Advice on buying a First Car.

[OffRoadFalcon]

G'day everyone

Hopefully I've got this in the right place, if not, I apologise.

I've got a slight dilemma.

I'll be doing my final licence test after my birthday, the 11th March, the Hazard Perception computer test, and when I pass that I will finally (after waiting since I was 3!) have my P plates! Obviously I'm going to need a car.

I'm keen on the AUII wagon we have, and my parents are also keen to sell it to me, but as things are now, buying into a newer 4WD/Van with at least the same space as the wagon may be a struggle finacially. They are happy to sell it to me once they can afford to upgrade though. I will also do whatever I can to find a replacement for them when the time comes.

So if by that time they still don't think it's possible, I'll have to buy something else for the time being.

So really, what sort of money should I be looking at spending, and for what?
I estimate to have about $4000 when the time comes. Not interested in paying more for a very nice car because being a young driver, it's reasonably likely something could go wrong. I am careful and will remain that way, so I hope not to have any accidents.

I was thinking Falcon/Fairmont/Fairlane, because they can be had reasonably cheaply, often are reliable cars, and I can get info easily from these forums! V8 would be very nice, but not necessary. Most of the driving here is hwy/country roads or just cruising into town, which involves little stop/start.
Also, I was forced to do my assessment in auto because I have had very little manual experience due to not having a manual car available to learn in. And everyday, I prefer auto anyway.
Not much into small cars either, mostly for the fact I hate the sloping front end that you can never see when parking!

Thanks for looking and any input is appreciated!

Chris

[TheSneakiness]

4k should get you into a BA XT... kays may be high though.

[xisled]

If you want an AUII wagon, get one. $4000k should get youn one easy.

http://www.carsales.com.au/car/brand...&keyword=wagon

[XR6_661]

Buy EA S Pac

Fall in love with E-Series

[Nikked]

Keep the wagon...

At least till you are off your P's, then you can save up and buy a GT/XR8 or something...


Or, buy a EL XR or 'mont..

[nstg8a]

Originally Posted by Nikked

Keep the wagon...

At least till you are off your P's, then you can save up and buy a GT/XR8 or something...


Or, buy a EL XR or 'mont..

He doesn't own the wagon, its his parents. Familiar story. Lol...

If your gonna have roughly 4k to spend and you like your olds au wagon then buy one yourself. Seems like a bit of a no brainier really.

4k buys a lot of au these days. Especially if it doesn't have a T or XR badge on it.

[OffRoadFalcon]

Originally Posted by Rapid_Axe

4k should get you into a BA XT... kays may be high though.

Would prefer lower kays but if it's a good car... I'd also prefer pre-Bseries and later than ED. Don't much like the way our BAII XT drives with the electronic controlled brake and accelorator compared to the AUII wagon, which feels much more in touch with my imputs. Easier not to take off faster than expected or jerk on the brakes.

Cruise control is preferrable for long drives.
Something that isn't dropping too quickly in value would be helpful.

Originally Posted by xisled

If you want an AUII wagon, get one. $4000k should get youn one easy.

http://www.carsales.com.au/car/brand...&keyword=wagon

May just do that if I can find a good one.

Originally Posted by XR6_661

Buy EA S Pac

Fall in love with E-Series

We had a EAII GL wagon, 3.9 w/ 4sp auto. I've never been a huge fan of many E series cars, unless they're V8. And as far as I know most don't have cruise? Did the NA-C Fairlanes have cruise though? One of my aunties had a V8 NC Lane, forget if it had cruise though...

Originally Posted by Nikked

Keep the wagon...

At least till you are off your P's, then you can save up and buy a GT/XR8 or something...


Or, buy a EL XR or 'mont..

I want the wagon we have, because the plan is to fit RTV bits and turn it into a touring wagon! Its the right colour, spec, I know it's history, always reliable, and has the bullbar I love! It's got sentimental value to me as well.

