Ideas for another car?

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Re: Ideas for another car?

Postby Strider » Sat 31 Jan, 2015 6:52 am

Head gaskets or rocker cover gaskets vanNek?
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Re: Ideas for another car?

Postby vicrev » Sat 31 Jan, 2015 8:02 am

Empty wrote:
vicrev wrote:I drive a Camry,I am over 70yrs,wear a cloth cap, at all times.... whilst driving,drive 10ks under the speed limit, at all times,roundabouts & traffic intersections I drop down to first gear( sometimes when feeling a bit racy, 2nd gear) why can't everybody be like me,accidents would be in the minimum !!..I nearly forgot,my beloved Camry has Vic plates............. :wink: :wink:


Can I suggest the bus?
Can't drive a bus..... :wink:
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Re: Ideas for another car?

Postby doogs » Sat 31 Jan, 2015 8:18 am

Strider wrote:European cars are bland by nature Hallu...

Yer Lamborghinis, Ferraris, McLarens etc are soo biege right now.

Tortoise have you thought about a van?? There's some nice ones around these days that could be pimped out as a mobile bushwalking HQ B)
Do you want to build a snowman?
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Re: Ideas for another car?

Postby Tortoise » Sat 31 Jan, 2015 8:27 am

Well, thank you one and all for your input, ideas and entertainment. :)

There have been a couple of developments, which will probably change my approach.

vanNek wrote:Tortoise what's up with your forester?

Mines got 300 000km & sort from need the head gaskets replaced cause they are leaking oil (boxer engine thing), it's perfectly fine.


Hi vanNek. I was a bit reluctant to give details, as I think it'll open a can of worms with lots of people with strong, contractory opinions. :lol:
I was really just looking to see what options are out there, thinking that I wouldn't be the only bushwalker with my kind of priorities in a car.

However, (big breath)...
Mine's gone just over 400,000kms. 2 owners before me - mainly highway miles, so less wear and tear on gearbox etc. The last owner was a perfectionist Subaru fanatic mechanic, very good name, friends can't recommend him too highly. I bought the car at about 370000 I think. He 'popped in a new clutch' for me then. I've recently replaced the radiator, and shocks done a year or so ago.

One of the valves is on it's way out. $1500-$2000 ish to fix probably, for those of us who aren't blessed with mechanical skills. Though this engine is renowned for getting huge mileage, I figure that if one valve has gone in this particular engine, why wouldn't the other 3 go too?

I have the offer of a potentially excellent engine from a car serviced by the above mechanic. Low kms but high price. Still cheaper than changing cars, though. I also have the offer of a free engine (thanks, good buddies!!) that's done about 300,000kms. So labour costs only - maybe up to $1500ish. Of course it's a risk, but a low risk I think for a much cheaper option, getting another few years out of my trusty steed. I realise this thought could be controversial.

Interestingly, as I checked out a number of cars this week, I found I'm much more attached to the AWD and towing capacity than I hoped!
Last edited by Tortoise on Sat 31 Jan, 2015 6:33 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Ideas for another car?

Postby Tortoise » Sat 31 Jan, 2015 8:33 am

doogs wrote:Tortoise have you thought about a van?? There's some nice ones around these days that could be pimped out as a mobile bushwalking HQ B)

Hey Doogs,
Yes, I have started wondering about vans of various kinds. The older, simple ones might be better in some ways, but I want to be able to both carry passengers and be able to sleep in the back without having to do anything drastic with seats. Newer ones may be too expensive to buy or run. The Forester suits me pretty well, so if I went for something else i'd want really good fuel economy.
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Re: Ideas for another car?

Postby Tortoise » Sat 31 Jan, 2015 8:34 am

Strider wrote:Many features meaning hardly any features? Subaru = bland.


Hey Strider,

I LIKE bland!
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Re: Ideas for another car?

