If You Had $30k To Spend On A Car....

Re: If You Had $30k To Spend On A Car.... (fredhoon)

Sat, 23 Nov 2013 08:44:36 GMT

Soaren1
Honestly I've been down this road and the Legnum smashes them all bar an Evo. Soo much cheaper more capable too

And they are also 5yrs older than the requirements in the 1st post, similar story to the turbo Stegas (the V6 models are even more ugly).

Re: If You Had $30k To Spend On A Car.... (SAW4397)

Sat, 23 Nov 2013 01:26:30 GMT

Stags are nice got a mate that has one if your interetesed i can check out what it like and such say how much room there is and crap i know the r34 sedan where **** for leg room

Re: If You Had $30k To Spend On A Car.... (Soaren1)

Fri, 22 Nov 2013 23:19:15 GMT

Honestly I've been down this road and the Legnum smashes them all bar an Evo. Soo much cheaper more capable too

Re: If You Had $30k To Spend On A Car.... (MR2QIK)

Thu, 14 Nov 2013 16:24:24 GMT

Btw, Caldinas aren't very roomy (similar to a hatch imo) & the ST246 4spd is a fail. ST215 is too ugly for most women to approve.

Legnums are excellent & cheap. Stags aren't the best looking things on the road & drink.

really couldn't fault Liberty wagons but they're just not for me.

Re: If You Had $30k To Spend On A Car.... (MR2QIK)

Thu, 14 Nov 2013 16:19:58 GMT

Damn right Stuka. The Bub's usually in the Legnum or Lexus (250/350). I do honestly feel safe & assured driving around with 4wd & ayc assistance if required (esp in the rain). The Lexus' have really good stability control too & max 5star safety rating.

Re: If You Had $30k To Spend On A Car.... (Mrskylighter)

Thu, 14 Nov 2013 16:07:43 GMT

Get your wife a nice luxury car to drive. Quiet, safe and smooth when on the move.
Not some thrashed jap performance sedan/wagon :)

Re: If You Had $30k To Spend On A Car.... (maj)

Thu, 14 Nov 2013 15:50:34 GMT

Aurion interior quality ain't as nice as the Liberty, they are FWD and a little numb on the handling side. Difference in weight despite the extra power doesn't translate into a faster car either.

GT wagons are locally delivered too, insurance is cheap because they've been 5 star ancap since 2003. Even despite the turbo they are fairly reasonable running costs, services are higher than an NA but not a lot, and fuel usage is still well under 10L/100km once you adjust your driving style to suit them; you can keep revs relatively high but as long as you're light on throttle, they are very frugal and power is immediately available.

Caldina is nice but the ST215 is more on par with gen3 liberties rather than gen4, ST246's seem nice but their styling is very much for the eye of the beholder, I think they're nice though.

I still say avoid a family hauler unless you want comfort and tons of space. RWD Super saloon's VIP style are much cooler and just as comfy.

Re: If You Had $30k To Spend On A Car.... (purple5ive)

Thu, 14 Nov 2013 15:04:19 GMT

how about the Toyota Aurion, also comes in the TRD version But hard to find. locally delivered has everything you asked for Bar the handling side, and will be cheaper to insure as well, cosniderign your wife will be drivign mostly i think it will be perfect
otherwise mayeb a newer Model Caldina wagon.
2010-2011 Subaru wagons
or the newer model stageas

cheers

Re: If You Had $30k To Spend On A Car.... (Knightrous)

Thu, 14 Nov 2013 14:23:43 GMT

Ah, I totally forgot the 'baru party wagon... Also another option :)

Re: If You Had $30k To Spend On A Car.... (maj)

Thu, 14 Nov 2013 09:32:16 GMT

I'd rather have a Liberty Wagon than a Legnum, even though I know the mitsubishi engines are much more capable, apparently the Legnums just don't handle quite as nice.

Skyline front end converted Stagea would be awesome. I've been in a midly modded R34 GT-T Auto, the 4 speed + overdrive with tiptronic shift was awesome for pulling hard.

Re: If You Had $30k To Spend On A Car.... (Knightrous)

Thu, 14 Nov 2013 09:13:38 GMT

tralfaz
Completely out of left field but have you looked at the Toyota Caldina (check CarSales). In "N" form they have 4WD, Tiptronic shift, TRD suspension, 4 doors, Recaro seats, but the big plus is the engine. Beams version of the 3SGTE. Grey import of course but you can pick them up for about $15k for a good one.

And if the Toyota party wagon doesn't light your fire, you have the Mitsubishi Legnum and Nissan Stagea as other alternatives.

Re: If You Had $30k To Spend On A Car.... (tralfaz)

Wed, 13 Nov 2013 23:37:49 GMT

Completely out of left field but have you looked at the Toyota Caldina (check CarSales). In "N" form they have 4WD, Tiptronic shift, TRD suspension, 4 doors, Recaro seats, but the big plus is the engine. Beams version of the 3SGTE. Grey import of course but you can pick them up for about $15k for a good one.

Re: If You Had $30k To Spend On A Car.... (stuka)

Wed, 13 Nov 2013 21:15:34 GMT

thanks for all the comments and suggestions. yes it needs to be a 4 door etc and also needs to be liked by the better half as she will be driving it most, so it will need to have bit of style too. I do find I drive different when the child is on board. MR2QIK looks like you have become a dad since I seen you last??

Re: If You Had $30k To Spend On A Car.... (MR2QIK)

Wed, 13 Nov 2013 21:08:54 GMT

^does have a very valid point. You drive like a limo driver with a baby on board. Slow, safe & smooth.

Re: If You Had $30k To Spend On A Car.... (Highlander)

Wed, 13 Nov 2013 20:41:49 GMT

The OP was 4 doors
decent sized boot
decent power 150kw +
decent handling
relatively modern 2006+

I have searched the net and haven't really been able to find this mythical 4 door Elise with the decent sized boot and room for a baby seat. I have heard that with a bit of jiggling you can get two toothbrushes into an Elise.

Not only that, the addition of what goes in the baby seat usually has some impact on the driving habits of responsible adults. Keep the MR2 toy for your jollies (it's more fun when everyone is driving in the same direction) and buy a civilised family car that provides you with safety, quiet and comfort.

Look forward to seeing you again in January 2014