GTT Caldinas vs GTB Legacy vs Primera Neo...

[Mr Revhead]

oh well I'm going to forget it now before I burst a blood vessel

Op should buy a manual anyway

[S T E A L T H]

why not consider a Stagea RS4?

[Dell'Orto]

I've only driven one of those Primera wagons, and it was terribly bland. Had been converted to manual from CVT after killing a couple of boxes apparently.
Im not sure if it was an effect of the trans swap not being done correctly, but my KE70 wagon felt peppier after driving that

[peas]

Wow! Posts up plenty! I totally agree with the CVT trans... I wouldn't touch it, they seem to have a ticking clock in them that decides once it gets to 170-190km on the clock they drop their guts. I thought that they would be a little bit more of a performance car than what people give them credit for though so thats nice to know that they aren't all that. I really like the M35 Stageas but they are at the top or out of my price range and haven't seen a manual... they earlier model just doesn't do it for me, challenges my camry for ugliest jappa wagon, no offence to anyone here. (have I just opened a can of worms?)

Looking like I should save up a bit more and go the Caldina route. I do like them looks wise and perfect size for me. I have owned a GT which was quick enough for what I wanted. Are they all good once they get km's on the clock though? I mean most have done 170-180km in the price range I am looking at...

[BZG Wagon]

Never had those problems in the CVT M6's I've driven (SR20VE). You plant foot and the revs rise to a certain point (optimum torque) and basically stay there as you accelerate.

Which is why I don't understand the purpose of making the M6 'tiptronic'...

As someone who's thinking of buying a new car; it's hard find a replacement wagon which matches the GTT in terms of performance, handling, reliability and practicality. Virtually anything I buy will cost more, be slower and handle worse.

[snwtoy]

Never had those problems in the CVT M6's I've driven (SR20VE). You plant foot and the revs rise to a certain point (optimum torque) and basically stay there as you accelerate.

Which is why I don't understand the purpose of making the M6 'tiptronic'...

As someone who's thinking of buying a new car; it's hard find a replacement wagon which matches the GTT in terms of performance, handling, reliability and practicality. Virtually anything I buy will cost more, be slower and handle worse.

If you don't need 4WD, what about a Z spec Fielder wagon? They go very well, nice-ish interior.

[Nuty|Mike]

fielder z are the shizzz good wagon

[fuel]

yeah +1 to the Fielder Z wagon, a good lateish model safe car which actually looks good and handles well. Someone on here was selling one not long ago for about $8k.

[BZG Wagon]

fielder z are the shizzz good wagon

IMO they look too people-mover-ish. Nice cars though. Not keen on the interior.

[Nuty|Mike]

yea not too keen on that body kit :/ gives them that people mover look Definatley good handling and quite quik when the engines in lift.
I paid 13k for mine but its a 2005 quite often see the 2000/1 models going for the 8-10k mark.

[peas]

Was there anything to look for in the Caldinas especially? Are they prone to diff mounts like my old GT-Four? I'd be grabbing a compression test but other than black marks and the ticking noise around the ex manifold is there anything else that might give signs of a lemon?

[iOnic]

Search for Caldina Problem and click "search for all terms"

I found a good list to read but can't link it

[BZG Wagon]

Was there anything to look for in the Caldinas especially? Are they prone to diff mounts like my old GT-Four? I'd be grabbing a compression test but other than black marks and the ticking noise around the ex manifold is there anything else that might give signs of a lemon?

There's loads of info if you search. But in summary:
* Manifold warp - it will happen - unless it's had an extra flange welded on or has a facelift manifold.
* Speedo failing while driving. Easy fix; due to poor soildering of one of the chips inside the unit.
* Bearings / CV's; just like any car.
* Try to aviod ones with aftermarket BOV's or Pod Filters unless done to a very high standard.
* Rear cargo blind is also a strut brace - make sure the car has, or you can get, one.

[BZG Wagon]

There's an excellent post by Snowtoy here (4th post down):

http://forums.toyspeed.org.nz/viewtopic.php?t=56458&highlight=

[Emperor]

I really like the M35 Stageas but they are at the top or out of my price range and haven't seen a manual... they earlier model just doesn't do it for me, challenges my camry for ugliest jappa wagon, no offence to anyone here. (have I just opened a can of worms?)

Whats your price range? Mines not exactly expensive!

And I agree about the older ones haha

[peas]

I'm looking around the 7,500 - 8k mark.

And again in a manual. I might see what my mate can get in through compliance

[Emperor]

Fair enough, my old mans an importer too if your mate has no luck.