Choosing my next vehicle

[Steffo]

Originally Posted by turboute

How much are subaru Outbacks going for? at least they have a 6 cyl.

They came with the 2.5 4cyl also. Most in his price range are running the 2.5.

http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsa...ch_distance=25

There's a 2001 model Outback 3.0 6cyl, $26,990.

154kW @ 6000rpm and 282Nm @ 4400rpm, 11.0/100km city cycle, 8.2/100km highway cycle, 64L tank, require 95 RON (so you can use Shell Unleaded 95 or Mobil Synergy 6000 etc... if you don't wanna pay for 98 RON).

Rated to tow 1600kg with braked trailer - that's the only thing I'm not sure about... if it'd be enough.

Interior is very, very nice...

[Drive XR7]

Cadillac Escalade



It's really not THAT big. ;) The girls love it.

[Steffo]

Originally Posted by Drive XR7

Cadillac Escalade

**pic snip**

It's really not THAT big. ;) The girls love it.

Heh... and its also very not sold here. Wouldn't have any change from $100,000 getting one here either... infact, it would probably cost more.

[BuuBox]

Steer clear of FWD cars when you're talking about towing 1500kg+. It's just unpractical, and potentially dangerous. Having driven a V6 Camry with a load in the back, I’d be afraid to go anywhere near the thing if it had 1500kg hanging off the back of it. Although it was a fairly flogged rental, I could feel the handling of a FWD Magna falling apart with luggage and a few people in the back too.

You’ll probably find that the relatively high strung V6 of the Ford Escape will make it a bit of an *** for towing, so the turbo diesel Pathfinder is something to consider… if you could live with it for the rest of the time. If you’re towing a proper car trailer with the Escort on top of it, I think you’ll find it’s a little more than 1500kg.

If you're that averse to buying another Falcon, go have a walk through a Holden dealership. A Commodore would be nearly as well suited to towing heavy loads as the Falcon, with just a little less low down torque.

[Timmeh]

Good ideas guys, I love the Escalade :monkes:

I would buy a Falcon over a Commodore, I couldn't bring myself to own one of those. I do like everything about the BA, which is why we bought one in the first place. It will be coming to terms with buying another one, my dad probably won't speak to me about cars ever again if I did! But I am considering it.

I think you're right about FWD cars, they would be scary towing heavy loads. However, none are really rated to that sort of weight anyway (except the Camry V6) so I won't be going down that path.

I'll stop by Ford on the way home and drive a few vehicles...

Tim

[Smoke Pursuit]

Will be interested to see your comments tonight Tim after driving the Escape and Falcon back to back.

[Pilch]

To tow 1500kg's the choice is pretty simple...... it can't be a 4cyl, or a front wheel drive. Preferably something with good torque if you want decent economy whilst towing, which basically rules out a V6. The bigger the safer also. A Falcon or Commodore are the minimum, and most soft roaders are just not powerful enough, with the exception of the Territory. Any "proper" 4WD will be up to the task.

I would choose a late model Nissan Patrol personally. 3.2L (that correct Steffo?) Turbo Diesel (the bigger engine anyway), very ballsy, quite quick for their size, have seen one return 10.9L/100km's on highway cycle, 1100km's off 120L and will tow 1500kg's very safely. Quite nice to drive, and very comfortable ride also.

Good luck with the purchase

[Dave_au]

A lot of the softroaders are Front Wheel Drive biased - I know the CRV is, I have a feeling the Escape and the Tribute is as well - I don't think they can distribute more than 50% of its power to the rear.

[bprint xr8]

Having owned an escape for 40000km, I can thoroughly recommend one. Once you get past the quirky column shift the ownership experience is quite good. Fuel economy and service costs were very reasonable. Having said that I certainly didnt tow a car with it though.

The only reason I sold it was because I got the V8 bug!

[Fairlane]

Quite a dilleama you've got their and since Falcon and Commo's are out of the picture the only suggestions I can come with are

Mitsubishi Magna AWD- A TJ is you can find one or a TL if you can handle the looks
A 'proper' 4wd like a Pajero/Prado on LPG
The already mentioned Escape (thought this probably isnt completely ideal)

Or maybe you could check out stuff like

An older Lexus LS400 should be reasonably cheap now (4.0L v8 and RWD)
A Skyline (can you tow with these?)
Older E Series Mecr's and 5 series BMW's

Personally id just get an AU Fairlane or a Lexus LS400

*I'd stay away from a Kluger

[FRIKA]

Go the Escape. Only cause i got one XLT V6. Very reliable (so far) had it for 3 1/2 years. Powerful but thirsty. Been on the beach very soft sand and it nailed it. All the other 4wd owners that had the big Mothers were spinning out because my 4wd was the only of its kind out where they were.
I also looked at all the others 2nd choice would have been X Trail but being a FORD luva one extra ford in the garage wouldnt hurt.

