Stormz

Will be in the market for a car in Perth in late June. Budget $12k - $18k. Preferably an MPV or something with a decent amount of room (some 4wd`s maybe).

Where can I look online to get an idea of what`s available (privately) ??

Cheers,

Gary

movetoperth

To buy privately you can look at the quokka online www.quokka.com.au most things that go in the quokka will be there, remember though if you buy from a garage you will get a warranty. If you want to compare garage prices try www.ahg.com.au.

If you want some garage contacts i have a couple of great ones that i trust not to rip people off, pm me if you want the details.

Lynn

Wave the Sails

www.discountcars.com.au

Stormz

Some great links there thanks Keep `em coming.

Any suggestions for an MPV to buy in Oz for up to $20k and not older than 1994? We have a 1991 Toyota Townace here in the UK and it`s been brilliant... it`s just a bit old now. It`s called the Tarago in Oz (older model though.... would love the newer one if we could afford it, unless there`s something of better value there).

movetoperth

The best selling mpv here is the Kia Carnival, just under $30k new, you should get a 2000 one for your 20k through a garage.

Lynn

Stormz

Sounded great until I read some user reviews of it on this site, which is an excellent resource....

http://www.productreview.com.au/

movetoperth

You will find that the 7 seat 4x4s are more popular here than MPVs are, so you may find more choice looking at them.

Also if you look on the www.rac.com.au you will find safety tesr results on new and used cars, it's quite a scary read.

Lynn

Grassface

http://www.autotrader.com.au/

Siren & Brian

This is the one I was going to recommend.. it is very good

Stormz

Thanks Lynn you`ve been really helpful. I`d like us to buy a car/van/4x4 soon after we arrive in mid-june. If you could e-mail the garages you think are good I`d appreciate it.... mailto:[email protected] . We`ll be staying with the in-laws in Beckenham (near Maddington/Cannington/Albany Highway).

What are the suggestions for 4x4`s?? We had a 3-door Rav4 here and loved it, but it was too small for 2 adults and a baby.... and we have another rug-rat on the way in September.... hence our 1991 Townace was far more useful and practical. We don`t care about off-roading, just price, room and value for money. Oh, and reliability of course. We generally go Japanese. I wouldn`t touch a Holden with a barge pole.... hate them.

movetoperth

Hi Stormz

I've got a really full on morning today but i'll email you later on in the day.

Lynn

bal56

Hi Stormz. We've been in Perth for three and a bit weeks now and are a family of 7. We picked up quite a high mileage Toyota Landcruiser (8 seat) for well under $20k. (I had a Previa in the UK). Insurance was around $500 for a year with protected no claims and $200 excess.
I've always been anti 4x4s (we had a Previa in the UK). This one doesn't have quite as much luggage space as a Previa (Tarago here) but still performs well. There are zillions of 4x4 options here.
The main MPVs seem to be Taragos, Kia Carnivals, Hyundi Trajets (we had a rental one which drove well) and to a lesser extent Mitsubishi Space<xxxx>s (MPVs or 4x4s), Chrysler Voyagers and Honda whatevertheyarecalleds. Amongst all these you should have no probs picking up one for a low budget as long as you're prepared to balance miles with price. We went to Wangara - an area in the Northern suburbs with loads of dealers. Osborne Park, nearer the city is similar.
I'm not so much of an expert on the southern areas.

Stormz

I remember there`s lot`s of car dealerships in Vic Park along Albany Highway.

So what made you go for the 4x4 instead of another Previa-like MPV?

What`s the Precia like anyway. I have the Townace in the UK, which is the older version of the Previa etc. One thing that`s always confused me... what`s the difference between the Lucida, Previa and Estima... they all look the same and are all about the same year(s).

bal56

The wife walked in to the dealership and said "I want that one". As it (for once) matched my budget (although having more miles than I anticipated) and we had lots of other things to sort out, I agreed.
The Previa (Tarago in Oz) back home was great - it seated our family and had luggage/dog space at the back, unlike all other similarly priced MPVs.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...e=STRK:MESO:IT
In the UK I was advised not to touch Lucidas/Estimas (diesel imports) as the parts and servicing was pricey. They are also narrower.
These are also in Oz (called I'm not sure what). I don't know whether they are more 'legit' here.

Stormz

Well my Townace is an import, and most parts etc so far have been easy to source (common Toyota engine). Won`t get an import in Aus probably just in case due to parts and insurance. Would love a Previa in Oz.