disco diesel= 1.75 per litre today @ 10 litres being 17.50 per 100 kms and a mazda 2 using 6.1 litres on the highway at 1.45 per litre coming to $9 per 100. That's a big difference over 30,000 kms per year.

I do want to keep the disco though so am hoping that the figures workout.

[EchiDna]

$1.75 @ 10l/100km = $5250 /30,000km
$1.45 @ 6.1l/100km = $2700/30,000km
= $2550 difference annually on fuel... but if (big if) pfuel price drops, so does the difference, thus the disco gets to be an even better proposition... join the uni DIY biodiesel club/ make friends with the chemistry grads - and you will be running on free/near free fuel :)

[Remy]

Save the money and the time to pay for uni fees.
Keep the Land Rover!
Look around at what's offered by Distance Education and where.
Get what you have already done credited across to a similar course and use the time that you save traveling to study. Grades will be helped. Typically most universities will credit up to 50% of your current course if it aligns with theirs.

Charles Sturt University Bathurst? (Distance education for other campuses/courses not offered out of Bathurst)
University of New England (another good Distance provider)

What are you studying? Is it limited to where you are doing it!

Good luck!

[edddo]

dont forget to factor into your calculations that the academic year will be a fair bit less than 48 weeks..it may be closer to 38 weeks.. roughly 25% less.

a 48 week year for 3 years at $1.80 and 10l/100km is roughly your figure of 25k...it may be more like 20k

I gather you want to do away with the lift for drivability reasons yes? Otherwise if your gearing is close to equivalent (as you have modified dif ratios I take it) of standard...is it worth it?

It really is a lot of travelling for a long time but I guess you have checked out the alternatives and see this as the best for you.. you are clearly very motivated to do this study so all the best for it...studying when motivated can be very satisfying and this can provide the energy to get to the finish line.

[Xavie]

Thanks Eddo, I calculated the year as 35 weeks and that's probably a bit less then realistic but I chucked about 5,000 kms on top because some of the study is placements and I may have to travel a real long way. But also for day to day driving like shopping etc... it all adds up. Especially where I live having to go 35 kms to the supermarket.

And I agree it is a lot of travel for a long time. If it goes well I can consider selling my house and moving there but my partner is not warm on that idea for now. And it is the only place the course is at so I don't mind putting in the effort for 18 months and then if all goes well sell up and move there... Unfortunately I suspect I'll then have to move back to Sydney for work:eek:..... It is a hell of a lot of buggering around but I am really looking forward to it. It is one of those things which I have been thinking about for several years and about a week ago I thought stuff it- this is what I have wanted to do for as long as I can remember and now I'm on my way!:D

[carjunkieanon]

If you still had your 2007 Defender I'd happily swap our Corrolla for it :)

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Firstly Xavie, it's great that you're really thinking about things now. As so many other people have said, fuel is only one of the costs of car ownership.

Can I just correct a couple of things here?



I was very surprised and disappointed with the Toyota Corollas. Nothing flash to drive, and bloody thirsty - although I have no doubt they are reliable.

Yep, toyota selling on it's name again. Only an average car at top price. It wouldn't compete if sold by anyone else... yet it is often Australias top selling car.



Ford Fiesta and Mazda 2 - again too small and flimsy for my taste (we just got rid of the wife's Festiva partly for this reason - it was a Ford re-badged Mazda).

Steady up there! A FIESTA is a COMPLETELY different car to a FESTIVA.

FESTIVA = square shape Mazda 121 (remember the one before the bubble) made under licence by Kia in Korea, and then badged as a Ford. If it had a zipper it would be the perfect Korean Body Bag.

FIESTA = German designed small "supermini" made in Germany by Ford. Due to be replaced early next year.

Mazda 2 = FORD FIESTA. Ford owns a controlling interest in Mazda and gives Mazda their platforms and designs. The Mazda 2 is built on the Fiesta platform in Japan by Mazda with different sheet metal and interior plastics. At the moment they are the first one to use the NEW FIESTA platform which we will see next year. The Mazda 2 and Fiesta also share the same engine /gearbox but with different electronic tuning.


I'd be seriously looking at a Mazda 3 or a Holden Astra. Both around $20K new, so you should be able to find a good second hand one in your price range.

<SNIP>

If I had the final choice in what we bought - would have gone with the Mazda 3 hatch. From my own comparison, nothing else in the class beats them.


MAZDA 3 = FORD FOCUS! See comments above. The Mazda 3 is built on the Focus platform. Unlike the Mazda 3 ford has chosen to import their Focus from South Africa (until they start manufacture in Australia) which is not a good thing. Some models, namely the cabrio and the xr5 are built in Spain and Germany and are much better built.

