What to buy next??? - Page 2

new2ford · 17-01-2016, 11:46 AM

There are plenty of independent mechanics out there who specialise in BMWs and MBs and get genuine parts cheaply through other sources. It's not the pain people make it out to be if you make the right contacts.

I wouldn't touch VW. Skoda is acceptable because it's a company from a different country with different corporate ethics and they do a decent job within the bounds of what they're allowed to do by the mothership. Yes they got caught in the VW dirt fallout - being part of VAG is a two-edged sword.

Replacing the Falcon in terms of space and practicality - Mondeo and Skoda Superb. In terms of general performance you're looking at the BMW and MB stables, which is what I've said all along. That's a tribute to the Falcon and the Australian sixes generally.

blakef6 · 17-01-2016, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stefan

The small cars are getting bigger and bigger. I can see no problem in a WRX doing family duties if you've managed in a falcon thus far, or your kids a 6ft Gorillas. (speaking personally that is)

Yep exactly the WRX isn't exactly small anymore. I had one and could fit my 3 kids and wife in quite easily. Also had a towbar for towing. The OP definitely wouldn't be disappointed in one

tranquilized · 17-01-2016, 12:02 PM

When my VF is due for replacement in about 4 years time I'm hoping to have the budget to replace it with two cars - one a sensible and economical family car, the other more performance orientated, a Mustang or BMW M235i would do nicely. There will still be options, but agree there will be a huge hole left in the market once the locals are gone.

mike_nofx · 17-01-2016, 05:23 PM

How big is the market for "family V8 tourer around $50k" anyway?

Maybe it WAS a big market, but these days I don't think so. Sure there may be 10 or so fordforums members a little upset when local production finishes up, but if there were a market Falcon and Commodore wouldn't be leaving us.

Now heres a real dilemma. What do I replace the BF LPG Wagon with?
Must be able to fit 4 adults comfortably, have similar running costs as the LPG6, and be a wagon. Please - No Mondgayos.

4vxc · 17-01-2016, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike_nofx

How big is the market for "family V8 tourer around $50k" anyway?

Maybe it WAS a big market, but these days I don't think so. Sure there may be 10 or so fordforums members a little upset when local production finishes up, but if there were a market Falcon and Commodore wouldn't be leaving us.

Now heres a real dilemma. What do I replace the BF LPG Wagon with?
Must be able to fit 4 adults comfortably, have similar running costs as the LPG6, and be a wagon. Please - No Mondgayos.

Why don't you buy the latest model Territory on LPG you can afford, can't go too wrong with them

Qwerty321 · 17-01-2016, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike_nofx

How big is the market for "family V8 tourer around $50k" anyway?

Maybe it WAS a big market, but these days I don't think so. Sure there may be 10 or so fordforums members a little upset when local production finishes up, but if there were a market Falcon and Commodore wouldn't be leaving us.

Now heres a real dilemma. What do I replace the BF LPG Wagon with?
Must be able to fit 4 adults comfortably, have similar running costs as the LPG6, and be a wagon. Please - No Mondgayos.

Exactly.

Personally I love a V8 Tourer, I think they're absolutely fantastic. Would I buy one? Hell no! Have you seen how much gas a V8 Commo/Falcon takes?! At NZ prices it's down right impossible to run one unless you're putting it as a company car and placing gas on a business card or you're pulling in a 6 figure salary.

I'm just sad to see the big RWD sedan go. I'm actually pretty impressed with the new 2017 Mondeo Sport thing though, a 2.7L V6 Turbo is good enough for me and the AWD system I can live with. Makes the Mondeo and the Insignia direct competitors (Seems Holden/Ford rivalry will always live on) but the Mondeo absolutely destroys the Insignia looks wise.

blakef6 · 17-01-2016, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike_nofx

How big is the market for "family V8 tourer around $50k" anyway?

Maybe it WAS a big market, but these days I don't think so. Sure there may be 10 or so fordforums members a little upset when local production finishes up, but if there were a market Falcon and Commodore wouldn't be leaving us.

Now heres a real dilemma. What do I replace the BF LPG Wagon with?
Must be able to fit 4 adults comfortably, have similar running costs as the LPG6, and be a wagon. Please - No Mondgayos.

Levorg

Carrion · 17-01-2016, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blakef6

Levorg

Had to GOOGLE that

WRX station wagon.

duaned · 17-01-2016, 10:58 PM

I would be going the way of the 2016 WRX. Fantastic build quality, comfortable but ultimately not that quick in stock form. But who leaves one of these stock if you are a car enthusiast???

Qwerty321 · 18-01-2016, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duaned

I would be going the way of the 2016 WRX. Fantastic build quality, comfortable but ultimately not that quick in stock form. But who leaves one of these stock if you are a car enthusiast???

