Keep the Aristo, or swap to a ST246 Caldina?

[Crampy]

So, it's been a while since I've really been on here. My "project" thread for my JZS161 Aristo is here:
viewtopic.php?t=76814&highlight=aristo
Discussion here:
viewtopic.php?t=76815&highlight=aristo

Righto, so not a lot has changed (to the car) in the last few years. I've just recently put some Znoelli brake rotors on it and it's been a massive improvement. I wish I had done this ages ago.
The Aristo is chugging along nicely. It's done just over 120,000km now and I'm about to do a service on it to keep her happy. The fuel economy has been on the gradual decline, so time for fresh oil, spark plugs, air filter etc.

So, here's my question... (yes I was getting to a point here).
Do I keep the Aristo, or do I sell it for an ST246W Caldina Wagon?

Reasoning:
While the Aristo is is plenty big enough, the luggage space isn't really ideal for the family, now my daughter is 2 years old. The lack of being able to fold the back seats down has been a really pain in the back side a few times now. Once I put the stroller in the boot, it doesn't really leave much room for other stuff.
We tend to take my partners Nissan Wingroad wagon most places for family outings. The Wingroad is fine for her to get to work etc and take Alana up the road for shopping etc, but I just don't like it on long drives.

I figure/assume the Caldina will actually be cheaper to run than the Aristo too. It's good on long trips, but for work it's not so flash. I figure a 2 litre turbo has got to better than a 3 litre twin turbo.


The only way I really want this to pan out is I'd pretty much need to get enough form selling the Aristo to buy the Caldina outright.

Any thoughts, suggestions or observations?
Cheers.

[iOnic]

I wouldn't expect too much difference in the way of fuel economy. AWD + turbo + auto are three things that really don't help fuel economy. Getting ~350kms to $120 of fuel doesn't sound pleasant to me. They're better on the open road as with all things but around town....

In terms of room I wasn't overly impressed with the ST246's tbh. I'd class them more of a 4 door hatchback than a wagon in that respect. The boot isn't exactly big and rear leg room is only really suited to kids.

If I was in your shoes and it had to be a Toyota (There's a wagon I'd like on trademe at the moment ) I'd be looking more in this direction.

Does it have to be a Toyota? Late model Subaru wagons are looking like good choices nowadays. Prices have come down a lot (is that a good thing?)

[Crampy]

I have heard the 3 litre Subby wagons are really nice and have plenty of power.

I might have to have a look at them.

The other options I was toying with were, Ford Falcon, Holden Commodore or even a Toyota Aurion.

[Crampy]

I've also heard the Caldina's are actually pretty good on the gas too.

[Bling]

Carib too small?

[Crampy]

A Carib might be a tad too small.

If I do sell, I'll want something at least 2002 and onwards. The Aristo is a 1997, so something younger would be good. Having said that, the can belt has been done on it and Trans flush and all that stuff, so it's pretty much care fee motoring for a while with it. It *might* need new shocks soon though.

Been looking at the Caldina's that are around 2002-2004 and about 12k-15k.

When i get some free time i might try do some test drives of one and a 3 litre legacy wagon.

[phoenix]

My thoughts:

1. Consider a roof rack & box for the Aristo. Prorack Whispbar and a Rhino 400/440 will give you an instant 400+ litres of removable storage, for around $1500. The downsides are that it is a little more difficult to load than the boot - may not be an issue most of the time but think about trying to get the buggy in/out of it when it's raining and you lean against the wet car etc - plus you might see a small degradation in fuel economy.

2. Go test drive a Falcon or Commodore and prepare to be disappointed. Every time I am enticed by the extra interior room I actually drive one and am reminded of how crap they still are, while confirming they don't provide any more usable boot room than my jzx110.

3. Aurions have a decent boot and are generally pretty solid, although I don't rate the build quality of Aussie assembled Toyotas up with those of imported models. From all accounts the 2GR engines are good performers, have heard of Aurions in Aussie running mid-high 14 second quarters.

4. I can fit more family luggage in my JZX110 than my Celsior. Portacot + buggy + a weeks worth of stuff for the 3 of us. Does the Aristo have the fuel tank behind the rear seats?

5. I'd agree with the 4wd + turbo + auto comments regarding fuel economy. I found that my old v5 STI got the same economy as my jzx(auto), Celsior(vvti/5sp auto), JZZ30(auto) and V6 Camry on my driving cycles - although the different cars did elicit slightly different driving styles - I think an overall average of 12-13l/100km will be inescapable.

