Welter Weights

[t-rex]

Originally Posted by mikmak

Yeah but the Lancer was a bit tubby in my opinion and after having a look at the luggage space in the Colt I'll have to give that a miss too.

Funny how the sound of certain words can throw one into fits of uncontrollable laughter!

Tubby....

Then again hearing the sound shoved through some Aussie nasal cavity with all the grace and finesse of a hippo in a hula skirt probably isn't as funny...

[RedVee8]

Originally Posted by t-rex

Funny how the sound of certain words can throw one into fits of uncontrollable laughter!

Tubby....

Then again hearing the sound shoved through some Aussie nasal cavity with all the grace and finesse of a hippo in a hula skirt probably isn't as funny...

The Seth Effrican is making fun of the Aussie accent?

[RedVee8]

Originally Posted by mikmak

Yeah but the Lancer was a bit tubby in my opinion and after having a look at the luggage space in the Colt I'll have to give that a miss too.

Mikmak,
if it was me I'd be looking at the last Vectra 2.2 hatch. Down here the 05s with around 50k on them are around $17k-$18k (I had a look a few weeks ago). Victoria II ?

Others - 2nd hand Forester Turbo? maybe not in the pricebracket?
- Polo Gti ? maybe too small.

it's not easy, is it?

[mikmak]

I thought about the GTI Polo (Forrester pedal box is too small for my mega hooves) for about ten minutes, which is a pretty long episode in my scone.
Pros: Strong power and good torque for its size. Good pilot seat in regard to adjustability and comfort (bless the gigantism genes of northern europeans), looks like the perfect grid lock buster in relation to size and visibility.
Cons: In practise, vision is hampered on the right hand side, by the B-pillar. This is a result of moving the seat to a comfortable position for my derricks and stilts (arms and legs). Really that is enough to knock it out, but add in higher servicing costs (compared to all but the high end euros) as well as higher insurance for the Turbo. The we talk about trying to squeeze the kids in the 3 door. Even if there is a 5 door, there is no boot.

[FISH]

Originally Posted by mikmak

I thought about the GTI Polo (Forrester pedal box is too small for my mega hooves) for about ten minutes, which is a pretty long episode in my scone.
Pros: Strong power and good torque for its size. Good pilot seat in regard to adjustability and comfort (bless the gigantism genes of northern europeans), looks like the perfect grid lock buster in relation to size and visibility.
Cons: In practise, vision is hampered on the right hand side, by the B-pillar. This is a result of moving the seat to a comfortable position for my derricks and stilts (arms and legs). Really that is enough to knock it out, but add in higher servicing costs (compared to all but the high end euros) as well as higher insurance for the Turbo. The we talk about trying to squeeze the kids in the 3 door. Even if there is a 5 door, there is no boot.

Well if the Polo is a no go, how about a last gen Golf GTi.

http://www.carpoint.com.au/used-car/...aspx?State=QLD

You said u wouldn't mind a Mazda 3 SP23.... I really like them in white.

http://www.carpoint.com.au/used-car/...aspx?State=QLD

Or a nice little wagon?

http://www.carpoint.com.au/used-car/...aspx?State=QLD

[mikmak]

Golf isn't bad, though it still incurs the Turbo insurance and euro servicing servicing costs. Also, the fuel efficiency benefit disappears.
SP23 is a definite maybe.
WRX Hatch is a definite no. Even though Mrs. Mak loves Scoobies, the hatch has the child seat anchor points on the lip of the rear door. When you have 2 booster seats like we do, with harnesses, you lose 2/3s of what is already a modest cargo area. Personally i think it is quite ugly and my feet are too big for the pedal box.

[RedVee8]

Originally Posted by mikmak

Golf isn't bad, though it still incurs the Turbo insurance and euro servicing servicing costs. Also, the fuel efficiency benefit disappears.
SP23 is a definite maybe.
WRX Hatch is a definite no. Even though Mrs. Mak loves Scoobies, the hatch has the child seat anchor points on the lip of the rear door. When you have 2 booster seats like we do, with harnesses, you lose 2/3s of what is already a modest cargo area. Personally i think it is quite ugly and my feet are too big for the pedal box.

