Don_Angel

That model Barina was a rebadged Suzuki swift and are reliable. The model after that was the European Corsa but more recent ones are built in Korea by GM Deawoo and are totaly crap.

B1K3R

Hmmm, thanks Don.

How's the 'european corsa' barina? There seems to be a few around for sale..

Cheers
B!K3R

spartacus

If you want to look at owner reviews have a look at www.carsurvey.org

Wendy

Yes, I was just about to say that about my old Barina being a Susuki Swift in disguise

Same as my Ford Laser, which is actually a Mazda Astini

Steve2009

150k is not that much in Australia. 93750 miles.

monkeyalan

1995-2000 honda civic - ultra reliable

1995 - 1999 nissan pulsar - n15 shape - don't go newer as renault bought a stake and quality dropped drastically.

1994 - onwards mazda 323 - any body shape

any year toyota corolla - boring styling but again , very reliable.

Basically , out here , stick to japanese and you shouldn't go wrong.

I personally wouldn't buy anything smaller for the age as safety standards aren't as good and australians can't drive.

service history is far more important than mileage with older cars.

lapin_windstar

Better a perfectly-serviced 150,000km car than a 50,000km car without a consistent service history. Toyotas are megareliable if properly serviced.

Wouldn't buy a European car under any circumstances: unreliable and expensive everything. Might lease one.

Look at the reviews on nrma.com.au and drive.com.au .

Big Galah

Buyer Beware always, but particularly with older Fords and Holdens - they can become a money pit. E.g. Ford Focus from early 2000s that you might be lucky to pick up for 5k - a busted transmission (not uncommon) could cost up to another 5k. They also need replacement brake pads and tyres more frequently than you would expect.

For the amount of money you're talking about I'd agree with the person who suggested Japanese - older Hondas, Toyotas and Nissans would be my preference. You might also want to consider an NRMA inspection. Some dealers may say they've already arranged an inspection - but a sticker alone does not guarantee this.

Don_Angel

Yes I agree, look how the older Corollas and Civics hold their value, there is a good reason for that. I find 1.8L is just about right for my corolla, but it's no ball of fire:-) It is a boring car but ultra reliable and cheap to run.

ozzieeagle

Personally I would go with the Ford Falcons or Fairmonts... reason being parts are so cheap for these cars, plus you can shop around for the cheapest reliable mechanic as all have experience working with them.



I know of a Ford Fairmont 2000 Olympic edition, with only 140k on the odo. 4,500Aud almost Mint condition. In fact I may be buying it Comes via and recommended by my Car Mechanic that I've known for over 23 years. Even my shabby current one would almost certainly take me around Aus a few times without a hitch. There is a reason why they are the vehicle of choice as Taxis in this country.

The only downside of the Ford Falcons/Fairmonts/Fairlanes, are they are dearer than most in running costs. But not by enough to put me off... and they are fantastic on a long trip.

Don_Angel

I think these were not too bad in the UK where you could get the parts off the internet sites pretty cheap but being GM they will need more tlc than Japanese equivalent and parts from Europe are expensive.

Don_Angel

The testiment to the Ford Falcon are the Taxis, those 4L inline 6s must be bullet proof.

ozzieeagle

Serviced regularly they are 1,000,000K Engines... not so sure about the rest of the vehicle lasting as well though. My current ones roof lining fell off, which is probably one of the most annoying things I've had happen with a car... besides all the trim coming loose... still mechanically its very very good. I just drive it without roof lining now... stuff buying new trim etc for it. Hence I'm in the market for another, and unfortunately will probably let my Datsun go to a collector.... VGC 200B 1978... Probably 1000 bucks (Maybe more it is in damn good nick... appearance wise at least very certain that it will go up in value ) off of the purchase price of the next Ford I buy.

Apparently you can get some Fords with trim problems... most dont suffer from this though.

Officer Dibble

In carsguide a while back there was a bright orange, mid 90's Falcon for sale, ex-taxi and had 900,000 on the clock. Twas about 2 grand but I wonder if they sold it.

verystormy

Have Getz and love. It can move along fairly well and great on fuel. The run to the airport which is over 100 costs about $5. No problems with it.

As for the Ford Falcon - you couldnt pay me enough to take it off your hands. One of the ugliest pieces of junk ever churned out. If i was going for a bigger / more expensive car then Toyota landcruiser - not one built in the last 5 years as the newer ones are becoming crap