MarkMC

I would buy a Polo (diesel Pacific or Petrol GTI)

sr71

Holdens are absolute rubbish.

Buy a Ford, either a Fairmont in previous models or the current one is the G6

gmralston

I have heard good reports about the i30 too, I would put it in your look at list. How about any feedback from people who have used Hyundai dealers/service in oz? The Getz is really cheap now as it is getting phazed out and will be replaced by the i20 made in India.

The new Toyotas just don't feel as well made as the older ones but a suppose that's the same with everything.

Am I right in assuming that Holdens in Oz are the up to the same standard as Vauxhall in UK?

johnnyx0

Yep, just as crap

gmralston

hell, I wrote that wrong, it should be

Am I right in assuming that Holdens in Oz are not up to the same standard as Vauxhall in UK?

rockpeblar

I bought a i30 CRDi in July new from JH. Now clocked up approx 4,000k's and very happy with it. Have only got the base model with manual gearbox but comes with 4xEW, decent stereo with USB input so no need for CD autochanger, traction control & ESP as std. Could do with cruise as std but over than that it is well specced. Is pretty nippy if you keep it on the turbo and handles well considering the diesel lump in the front. Previously owned a Skoda Fabia vRS in the UK and this felt very nose heavy through bends in comparison. Generally just use it to and fro work and travelling in metro areas but returns approx 750kms for $50 fuel.
Test drove the Corolla before I got the i30 but it felt dull in comparison and you had to rev it to get any performance. No ESP as std either.
Hopefully reasonable resale value in a few years.
My first Korean car, but so far very happy with it

polly_pod

great thread - we're in the same boat too

new or used - that is the question

rockpeblar

Sometimes you can get a good 2nd private sale. We purchased a near new Focus Zetec privately when we arrived for $19k, after 2 years and 35,000kms we got $12.5k trade in and the car had it advertised for $17.5k and it went very quickly. I would have sold it privately except it had one or two faults and we wanted to change quickly.
There isn't the same levels of depreciation that happens in the UK on most cars so buying new here does make more sense than the UK.

sr71

Actually that's a bit unfair these days as most Holdens are built in Korea - they may still be a bit naff but at least they should be reliable.

jimbo_d

Holden HSV commodore is Jeremy Clarkson's best bang for buck car in the whole world, you will not be able to get a more powerful car for the 70k or so they cost. The new commodores are pretty good machines, and yes maybe or maybe not it's the Korean build quality, still designed in Australia though.

I have a new Mitsubishi lancer, great car, and would advise anyone to buy Japanese here, the cars are great, and along with parts and service are reasonable priced. Get a Hyundai even if you can be seen driving in one, good cars. Don't bother with European cars unless you're rich, as they're expensive to service and replace parts.

Officer Dibble

Ive driven many different cars and the Toyota Camry is my personal fave to drive although theyre not very attractive. I own a Holden and havent had any dramas in the 9 years Ive owned it. Toyotas, Hondas and Mazdas are the top three IMO. If I didnt use trailers so much, I would get a hatchback for sure.