Postby Tortoise » Sat 31 Jan, 2015 8:37 am

vicrev wrote:Maybe off topic a bit,Ivé got a 1992 Camry wagon,it just will not die,it has been everywhere,on 4wd tracks, across creeks, carted fence posts,pulled tandem trailers,when it does go to motor heaven,I'll be in tears... :(

Well, vicrev, my last car was a 1990 Camry wagon! Yep, it sure got around too. But i've enjoyed a bit extra ground clearance and the AWD of the Forester.
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Re: Ideas for another car?

Postby Tortoise » Sat 31 Jan, 2015 8:40 am

pazzar wrote:I picked up my Forester for $8000, with only 190000km on it, sure I just had the head gaskets done at 215000, but I feel like I've got some pretty decent value out of it. Mine is a 2003 model, but I reckon you could pick up a 2005 model for that price and mileage now.

Hi Pazzar,
Do you happen to know the life expectancy of the engines from that era?
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Re: Ideas for another car?

Postby Tortoise » Sat 31 Jan, 2015 8:47 am

geoskid wrote:2wd Hilux would get most places, but subys have the note at revs, and that's important ( :D ).
My vote is for 2nd hand looked after Forrester, or 2wd hilux with canopy.

Thanks for your thoughts, geoskid. I often drool at hiluxes (or should that be hiluces?). But running and maintenance costs (including tyres) would be a fair bit more I think. I'd need a twin cab for passengers - so more fuel costs, longer wheel base etc. And I think i'd be much happier camping in the car with access to everything, including the ability to just drive away if any unpleasantries arose.

I guess the Forester is really what I like. I just wish it was less thirsty, and that generic parts were available.
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Re: Ideas for another car?

Postby Tortoise » Sat 31 Jan, 2015 8:55 am

Hallu wrote:Subaru Outback 2004-2009 (fourth generation). Can't go wrong with that. It's like your old Forester, only better. I'm not sure about their availability in Australia on the 2nd hand market though, you may have to find them with high mileage to fit in your budget.

[edit] Just looked online, you'd need to go up 2000 $ to get a 150 000 km car. For 8/9000, you can get a third gen model though. It's still definitely better than a Corolla. There's not much in AWD station wagons, Subaru pretty much owns the style, which is very popular in Australia. In any case, stick with Japanese cars, avoid Holden like the plague. Their electricals are pathetic, and they're not mechanically reliable either (which is why you will find cheap Holden on the market). Volvo can be good, but AWD models must be quite rare on the market so they're bound to be expensive.


Thanks for checking that out, Hallu. I suspect some people may disagree with you on your view of Holdens! We had a couple of awesome ones - but you're probably thinking more recent than the 1960s and 70s. There is the Astra wagon... But I probably won't go there. There's also the Lantra, but I don't know anything about them either.

Re the Outback - what things are better? I'd have thought that fuel consumption might be worse. I also shy away from them after a friend had no end of troubles with water pumps & overheating - which apparently was not uncommon. Maybe that was an earlier model though.
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Re: Ideas for another car?

Postby Tortoise » Sat 31 Jan, 2015 8:59 am

north-north-west wrote:
Tortoise wrote:Yep, that's the problem - most people with cars like that will have driven them a long way, so it'd be hard to get a good engine.

It's easier and cheaper to fix an engine than to repair bodywork. Even if there are major issues you can get a new short motor fitted pretty easily. Maybe something cheaper with a good solid body and have the engine done?
This, of course, depends on having a honest and reliable mechanic.

Fortunately I do have one of those. :) Not cheap to get a new engine fitted, but a lot cheaper than getting another car. My car is a bit rough (was pristine when I bought it, but it's a work horse, and has to live outside).
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Re: Ideas for another car?

Postby Tortoise » Sat 31 Jan, 2015 9:03 am

north-north-west wrote:
Bubbalouie wrote:
Hallu wrote:lol no it's the Subaru equivalent of a Toyota Rav4. Reliable, but dull (well come to think of it, that IS like a Volvo you're right).

I'd say Subaru is the Japanese Volvo.

I mean this as a good thing, they are very safe cars (sharing many features with Volvo).

I just mean that people who can't really drive get them because they're safe and steady. You used to give a wide berth to anyone driving a Volvo 'cause you knew they were 3rd rate (at best) drivers. It's the same now with Foresters.

