What car to buy up to 5k?

ROLLI · 13-10-2010, 01:39 PM

Hi all,

I am looking for a good work car basically I had a 93 Honda Civic but some one smashed into it last Monday and it is now a write off and I have agreed value for 5k. I liked my Civic and may get another one but just wondering if anybody has any suggestions....Its hard to find a good sh$t box lol

Cheers

**Polyal** · 13-10-2010, 01:44 PM

I have been driving my now wifes Barina for the past 7 years and I kid you not we have not replaced anything on it that wasn't scheduled, other than tires of course. I even used the thing to deliver pizzas back in the day and I certainly dont potter around in it...IIRC one of her sisters beached it on a mountain and did the sump..but fixed and you would never know.

As much as I despise GM, the Opel small cars are good, just make sure you get the last of the series. Ours is a 2000 model which was the last of the SB shape. Its got enough poke for over taking and depending on the road I dont have to drop to 4th.

It would be that or the latest model Laser I could get.

edit: its nearly hit 180,000k's now aswell.

ROLLI · 13-10-2010, 01:54 PM

Thanks mate! What about the 2001 model XC? I was looking at lasers as well but all the good ones are a bit dearer lol I do about 500kms a week. Whats the fuel like on them my civic used to get me about 500kms a tank cost me $35-40 bucks to fill...

**Polyal** · 13-10-2010, 01:58 PM

It all depends on the driving, I dont know about the XC model but IIRC thats an Opel to so I wouldn't be worried, but yeah, get the latest in the model code as you can.

For example the early SB ones like ours where rubbish, they went from ~1994-2000, with any car the later the better.

The Corsa is 42L tank, and we used to drive to Geelong and back, still do, and if I dont get 600 minimum Im annoyed. Full highway, 700....I think its official figures are in the 7's/100.

There was a sport version of the SB, GSi I think, that would be a bit of fun for what it is.

Should mention that ours has been in the family since new, so thats crucial IMO...if you go an Opel make sure its got full service history and the belts/chains are done spot on the required kms.

big_landau · 13-10-2010, 02:07 PM

i know of a few people with these and they seem to be quite a good car,2 of my mates have one and they have realy been hard on them but no problems.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Ford-Festiva-...item20b4316456

ROLLI · 13-10-2010, 02:08 PM

Cheers again most of them are all olympic city versions....600 to a tank would be perfect I am just looking on carsales atm check this one out hahaha http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?trecs=45&__Ntk=CarAll&PriceFrom=461&_ _Ntt=2000&R=8739063&__Qpb=true&__D=2000&silo=1011& __Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywor ds=2000&__No=30&__sid=12AB3FEEFAE3&Cr=2&__N=1216 1247 1252 1282 4294965773 4294965857 461 443&PriceTo=443&__Ntx=mode matchallpartial&seot=1&__Nne=15&__Dx=mode matchany

What is IIRC?

**Polyal** · 13-10-2010, 02:14 PM

IIIRC - if I remember correctly

city = 3 door, swing = 5 door

Thats ok I wouldn't pay anymore than 4-4.5k

Our falcon is the family car now so I have the rear seats folded down and use our swing as almost a mini panel van, got a queen bed in there once!

Grippy · 13-10-2010, 02:17 PM

If you go a bigger car, an AU on gas is a cheap and economical car for around $5k's, plenty of room too!

**Polyal** · 13-10-2010, 02:18 PM

Agreed on the AU, it works out cheaper than the Barina but not by a whole lot, pretty even (which is impressive). But I spent $3.5k on the gas system...I break even in a years time and intend to keep the AU for atleast another 3-4years as its as brilliant daily.

ROLLI · 13-10-2010, 02:21 PM

Bloody abreviations cant keep up haha

Thanks for the help might go suss a few Opels i mean Barinas ;)
I would just get a stock one anyway not that blue one people will think its pride and joy haha

**Polyal** · 13-10-2010, 02:27 PM

LOL yeah that one is blinged a bit too much for my liking aswell. Like every car though you can get duds so just sus out the history of them.

I actually looked at taking the holden badges off and putting opel ones on but thought id save my ~$300 and just leave it.

ROLLI · 13-10-2010, 02:28 PM

This one is pretty good! http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...e=15&__Dx=mode matchany&PriceTo=443&__D=2000&silo=1011&seot=1&__s id=12AB3FEEFAE3&__N=1216 1247 1252 1282 4294965773 4294965857 903 443&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Dec imal|1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&__ Qpb=true&__Ntx=mode matchallpartial&Cr=8&__Ntt=2000&trecs=12

Fordman · 13-10-2010, 02:34 PM

EF/EL i rekon

**Polyal** · 13-10-2010, 02:38 PM

Yeah thats ok, you want a 3 door?