If I can't buy the wagon off my parents when I get P's, I'll buy something else until they can sell it to me, and I will sell off whatever I have bought.

Don't really want a GT or XR8 honestly, theyre nice but too low usually! I'll import a good cond. 70s American wagon instead :P

Thanks everyone

[XRGhia]

Originally Posted by nstg8a

He doesn't own the wagon, its his parents. Familiar story. Lol...

typical how this is always bought up.




Chris, Most E-Series had Cruise from EB onwards, std from Futura up, but usually finding a GLi or something like that with cruise is easy too.

IMO, I'd be looking at something basic (So an ED Futura S/Wagon), with cruise control etc. basic car, basic servicing.

Edit: only the throttle is electric on a BA. Maybe your thinking of ABS, which is also on the AU. The good brakes on a BA would be because they're slightly bigger calipers.

[nstg8a]

Originally Posted by xrghiawagon

typical how this is always bought

Just clarifying things xrghiawagon. Easy to assume he's the owner reading some of the posts, which can make the op a bit confusing. As shown by nikked misunderstanding it. No need to get your panties all twisted.

[Ford_The_Win]

I suppose since you've got your heart set on a Ford, look for a low, low kay EF-AU Falcon, from the Futura model upwards so you get cruise control, ABS, power windows etc. You'll probably be fixing things every now and then, but they aren't hard to work on and there are plenty of people here who can help. A lot of old people who bought these cars new have recently died, so there are a lot of mint ones going up for sale.

It's a shame you're in WA, because I'd sell you my Ford Futura (EL), it's in great shape, low kays and has just about everything you seem to want. Standard suspension setup means it's got good ground clearance and has a nice smooth ride. As far as depreciation goes it's at rock bottom now so you wouldn't lose any money on it, unlike me

[Franco Cozzo]

Buy a VY Commodore, have the first one written off by a hailstorm, buy another VY Commodore with the insurance money, drive like a moron, and do burnouts everywhere, after 6 months trade it for an unroadworthy S14 turbo Silvia you can't legally drive, get it roadworthy then wrap it around a tree the first time you drive it trying to drift and write it off like one of our apprentices at work just did this week. Then complain about a bruised lung and torn muscles.

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...1991-13673375?

It isn't small, its reliable, 3rd party fire and theft insurance is cheap, it has some go, equivalent power to the Falcons of the same year, 4sp auto like you requested and because its FWD you won't be doing burnouts or trying to drive like a hero, it will understeer under power which is easier to control than oversteer.

[SM1DY]

My response is always the same



Thundercougarfalconbird

;)

[robbyj]

if you've only got 4k to spend on the car i wouldn't be looking at a v8.

Plenty of cheap falcons that are reliable. Either E or AU series. Maybe a NL fairlane ghia might tickle your fancy? They are a nice bit of gear. 4k will be high k's, but 200k's on these falcon motors is nothing.

Maybe an X series ute? XF XG etc. 4k will find you a nice run about that you can smash over bumps or anything, with room in the back to throw ya swag, tools, hair ties, whatever ya into. Should be able to sell it for the same money as well. Utes hold their value better.

[OffRoadFalcon]

Originally Posted by xrghiawagon

Chris, Most E-Series had Cruise from EB onwards, std from Futura up, but usually finding a GLi or something like that with cruise is easy too.

IMO, I'd be looking at something basic (So an ED Futura S/Wagon), with cruise control etc. basic car, basic servicing.

Edit: only the throttle is electric on a BA. Maybe your thinking of ABS, which is also on the AU. The good brakes on a BA would be because they're slightly bigger calipers.

Cheers Tony for that info about cruise. Would like a wagon but the idea of a NF/L Fairlane is interesting too. In the end it'll be a matter of what's around and what I can afford.
Sorry brain sleep there on the BA brakes. Our BAII's brakes are much grabbier than the AUII, and much harder to stop smoothly. Just doesn't feel as comfortable to drive.