Please allow me to state that I mean no disrespect to Tortoise or any other Forester drivers who may frequent this forum. I have seen some good drivers in Foresters. Not many, and never with Victorian plates, but some . . .

:lol: I'm still chuckling, NNW! Actually, I probably should stick with the Forester, to warn other drivers. I venture to say that I used to be a good driver, but some information processing problems these days mean I take longer to work out what's happening around me. I read once that 85% of people think they are above average drivers. :wink: I think I'm now average.
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Re: Ideas for another car?

Postby Bubbalouie » Sat 31 Jan, 2015 9:18 am

Strider wrote:European cars are bland by nature Hallu, so the fact the bland of the bland Impreza doesn't raise any eyebrows is not surprising.

Not wanting to side track, but what!?!

When you said bland I thought you meant the styling was basic (BRZ excepting) or that the interiors felt a little cheap & lacked AAA features like seats that automatically adjust position based on which key you used to get in.

All of the really interesting cars I can think of are European (in terms of having interesting styling, AAA interior & better than average engine performance).

At this point I've got to know, what isn't bland by your definition?

@Tortoise:

Many years ago I imported a car through http://prestigemotorsport.com.au

It worked out pretty well, I got a car for about 6 grand less than I'd have paid on the local second hand market. It did take 3 or 4 months though (it was 2005 back then).
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Re: Ideas for another car?

Postby Tortoise » Sat 31 Jan, 2015 9:25 am

Hi Bubbalouie,

Looks interesting! i'd probably be too nervous, though. :roll: A bit like auctions - some people pick up incredible bargains, but...
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Re: Ideas for another car?

Postby Bubbalouie » Sat 31 Jan, 2015 9:31 am

Tortoise wrote:Hi Bubbalouie,

Looks interesting! i'd probably be too nervous, though. :roll: A bit like auctions - some people pick up incredible bargains, but...

Fair point, these things do involve a measure of risk. In any case good luck with the hunt.
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Re: Ideas for another car?

Postby Tortoise » Sat 31 Jan, 2015 9:38 am

Bubbalouie wrote:Fair point, these things do involve a measure of risk. In any case good luck with the hunt.


Some people handle risk much better than I do. :lol:
And thanks. With the engine offer I got (posted above), the hunt may be put off for another few years.
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Re: Ideas for another car?

Postby Empty » Sat 31 Jan, 2015 2:46 pm

vicrev wrote:I drive a Camry,I am over 70yrs,wear a cloth cap, at all times.... whilst driving,drive 10ks under the speed limit, at all times,roundabouts & traffic intersections I drop down to first gear( sometimes when feeling a bit racy, 2nd gear) why can't everybody be like me,accidents would be in the minimum !!..I nearly forgot,my beloved Camry has Vic plates............. :wink: :wink:


http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-01-31/o ... rt/6059652
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Re: Ideas for another car?

Postby Bubbalouie » Sat 31 Jan, 2015 3:18 pm

Empty wrote:http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-01-31/older-drivers-should-consider-retiring-to-public-transport/6059652


I think vicrev was just having fun (trolling if you like), the "cloth cap" is a bit of a give away, it's not even remotely relevant to driving and serves only to paint a colourful picture. If he wasn't trolling well.....

Here: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reductio_ad_absurdum
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Re: Ideas for another car?

Postby vicrev » Sat 31 Jan, 2015 3:59 pm

Lighten up,people. :wink: ................. the world isn't going to end tomorrow....probably the day after........ :shock: .....
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Re: Ideas for another car?

Postby subaruby » Sat 31 Jan, 2015 5:11 pm

I am a Forester fan myself, what year is yours?
My question would be "Will the $6000-$8000 get you a newer car than what you have?"
Personally I would NOT spend $6000 to get an older car than what I have when you could spend $4000 on what you have and it be all fixed up.
The forry is a very versatile car and hard to better.
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Re: Ideas for another car?