I'm sorry to be the one to break the news that the Mazdas are actually Fords :p Every notice how well they handle lately? You can thank Ford Europes handling gurus for that. Mazda are usually a we bit coy about it for obvious reasons.

On the positive (or negative depending on your outlook) both the fords and mazdas I have discussed were related to our beloved landrovers until recently :)

[rovercare]

. I disagree with rovercare that spending money to save money is stupid
Xav

That's because you've made your mind up already and you want clarification;)

I won.t bother with rego costs on the replacement vehicle, insurance refund less x% @ pro rata, if you have to loan the coin, its stoopid to begin with, if this is the case, please let me know and I'll babble about % rates and $$$$expenditures that go with it, ao on and so forth, if your merely wieghing in fuel costs, well..................

[Xavie]

That's because you've made your mind up already and you want clarification;)

I won.t bother with rego costs on the replacement vehicle, insurance refund less x% @ pro rata, if you have to loan the coin, its stoopid to begin with, if this is the case, please let me know and I'll babble about % rates and $$$$expenditures that go with it, ao on and so forth, if your merely wieghing in fuel costs, well..................

I had not made my mind up and I'd qualify this by saying I'm 99% sure I'm keeping the disco and just going to bring it back to standard. And most likely put gas on it which will end costing me but for the extra performance I think it would make the trip a hell of a lot easier and I'm meaning I'm out of pocket for the d/gas but not as much as if I sold and bought a new car etc...

I don't have to loan the money either.

I'm not just weighing fuel costs at all I would of thought a small car would be cheaper to fix and less would go wrong compared to a 14 year old landy. I'm not saying I'm right that's just what I would of thought. But it is a big difference per year just on fuel before other factors come in to it.

What I'm thinking currently is if my classes work out okay I'll camp one night a week in the local state forest and use my R licence in there for my hobby and that will cut 40 bucks a week on fuel and give me time to enjoy life between study. It makes sense to me but maybe this thought it silly? When I studied in Sydney and I had no partner or dogs I use to stay 2 nights in the local national park a week and did that for a year.lol.

Anyway. Truth be told I'm happy to be bringing the disco back to standard and using that. I prefer it greatly over small vehicles.

I am interested in Captain Rghtfoot to say more though because I do think he is barracking that a small vehicle would be superior....??? C.R. what do you think?

I sort of get the feeling neither answer is right or wrong and they may come out financially very similar at the end.

[blitz]

Of course you could also look at buying a motor bike and keep the landy. but that does depend on the level of traffic I guess. I did that just bought a Harley 09 FXD super glide. Admittedly more expensive than what you are after but it does return about 4.4lt per 100km. and can go like stink if required.

In a more realistic level there are plenty of 250's out there second hand that get outstanding milage cheap to register and cheaper to run.

Blythe

[waz]

He already has one, but I think it's not as appealling in a Victorian winter as it is to a Territorian or a Queenslander...

W

[blitz]

He already has one, but I think it's not as appealling in a Victorian winter as it is to a Territorian or a Queenslander...

W

LOL Waz thats funny, I didnt even think to look at location. I moved north almost 30 years ago because I hated winter, never regretted it for a second. I am so aclimatized that now it even gets cold in the middle of the dry in Darwin.

Blythe

[Captain_Rightfoot]

I am interested in Captain Rghtfoot to say more though because I do think he is barracking that a small vehicle would be superior....??? C.R. what do you think?

I sort of get the feeling neither answer is right or wrong and they may come out financially very similar at the end.

Hi again. I don't mean to be anti Disco, but small cars can be very economical to run, and if you get the right one a hoot to drive too. I remember when I was studying I didn't have much spare time at all for the duration.

Anyway, I had a busy day yesterday (child in hospital). Let's run the figures tonight and at least then you can make a call and try and weigh it up. In the meantime, think about the following and get back to me.

1. How much is the disco worth if you sold it now with all the mods? What about without?
2. How long are you studying for again (2 years)?
3. Are you sure you're going to stay with it (no disrespect intended but lots of people drop out and it would be a shame to change vehicle if you're not going to stick at it for the duration).
4. How many k's do you think you'll do a year again?
5. Was your disco petrol or diesel?
6. Take a stab at how much you'll spend on maintenance for the duration?

Then we'll cost it and you can weigh it up.

[UncleHo]

G'day Waz :)

Last time I looked, the Blue Mountains were in NSW just about 100klms from from central Sydney;)


cheers

[waz]

Oh.... THOSE Blue Mountains.

oops....