Originally Posted by Ford_The_Win

I suppose since you've got your heart set on a Ford, look for a low, low kay EF-AU Falcon, from the Futura model upwards so you get cruise control, ABS, power windows etc. You'll probably be fixing things every now and then, but they aren't hard to work on and there are plenty of people here who can help. A lot of old people who bought these cars new have recently died, so there are a lot of mint ones going up for sale.

It's a shame you're in WA, because I'd sell you my Ford Futura (EL), it's in great shape, low kays and has just about everything you seem to want. Standard suspension setup means it's got good ground clearance and has a nice smooth ride. As far as depreciation goes it's at rock bottom now so you wouldn't lose any money on it, unlike me

Not totally set on a Ford but I'm not sure of any better alternative?
Theyre good because I know I can get info here.

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Buy a VY Commodore, have the first one written off by a hailstorm, buy another VY Commodore with the insurance money, drive like a moron, and do burnouts everywhere, after 6 months trade it for an unroadworthy S14 turbo Silvia you can't legally drive, get it roadworthy then wrap it around a tree the first time you drive it trying to drift and write it off like one of our apprentices at work just did this week. Then complain about a bruised lung and torn muscles.

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...1991-13673375?

It isn't small, its reliable, 3rd party fire and theft insurance is cheap, it has some go, equivalent power to the Falcons of the same year, 4sp auto like you requested and because its FWD you won't be doing burnouts or trying to drive like a hero, it will understeer under power which is easier to control than oversteer.

Thank you for the... encouragement. I assume that's sarcasm. Thanks for that link too.
Not really lookin for a coupe, want something practical moreso than sporty.
I can legally drive turbo and V8 cars on Ps in WA. A V8 if I can't get the AUII wagon would be nice, but I have no intention of doing anything stupid. No burnouts, no hero driving, nothing like it. Costly and dangerous. Probably will get a 6 though. Don't intend to modify, only changes would be minor cosmetic changes.

Originally Posted by robbyj

if you've only got 4k to spend on the car i wouldn't be looking at a v8.

Plenty of cheap falcons that are reliable. Either E or AU series. Maybe a NL fairlane ghia might tickle your fancy? They are a nice bit of gear. 4k will be high k's, but 200k's on these falcon motors is nothing.

Maybe an X series ute? XF XG etc. 4k will find you a nice run about that you can smash over bumps or anything, with room in the back to throw ya swag, tools, hair ties, whatever ya into. Should be able to sell it for the same money as well. Utes hold their value better.

You are probably quite right about the V8 part. I6 Lane would be nice, NF/L or something, or a Late E series wagon or AU wagon. Then sell when Skip (Our AUII Futura wagon) is available to me!
If a good Fairlane is available, I'd probably snap it up, something different for a little bit! Possibly better resale??

Not really looking for a ute, possibly will carry people from time to time. Not any more practical than a wagon to me either. I go kayaking a lot so roof racks are a must whether I fit them or not.

Thanks everyone again, helpful input!

[EB#]

I'd suggest looking for an E series wagon (EF, EL) for about the $3k mark.
An extra grand stashed for unforseen repairs could be handy.

[jmak44]

Can i just suggest, don't rush into buying a car straight away i would save a little on top for unexpected expenses associated with any car you buy. I had 4 grand i saved up to buy my first car i went to buy the car and at the last minute i weighed up the cost and i didn't want to struggle to pay so instead i saved up 11 grand bought myself an xc for 7 grand had 4 grand to play. Im so happy happy i waited not only because i found a car i really enjoy but because i didn't have any financial burden associated with owning a car.

[xisled]

Originally Posted by Mr. Grinzy

Thank you for the... encouragement. I assume that's sarcasm. Thanks for that link too.
Not really lookin for a coupe, want something practical moreso than sporty.
I can legally drive turbo and V8 cars on Ps in WA. A V8 if I can't get the AUII wagon would be nice, but I have no intention of doing anything stupid. No burnouts, no hero driving, nothing like it. Costly and dangerous. Probably will get a 6 though. Don't intend to modify, only changes would be minor cosmetic changes.!

