Please Help

Vandas · 9 Oct 2001, 07:57 (Ref:157912)

I am in the process of selling a number of my cars.

I currently have 2 road cars and a race car.

I want to get a relatively new and inexpensive car, which would be ideally suited to my needs.

I need a large car with plenty of room to carry people and equipment.

I need it to be able to tow a race car, or a boat which weighs close to 2 tonne.

It needs to be relatively economical as far as fuel is concerned, and to have a fairly tidy interior, without being overly luxurious.

If there is anything that fits these requirements, please let me know,

thanks

Cameron

Dino IV · 9 Oct 2001, 09:27 (Ref:157936)

That's a bit vague, Vandas. From this info I'd say buy any stationwagon, SUV or big jeep with a diesel engine. i.e. Toyota Landcruisers are pretty huge pieces of machinery, but maybe too big.

Whgat are you selling and what's the price is what I am more interested in.

Vandas · 9 Oct 2001, 10:16 (Ref:157942)

Well,

I am selling a Mazda RX7 Series 2, with a 12A engine.

I also have a 1981 Nissan Datsun Bluebird which I have had since I was 16. It would not fetch any money so I would just let it die, and sell it for scrap metal eventually.

I would like to buy something below $20 000 Australian. And would prefer a four wheel drive because of the extra load and fuel tank size. But a Station Wagon could also be the go.

thanks

Cameron

habanero · 9 Oct 2001, 14:03 (Ref:158044)

Not sure if front wheel drive is any good but a Passat TDi 110 has 173lb ft of torque, plenty of space and regularly does 50mpg. You can pick up s/h ones quite cheaply. Worth a thought??

Hab

Vandas · 9 Oct 2001, 14:13 (Ref:158047)

halbanero,

What would be the equivalent of that vehicle in Australia?

See this is my other problem, in Australia we are limited to a certain extent in our choice of vehicles, and we also pay a fairly high proce tag on bigger vehicles.

Thanks for your post,

Cameron

Dino IV · 11 Oct 2001, 11:42 (Ref:159014)

I am totally unfamiliar with the Oz prices unfortunately, or the regulations about towing two tonnes stuff. Here in the Netherlands you need a special towing license for towing something which payload plus own weight is greater than the towing car.

If in your case that's no objection and lighter cars are a lot cheaper and you have average money, grab one of the big Ford Stationcars or even more spacious the Opel Omega stationcar (Holden Omega?). My folks didn't trust anything but the big Merc E-class stationcars, but I am not as fond of them as the added money isn't really added value. Their diesels and automatic gearboxes are recently fairly good, but in the past the chassis did pose problems when rust came along and parts or repairs are pretty expensive. For even cheaper solutions have a look at old Subaru 4WD Stationcars like the Legacy. They provide very good value for money, are as spacious as Japanese cars get and the 4WD is a big plus for towing.

Vandas · 18 Oct 2001, 04:34 (Ref:162351)

I found the car of choice.

A Range Rover Discovery Early Turbo Diesel.

It can tow 3 tonne and gets fairly decent fuel economy.

It also has a very neat interior and you can get mint ones for $18 000.

Problem is that I have just signed to run in the state Championships next year, so all of my money is now gone. hehehe

I have to sell my other race car now to pay for it. Daggnabbit.

Oh well, it's always the way isn't it. You find the car you want, then your own personal goal posts shift.

Thanks for your help guys,

Cameron

Ray Bell · 24 Oct 2001, 01:39 (Ref:164688)

Ideally an Austin A99 converted to station wagon and with a modified front suspension would be the best thing... but other than that, and to fit your new financial situation, a Holden HZ 308 station wagon with an LPG conversion will do the trick.

The Landrover Discovery is a nice alternative if you have the cash.

Catch up soon...

DAVID PATERSON · 8 Jan 2002, 12:12 (Ref:195403)

I was going to suggest a VS V6 Commodore wagon. But if you are looking at 4WDs then obviously fuel econmoy is of no concern, so how about a Falcon wagon?

Vandas · 8 Jan 2002, 12:25 (Ref:195409)

Well, these dreams have been shot to pieces.

I have had to get a new job seeing as another Dot Com went under and me with it. hehehe

I still have both the race cars, but now I need to sell one to help fund the other's racing.

So thanks for the advice but all of that is on hold