Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

so, we have $6k to spend on a car for our hero...

https://www.tradeuniquecars.com.au/detail/jaguar-xj6-395283

we'll get em down...

oh god! bang on budget!

https://www.tradeuniquecars.com.au/detail/holden-premier-732263

this one's up north, too!
https://www.tradeuniquecars.com.au/detail/ford-f250-692361

last one...

https://www.tradeuniquecars.com.au/detail/holden-ej-739023

Ute

unique cars was notoriously overpriced when i lived in aus, anyway), but there's not much available for $6k.

i agree, though - jose should remortgage and buy a sick-as-all-fuck HQ one tonner

i need to do some work...

Lori is desperate to get a Hilux or a Ute... I'll be happy with a Forester, but she hates them... Calls them granny cars... And where did you get $6k from?!? I make it $4,400...

I'm happy to spend ten grand, can get a nice Legacy for that... But really looking for a petrol E91, black, dark grey or silver with dark leather interior... I'd go the extra few k for one of those, who wouldn't?

i just assumed you'd get 3k from the seppo and 3k from the insurance

Ah, gotcha!

I certainly did....

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Great colour!

Looks tidy.

Ok so I've ordered one of these now, delivery in march.

Test drive experience was excellent. I never drive fast/ in anger (almost) so all the reviews about it being boring don't bother me. And I've never had a new car before. Only niggle is the ridiculous quilted leather interior which can not be exchanged without great expense apparently. I'll have to learn to not see it. And yes, I know the wheel is on the wrong side...

Lower end of the scale here. My MK2 FL Octavia estate is reaching the end of its life and needs replacing with something suitable for chucking muddy MTBs in with the wheels on and the crap condition roads of Shropshire. Top of the list is the Seat Altea Freetrack, £3k seems to get an '07-'09 with <80k miles, certainly better value than another Octavia or similar.

I can deal with it looking like a complete dog's dinner inside and out given the rest of it seems reasonable. Largely; big boot, 4 wheel drive, decent ride height/high profile tyres and the choice of either the 2.0 CR170 Tdi (more powerful version of my current Octavia) or more interestingly the 2.0 TSI from the Mk5 Golf GTi. Built on the same VAG platform as my Octavia so most mechanical bits are familiar.

Questions are:

1. What to look out for with the Haldex 4 wheel drive system? Generally reliable? Any weak points?
   
2. The same for the 2.0 TSI, seem to remember this engine is fairly well regarded in terms of reliability. Any particular foibles?
   
   

Other option on the list is the '03-'09 Outback 3.0, but less choice in budget.

Skoda Yeti?

Good shout, added to the list.

Boot isn't massive.

Freetrack has the 2.0 TFSI from the Mk6 GTI according to the engine code, 208bhp CCZB

They can be prone to turbo and water pump failure pre-2015 I think. There was a recall done on some models with that engine to upgrade the water pump from a plastic one to an alloy one.

Outback with the 3.0 H6 is a bit thirsty if you're used to an Ocavia TDI

Do we all agree that Joe should get the most Bogan vehicle possible?

Strangely enough, bogan vehicles aren't cheap... Cheaper to get a clean, low mileage BMW E91 than it is to get a tatty HiLux or even a Ute... Strange place, boganism is a badge of honour, people love to show it off ...

I’m enquiring about this which I stumbled upon in a barn near where I live. Anyone know much about these?

It’s the ‘S’ so has the 2.5l Porsche developed engine rather than the VW van unit in the standard version. I had a poke around - looks to have remarkably little rust and mostly all there.

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you'd have to love it. it would likely need a lot more cash thrown at it that it would be worth (for some time).

I concur.

2.0 tsi, cam chain tensioner (good oil changes reduces this) doesn't cost much to put one on before it becomes an issue, go through coil packs fairly often (get good ones), top end engine wear (good oil at regular intervals) seen a few when in larger cars makinh a racket by the 100/120k mile point when they shouldn't be.
Generally powerful enough, sound alright and good on fuel for its output