cheap to own and Legacy are usually not used in the same line
nickolaz,
Apr 25, 9:35pm
ok.! not much help
thejazzpianoma,
Apr 25, 9:58pm
Don't pay too much attention to that. You have to remember that most of these unreliable Legacy's are multi turbo monsters that have been thrashed and poorly maintained. Quite a different kettle of fish to the one you are looking at.
Also, you are definitely doing the right thing upgrading. The km's on the laser are huge and the headgasket no matter how you do it is likely the first of may problems on a very old and tired vehicle.
thejazzpianoma,
Apr 25, 10:01pm
Also, don't forget about that Passat that closes on Tuesday. That could be a great vehicle for your purposes.
phillip.weston,
Apr 25, 11:06pm
So you're recommending she spend easily $1000+ on keeping a run down 300,000+ kms early 90s Laser on the road! After the engine is done, you have to ask what it will need for its next WOF, and then the WOF after that and so on etc. She seems to be fairly over it by now so is using this oppurtunity to upgrade her wheels, as it sounds like she could do with something larger in size anyhow. She could probably get upwards of $500 for the Laser as it is, combined with the money she has saved or has available to her, could easily her something safe, reliable, economical, spacious and stylish that is around 10 years old. I would like to know which suggestions exactly you are 'giggling' at - please let us know your suggestions and sound advice too so we can have a giggle at that also.
thejazzpianoma,
Apr 25, 11:33pm
+1 nicely said.
franc123,
Apr 26, 8:34am
Two bites on the same hook!Its clear that neither of you know how tough the little BG Familia/323/Ford Laser actually is, the rest of the car is unlikely to be suffering from any major problems now or in the future, I say this from working on/servicing/warranting these vehicles since they were virtually new, both inside and outside Ford/Mazda franchises.I'd have far more faith in one of those to keep going economically than a Galant that was half the age/km's or ANYTHING made by Fiat, they are both LOUSY recommendations. Volvo S80!Don't even go there, you can't even get simple consumable parts like brake hoses for those in NZ, I know I've tried!Get on the three week waiting list to get them from Europe to get something that the local agent or Repco has on the shelf for an average Jappa or Aussie car.But hey you amateurs with weird taste in cars know a lot better than those of us that actually work in the repair trade.If the OP is on a tight budget for the forseeable future they should be looking towards more mainstream stuff like Corolla, Pulsar, Mazda 626, Caldina, Primera etc, or even a later model Laser.But no thats BORING, saddle yourself with a vehicular disease like a Fiat Marea (they're cheap for a reason) and REALLY inflict some punishment.
thejazzpianoma,
Apr 26, 8:49am
LOL, yeah Philip dosn't know a thing about Mitsubishi's. Philip perhaps you can remind us just how many you have worked on in your lifetime!
As for Fiats. yeah I wouldn't have a clue. I have only owned nearly every front wheel drive model they ever made and run a small fleet of them for my business.
As for the Volvo S80, they are a very complicated and potentially expensive vehicle to own, that's why we havn't recommended one.
Enjoy the brunch Troll.
phillip.weston,
Apr 26, 9:21am
A Mitsubishi Galant is very mainstream, and the NZ-new model is a no nonsense robust example, unfortunately the name has been tarnished by the influx of import GDIs and turbo V6 models with tiptronic transmissions. That 2001 NZ-new 2L 5spd manual WILL be just as reliable as a Corolla of the same era, the only thing I could possibly think of which would be a 'problem' would be the front lower suspension arm ball joints, which aren't a big deal or cost to replace.
It's a no brainer to opt for a 10 year old NZ-new looked after example with service history Galant over a 20 year old import Caldina for the same price. The Galant wagon will offer the same room if not more, a better more comfortable ride and will be much much safer with air bags and a much stiffer chassis. The Caldina isn't exactly 100% reliable, the S series engines are prone to leaking oil from the oil pump housing gasket (I've replaced three of them alone within the last two months), head gasket issues when overheated (just like any other car), and engine bearing issues. Wheel bearings and shocks tend to not last as long on them either.