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=9389152&YearFromShort=1644&__Qpb=tr ue&Cr=2&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort _Decimal|1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String| 0&keywords=&YearToShort=1674&__N=1216%201282%20429 4965773%204294965857%201622%201644%201674&silo=101 1&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=31&__sid=12AA16143D26

Thats exactly the same one we have, colour and all...but in QLD

**Polyal** · 13-10-2010, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fordman

EF/EL i rekon

yeah and you will spend another $1-2k fixing things in the mean time. If you find a good one you are lucky, and agreed things can go wrong with any car but I wouldn't bother with an e series now days...even my AU has had a few things let go at 140,000ks

Fordman · 13-10-2010, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polyal

yeah and you will spend another $1-2k fixing things in the mean time. If you find a good one you are lucky, and agreed things can go wrong with any car but I wouldn't bother with an e series now days...even my AU has had a few things let go at 140,000ks

Yeh, do your homework though and you could end up with a clean car for less than an AU. Not saying id be against it by any means, but id consider both and probably start with a late E-series.

Your right though, bit of a lottery with Falcons i've known some that are flawless and some absoloute lemons both of the same model.

Yellow_Festiva · 13-10-2010, 02:52 PM

Whatever you get, make sure it runs on E10 seeing as regular ULP will eventually be phased out.

Festiva's are bullet proof cars, but finding one that's been well maintained and cared for is getting harder.

Whatever class you look into, research the comparable Korean models. The ones post say 2002 are generally well built, well optioned and several hundred dollars below the Japanese cars.

wrongwaynorris · 13-10-2010, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fordman

EF/EL i rekon

Could'nt agree more . My daily driver ( EF Futura ) is a gem and owes me less than 2K . Paid a grand for it and have spent less than that to bring it up to scratch including an LSD , 2300 kG Tow Bar , Electric Brakes , Assorted Sensors , Brake Pads all round , Full Service and Trans service including Power Flush , odd bit of paint on bar corners and a set of factory alloys coming soon . Got it insured for an agreed value of $6,500 with AAMI without pushing them . Looking at buying another at the moment EF Fairmont Ghia , V8 , Auto , Premium Sound , LSD , Towbar , Factory 16 inch alloys , Leather , Climate Control , Full Book , 202,000k's in Heritage Green for $ 3,000.00 .

XESP351 · 13-10-2010, 02:59 PM

For $5k, you cant go past an EF/EL Fairmont/Ghia on LPG, whole lot of car for the money and cheap to run. Just make sure the head gasket isn't on it way out if it's a 4L.

Windsor342ci · 13-10-2010, 04:32 PM

Hey mate,

Same as you, I have bough my self a work car just for back and forth runs. Ended up getting my In Laws 1995 Camry and though yes, its a Camry. I cant believe how good this car is.
2.2L 4Cyl. Air Con, Power Steer and no oil leaks for $2,000. 4 speed auto with O/D option. I have found just running back and forth to work with A/C running Im getting an easy 500kms out of a tank and only last wk end I took it down south NSW and I still havent finished the tank yet, its sitting just over a quarter full and showing 550kms already used.
As much as I hate 4 cylds, as much as I hate front wheel drives and as much as I HATE CAMRYS, this car was a 10/10 investment.

I have no probelms recommending!

ROLLI · 13-10-2010, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polyal

Yeah thats ok, you want a 3 door?

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=9389152&YearFromShort=1644&__Qpb=tr ue&Cr=2&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort _Decimal|1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String| 0&keywords=&YearToShort=1674&__N=1216%201282%20429 4965773%204294965857%201622%201644%201674&silo=101 1&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=31&__sid=12AA16143D26

Thats exactly the same one we have, colour and all...but in QLD

My civic was 3 door doesnt bother me as I am the only one it and fold the seats down its like a panel van. Only thing that small girly cars need is dark windows so no body can see you in it hahaha I have been thinking ef/el dont really know much aboyut them tho but have a mate who loves em so he could prob find me a good one!

Thanks for the help guys let use know how I go with my choice

Mad_Aussie · 13-10-2010, 05:24 PM

If you aren't concerned with looks, then find a Series 3 R31 skyline wagon, manual. Fantastic cars, but ugly.

