Options for sml/med turbo vehicles

[jason_85]

Hi all,

It has come time to purchase the partner a new car. I had my heart set on an XR6T but understandably she wants something smaller and in AUTO! Just wondering what the options are out there to suit my situation.

Unfortunately the cars such as Xr5 Turbo and WRX only come in manual. any suggestions would be great.

Cheers

Jason

[Falcon Coupe]

Volkswagon Golf, turbo with seven speed auto.

[Mr Hardware]

Hyundai i30
first TD car i've driven to date that i'd prefer over my falcon (and doesn't cost the earth)

[jason_85]

Originally Posted by Falcon Coupe

Volkswagon Golf, turbo with seven speed auto.

Have been on the lookout for one of them actually very nice car although i am undecided on the running costs of a european car

[jason_85]

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

Hyundai i30
first TD car i've driven to date that i'd prefer over my falcon (and doesn't cost the earth)

Thanks

Will investigate them more. 4 speed auto is getting dated....

[ebxr8240]

WRX's come in auto...
Not latter models though...
Auto and turbo is a good combination especially around town..
Yes diesel turbo's are VERY good value!!!
Of any brand...

[sgt_doofey]

Have owned a Euro now for just over 3 years. Running costs aren't that much higher than normal car, so don't let that put you off.

[flappist]

Are you looking new or used?

Mazda 3 MPS is a real winner with lots of dealers in regional QLD.
There are number of Subaru models available, Liberty etc.

And of course all the diesel buzz boxes but make sure she is happy with anything that needs "special petrol" which includes Diesel, LPG, 95 or 98 as if she wants an auto she is probably not a car enthusiast and does not want to have to find a servo that sells "special petrol" and then find the "special petrol" pump.

Been down this road several times before, it always ends in tears......

[Rev28K]

2nd hand Volvo T-30 or an import Mitsubishi Lancer Evo GT-A (Evo 7 onwards)

[Mick K.]

If you've got $40K to spend there is a nice 2008 Golf GTI Pirelli with the 6 sp dual clutch gearbox for sale in Mackay at the moment on carsales.

MK

[XR6_190]

A little bit more info would help, What sort of budget are you looking at? Are you looking for new or used?
Seeing as I don't actually know how much you are spending, I will put the cap at 45k seeing as you were looking at XR6 Turbos. For me, Golf GTi is the winner here, but also look at the Mitsubishi Ralliart,

[geckoGT]

We looked at all the hot hatches when buying the Mini, my picks would be the golf GTI and then Mazda 3 MPS. If four seats are not important (they probably are), the Mini Cooper S is heaps of fun and cheap as to run as it runs at 7.5-8L/100 km even with a lead foot.

Servicing is not too bad on many of the euro's now as they are a lot more common and parts are cheaper now. For example, our Mini costs about $400 to service on regular services but it is on condition based services, i.e the car tells us when it needs a service according to the engine sensors and our driving style. At the moment it is telling me it needs a service in 8000 km and it had its last 12000 km ago. That is 20000 km between services. Our ute costs about the same but is serviced more frequently at 15000 km. Don't discount the euro's, look into it as you may be surprised. Added to that the level of service you get from BMW, VW etc is something you will not find out of Ford, Hyundai etc.

By the way, more info will help, i.e budget for a start.

[XR Martin]

Ralliart Lancer

[geckoGT]

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

Ralliart Lancer

They also look like a very good option, good useable size, great on power and excellent warranty. They are probably not that good on fuel, especially if you get the turbo on boost a lot and they got rubbished in write ups a bit but that was mainly due to tyre fitment choice. I would look seriously at these.

[TUF_302]

What about a four door R32/R33 skyline, the 4 door ones are usually cheaper than the coupes, and alot less trashed/abused by wanabe drifters, also most are auto

[jason_85]

Thanks for all the feedback.

- Budget would be sub $35k
- def staying away from the evo/skyline imports
- have checked out the GTI pirelli at the car yard. nice but only a 3door.
- she isnt a super enthusiast but the need for 95ron isnt an issue.

I think at the moment a second hand GTi is at the top of the list.

[geckoGT]

Originally Posted by jason_85

Thanks for all the feedback.

- Budget would be sub $35k
- def staying away from the evo/skyline imports
- have checked out the GTI pirelli at the car yard. nice but only a 3door.
- she isnt a super enthusiast but the need for 95ron isnt an issue.

I think at the moment a second hand GTi is at the top of the list.

Only issue with the GTI is 98 is required but fuel consumption is low so it balances out. I have driven my friends many times and it is just sensational, I often wish I bought that instead of the mini.

[dogwatch2]

If your interested in the GTI, look at the Jetta equivalent as well as they are normally a bit cheaper and have a huge boot, which can be handy as the golf's boot is small.

[BOSHOG]

Originally Posted by jason_85

Thanks for all the feedback.

- Budget would be sub $35k
- def staying away from the evo/skyline imports
- have checked out the GTI pirelli at the car yard. nice but only a 3door.
- she isnt a super enthusiast but the need for 95ron isnt an issue.

I think at the moment a second hand GTi is at the top of the list.

seeing as youre after an auto have you thought about an EVO 7.5 GTA? i know you arent after an import but there are a few reputable importers around, ive been looking lately at cars like this http://northshoreprestige.com.au/used.php

there are a lot of shonky importers around, but some are genuine, and it always pays to get it inspected from a trustworthy mechanic (autotech are checking some out for me this week)

[BrisVegas]

another vote for the Jetta TSI. It's a GTI basically except it has a massive boot. The styling isn't bad either (in the right colour).