I wouldn't really call a WRX comfortable. It's acceptable, but the interiors are very plastic-y and there isn't really much space. Legacy and Outback on the other hand are a completely different story, especially the top spec models. Levorg looks mint though. Will be interesting to see how that competes with the Outback.

tranquilized · 18-01-2016, 08:47 AM

The Levorg comes in auto only.

Now that might not be so bad except the auto is a CVT... that's a deal breaker.

tranquilized · 18-01-2016, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike_nofx

How big is the market for "family V8 tourer around $50k" anyway?

Maybe it WAS a big market, but these days I don't think so. Sure there may be 10 or so fordforums members a little upset when local production finishes up, but if there were a market Falcon and Commodore wouldn't be leaving us.

True it's not a big market, and I'd say it never was - Australians talked V8's and drove 6's. The $50k V8 tourer is more a niche market, and within the space of 2 years every available option will disappear from the market leaving those buyers nowhere to go.

Qwerty321 · 18-01-2016, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tranquilized

The Levorg comes in auto only.

Now that might not be so bad except the auto is a CVT... that's a deal breaker.

I'm pretty sure suby CVTs have a conventional mode you can select. So its a CVT with pre set ratios so it can emulate the sound, feel and response of a 6 speed.

blakef6 · 18-01-2016, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carrion

Had to GOOGLE that

image

WRX station wagon.

Its a very nice car with the awesome Subaru build quality

Vesper Martini · 19-01-2016, 04:31 PM

The OP has posted once since the initial, asking for something around 50K. to replace his 300 SRT8 because its too big.
a quick check and an SRT8 is around the 70-80K mark?

are we recommending new or used?

Cheech · 19-01-2016, 06:17 PM

I was in a similar situation a few months ago .
Ended up selling the XR6T in my signature & ordered
a new Focus RS.

We have 2 kids, 12 & 7.

We checked the space in a focus st and decided that it would be ok.
Although holidays we will take the forester.

Qwerty321 · 19-01-2016, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blakef6

Its a very nice car with the awesome Subaru build quality

I've heard the turbo Subaru's are an absolute ***** to maintain. Turbo versions needs oil changes every 5000 km (which isn't a nice idea when you clock around 15-20 thousand kms a year like me) and the flat engines mean labour costs for any repairs are not a pretty sight.

That's the only reason why I have stayed away from scooby's. I would love to own a Legacy B4 or similar, but don't like the sound of costly maintenance.

Any Subaru owners here willing to either confirm or refute what I've heard?

blakef6 · 19-01-2016, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qwerty321

I've heard the turbo Subaru's are an absolute ***** to maintain. Turbo versions needs oil changes every 5000 km (which isn't a nice idea when you clock around 15-20 thousand kms a year like me) and the flat engines mean labour costs for any repairs are not a pretty sight.

That's the only reason why I have stayed away from scooby's. I would love to own a Legacy B4 or similar, but don't like the sound of costly maintenance.

Any Subaru owners here willing to either confirm or refute what I've heard?

I have owned two WRXs and from my personal experience i never had any problems or ever needed anything fixed in the engine so can't comment on the labour costs. The maintenance is no more costly then a Ford, in fact less because things don't break as often.

Things don't fall apart like they do in Fords and Holdens. One of my WRXs i owned had 300awkw and i sold it with 320,000kms on it and it was still running perfectly. There is a reason the Japanese are known for their build quality. If you are thinking of owning a Legacy or similar, then you should definitely do it, they are great cars. But thats my experience

XRMick · 19-01-2016, 08:10 PM

Hi guys, apparently the Subaru WRX CVTs aren't a bad thing performance wise. Still not a substitute for a manual in the opinion of the purists and such but obviously Subaru wants to increase the appeal to a broader range of buyers and hence increase sales. Also a quick check indicates a MY 15/16 WRX is the same width as a VS vintage Commodore but 30cm shorter. Also the CVT can emulate 8 preset ratios in a sports "sharp" mode when driven with the "flappy paddles" on the steering wheel. Pretty cool.

Ben73 · 19-01-2016, 11:02 PM

C63 AMG?
Range Rover SVR?

I thought this thread was about what is a good replacement for Falcondore type car.

But anyway I have been thinking about trading in the Ranger for a Lotus Evora.

Qwerty321 · 19-01-2016, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XRMick

Hi guys, apparently the Subaru WRX CVTs aren't a bad thing performance wise. Still not a substitute for a manual in the opinion of the purists and such but obviously Subaru wants to increase the appeal to a broader range of buyers and hence increase sales. Also a quick check indicates a MY 15/16 WRX is the same width as a VS vintage Commodore but 30cm shorter. Also the CVT can emulate 8 preset ratios in a sports "sharp" mode when driven with the "flappy paddles" on the steering wheel. Pretty cool.

This may not apply to most of you. But Subaru CVTs are apparently amazing in the snow. I usually hate CVTs but the Subaru ones are extremely well done, I'd consider them one of the very few exceptions. Like Tesla and the electric cars.