Otherwise, see if you can find a four-door r32 or r33 skyline for that money. Shouldn't be too hard in the Eastern States.

**Mechan1k** · 13-10-2010, 05:31 PM

I used to have a Proton Satrai XLI ... just the 1.6L SOHC engine ... but the later version (80kw I think it was) ... nice little run around ... mind you it was decked/exhaust and manual.

Fun little trash mobile ... and ran on the smell of an oily rag as well. Easy got 550-600km of metro out of it ... and the best I managed on the highway was 750km from 45L. Nice interior bits (all electrics) ... bullet proof ... 4-wheel disc as well.

They are cheap now.

Here's what the rice mobile looked like after a few mods.

Other than that ... if I didn't need the ute anymore ... I was tempted to get a neat S13 Silvia or RB20DET R32 GTS-T .... just for a daily toy

illusionalvr · 13-10-2010, 06:54 PM

charade, absolutely unkillable. runs on nothing. dont even need water in it!

Ford_The_Win · 14-10-2010, 05:18 PM

I have to agree with the earlier comments re: an EL. About eight months ago I picked up a one owner EL Futura with 100,000 ks on it for 5 grand, with 12 months reg and warranty, and the only thing I've replaced is the water pump, which was grunting a little. With dual airbags and ABS it's probably gonna be a lot safer than a smaller 4 cyl car, but it's thirsty, so look for one on LPG. Just my 2c. But you can get some newer great little buzzboxes for the same price, too.

Franco Cozzo · 14-10-2010, 05:40 PM

If you don't mind staying with Honda:

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...spx?R=8765967&

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...spx?R=9293553&

RedHotGT · 14-10-2010, 05:50 PM

I've got 5 x suggestions... and here they are... all $5000.00 and all i would seriously consider buying if it was me...

1) EF XR6 Wagon
Link
Just sold my XR6 wagon - and if it was manual - I would have never EVER sold it!!
This one even has EL front (IMHO looks better)...

2) EL XR6 Sedan
Link
Great Colour, good looking, good on fuel, plenty of go if thats what you want... also its the LAST of the ELs (1998)

3)EB XR8S
Link
Future Collectable? Maybe not - but great car - bulletproof (i've had 2 x EBs, and I'd have another tomorrow if I was shopping with $5000.00)

4)EF Fairmont
Link
Luxo inside, pretty easy on the eye... way better than futura/gli

5) AU Fairmont
Link
Again, nice and comfy... could do worse for $5000.00

There's my tips... all a little bigger than what you are used to...
But - something different...
(hey - what did you expect - this is a Ford Forum!!)

GTP 044 · 14-10-2010, 07:28 PM

As much as I hate to admit it publicly lol, I used to own a 2003 Hyundai Accent 5 door. I treated it as a "wheelbarrow with a motor' and it NEVER gave me any problems. It was very cheap to run and I lost bugger all on it when I sold it compared to most of my other cars.

Cheers,

Greg.

SirHenry · 14-10-2010, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polyal

Agreed on the AU, it works out cheaper than the Barina but not by a whole lot, pretty even (which is impressive). But I spent $3.5k on the gas system...I break even in a years time and intend to keep the AU for atleast another 3-4years as its as brilliant daily.

and the AU can make up a hill!

My step daughter had a lil 1.4 litre barina and it couldn't make up some hills.

Very reliable mechanically until something does go wrong and then you are bleeding out your ears with the costs of repairs.

In summary from me very reliable but gutless and not often something goes wrong but when they do it can be multiples things and very dear.

Personally go the AU or why not go another Civic? or /gulp a Corolla.

drew`SEVNT5 · 14-10-2010, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrongwaynorris

Could'nt agree more . My daily driver ( EF Futura ) is a gem and owes me less than 2K . Paid a grand for it and have spent less than that to bring it up to scratch including an LSD , 2300 kG Tow Bar , Electric Brakes , Assorted Sensors , Brake Pads all round , Full Service and Trans service including Power Flush , odd bit of paint on bar corners and a set of factory alloys coming soon . Got it insured for an agreed value of $6,500 with AAMI without pushing them . Looking at buying another at the moment EF Fairmont Ghia , V8 , Auto , Premium Sound , LSD , Towbar , Factory 16 inch alloys , Leather , Climate Control , Full Book , 202,000k's in Heritage Green for $ 3,000.00 .

I think a Magna would be a better choice.