What do you think you'd get for the Aristo?

[phoenix]

Or buy this:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing ... =511690306

[Tha_INS]

damn that stagea is cheap. id imagine the conversion itself was not cheap if i was look for a wagon id consider it

[duddley]

Test drive them all and pick which
One you like the most. My legacy has
heaps of grunt ( 3 litre) and could
easily fit a few dead hookers in the boot

[Crampy]

The Stagea is a good price.

I hadn't really considered Subaru's until recently. A work mate said he's gone in a long drive in one and said it was great.

I also like JZX110's but don't see too many of them around.

As suggested, I might line up some test drives and go from there.

[Crampy]

My thoughts:

1. Consider a roof rack & box for the Aristo. Prorack Whispbar and a Rhino 400/440 will give you an instant 400+ litres of removable storage, for around $1500. The downsides are that it is a little more difficult to load than the boot - may not be an issue most of the time but think about trying to get the buggy in/out of it when it's raining and you lean against the wet car etc - plus you might see a small degradation in fuel economy.

2. Go test drive a Falcon or Commodore and prepare to be disappointed. Every time I am enticed by the extra interior room I actually drive one and am reminded of how crap they still are, while confirming they don't provide any more usable boot room than my jzx110.

3. Aurions have a decent boot and are generally pretty solid, although I don't rate the build quality of Aussie assembled Toyotas up with those of imported models. From all accounts the 2GR engines are good performers, have heard of Aurions in Aussie running mid-high 14 second quarters.

4. I can fit more family luggage in my JZX110 than my Celsior. Portacot + buggy + a weeks worth of stuff for the 3 of us. Does the Aristo have the fuel tank behind the rear seats?

5. I'd agree with the 4wd + turbo + auto comments regarding fuel economy. I found that my old v5 STI got the same economy as my jzx(auto), Celsior(vvti/5sp auto), JZZ30(auto) and V6 Camry on my driving cycles - although the different cars did elicit slightly different driving styles - I think an overall average of 12-13l/100km will be inescapable.

What do you think you'd get for the Aristo?

Some damn good suggestions there.

I have also seen there can be issues with build quality on the Aurion's.

I would ave thought the Aristo has a boot the same size as a JZX110, but I think it's actually less deep. Not sure why.

I'm not sure what I'd get for the Aristo, but I'd hope for at least $12,000-15,000. Any less and I'd just keep it.

[Crampy]

Test drive them all and pick which
One you like the most. My legacy has
heaps of grunt ( 3 litre) and could
easily fit a few dead hookers in the boot

Ummm, good.
I'm not going to ask you about your personal life, but my guess is it's not dull
But seriously, once you've dumped the bodies, what's the Legacy like to drive? What fuel economy do you get out of it?

[spoonza6]

Will you pine for your aristo when a stroller is no longer needed?

Backseat that stroller

[Crampy]

Will you pine for your aristo when a stroller is no longer needed?

Backseat that stroller

Haha, also a good point.

The Aristo has given me a bit of grief since getting it, namely the damn ARS rear steering rack needing replacing TWICE! It's got a TOMs cancellor bar in it now.
The damn door locks are a right pain in the ar$e too. It will only sometimes lock all the doors and the drivers one always needs opening with the key. Small thing, but farken annoying.

Other than that, I was kind of feeling it was time to move on.
It's hard to say though. It is a good car and the 2JZ is a great motor.

[Crampy]

Oh another thing.

My main hobby these days is flying radio controlled aircraft (planes, helis and multirotors). Cheaper than mucking around with cars and if I crash one I can still get in my car an drive away.

I can just get some of my larger models (around 1100mm wingspan) in the Aristo. With a Wagon and the back seat folded down, I could fit a $hit load of planes etc in it.

[Crampy]

WANT!
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-ca ... 188987.htm

[Alex B]

If only they didn't weigh 2.4 Tonne. Drove an RS4 briefly a few weeks ago, think they have enough power tbh.

[Crampy]

Sweet dude.
I love the RS4's as well.
There's just something about a V8 revving to 8000rpm that sounds really appealing to me

I'm sure an RS6 would fit all the gear in it. It'd get the ice cream home without needing to wrap it too.

[Dell'Orto]

Aurion rear seat doesn't fold down either, though it has a ski hole type port. The boot is a decent size, can fit a stroller but not a heap else with it