I still maintain that particular white 2001 NZ-new 2L 5spd wagon is as good of a contender as the next. Don't discount it because you've heard something from your brother in laws cousin etc who probably didn't maintain theres.
trademerob,
Apr 26, 9:23am
If my car needs new tyres i just buy a new one.
nickolaz,
Apr 26, 6:09pm
Just like to point out one thing, I am a guy.
Yeah I think that Passat might close too soon, I have been able to go check it out or anything, plus I'm still sorting out my finances.
nickolaz,
Apr 26, 6:21pm
Oh and I might try and look for something with a few less k's than that Galant.
nickolaz,
Apr 27, 12:50pm
My Uncle, who used to be a mechanic, and whos friend owns a dealership is trying to help me look for a car. I talked to my mecahnic about that Legacy, and he didn't really say much, but my uncle was really against it. Mosty because he thinks it will use too much petty being awd and all. Anway I can convice him!
jason18,
Apr 27, 12:52pm
p11 primera sedans are quite cheap and bullet proof.
thejazzpianoma,
Apr 27, 1:37pm
Bah! What is it with people and generalisations! The 2.0 Legacy we are talking about there uses much the same amoung of fuel as any other car of its size, age and output. You should be looking at about 6.8l/100km on the open road, 8.8 for combined running and 12.4 in the City. Its actually better than a 2.2 Camry and a lot of the other stuff that people like to pedal hand over fist. Plus in your neck of the woods having 4WD is likely to give you some advantage.
Its so very very important to take each car on its actual individual merits, check the actual specs and not succumb to generalisations. The Subaru myths and legends are generally centred around the high output turbo ones and the kind of ruffians that thrash them.
nickolaz,
Apr 27, 1:38pm
Yeah I had considered a primera, theres not many in my area atm.
nickolaz,
Apr 27, 6:35pm
Wow, just took that car for a drive, fffark its mean. In top nick, driven by a 65 year old for the last 6 years whos retired to aussie. I met with his son in law, and he;s the one whos been serving it.
Very keen, he said I can give him a ring if I want to put in an offer, and he'll withdraw it.
thejazzpianoma,
Apr 27, 6:39pm
Was this the Subaru!
phillip.weston,
Apr 27, 6:42pm
I think it's the best pick of the bunch if you could stretch to that amount. Yes it will probably use a bit more fuel than your Laser, but it's totally worth it given it's a much much nicer car to drive.
thejazzpianoma,
Apr 27, 6:43pm
I agree, and fuel economy is really pretty good for that size and age group. I posted the ratings above if you want to have a look.
nickolaz,
Apr 27, 6:45pm
You did!A link! Yeah that legacy, it's bloody nice, especially for the price.
thejazzpianoma,
Apr 27, 6:59pm
Your on the right track rejecting that. It is over priced and while some Mazda's are great those were not their finest moment. Also I wouldn't expect it will be much if any cheaper to run for your kind of driving.
nickolaz,
Apr 27, 7:02pm
My uncle wants to take me to have a look at it tomorrow. cbf
thejazzpianoma,
Apr 27, 7:07pm
Hmmmm one of those. The thing is getting a good car is about balance. Make, model, km's, condition, service history, price etc all need tobe read in balance. The Subaru is potentially good in that most factors are in harmony pointing to a good buy that should fit the purpose and be reliable. I get the impression he has not owned a Lantis, they potentially look good on the surface but tend to have niggly faults and are generally fairly average. They are also quite old now and are showing it. Thats why they usually struggle to sell for half what they want for that one.
Stand your ground, you are definitely on the right track avoiding that one. You can buy a LOT of car for 6K and that is not much car at all.
nickolaz,
Apr 27, 7:32pm
Yeah definatley. He's coming into town to show me some cars, but I told him he's gonna have to chnage my mind.
Oh yeah one thing the guy did mentionwas something about the breaks needed skimmed or something! I forgot to ask him about is, what does that mean!
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