Yep....we're expecting number 4......so the BA XR6 has to go and make way for something with a few more seats.

Here's what's on the list at the moment. Looking to spend up to $34k [depending on how much I sell the Falcon for], and with less than 80,000 kms.

All of these will be second hand....VW T5 Caravelle, Ford Territory, Ford Explorer, Mercedes ML320, Landcruiser, Prado, Honda Oddysey.

I don't want a Kia, Tarago, or anything like that. I was thining Volvo V70, but don't like their seating arrangement [face backwards].

I'd love to get an older Microbus but I won't be able to convince the missus on that one. I like the T5, but they are a bit pricey still. The Territory's are a good bit of kit, and the Explorers are coming for good prices second hand - with a V8 too. Merc's will be expensive to service, but a nicely equipped. Landcruisers / Prado's et al are bullet proof - but I'm not a Toyota man. I like the Oddysey but my missus doesn't like the dashboard.

Thoughts?

Squiz....

congrats on the number 4, number 1 for us is a few months off.... as for the car, i do like the Territorys, but they are the flav right now, so prices will be high...

No 4!

Congrats Squiz and Gill!

T4 Microbuses are nice to drive.

Oh yeah - and get a TELEVISION!

Don't go the explorer if you want good resale value.

A friend brought one new about 4-5 yrs ago for around 50k,
it is in good nick with around 90k on the clock, he went to trade it in on a new nissan X-TRAIL and the best trade in he could get was 11k, the worst was 9k. He reckons they are a nice car to drive a bit thirsty. He says he will keep it for the rest of the lease then get rid of it as he can't loose much more on it anyway

Mike

try and find yourself a Mercedes M270 CDi "ewwww diesel" I know, but you should be able to get it in the high thirties low 40's and as long as you sell it within the magic 4 year mark you won't lose much on it, unlike the territory or explorers. Not too mention that with a big 4x4 the extra economy and torque of a diesel is fantastic, plus being a Merc it won't leave your driveway smelling like a sulphur mine.

stay away from ml's unless you want to spend the big bucks... i use to work mercedes in parts and the amount of warranty issues and parts prices mortified me..and servicing costs, say no more.... id probably go the honda odyssey out of all those... 4wd's will just chew your money... unless you got so much you dont care... there is many considerations of course..

the latest version of the honda is sweetttt! At the mo' my missus and I have a Subby as our second car :thumb (the notch is always #1, until is time to spend money on it, then it goes to the bottom o the pile). If they ever make that honday oddysey in AWD then we'll prolly consider that one when it's time to upgrade the subby. I don't like Fords, so I say stay away form them. I also have a problem with fornt wheel drives, is the caravelle still a front wheel drive? if so, that sucks.

chekc out what u like, then go to union shoppers (if ur in a union) or to a credit union line motor locator..

I know it sound stupid, but worth it. No matter how good a deal u get, they can usually get better.

My partner and I did this 4 times, here is what we saved on new cars...and yes, they can do same for used as well.

toyota corolla
given driveaway price of $34k, got it down to $24K, including insurance, and numerous extras, liek paint protection, mats, headlight/bonnet protectors etc.
toyota echo
given driveaway price of $23K, got it down to $17500
toyota corolla
given driveaway price of $24K, got it down to $21500, with premium paint package + mags dask mats, floor mats, protectors etc (which weren't in original quote)
toyota corolla
given best price of $21500, got it down to $18500, with premium paint package, plus dash mats, floor mats, protectors.


They do it on everything, fridges, washers, everything. I never buy new, until AFTER I have gone there.

but liek i said, they can be just as good with second hand as well.

most credit unions have this facility available...u give them the details on what ur looking for, they source car, u look at it, decide if u want it, and they price down even further.

but union shopper, which is open to anyone in a union, can be found in phone book. and they don't care if purchase is for u or family/friend.

Thanks Matt. Yeah my mother in law was like "put that thing away".....

The Explorer I'm interest in is the current model, not the Firestone rollover special. The current model second hand is pretty cheap, so what you're saying re resale looks spot on - that's why it looks a good buy.

The Merc is still in there, but the CDI is too expensive. $34/35k is going to be max. Anything over that eats into home extension money [my nextworry].

I am a member of a Credit Union, so will certainly look at that option. I'm also thinking of getting something via Auction - so long as it still has warranty.

I do still like the Odyssey, am am leaning towards the V6-L - second hand again.

Squiz....

Would thoroughly recommend the T5 Kombi/Caravelle. I have 4 kids and this vehicle allows you to carry all the extra items that baby needs. All the other vehicles are low on luggage space, room for passengers and or both. Also in terms of reliabilty, the vehicle never misses a beat, just service it regularly add a set of mags (improves the ride comfort no end) and get a cat back system. This will improve fuel economy notably.

Honda Odyssey look good but NFI on $$
Congrats on #4

get each child to present a 3 minute speech on "why you should keep me". the two with the best argument get to stay, the other two should be sold for scientific experiments, etc etc. then, you keep the BA, and everyone is happy (except the two sold children, but its their fault for not convincing you of their worth!)

the mercs have a great flat diesel engine, so worth considering for drivability, but if you want someting thoroughly different, a mate of mine has an imported turbo diesel 4x4 torago. damn nutty thing, loads of torque but no kw, loads of ability but shit all brakes (drums on the rear!!)

Hey Squiz congratulations. Hope there is nothing in the water on the coast!

I've had the family truckster (Landcruiser) for nearly eight years 170000 Ks and have only put fuel, oil, tyres and brake pads in it the whole time. Thirsty on fuel though.

Brendan