Goodluck

[mcflux]

How about an E-Gas AU model of some sort? Nice n cheap to run, and good for towing. ;)

[Falcon Coupe]

Just keep in mind the V6 SUV's use quite a bit of fuel, and don't tow nearly as well as a straight six, i am getting rid of my 03 V6 Rodeo due too hideous fuel consumption, the new turbo Hilux gets a long quite well with 120kw and 345nm, i have ordered one and should get it late November, 8.5l per 100 klm will be nice.

[Timmeh]

Originally Posted by ShockWaveXR6na

Will be interested to see your comments tonight Tim after driving the Escape and Falcon back to back.

Well it was raining and the Escape did feel very secure on the road. But yeah I am not sure it's up to the task.

Some interesting facts about BA Falcon XR6s for you:

The manual is only rated to tow 1400kgs.
The XR6T is only rated to tow 1600kgs even with an auto.
The automatic XR6 NA can tow 2300kg and I can buy one brand new for just over 30 grand.

I've almost resigned myself to looking at a BA XR6, it would be the minimum vehicle trim I could buy in the Falcon, anything less and I'd get bored and want to modify it. A Turbo would be nice but they can't tow, so it gets excluded straight away.

I can get second hand BA Mk II XR6 NAs for mid twenties, or I can get a new one for just over 30 grand. Pretty cheap for a nice car (I like everything about a BA, except the problems we had), if I am to buy one, then I want to drive the exact vehicle multiple times to make sure its problem free and find out its warranty history.

I guess now it's time to find myself the best XR6 NA Mk II automatic Falcon I can, or look at what Holden have to offer. I'd even consider a late Mk I (ie mid 04) model for the right price. I have a bad gut feeling about all this.

Tim

[Falcon Coupe]

You worry too much, BA XR6's are great cars.

[Timmeh]

To be precise, some BA XR6s are great cars, others sit in Fords workshops with uncurable problems. Every dealer I speak to freely admits that some Falcons are just one problem after another. Hey, I know of one like that! (TIC)

I have concerns that I will buy one that will turn out to be like the one we had that spent a third of a year at Ford and still couldn't be repaired. If that happens, it will be the case of "who sticks their hand in a fire that burnt them once already?"

It's easy to say nice things about the car, but it's just as easy for those people to walk away and say "ah well he's unlucky" if it happens again, and I am the one stuck with it again.

I am not rubbishing all BA Falcons, but it's reality and it's a valid concern.

Tim

[NC 5ltr]

may have already been mentioned,but can i suggest you have a look at your local auction yard as ba's with 40000k are goign for around 17-18 and mk2 20-22g,most are ex govt and have done majority hwy klm's.
we picked up our ba egas with 38k for 21g about 14months ago,so if your keen to save some money go to the auctions and if you do have a problem youve got 12g in the bank to fix it

[Timmeh]

Not a bad proposition. Do such cars keep the remainder of new car warranty, or is that all thrown out the window on ex government vehicles?

Tim

[Smoke Pursuit]

Don't buy an auction car because you wont be able to drive it, plus most dont have books therefore dont have warranty! If you are near Dean - Ratt then Id contact him about seeing if he has any ex church of christ / XR6's, well im not sure if they are church of christ in NSW but htey are up here and they have all done 15,000 kays with mature age drivers behind the wheel.

Also worth noting the 5 year warranty on New Mark II's.

If you can hold out another month or so you should be able to pick one up even cheaper. Mark IIs have Traction control standard aswell, along with rear power windows, alloy pedals, auto headlights and an armrest in the rear. If your really concerned buy a brand new one that you can test drive, get it up to 120 and make sure it doesnt vibrate etc, then just add your 2300 kg towbar and you will be set.

Premium sound is a nice option if you can find one with it. :dj:

[Steffo]

Originally Posted by Timmeh

Well it was raining and the Escape did feel very secure on the road. But yeah I am not sure it's up to the task.

Some interesting facts about BA Falcon XR6s for you:

The manual is only rated to tow 1400kgs.
The XR6T is only rated to tow 1600kgs even with an auto.
The automatic XR6 NA can tow 2300kg and I can buy one brand new for just over 30 grand.

A Turbo would be nice but they can't tow, so it gets excluded straight away.





Tim

That's interesting... Ford's configurator thing on their site says 1200kg towpacks are options for maunals and 2300kg for autos, on XR6 Turbo's. Seems weird that they wouldn't be able to two what the XR6 can, its exactly the same car with a turbocharger... :

Best of luck with your car hunting mate.

