Need a family car urgently!

[Sidekick84]

Hi guys,

Yes lately I have been looking at buying an FTO but due to recent events in my life (wife leaving me) I am now forced to buy a family car as I need a four door for my son.

My budget is around the 6k mark still and I would still love to get something sporty in an auto (would love something with manual options like the tiptronic or selespeed).

One car I have been looking at is a Alpha Romeo 156 in the auto selespeed but not sure about their reliability and ongoing expense. Otherwise I guess a ford or a Holden would suit, any suggestions?

Thanks guys appreciate any help as I am a little bummed out at the moment (mainly missing out on an FTO lol)

[spetz]

The Alfa is a nice option but certainly reliability will be an issue.
For 6K I would suggest getting a Mitsubishi Verada. They're very comfortable and reliable, and for a 3.5L they are ok on fuel (expect around 12L/100km). You can get a "sporty" Magna VR-x in a manual if you want, alternatively all of the Veradas past the year 2000 have the tip shift autos. 2002 onwards got 5 speed gearboxes.
If fuel cost is a major concern, the N16 Nissan Pulsar is a great option managing around 8L/100km

[Daniel2019]

Sorry to hear about the bad news mate.

Have you considered a little four door lancer?

[Taz]

^

Mrs has a new late model lancer - its a tip and goes pretty hard - give an fto a run for its money in a manual, yet is surprisingly economical, i think our record is 700 odd km's of city driving on a single tank - being the new variable mivec its not half bad to drive. also 4 door with a bit of room, i recommend it if thats what youre after - very reliable (considering before she met me it went a good 150km without a major service and the ABS light on for about 30km (women )) and still runs strong

[spetz]

A late model Lancer will not fall into the budget of 6K.

Lancers, Civics and Toyotas kept their value reasonably well, whereas the Pulsars seem to have depreciated more.
My friend has an N16 Pulsar auto and I was really surprised at how quiet, smooth and comfortable it was. I think definitely better than a same era Lancer

[Astron_Boy]

Don't go Alfa unless you want to spend over your 6K budget.

[Sidekick84]

Thanks everyone, I will keep an eye out on the cars mentioned, looking today around town but not liking my chances any commodore or falcon I should look for as there are most likely going to be a few of these in my price bracket. Plus what sort of km's should I be looking for or avoiding?

[Astron_Boy]

As an alternate, a 318i 1.9L E36 is a decent purchase for a 4 door 'sporty' car.
Still has plenty of get up and go, reliable, and even in the highish kms, cheap for parts.

I'd buy one of those over a Commonwhore.

[Sidekick84]

Just found this one...http://www.carsales.com.au/private/deta ... rt=default

Just worried about our driveway though might scrape...

[Astron_Boy]

Yeah, not too bad.
Uncommon kit, very sought after.

Check the Magna forums, it may be a members car.

[spetz]

If you don't like the bodykit, the Magna Sports is the same car (sports suspension, bit more power etc) but has no bodykit.

Keep in mind autos are less fuel economical, slower and less reliable

[dstocks]

How old is your son. I had my son in the back of my FTO regularly before he turned 7. Even after that, they fit OK with the passengers seat forward. Just a thought

[Sidekick84]

I wanted a manual before as a second car as I will need to learn to drive stick, that's why I thought it be best to get an auto. Would it be a pain to learn manual? do you think that is a better option?

[Astron_Boy]

Keep in mind autos are less reliable

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, I'm not going to make a debate.
But the common issue on the Magna forums isn't about bad gearboxes...

Let's leave it there.

[Sidekick84]

How old is your son. I had my son in the back of my FTO regularly before he turned 7. Even after that, they fit OK with the passengers seat forward. Just a thought

He is 3yrs old

[Sidekick84]

These look pretty mean! http://www.carsales.com.au/private/deta ... rt=default

[dstocks]

They have an EXTREMELY bad reputation. Everything ive heard points towards gutless piece of poo.

[Daniel2019]

Learning to drive manual isnt hard at all mate. Ive driven a manual car maybe 5 or 6 times now and Id be more than confident in driving pretty much anywhere in one. Sure, for the first couple of days your clutch might hate you but meh!

In terms of the FTO - I think it may be more of a safety concern rather than a convenience concern.

As for the 4 door lancer, you can pick up a decent one for $5k. 4 door ones seem to be slightly less common but still around.

Dont buy a PT cruiser.

[spetz]

I wanted a manual before as a second car as I will need to learn to drive stick, that's why I thought it be best to get an auto. Would it be a pain to learn manual? do you think that is a better option?

Why not have a driving lesson or two with a manual car and see how you find it. If you're into cars you should pick it up fairly quick.

Keep in mind autos are less reliable

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, I'm not going to make a debate.
But the common issue on the Magna forums isn't about bad gearboxes...

Let's leave it there.

Autos are less reliable, and more importantly when they go wrong it costs a lot to repair. In a manual it's safer to replace with a second hand one (compared to auto) and the wear items cost less (eg, clutch Vs auto rebuild). Not to mention autos require costly oil flushes.

What is the common issue with Magnas? The auto transmission is amongst the top failures, and there are countless threads regarding this on aussiemagna.

[Daniel2019]

Not to mention autos require costly oil flushes.

How much do places charge for an auto transmission fluid change....?