Note, Ractis or ?

supernova2, Jul 14, 11:06pm
Oh wise ones any suggestions in that size/configuration with cruise control? Price around $10K. Capable of carting usually 2 but sometimes 4 kiwi sized tall adults and associated luggage.
thejazzpianoma, Jul 14, 11:35pm
Definitely not the Note .Really badly made short life vehicle like something from China. Short life transmission and no rustproofing let alone Galvanising.

I would go Fiat Panda Designed for tall people, exceptionally economical, brilliant on the open road, fully galvanised, very low service requirements, amazing value for money and built to last.

However, you may need to fit the aftermarket cruise control kit.

Otherwise, you could go for a Fiat Grande Punto which has cruise control on all models if I remember rightly.

Better off buying European for tall people, safety and value for money.
supernova2, Jul 14, 11:50pm
Thanks Jazz. That Fabia might do the trick.
ps- you have mail.
supernova2, Jul 14, 11:58pm
Well i know why I didn't get a reply. Looks like it's stuck in my drafts. I'll see if I can free it up a bit later today. Cheers
thejazzpianoma, Jul 15, 12:03am
All good. I might be able to meet you in Waihi and offer an opinion on the Skoda as I am living out that way at the moment if that's any help.

Just depends on if I can fit it in. I can give it a scan with my VW tool for you too.
bazfan, Jul 15, 2:39am
What about the Toyota Blade or Corolla?
poppy62, Jul 15, 4:34am
Mercedes B200 or Citroen Grand Picasso. Loads of room economical, easy to get in and out of. Not much bigger than the Note/ ractiis. worth a look.
kazbanz, Jul 15, 7:19am
I LOVE the ractis for all its able to do BUT as soo as you say four tall adults I stop. Happy to be proven wrong but in my experience its a bit cramped for a tall person behind the wheel. Im 1.77 and it fits me.
melvis4, Jul 15, 9:02am
How about a Fiat Multipla?
intrade, Jul 15, 7:03pm
cruise control ona not racist.
tgray, Jul 15, 7:25pm
What's your definition of "kiwi sized"?
supernova2, Jul 16, 9:24am
Hmm
1.8mtrs (tall body short legs) , 120kg
Or if you asked a medical professional - Morbidly obese !

Just about anything with a sunroof/moonroof is just a no go. The later RAV (prob out of the price range) has that hideous center roof box which is a guaranteed wack in the ear. I'm thinking probably need to go up a size from the Note/Ractus. But that's starting to get into Murano/Dualis/Rav or have I missed a step somewhere?
Just out of interest tried a BMW X3 and just nah felt cramped and generally horrid. A early Grandis is ok but don't want 7 seats or a smoking engine.
Selection locally is next to nothing so seeking suggestions to go on a shopping trip to somewhere.
ambo11, Jul 16, 4:26pm
I'm in the same boat as you supernova, looking round for another car, a daily runaround .Ractis is on my list, don't mind the look and they are amazing wee cars, the 1.5 has cruise control. Others I'm pondering are a late 2000s 2.4 manual Vitara, and would love to look at a Honda Crossroad as well, but none down our way. Seems to me all modernish cars are too bloody low nowadays.Tried a Dualis but that was head smacking material getting into. Oddly my 2005 Odyssey is easy for me to get in, much lower than a Ractis too.
kazbanz, Jul 16, 7:37pm
Ok so 10k budget,Cruise and enough room for 4 x BIG people.
supernova2, Jul 16, 7:44pm
In my case it's a lack of head room once in that's the issue. I've got used to ducking to get in but dont like having to slouch down in the seat to get my head off the roof.
The other thing I have noticed is just about everything on the road is bigger than the normal car (In our case a P10 primera) and you feel like you are about to be run over. Park a P10 next to a Ranger and it feels like parking a classic Mini next to an Intercity bus.
Why does everyone need a SUV or giant 4WD ute? The supermarket carpark is about 99% giant vehicles with 1 occupant. Do they perhaps buy their toiletpaper by the tonne? However go to Bunnings/Mitre10 and the car park is full of Fits/Demios/Rios. Obviously the elderly don't buy groceries but do a lot of DIY!
Was watching the drivethrough queue at Maccas the other day. Just about every vehicle the driver had to lean down to the service window. Wont be long before those sort of stores will be putting in higher service windows and putting their staff on a pedestal.
kazbanz, Jul 16, 7:50pm
Supernova-
I just did a bit of a scout around. -Honda CRV 2.4kiwi,Toyota brevis 3.0l Honda accord sedan 2.4l Toyota estima 2005 2.4 and Toyota Blade 3.5
All cruise. ractis is cruise in some
supernova2, Jul 16, 7:53pm
Yeah I know dreaming but one can hope.
I found you go onto a dealers yard and say $10K so they show you $15K and end up being guided towards the $25K. There is a bit of extra in the budget but given it will probably only do about 5K a year it's hard to justify $25k sitting in the shed.
Most of the time be only 2 but sometimes 3 or 4. Problem being that if it's 4 it's likely to be day trips rather than going to the dairy for the milk. Of the 4 say 2 BIG and 2 @ 1.6m
gazzat22, Jul 16, 9:06pm
its a question of perception. SUV,s arnd their like are perceived to be sooo much safer to do the shopping/take kids to school etc !
supernova2, Jul 16, 9:24pm
Nah I think it's more a case of good (or is that bad) adverting by manufactures and then keeping up an image with your neighbours/other parents/work etc.

Sheep syndrome.
Or just utter stupidity. Have a rele who buys a new Ranger every year. Latest was about $75K. It sits in his shed 6 days a week and he drives about in a Suzuki SJ413. Must be great to have that much surplus cash to waste.
ambo11, Jul 16, 10:18pm
Kaz, the import CRVs late 2000s, 2.4 auto, around the 12-15K mark. what are these like, they are quite a big vehicle when you walk around one. Guessing thirsty round town? The Honda Crossroad is the same height as the CRV, but none in this area to sit in.
kazbanz, Jul 17, 9:33pm
To be honest I haven't had one for awhile-newest Ive had for the last couple of years is a 2.4 2005 which was very nice to drive. basicly like driving a tall accord.
kazbanz, Jul 17, 9:37pm
SN-mail working?
sw20, Nov 22, 12:04am
Toyota Blade Master G. Has adaptive cruise control. I'm 6'1"and I can comfortably sit in the back, even when I've got the seat almost all the way back and there is still a ton of knee room. Can get one with around 100km now for $10k from a dealer.