Postby pazzar » Sat 31 Jan, 2015 6:08 pm

Tortoise wrote:
pazzar wrote:I picked up my Forester for $8000, with only 190000km on it, sure I just had the head gaskets done at 215000, but I feel like I've got some pretty decent value out of it. Mine is a 2003 model, but I reckon you could pick up a 2005 model for that price and mileage now.

Hi Pazzar,
Do you happen to know the life expectancy of the engines from that era?


Hi Tortoise,

I'm not sure on engine life expectancy on post 2003 models. I don't expect mine to make it beyond 300000km, but mine was ex Hydro, and I flog it pretty well, so it could probably last longer if it was looked after. Definitely check the auctions for ex-fleet cars, as most get retired after 20-30000 kms. You could probably pick up a well looked after car as a third owner. I do know that the newer models are much better regarding their head gaskets. After working for Performance Auto for 6 months, we had head gasket jobs almost daily, but rarely were they newer models (I worked there in 2009), most were pre-2002's, and yes we did see some newer models with very high mileage with no issues. I guess each car will be different, it all comes down to how well they are looked after.

Don't just look locally, you will often find them cheaper on the mainland - it might save you money to go and get one there.

I had a really good mechanic in Melbourne who was a Subaru specialist (not a dealership!) - he could probably answer your questions about longevity. PM me if you want his details.

Cheers,

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Re: Ideas for another car?

Postby Tortoise » Sat 31 Jan, 2015 7:44 pm

Thanks, Pazzar. Very useful info to keep up my sleeve. I think i've decided to replace the engine for now, but will probably be looking for a younger Forester when this one finally dies! I'll be chatting to the Tassie Suby specialist next week, so I can ask him re the later models too. What happens re checking out cars prior to auctions. Is there much you can do?
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Re: Ideas for another car?

Postby vanNek » Sat 31 Jan, 2015 8:29 pm

Tortoise wrote:Well, thank you one and all for your input, ideas and entertainment. :)

There have been a couple of developments, which will probably change my approach.

vanNek wrote:Tortoise what's up with your forester?

Mines got 300 000km & sort from need the head gaskets replaced cause they are leaking oil (boxer engine thing), it's perfectly fine.


Hi vanNek. I was a bit reluctant to give details, as I think it'll open a can of worms with lots of people with strong, contractory opinions. :lol:
I was really just looking to see what options are out there, thinking that I wouldn't be the only bushwalker with my kind of priorities in a car.

However, (big breath)...
Mine's gone just over 400,000kms. 2 owners before me - mainly highway miles, so less wear and tear on gearbox etc. The last owner was a perfectionist Subaru fanatic mechanic, very good name, friends can't recommend him too highly. I bought the car at about 370000 I think. He 'popped in a new clutch' for me then. I've recently replaced the radiator, and shocks done a year or so ago.

One of the valves is on it's way out. $1500-$2000 ish to fix probably, for those of us who aren't blessed with mechanical skills. Though this engine is renowned for getting huge mileage, I figure that if one valve has gone in this particular engine, why wouldn't the other 3 go too?

I have the offer of a potentially excellent engine from a car serviced by the above mechanic. Low kms but high price. Still cheaper than changing cars, though. I also have the offer of a free engine (thanks, good buddies!!) that's done about 300,000kms. So labour costs only - maybe up to $1500ish. Of course it's a risk, but a low risk I think for a much cheaper option, getting another few years out of my trusty steed. I realise this thought could be controversial.

Interestingly, as I checked out a number of cars this week, I found I'm much more attached to the AWD and towing capacity than I hoped!



I personally would sink the coin in too a top end freshen up, new valves etc, good for another couple hunted thou....

Or contact sunspares in Qld and look at an exchange box, already will have done the top end up & good to go. Have used them through work and NEVER had a problem. Have a yarn to them, ask their advice. They might have some suggestions of parts & places etc.

Strider wrote:Head gaskets or rocker cover gaskets vanNek?


Strider, head gaskets, the left hand head gasket at the corner nearest the fire wall leak oil & eventually coolant. That's the lowest point of the engine. Just seems to make its way past.

So mine will get a minor o/haul. New radiator, thermostat, hoses, water pump & timing belt kit, leads, spark plugs & head gasket etc.


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