Thats what most people say. LOL

[OffRoadFalcon]

Originally Posted by EB92

I'd suggest looking for an E series wagon (EF, EL) for about the $3k mark.
An extra grand stashed for unforseen repairs could be handy.

Yeah, something like that would probably work out well. Definitely will keep some money aside (or make some to put away soon after purchase) for any unexpected expenses.
Learnt that one very recently with the BAII blowing the head gasket and corroding the head, which = replacement motor for $600 and 1/3 of the kms. All up cost 2.5k. Would have been less if it didn't have the LPG conversion.

Originally Posted by jmak44

Can i just suggest, don't rush into buying a car straight away i would save a little on top for unexpected expenses associated with any car you buy. I had 4 grand i saved up to buy my first car i went to buy the car and at the last minute i weighed up the cost and i didn't want to struggle to pay so instead i saved up 11 grand bought myself an xc for 7 grand had 4 grand to play. Im so happy happy i waited not only because i found a car i really enjoy but because i didn't have any financial burden associated with owning a car.

I'm not rushing into anything yet. I don't see how I'll be able to save anything near 11k. I'm only about halfway to 4k as it is. (Been extremely busy with school this year and other things, little time for making money...) I'll be able to make more this summer though.
When I get P's I will need a car though to get around. Cheaper car will mean less loss if I were involved in an accident as well, and being a young driver, that's always more likely than for a more experienced one. Just a cheapish runabout until I can get the AUII wagon and start my project.

Originally Posted by xisled

Thats what most people say. LOL

Yeah well, I'll be saving money for the AUII, to convert it to a RTV Touring Wagon.

[flappist]

Originally Posted by Mr. Grinzy

Yeah well, I'll be saving money for the AUII, to convert it to a RTV Touring Wagon.

You do realise that it will cost you less to buy a new Territory than to legally build an AU2 RTV wagon.

Of course you could just add bits and pieces with no care about engineering or legalities but if it all goes wrong and someone gets hurt at least you will have a lot of spare time to study engineering during your stay at Her Majesty's pleasure......

If you are desparate to make a RTV wagon start with a BA or BF as the parts, while they may fit a AU are actually already engineered for those models.

[OffRoadFalcon]

Originally Posted by flappist

You do realise that it will cost you less to buy a new Territory than to legally build an AU2 RTV wagon.

Of course you could just add bits and pieces with no care about engineering or legalities but if it all goes wrong and someone gets hurt at least you will have a lot of spare time to study engineering during your stay at Her Majesty's pleasure......

If you are desparate to make a RTV wagon start with a BA or BF as the parts, while they may fit a AU are actually already engineered for those models.

From the information I have gathered so far from various members here and other reading, this is not true. The finished project will cost rather less than a used Territory.
And really, you have to agree, this is going be rather more fun than just going out and buying a Territory.

I intend to do the job properly so that it is both safe and legal, and very durable.
Everyone's doing the BA-F lifted wagons lately, and I've dreamt of doing this to the AUII for a long time, it'll be a bit different. I prefer the way the AUII drives to the B series
as well, and the way it looks. It's all just for the fun of it. The end product will be a car that I can use in most situations I wish to.
Anyway, back to the topic, this thread isn't for debating about my project idea.

[xisled]

IMO do what you think is the right thing for you, yes it will probably cost you thousands to make the car the way you want, yes it is a huge effort, yes you can get something already done cheaper, but if it what you love do it. That is why we mod our cars.

We do it for the love, not for the money.

I piece of advice tho, your only young once and worrying about taking a financial loss because you may have an accident and things like this, do not worry about that. It is only a small amount of money, it may seem like a lot now, but in reality it is not.

