Corolla is too plain i think, want something with a 'little' style. Focus i discounted because the ones in our $ range don't have centre arm rest. Arm rest is only a small issue but if i'm forking out a big stack of foldies i don't wanna sit there in 2-3 weeks time thinking "Wish i had a centre arm rest " lol.
thejazzpianoma,
Jun 6, 4:32pm
One last thing. sorry should have put it above. Give the DSG a chance, as an avid Manual fan, I will take the DSG every time!
attitudedesignz,
Jun 6, 4:37pm
Ok jazz.
'06 and up and not above $11k.
Point me in the right direction as to spec's, engine, gearbox and what to look out for (pitfalls)
PS: I would go through your old threads and posts to have a read but i want to get a new car while i can still drive lol.
edangus,
Jun 6, 4:41pm
Fiesta? Tiida? If ya had $25k I'd say a Barina RS Manual. New!
gmphil,
Jun 6, 4:43pm
looks by your posts u have well intruly bein looking lol have u thought u could adapt a suitable consol /armrest if u find a god car that ticks all ya boxes that dosnt have one ?
attitudedesignz,
Jun 6, 4:43pm
My mum had one new. I didn't like driving it then and i'm sure they haven't got better with age haha.
But all suggestions are welcome, because someone will make me look at something i hadn't thought of. for instance, if people had've put money on me talking to jazz about VWs' a year ago they'd be pretty rich now haha.
kazbanz,
Jun 6, 4:44pm
AD- Im not even going to TRY suggesting a make/model to you because its a waste of time. The book-"understanding women" is about 4 feet thick. And on the very last page it says "rules may change without notice" My advice is to go drive some cars. Try (for example) a 2006 Toyota runx/alex/corolla. Try a bimmer 3 series ETC ETC . Just see what SHE thinks is comfortable/nice/suitable. . Only then think reliability etc although some careful and discrete steering wouldn't go amiss. If you were "Up here" a dealer somewhere would probably point ya at their key board (car key hanger) and say go for the doctor. As you be asking --a few ideas. 1)mazda axella 1500cc sedans of around 06-08 in manual seem to be in your bracket. 2) Toyota runx manual -in which case they are virtually identical back to 2002 3) ditch manual and go 07 or newer higher km blade 2.4--fun to drive. 4) smaller but easily doable for 10k demio manual 07 (old shape)
thejazzpianoma,
Jun 6, 4:47pm
Sorry popped off for dinner and didn't see this. I would go for a MK6, 1.4 ideally a high output one (still single turbo) but even standard spec is going to blow the doors off what you have had (and even many 2.0 cars of the era).
Likewise the A3, same car underneath so no biggie. Could also go a 1.8 in the A3 if you want.
Honestly speaking, forget manual. You won't want one once you have had a 7 speed DSG. It's much better to narrow your choice based on condition, service history, km's etc.
I am going for 1.4/1.8 for running costs as the km's are significant, that and very low maintenance requirements.
If you want, just chuck some links my way and I will be happy to critique them for you, that's sometimes the easiest way to learn.
The key questions to ask are "what fuel have you run in it" (if it's 91 flag it) and "who has maintained it". If it has green coolant in it, forget it.
When you test drive it, it's all about the condition of the transmission, it should be silky smooth each time. Don't panic about DSG reliability, I am also expecting you to likely get a couple of years warranty left on the DSG too if you are lucky (7 year drivetrain warranty on VW's.)
Hope that helps!
msigg,
Jun 6, 4:51pm
Yes that run out of the vitz will be hard to beat,,good old toyota, At work we have someone with a manual mazda 3 done 243k with no problems at all, it's a nice car and he is happy with it, very cheap to run, looks good too in green, each to their own.good luck.
attitudedesignz,
Jun 6, 4:53pm
Kaz', see post #23.
It may be worth an overnight trip to west Auckland in the very near future.
attitudedesignz,
Jun 6, 4:58pm
Cheers jazz, these are the things i'd need / like to know.
Will peruse some over the weekend and flick up some links as i go.
attitudedesignz,
Jun 6, 5:02pm
Kinda wanna go up a "size", hence the Maz' 3 / Axella comment in post #1, but thanks for looking.
thejazzpianoma,
Jun 6, 5:04pm
Sounds great, remember to keep an eye on fuel economy with your options. The Golf is going to be considerably cheaper to run than anything else with as much get up and go for your purpose. In fact, it will be cheaper to run that even most of the slowest options.
Really, it's all about the individual car. Pick a nice one, bring ALL maintenance up to date and keep it that way. Then it's pretty hard to go wrong. My technique is to drive all the engine/badge/spec options and look at enough to get really confident/comfortable with choosing a good one. Then I just sit on the fence, checking the new listings every morning. Then when that perfect one comes up I can make a lightening quick decision if I need to.
attitudedesignz,
Jul 23, 4:19am
It's bad enough i'm talking to jazz 'bout VWs, let alone even thinking 'bout something French LOL.
Yes, the Subaru seems a bit 'dated' interior wise i think.
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