Hey all, need some serious advice here

[Lloyd]

People need to get out of the mindset that "newer cars are better" because in a lot of cases that isn't true.

Tell him to take an EZ30 powered something out and see if he likes it then. Its not going to be the same as a Mistral by any means, it would tow better really. Make sure you get a trans cooler. Issues they tend to give are air/fuel ratio sensors which are easily available and air flow meters as per most Subarus. Make sure you run the right oil in them too. If you keep it long enough to have to do chains then don't expect it to be a cheap job.

[iOnic]

Wants fuel economy and reliability...

....gets a 3.0L H6 AWD (probably automatic) Subaru station wagon.

[dnalunchie]

guys I know some of you don't like subies, and thats cool, but so far the only alternative suggestions have been rav 4 and surfs. I would love some other alternatives as I really dont know much about 4wd vehicles


also yes he has driven a 3ltr subie and loved it. does anyone else make something similar around that price with similar or better reputation>

[Lloyd]

Caldina, Harrier, Highlander, Tucson, Sportage, Forester, Navara, Pajero, Triton, Pathfinder, Allroad, BT50, Sorento, Outlander, Grand Vitara, Prado, CRV, etc etc

There are a lot of things that will fit your criteria (or near enough).

[wde_bdy]

Make a list of MUST HAVES
Make list of WANTS
Assess options against those, no point buying a Subaru if you want to tow a 3.5 tonne trailer.

Callum

[iOnic]

We've got a few of these at work (roading contractor). They tow tandem braked trailers with tractors etc no worries. They're also shockingly economical. Most are now chasing 200,000kms and they're a piece of piss to work on. I did their first cambelts and am coming up to the next replacement and we've had no trouble at all aside from idiots putting petrol in them because "It doesn't sound like a normal diesel". If I was in the market for something economical that could tow + diesel I'd go with either these or Santa Fe (got a few of those too)

This or similar?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-ca ... 980946.htm

btw I've got nothing against Subarus - I just don't think it's ideal for what you want. Petrol + towing heavy loads is pretty much always gonna end in $$$. If towing is important to him then IMO diesel is the only way to go.

[Lloyd]

Subaru = lots of fuel.
Subaru + towing = more fuel.

Diesel Legacy?

What is he towing?

[dnalunchie]

he only wants to be able to tow about 1500kg, just a small boat really. Fuel econ is not top of the list but he just doesnt want it to drink like a v8 commie or falcon. anything around 10-13ltrs per 100kms will be fine im sure.

[dnalunchie]

what would you Iconic and you Lloyd buy with the above goals for less than 20k?

[Bling]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-ca ... 980946.htm

[dnalunchie]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/suzuki/grand/auction-512980946.htm

I love that but he will only buy within christchurch.

[Lloyd]

What would I buy? No idea. New cars don't float my boat, and it wouldn't be a Subaru. The Suzuki would be a fairly good option.

How often is the boat getting towed etc etc. If its twice a year then I wouldn't even consider towing as a requirement.

If he wants a Subaru, buy a Subaru.

[Bling]

Sounds like a picky bugger Last three people I know that got new (2nd hand) vehicles were all from Auckland. All in the last month or so.

Good luck with the search.

[dnalunchie]

he doesnt WANT a subie he just said he liked them. TBH I think he might get that suzuki as it has traction control stability control and brake force distribution and he is super into all those new age safety things. Also he likes buying stuff that is a little bit different from a smaller manufacturer.

I am going to push towards the vitara or lower kms 3.0 outback. I think either should be a good option, any objections to these guys>?

He would also like a rav but they are too much $$$ for the right spec.

[solitaire]

he only wants to be able to tow about 1500kg, just a small boat really. Fuel econ is not top of the list but he just doesnt want it to drink like a v8 commie or falcon. anything around 10-13ltrs per 100kms will be fine im sure.

ls4XX? awesome car and easy to get less than 13l/100kms on the old ones, the ones with vvti easyily do 10.5l/100kms according to someone i know who owns one.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/lexus/ls430/auction-477882057.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/lexus/ls430/auction-492694864.htm

Might need to have a hunt to find the right combo of price and mileage, but they are solid cars and built to last. I've got a '94 that has quite obviously not been looked after prior to my ownership and the thing just keeps running... flys through wofs, really comfortable to drive and goes like a cut cat if you if want to overtake someone, pretty happy towing as well.

If he is happy with the 10-13L/100km fuel economy then I really dont think he will find anything better, he may have to adjust his thinking on the sub 100kms mileage though or he is going to end up with an inferior car for the same price.

[dnalunchie]

sorry mate. as said in the beggining, he wants 4wd

[solitaire]

sorry mate. as said in the beggining, he wants 4wd

oh - my bad, sorry dude!

[dnalunchie]

sorry mate. as said in the beggining, he wants 4wd

oh - my bad, sorry dude!

if I could steer him away from 4wd i would steer towards an ls400, I have driven a couple and loved them, very smooth power delivery and so many toys!

[Al]

[wde_bdy]

he only wants to be able to tow about 1500kg, just a small boat really.

Braked or unbraked? Cares about legality or doesn't give a shit?
MAKE A LIST.
Eliminate what doesn't meet must haves or budget.

Callum