Sometimes you just need to live in the moment and make an impulse buy, do not always try and over analyse everything.

[Drizz06]

I'd find a cheap used AUII wagon and drive it till you get your parents car and then keep the one you bought for a complete car worth of spare parts

Its a Win Win cos you still get a wagon for now and parts for later project!

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Mr. Grinzy

Thank you for the... encouragement. I assume that's sarcasm. Thanks for that link too.
Not really lookin for a coupe, want something practical moreso than sporty.
I can legally drive turbo and V8 cars on Ps in WA. A V8 if I can't get the AUII wagon would be nice, but I have no intention of doing anything stupid. No burnouts, no hero driving, nothing like it. Costly and dangerous. Probably will get a 6 though. Don't intend to modify, only changes would be minor cosmetic changes.

Yeah, sarcasm, but everyone says they'll be little angels behind the wheel, unfortunately temptation will win out eventually, thats why when you know you can't do it you generally wont lol.

I said I didn't intend to modify my EL Fairmont Ghia project car, I was actually returning it to stock.

Nek minnit I've got Pacemaker 4499s, 2.5" metal core cat, 2.5" mandrel bent pex exhaust, CMS Stage 3 head with stage 2 cam and a J3 with a tune coming.

[flappist]

Originally Posted by Mr. Grinzy

From the information I have gathered so far from various members here and other reading, this is not true. The finished project will cost rather less than a used Territory.
And really, you have to agree, this is going be rather more fun than just going out and buying a Territory.

I intend to do the job properly so that it is both safe and legal, and very durable.
Everyone's doing the BA-F lifted wagons lately, and I've dreamt of doing this to the AUII for a long time, it'll be a bit different. I prefer the way the AUII drives to the B series
as well, and the way it looks. It's all just for the fun of it. The end product will be a car that I can use in most situations I wish to.
Anyway, back to the topic, this thread isn't for debating about my project idea.

You realise that you will have to have it engineered as you are replacing major componints with parst not designed for that vehicle. This will lead to a whole world of pain with insurance and other costs.

There was never any RTV AUs in the same way there were never any BOSS or control blade AUs so even though you can fit the bits it is a major structural change.

Be careful with advice on here, many talk about it but few actually do it.
(and for the record I own a heavily modded RTV style XY Fairmont Wagon)

[OffRoadFalcon]

Originally Posted by Drizz06

I'd find a cheap used AUII wagon and drive it till you get your parents car and then keep the one you bought for a complete car worth of spare parts

Its a Win Win cos you still get a wagon for now and parts for later project!

Not a bad idea, not sure if I'll have the funds to make it work though!

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Yeah, sarcasm, but everyone says they'll be little angels behind the wheel, unfortunately temptation will win out eventually, thats why when you know you can't do it you generally wont lol.

I said I didn't intend to modify my EL Fairmont Ghia project car, I was actually returning it to stock.

Nek minnit I've got Pacemaker 4499s, 2.5" metal core cat, 2.5" mandrel bent pex exhaust, CMS Stage 3 head with stage 2 cam and a J3 with a tune coming.

I don't claim to be any angel, but I don't want to drive like that. I don't need to drive that way to keep myself interested, I like driving altogether, whether it be a good or bad car, fast or slow.
If I really want to do skids and slides and burnouts, I'll take it somewhere safe. I've never been very interested in tarmac sporty driving anyway, I will head for a dirt road every time! I'd love to get involved in offroad rallies someday.

Many young P platers like a bit of 'hooning', others don't or don't care or have reasons not to. Can't really judge a person until it happens.

That good old modding bug does bite pretty hard.......

Originally Posted by flappist

You realise that you will have to have it engineered as you are replacing major componints with parst not designed for that vehicle. This will lead to a whole world of pain with insurance and other costs.

There was never any RTV AUs in the same way there were never any BOSS or control blade AUs so even though you can fit the bits it is a major structural change.

