We currently have a primera, goes sweet (except for minor cvt issues brought up here last week). Anyways, we drive quite a bit to the west coast from chch. Having borrowed a commodore for the last trip it was apparent the extra power i really bloody nice on the longer trips. Only 1 car family so any extra fuel costs aren't a concern. So far, Subaru Legacy GT30, VW Passat 2.8 or BMW 528 are cars we will be looking ay, any others we should have a peek at.
sirdoug,
Mar 18, 8:26pm
Please,look at any others except the three you mention.
ryanm2,
Mar 18, 8:30pm
Like what!
modie61,
Mar 18, 8:53pm
Commodore !
modie61,
Mar 18, 9:57pm
He liked it !
r15,
Mar 18, 10:11pm
toyota aristo / lexus gs300
fiatracer,
Mar 18, 10:35pm
I'd suggest BMW 528 [the E39 set a benchmark that many manufacturers are still struggling to meet]. Also, have a look at VW/Skoda products - perhaps an Octavia diesel with DSG box [really good interior space], You'll get lots of opinions - but having recently test driven a Primera CVT for a friend, you will easily find something nicer to drive and more refined.
fiatracer,
Mar 18, 10:39pm
a wildcard [that I'm sure I'll get shot down for suggesting] but if you are interested in a comfortable, spacious and nice to drive family car, and appreciate that some cars are best serviced by specialists, consider a Citroen C5. They are getting really cheap - and you can choose from 2 litre petrol, V6 petrol or V6. Find a NZ new one with good service history, modest mileage, leather and you'll have an excellent family car.
fiatracer,
Mar 18, 10:40pm
/Citroen/auction-358025449
craig04,
Mar 18, 10:42pm
What is your budget!
vtecintegra,
Mar 18, 11:34pm
I'm very happy with my V35 Skyline 300GT - its somewhere between a 3 and a 5 series in size but is still fairly comfortable in the back.
ryanm2,
Mar 18, 11:51pm
around the $12,000 mark, or less.
ryanm2,
Mar 18, 11:52pm
Are the 528's better/more optioned than the 530's BMW. Or are they basically the same!
vtecintegra,
Mar 18, 11:55pm
Pretty sure the 530i is just the later version, got a little bigger engine and quite a bit more power.
ryanm2,
Mar 18, 11:59pm
I thought BMW still make 528's, there is 2011 listed (could be incorrect however).
vtecintegra,
Mar 19, 12:03am
Above post was for the E39 (which would be the one in your price range I'm guessing).
They're all over the place with models after that.
mottly,
Mar 19, 12:08am
camry - got extra guts, plenty of room, but don't use a heck of alot of fuel.I'd steer clear of continental cars, as they cost a small fortune to repair.
fiatracer,
Mar 19, 12:13am
^yawn
fiatracer,
Mar 19, 12:15am
The 530 is a later model, and with more power, but also it has a lot of aluminium construction - suspension arms etc and by all accounts is quite a lot better. One of these later revised E39s would be an excellent choice. Use a BMW specialist over the dealer and there is NO reason why it would cost a lot to maintain, and I speak from experience having owned 3 series up to 7 series, sixes and V8s.
mottly,
Mar 19, 12:17am
geez, my bro in law has owned plenty of continental cars (his fav types) - and they cost on average twice as much for parts/repairs as toyota's do.Hence nowdays he uses Toyota's.
thejazzpianoma,
Mar 19, 12:17am
Hi rayanm, bob1120 does make some good points, I think whatever you decide on doing some checking on where supplies the parts, what they cost and what breaks on the particular cost and what it costs to fix is wise.
I really like the VW/Audi product in terms of value for money and the range of V6 engines are really bullet proof and great to service yourself if you want to, also fairly easy for any good general garage to service as well.
Parts for the VW/Audi are very well priced and if you deal with the likes of Qualitat in Auckland they can just courier what you need and you will be getting the genuine stuff without paying through the nose.
Just make sure if you get one of the handfull around that still has its original plastic impellar waterpump that you get that changed straight away. Also make sure the air conditioning is working and use it regularly to avoid the valves sticking which is the one quite expensive repair that crops up now and then.
Also, while the VW is usually the better value option keep an eye out for A6's as well, they sometimes go very reasonable and generally have a higher level of spec. I am particually partial to the A6 that came in in 97 and went through to the mid 2000's. I suspect if you drive one you will be hooked too. They run the same engines etc as the Passat of course.
Remember the 2.4, 2.8 and 3.0 are all variations on the same basic motor and have a great repuation.
Also, with the Passat don't write off a 1.8T if you see a good one. They are worth a drive as with the Turbo they perform very well. The 2.0 and non-turbo 1.8 will likely be a let down for your needs though.
I like the BMW idea as well and even though I don't know much about the Citroen I would suggest its worth some research as it does look to be a bargain. Also in the bargain department an S60 Volvo may suit you well especially the 2.4 Turbo, they are a little bland inside but are lovely on a long trip. Parts are more expensive and less plentiful though but if you don't mind ordering online from FCP Groton at the major service time it usually works out O.K.
Anyhow, I would suggest once you narrow it down perhaps check back in and we can help with what to look for. Best of luck with it all, I think in general you are on the right track and looking at stuff that will give you really good bang for your buck.
fiatracer,
Mar 19, 12:21am
The Volvos are often ex-Singapore. not ideal as they give a lot of trouble with electrical items, rubbers etc. Same goes for BMWs, Citroens, but the volvos seem to be worse. I'd be looking Kiwi-new.
Dare I suggest a Jaguar S Type! V6s go quite well, but the interiors [except on the heavily facelifted model] really are cheap and nasty by Jag standards. again, look Kiwi new. Looks are an acquired taste.
fiatracer,
Mar 19, 12:23am
gotta be worth a think !
Jaguar/auction- 361387742
craig04,
Mar 19, 1:40am
99 Lexus LS400. Bland Toyota looks, but a beautiful car to drive on trips and very economical for a V8. 9 litres per 100km's on a trip and around 13 round town.
vtecintegra,
Mar 19, 2:03am
No one had mentioned it (except you of course)
Anyway while I like the LS400 it is a big car that feels even bigger than it is.Not a patch on a 5-series dynamically.
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