I wouldnt say anything to disuade you from the Mazda. maybe only to check the service costs (no specific info just a thought on a full import brand).

If you like the Golf maybe the FSI? and then you can make passengers dirty themselves under acceleration..

A little out of the box on the Astra - would be the HO manual diesel, though I think you've dismissed the hatch as too small? Not sure this engine is available in the wagon ????

[t-rex]

Originally Posted by RedVee8

The Seth Effrican is making fun of the Aussie accent?

Yis I em! Aw you choonin' me grief? Do you know who I am??



Oh and I couldn't resist (funnier if you're from Bloemfontein...or Sydney...)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNJVMJH5OhI


But beck to mikmak's puckle, or shall I say, sutuation...

What about the Leeberty wegon? Seat anchor prawblems? And I'd avoid uny VW unliss you don't mind insane sevvice cawsts, no doubt even wess so in Oz guven VW's smaller mawket posution theyyr. My son's Jitta has cawst me an awm and a leeg at times. Stull, the Polo is one lekker luttle motor, espicially the GTI. Too bad yaw lawng ligs and bug feet don't fut un ut!

Are Mawzda sevvice cawsts high in Awz? Un New Zealand and hee in Ameerica, theyyr sky high. A freend of mine was a pawts minaja ut a local Mawzda/Sawb dealer and told me meeny of the Mawzda pawts weh higher thun even the Sawb pawts! Awdd for a mess mawket caw.

What aw seecondhend Perzho 307 prices like un Awz? Hev you dreeven one? Ya gutta faguv me, I'm pawtial to thet p'ticular brend, have been sunce I wuzza kud. Though my fest caw wuzza Subaru. Though the new 308 looks dridful. What about a seecondhend four-oh-seeven estate? The Diesels pull like an ullafunt.

It's a but sweer for ya, eh China? Don't keep putting it off tul just now... Remember, 'n boer maak 'n plan!

[mikmak]

Whilst I leave you until my test drive of a Puegot (couldn't stand the bleeting ) here is the finest example of the Aussie accent. Blue streak (cursing) Alert!

+ YouTube Video

[nota]

Originally Posted by mikmak

IEven if there is a 5 door, there is no boot.

Has to be one of the best value packages around at these prices imo

330 litres of boot space
Longer wb than hatch version
Turbo-diesel direct-injection 300Nm @ 2,000 rpm
Six speed manual
5.8 L/100 km (AU ownership reports of down to 3.9 L/100 from instant-readout @ hwy cruise)
60 litre tank = 1,000+ km touring range
Climate control air conditioning,
Single in-dash CD player (with steering wheel controls)
Automatic headlights
Rain sensing wipers
Six airbags (front, side and curtain)
Electronic stability program (with understeer control)
ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Five star NCAP rating
Cruise control
16" alloy wheels
Air-chilled glove box
Side & rear sunshades
Front fog lights
12 months rego and CTP included (you only have to pay 3% stamp duty, and $50 transfer fee)

$20,690 for Brisbane 'zero' km Demos in platinum or blue (metallics) and a white one for $19,990

[mikmak]

I LOVE those little Meganes. I have a meeting in Brizvegas tomorrow, so many have to drop in for a test drive. I seem to remember the accommodation being a little small though.

And yes, I am too busy today to test drive the Pug.

[nota]

Megane sedan has very smooth styling imo, not controversial as with 5-door hatch or ultra funky 3-door. Locally I've seen a platinum dCI sedan with black-centre BBS type mags, it looks pretty sharp

Fuel consumption is claimed at a combined average of 5.8 l / 100km and as with most modern diesels, this feat is rather easily achieved. Around town I managed 7.2 which in itself is quite good but get this – on a rather straight, flat stretch of highway (Hume) when cruising for almost three hours with the cruise locked on 110km/h, the fuel consumption hovered between 2.9 and 3.5.