Be careful with advice on here, many talk about it but few actually do it.
(and for the record I own a heavily modded RTV style XY Fairmont Wagon)

Thanks for that mate, I'll look a bit further into the legalities of it all.

[OffRoadFalcon]

Alright, I looked further into the legalities of the RTV Touring Wagon, and it actually won't be much more a pain that I had already expected. Put it this way, if I'm to be happy with the job, so is anyone else. Anyway that's not the topic.

Done a fair bit of research on cars, would like something as nice as I can afford.
My parents have recently told me they would like to contribute to help me get as good a car as possible (In the end I may even just buy the wagon off them when theyre ready and keep whatever I already have, since the wagon will be out of action for a bit.) Their own parents helped them and they'd like to help me.
I'm not going to argue!

I've decided that for a change in ride, I'd like to head for a Fairlane, I like going out cruising on dirt roads and other country/tourist roads and I hear the Fairlanes did this very well. Two Aunties of mine have owned them as well, a NCII and AUII.
The one with the AUII would rather have it back than the New VX Prado she drives now.
I prefer the AU/NU shape, and prefer AUII/III for the improvements over the AUI, and I6 VCT. It'll come down to what's available and what I can afford though. There is a car I'm aware of at the moment but we're very busy at the moment till Mid Jan I can't travel to look at cars.

Should have enough money to afford something reasonably nice though, more so than I thought before thanks to my parents.

[Werd.]

Volvo 240 wagon.

[xisled]

If you want to drive dirt roads, get a car that is designed for dirt roads and not a falcon. I would suggest a 80 series land cruiser.

[OffRoadFalcon]

Originally Posted by xisled

If you want to drive dirt roads, get a car that is designed for dirt roads and not a falcon. I would suggest a 80 series land cruiser.

On the vast majority of the dirt roads around here, both our Falcons have done extremely well, gone places we never expected, and certainly surprised 4wders a few times!
The Falcon is designed for Aussie roads and many are dirt, and they handle them well IMO. Also have heard the same about Fairlanes.

Thanks though!

[TheInterceptor]

Originally Posted by flappist

You do realise that it will cost you less to buy a new Territory than to legally build an AU2 RTV wagon.

Of course you could just add bits and pieces with no care about engineering or legalities but if it all goes wrong and someone gets hurt at least you will have a lot of spare time to study engineering during your stay at Her Majesty's pleasure......

If you are desparate to make a RTV wagon start with a BA or BF as the parts, while they may fit a AU are actually already engineered for those models.

Originally Posted by flappist

You realise that you will have to have it engineered as you are replacing major componints with parst not designed for that vehicle. This will lead to a whole world of pain with insurance and other costs.

There was never any RTV AUs in the same way there were never any BOSS or control blade AUs so even though you can fit the bits it is a major structural change.

Be careful with advice on here, many talk about it but few actually do it.
(and for the record I own a heavily modded RTV style XY Fairmont Wagon)

I have most of the parts i need already for my RTV AUII project...just missing the diff, anti tramp rods and cosmetics....plus engineering, wont be a problem. Insurance with Justcars will do fine also.
This will cost less than a Territory..BY FAR.

Either way, it will work, i want and need an AUII RTV wagon, so i will do just that. Id rather spend a kidneys worth building it than purchase and drive a Territory.

Many talk but dont do it...well im doing it.

Please detail what you went through with your XY RTVish thing? What parts were modded, out of what car did they come out of, cost, engineering, compliance and such. You talk it down yet youve done a similar thing on an older Falcon wagon. Why didnt you buy a Territory then?

Originally Posted by xisled

If you want to drive dirt roads, get a car that is designed for dirt roads and not a falcon. I would suggest a 80 series land cruiser.

Mines had no trouble at all...corrugations and all.....in much better comfort and drive than an 80 series ( yes i have driven one). I may be based in Sydney, but i get around.....