[Smoke Pursuit]

Originally Posted by Steffo

That's interesting... Ford's configurator thing on their site says 1200kg towpacks are options for maunals and 2300kg for autos, on XR6 Turbo's. Seems weird that they wouldn't be able to two what the XR6 can, its exactly the same car with a turbocharger... :

Best of luck with your car hunting mate.

1600 kg max on Auto XR6 Turbo otherwise they over heat, same with utes, had a guy up here wanted a 2300 kg towbar on a T ute, ended up having to buy an xr8.

[Perana]

XR6T's are definatly up to 1600kg only... why I dont know...

Good luck with whatever you choose Tim !

Oh and get those Escorts going :P

[Timmeh]

Steffo - read the fine print mate. The fine print number 10 says that the XR6T can only tow to a max 1600kgs with an auto. I know what you're saying, it must put too much strain on it? Not sure.

Shockwave (not sure of your real name sorry) - you're right, I have been looking at those. I have also contacted Dean and he doesn't have anything for me atm. Dean has been the source of most help, Dean, you're a champion.

The Church of Christ BA MkII XR6's go for mid twenties, so thats what I am aiming for at the moment. Will go test drive some this weekend.

Just to shock current BA XR6 Turbo owners, check out this ad:



I know I am not looking for a Turbo as it can't tow, but I thought "Whoa".

Thanks for the advice guys, especially Shockwave, keep it coming.

Tim

[Smoke Pursuit]

That Turbo is ex NSW Police - Premium Brakes, reverse sensors and side airbags give that away, dont think anyone would want that car!


As for the church of christ cars being Mid 20's, if you can find them for that price mate grab it! They are all agreed value buy back at around the 30 k mark and they are seriously well looked after cars, most of the ones i see up here don't have a mark on them, basically brand new demos with 15,000 kms, they certainly go out of their way to look after them!

If you can get the Mark II I would go that way, simply for the Fact that you might get a little better resale on one, plus the Traction control which is an added safety advantage.

[Falcon Coupe]

I bought my BA wagon from an auction house four months ago, saved 5k and has tint towbar and factory barrier, it has all books up to date and balance of new car warranty, as long as you know what to look for there is a heap of money to be saved.

[Smoke Pursuit]

Originally Posted by Falcon Coupe

I bought my BA wagon from an auction house four months ago, saved 5k and has tint towbar and factory barrier, it has all books up to date and balance of new car warranty, as long as you know what to look for there is a heap of money to be saved.

I think for piece of mind in this case that Tim would be better off buying from a Dealer direct. A) he gets to test drive it and negotiate and B) if there are any issues he can take it back to them and up them!

[Mechan1k]

Originally Posted by Ghia5L

How about an E-Gas AU model of some sort? Nice n cheap to run, and good for towing. ;)

Mine hasn't skipped a beat ... neither has the Territory (and I tow horses with this regularly).

I towed a mates AWD Turbo Proton Satria around to different workshops around Sydney ... and it was great towing it around .. plus it's an EGAS motor as well. Performed flawlessly.

I have the 1600kg towing kit on it ... and with car trailer and 900kg car tied down on it ... it was fine to tow with.

AU utes look good on larger rims (even Territory wheels .... LOL) and lowered slightly. They take a beating as well and come back for more.

[NC 5ltr]

Originally Posted by ShockWaveXR6na

Don't buy an auction car because you wont be able to drive it, plus most dont have books therefore dont have warranty! If you are near Dean - Ratt then Id contact him about seeing if he has any ex church of christ / XR6's, well im not sure if they are church of christ in NSW but htey are up here and they have all done 15,000 kays with mature age drivers behind the wheel.

what : why wouldnt they have log books? its stupid not to have them.

Not a bad proposition. Do such cars keep the remainder of new car warranty, or is that all thrown out the window on ex government vehicles?

Tim

they keep there remaining warrenty

[Smoke Pursuit]

Originally Posted by NC 5ltr

what : why wouldnt they have log books? its stupid not to have them.

Not a bad proposition. Do such cars keep the remainder of new car warranty, or is that all thrown out the window on ex government vehicles?

Tim

they keep there remaining warrenty

Because most fleet companies that supply the cars have the spare set of keys and the log books sitting in a filing cabnet somewhere in head office, or the company that is leasing them does and forgets to put them back in the vehicles.

Very rarely do ex Fleet cars have Logbooks still in them, especially when they go to auction houses.

[NC 5ltr]

Originally Posted by ShockWaveXR6na

Because most fleet companies that supply the cars have the spare set of keys and the log books sitting in a filing cabnet somewhere in head office, or the company that is leasing them does and forgets to put them back in the vehicles.

Very rarely do ex Fleet cars have Logbooks still in them, especially when they go to auction houses.

you must be a dealer or a used car salesman cause i can hardly believe what your saying

i invite you to go have a look at your local pickles auctions or whoever deals with ex govt and tell me how many cars dont have log books.