W

[isuzurover]

The 3 most reliable brands in most RA(X)/NRMA surveys are:

Honda
Mazda
Subaru

However, that said, I would go the hyundai. If you are worried about safety, buy an ex hyundai cup rally car with a 6-point cage!!! e.g:


Title: Hyundai Excel rally car Click to enlarge image.
Price:
Description: FOR SALE

96 Excel with 6 point Roll Cage, C.A.M.S approved, built by M.S.A Brisbane.
Painted in 2pac Bright Green, some hail damage,
sohc motor with new clutch slave cylinder, oil and filters replaced,
Q.F.M race pads brakes .
Interior is stripped and resprayed in charcoal hammer finish.
New head lights
New windscreen

Price $4500

found it on rallysportmag.com.au

Go on - you know you want to ;)

If you want an option like that, you would be ahead to start with!!! You could possibly even keep the disco, and only sell it if funds become tight.

Btw - on the uni front - if you are dedicated and hard working, after the first semester/year, you can usually get permission to study at 1.5 load. Which will get your degree finished much sooner! However - only take the extra load on if you are sure you can handle it.

[VladTepes]

Your answer is 1994 Range Rover Vogue LSE.

No wait, hear me out....


G'dall all.

The time has come to get rid of the Disco I think and buy a small No, it's big cheapo car to get to uni. No one will take my 2A though:angrylock:.

I will be travelling 120 kilometeres each way:eek: 4 days a week. So am looking at something which will do the miles yep easy , sort of comfortably definitely, not break on me has been super reliable and not need too much maintenance hmm, sort of, not really.

I want to spend the smallest amount possible but am thinking around 13k is what I will be looking at? Yep much less than 13K

Options which have come to mind are those mazda 2 things, little fords (don't know their name) and???? what else should I be considering?

You didn't mention fuel costs in which case the LSE might "not be ideal" for you.

LOL Cheers

[Ralph1Malph]

Gday, i most certainly would be looking at a VW or Citron diesel, a work mate has the 1.9 Golf and gets it down to 4.5lt per 100k on the highway and i have heard the citron is very similar

Bang on M&D, we have had our 1.9 Diesal Golf for just over 6 mths now and can't rate it highly enough. Mid/high 4's on the highway and 6ish around the burbs plus enough luxury and trappings to take them out of the tinny category.
Not for 13k tho' unless very second hand as they hold their value better than most.

Heard good things about the C3 and C4 as well but I'll never own a car whose name I can't spell or pronounce :p

Ralph

[isuzurover]

Will you have lectures EVERY day?

Maybe it is woth buying a station wagon or campervan (or just using the disco) - then you can spend 2-3 days a week down there, do all your assignments till late in the library, sleep in the car, use the showers on campus...

At one time or another there was apparently a guy studying at Griffith Uni who had set up a tent in toohey forest :D
5 minute commute on foot each morning, no rent, no fuel bill, free showers :D

[Banjo_pluker]

I think the hyundai getz or excel is the go. the Getz was voted the most echanomical car to run. You will get 1 new for just over the 13000 mark. Acctually they start from 11990 at the moment (hyundai.com.au -offers) plus on raods, and it comes with a 5 yr unlimited km warranty. My other car is a hyundai and the warranty was great.

[Xavie]

Will you have lectures EVERY day?

Maybe it is woth buying a station wagon or campervan (or just using the disco) - then you can spend 2-3 days a week down there, do all your assignments till late in the library, sleep in the car, use the showers on campus...

At one time or another there was apparently a guy studying at Griffith Uni who had set up a tent in toohey forest :D
5 minute commute on foot each morning, no rent, no fuel bill, free showers :D

I can't do it for that long due to other commitments but I am planning at least one night a week in the State Forest. It will be 5 days a week. Once I settle in at one night a week I'll probably up it to 2 nights. Even one night will save me 50 bucks so 2 would be excellent.

[abaddonxi]

Economy is good, but if I were doing that many Kms a week, I'd be wanting something comfortable, too.

If you're turning up to a lecture with a sore back you're not going to be able to give it the attention it deserves.

One thing I noticed doing night lectures was that people who had worked all day couldn't give it their best at night, I'm guessing it's the same after an hour and a half drive.

Cheers
Si on

[Tombie]

Get a motorcycle :cool:

SV650 would do the job admirably ;)

[Dmmos]

Hi all,

I've been reading this thread with some interest, as last year I was in a very similar position...

I had an '89 Ford Falcon Ute, drank fuel like you would not believe (certain it was more than 20ltr/100km, think something was a little off!). Anyway, my girlfriend and I are obsessed with cars and decided we needed something new and cost-appropriate - we're both poor uni students....

We ended up with a new Suzuki Swift (manual), tomorrow morning it'll hit 30,000km's (in less than 11 months) and it has been absolutely perfect - drives fantastically. The only problem I've had is that it can look a little awkward for a guy to drive by himself (it suits more the Hello Kitty crowd at uni...). I think somebody mentioned these cars before, they're great.