^^ above quote taken from this Road Test. That dealer price of around $21k driveaway for the turbo-diesel amazes me, its getting towards 30% below equivalent MRRP (!) and even the base 'Expression' seems very well equipped with stuff I missed listing like T/C, five adjustable headrests etc, eg owner feedback below

"There are just so many featues in the car that 3 months after purchase I am still finding the stuff the car industry calls “surprise and delight” features. Many of the features don’t seem to rate a mention in the official publicity or specs for the car e.g heated external mirrors, auto dimming interior lights, door/footwell lights, map lights front and rear, 6 (SIX) cup holders and a glove box big enough to stuff a Melways in and still have room for more. The car also has a global close for the power windows - another feature not listed by Renault. Advertised features like the cruise control are excellent - by far the best one I have ever had on any car - and the speed limiter is also a useful device. Storage is excellent. The radio is brilliant and holds radio stations extremely well away from the city."

Probably not a sporty drive so might not pass the 'Mak test' but geez it does seem good value (famous last words!)

[mikmak]

Hey, at least my criteria is consistent. Mrs. Mak has all of a sudden started remarking on how good looking the VE is Whilst she has never said it wasn't attractive, the Sportwagon Ad got a nice reaction (re: Black Calais V) and then yesterday we merged next to a Ignition Orange SS-V sedan (which I passed at approximately mach 2 ). "That's very, very Hot!" Was the response. I'm not complaining of course and responded with, "They only use about 2 l/100kms more than the wagon and still less than a Terrirtory". Mrs. Mak "REALLY?".

Yes dear, really. I felt satisfied that a (psychological) seed has been sown.

[t-rex]

Originally Posted by mikmak

Hey, at least my criteria is consistent. Mrs. Mak has all of a sudden started remarking on how good looking the VE is Whilst she has never said it wasn't attractive, the Sportwagon Ad got a nice reaction (re: Black Calais V) and then yesterday we merged next to a Ignition Orange SS-V sedan (which I passed at approximately mach 2 ). "That's very, very Hot!" Was the response. I'm not complaining of course and responded with, "They only use about 2 l/100kms more than the wagon and still less than a Terrirtory". Mrs. Mak "REALLY?".

Yes dear, really. I felt satisfied that a (psychological) seed has been sown.

Lucky you. That kiwi-brained schmeggege I'm married to can't make her mind up. One day she wants the Mercedes R class. Then she doesn't wanna spend that kind of money (especially since its her money!). Then it's a Mini Cooper. Then it's wait-and-see what the Invicta looks like. Then she wonders if we should give the Kia Rondo a relook, even though it's low rent. Then we're back to the "let's just get TWO new cars". Then of course she can't forget that sweet little Mitsubishi salesman and how much I liked the Outlander. Then she realizes being partner now means she needs something flashy and considers buying her Mom's used Jaguar XJ, only realising Canadian cars have km speedos and that'd get on her nerves here. But she won't spend the money on a new XJ and doesn't like the more affordable Jags. Of course, there's nothing REALLY wrong with our two current cars other than they're old and maybe we should save the money to put to the kids' college (like that hasn't already been put aside...). Then she wonders if the upcoming SRX has the appropriate image for her new standing (like a '98 Accord is becoming of a full partner...). Then of course maybe she should just take the BMW and let me get a town runabout. But then we'd have to rent a van twice a month to haul the kids to Baton Rouge...

When we dine out, she leaves an hour early. By the time I get there, she's still deciding what to order...

[mikmak]

Does she leave an hour early because you are still prettying (or just observing) yourself in the bathroom?

Outlander for you and Radiant Bronze CTS for the muzzus.


although I just realised how cheap the R Class is in the US! Better swap your Outlander for a Rondo