HI

Most of you know I have a Mitsibishi 4x4 ute as a workhorse, but now
we have turned our thoughts to getting MrsB a car - and was going to spend c. AUS12000.

Now we are even thinking of going for a brand new Mitsubishi Lancer at c. 20K+ as they are 'flogging' them now with about 30years warranty, and it will last a fair while. I want one of the newer ones - I think from 2003.

I can't get on to Mitsi's site so can anytell me how much the current new basr model/ mid level trim 4 cylinder Lancer is?

I am also considering the Suburu RX/GX as it has all-wheel drive and whilst it is fairly heavy, slow and a bit thirstier, it's ride and handling will be good on the winding roads around here. I'm not talking about the turbo rally car now!

Also I have considered an old VT Commodore (97-) over the AU Falcon as
1) the Holden is the better car
2) The AU Ford looks sh*thouse.

Unfortunately the early VTs have problems with camber on the real wheels and a newer VT or the VX will start to creep up in price - still its a lot of car from 12,000 and will be a good family car for the best part of the next 7 years or so.

The BA Falcon (2002ish -) is better than the Commodore but we can't spend that sort of money. And it still looks sh*thouse.

We need at least a mid size car, big enough to take a small family. Jap or Aussie manufactured, (manual OK), at least 2L engine capacity ie. around 100kW to 130bhp. I will not buy an significantly under powered car as I have to drive it too! Approx 10l/100 or better economy. Handling important. Speed not.

Any ideas?

cheers

BM

badger,

check out the redbook (http://www.redbook.com.au/). Here you can compare new cars in terms of price, performance, and so on, and also get a guide to the second hand prices.

Trev

Yeah Badger don't buy her a bloody lancer. They are built like a 70's fiat. My advice would be to get a used focus still under warranty. The new ones are only 18K so they can't cost that much. Several reasons spring to mind. They are safer than any car at that price, very frugal on juice, nice interiors and most importantly they handle. While the engine sounds a bit john major you will have fun chucking this around the corners mate!

However if it was my cash I'd buy her a 3.0L magna sport with a manual gearbox. They are fwd but they sound great and carry four adults in comfort. In this price range though try the auctions as you can expect a few bargains that dealers are stocked on. This does involve effort though and you may be a lazy *****er that thinks it's too much effort