The other thing we realised is that the Toyota Yaris is the most ridiculously over-rated car in the world. It pales in comparison to the Swift, and yet every car reviewer credits its brilliance to the vague 'Toyota Quality' metric - go sit in one and feel the quality :s

Good luck with the studies, apologies for the ramble!

[Xavie]

Get a motorcycle :cool:

SV650 would do the job admirably ;)

If I had the confidence in my own riding and was happy to deal with most of winter bieng in the minusses when I'd be travelling I'd go the bike. I love my bike, goes well but..... for me it is to dangerous.


Hi all,

I've been reading this thread with some interest, as last year I was in a very similar position...

I had an '89 Ford Falcon Ute, drank fuel like you would not believe (certain it was more than 20ltr/100km, think something was a little off!). Anyway, my girlfriend and I are obsessed with cars and decided we needed something new and cost-appropriate - we're both poor uni students....

We ended up with a new Suzuki Swift (manual), tomorrow morning it'll hit 30,000km's (in less than 11 months) and it has been absolutely perfect - drives fantastically. The only problem I've had is that it can look a little awkward for a guy to drive by himself (it suits more the Hello Kitty crowd at uni...). I think somebody mentioned these cars before, they're great.

The other thing we realised is that the Toyota Yaris is the most ridiculously over-rated car in the world. It pales in comparison to the Swift, and yet every car reviewer credits its brilliance to the vague 'Toyota Quality' metric - go sit in one and feel the quality :s

Good luck with the studies, apologies for the ramble!

Thanks, it was helpful. How much fuel does the suzi use and what year model? I don't want to go the toyota path. I was in a Yaris a while back and I felt ...... odd.... Dunno what it was.

I sat down and priced replacement parts, fuel, insurance and tyres and for a small car it is so much cheaper. It is just....... amazing. I don't think keeping the disco is neccessarily best and I'm playing with my options still....I have time so I don't mind going back and fourth... If I keep the D1 I'll have to camp out once a week near uni I think.

Xav

[LOVEMYRANGIE]

Its small, uber economical and comes in many different.... errr... well.... guises.....

[LOVEMYRANGIE]

A couple more!!

[Xavie]

lol. I am wondering if you are slightly bored.

[LOVEMYRANGIE]

These are all actual body kits you can buy for the Smart 2 door!!! Seriously!!!!

The Carrera reminds me of those hotrod T shirts you used to buy with Munroes and GT's with huge tyres and massive exhausts hangin out the side!! pmsl :Rolling::burnrubber:

[edddo]

someone earlier mentioned opportunity cost...have you factored in how much you will save by investing the 10 to 15k that you will not spend on another car. In addition to that, the costs involved in keeping the disco accrue gradually over the 3 years and the initial outlay of this option will be lower than selling and buying now. This will provide an amount that is able to be invested/utilised until it is needed later on...another saving. You get what I mean...the ongoign cash flow scenarios need to be looked at carefully to compare the overall effects.

[Xavie]

Yeah, I'm with you Eddo. I have factored this in. IF my calculations are correct It would take 2 years to get the initial outlay back. That's not factoring in if I decided to put it in a term deposit or anything.

My mechanic has a v8 D1 and he is considering doing the work for free and giving me his stuff and him taking mine. As I have new tyres, maxi drive etc... he is keen on getting all of that. So my initital outlay on doing anything to the disco may be very small.

I've asked him if I can look over his shoulder for things that I want done so I can learn a bit more about regular maintenance so doing the timing belt myself etc would be great.


This is my main concern
Despite the engine being recently rebuilt I'm concerned that it being a 14 year old vehicle something is going to go bang and then I'll be up the creek as I won't be able to get it done without a big outlay and missing several days of class. This worries me greatly. I suppose the thing I could do here is register the 2A again and get it running well and if anything does happen I can use that. Hardly Ideal but.... I'd be happy enough to do that. even if it meant loading camping gear on it and staying close for a couple of nights whilst the Disco was fixed.

[edddo]

yeh fair enough concern...at least it is easy to identify what the main reliability issues are with a disco tdi..you have probably read them over and over in this forum...u need a coolant alarm, a well maintained cooling system, brass plugs on the radiator and thermo housing, replace the old black coolant expansion tank, keep good oils up to all relevent bits, grease greasable bits, keep an eye on the belts and belt tensioner, ...etc....despite this you need a fallback postion if you are off the road.

Great opportunity with the mech mate of yours doing it for 'free'...not really free tho, but worth considering..esp if you get a good set of tyres yourself!