Cheap Car to Run - Looking to Sell My Car and Downgrade to a Cheaper/Economical Car

PAOK11 on 27/04/2016 - 00:52
Last edited 27/04/2016 - 01:08

The thing is I have a 2007 ford falcon xr6 BF mkII & although I love it to pieces I've realized I cant afford to run it and maintain it. I also started a small business which is a hobby but also something I really enjoy and the cost of running my vehicle is destroying my profit margins. That's where I need help and i'm notoriously bad with cars (spend too much money/buy a lemon) I need suggestions for a reliable good car that is cheap on fuel and easy to get around in and acceptable for a 25 year male to drive around. Please any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank-you for your help ozbargainers your always good to me.
Thanks

Automotive

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 27/04/2016 - 01:05
    +34

    OP has edited the post after this comment.
    Please check the revision history for original content. Thanks.

    Like I mentioned in another thread not long ago, cars don't make people poorer. Poor driving decisions make people poorer.

    But as for your query, it is "honest to god" laughable that you want to change your car to avoid speeding fines.

    Are you serious? Be honest. Are you for real?

    You need to take a good, hard look at yourself before getting behind the wheel, because fines don't come automatically and cars don't drive themselves.

    Don't bother wasting your time here trying to renegotiate your finances with a different car. Change your driving behaviour first.

    You sound like a hoon with an indescribable love for 'hotted-up' cars.

    It's late now, you'd better go to sleep. You've got a job to go to tomorrow. After all, just as fines don't come automatically, they don't get paid off automatically either.

      • newozbargainermelb on 28/04/2016 - 08:53
        +15

        Yes, kaptnkaos is serious, honest & real. We don't want reckless drivers on the road. We want people to get back home safely.

    • tonka on 27/04/2016 - 15:46
      +4

      Just want to add my 2 bits.
      My experience, and I am not a hoon and don't even like fast cars.

      For sure you are more likely to be fined in a performance car, just because highway patrol are more likely to notice you as well as maybe follow you.

      You are also more likely to be fined if you live on or travel frequently on a targeted road.
      You are also more likely to be fined if you drive around a lot late at night/early morning like shift workers, I used to get followed a lot late at night.

      With Highway patrol, my personal experience is you don't need to be speeding to be fined for speeding. I can't say how they get it wrong but 3 of the times I have been fined I had been just overtaken by a car that was speeding a fourth time I was driving a car that was so old and tired that I couldn't manage the speed limit let alone the 15kms over I was fined. A friend also has been fined for a speed the car wasn't capable of. Sure I have been fined a couple of times just over the limit as well.

      Of course you are also more likely to be fined if you speed a lot and if the OP is a hoon then he is an ass.

      • Euphemistic on 27/04/2016 - 19:56
        +1

        Some likely stories. If you didn't do it why didn't you fight it?

        But yes, hoon cars attack attention.

        • tonka on 27/04/2016 - 22:02
          +3

          Yes and I believe you to be a liar who makes up stories too if that's the way you want to roll.

          Or maybe you could just listen to people's stories give them the benefit of the doubt and be better prepared to deal when injustice rolls your way.

          Haha fight it? So you're an expert on fines now? I once drove a friend to the hospital with a prescription drug overdose. The hospital requested I drive them rather than ambulance.
          They became delirious on the way and removed their seat belt. Cops pulled me over and booked me. I even asked them to escort me the extra 2 blocks to the hospital before they booked me and they refused. I got an apology from the police the next day but couldn't get the fine reversed.

        • Euphemistic on 28/04/2016 - 08:16

          @tonka: Something going on to get all those stories and fines. Not a very good driver perhaps?

          Overtaken by a speeding car then booked 3 times? Unlikely, but if you say so. What sort of car were you in? Hoon car?

          Car couldn't manage the speed limit but got booked 15 over? Why didn't you fight that? on a hill perhaps? There was a reason you were pulled over, probably for speeding.

        • tonka on 29/04/2016 - 14:42

          @Euphemistic: No hoon car, I really dislike noisy hoon cars.

          The car that couldn't manage the speed limit was a worn out corona station wagon that foot to the floor managed 90km. I got booked for 110 in a hundred zone. Flat bit of road on hwy with cars passing me.

          Old Commodore, late at night friend in the car had actually asked me why I was driving so slow, had just been overtaken by a truck. Booked 110 in a 100 zone.

          Last time was on hwy, long trip and keeping with a cluster as you do. 110 zone and the rest of cars had started cruising around 122. I backed off to 110 and let them go 5 minutes later I got booked. The cop must of actually let this group through at 122 and picked me off the back.
          I always annoy my friends in the car cause I am a slow driver.

          But used to work Pizza Hut many hours on the road late at night increase odds.

          You keep saying fight it, what are you talking about, taking it to court, have you actually done this?

        • Blitzfx on 29/04/2016 - 16:05
          +1

          @Euphemistic: Fighting fines and bringing it to court takes time and money; and with all that added up, it ends up being a LOT cheaper to just pay the fine rather than fight it.

          Also if he didn't have any evidence, it ends up being his word against the cop's and the judge is likely to side with the cop.
          So you lose your case, you pay the fine AND court costs.

        • ronafios on 29/04/2016 - 16:51
          +1

          This is very true. I drive have driven Prius' now for the last 10 years (I know…) but I always get waved past at breath testing and have never been pulled over once. Previously I owned a classic Porsche I restored myself (fun project car) and never made it past a breath test without being stopped.

          https://www.motorists.org/blog/get-pulled-over-more-often/

      • plague69 on 28/04/2016 - 21:04

        -_- Yes, badder looking cars get pulled over more. Fact.

        Fines when there should not be? Sometimes. But challenge them, most likely will be dropped as coppa dash cams work non-stop these days and as far as this writer knows, can not be erased by themselves.

        Just like 'certain looking' people walking the suburb streets at 3am is more likely to be stopped and questioned, as my colleague who does night shift has been many times.

        Anyway. Think the guy is asking for car suggestions? Why so political…
        *Yes, mentioned fines… so?

      • caspochek on 29/04/2016 - 13:15

        I don't think it's the car the cops were picking on in this instance, as I have the same car as OP for the last 6 years and never got a single fine,never even been pulled over for that matter.

    • centrelink on 28/04/2016 - 20:14
      -1

      It's ok my Centrelink will pay his fines off

      • [Deactivated] on 30/04/2016 - 10:00
        -1

        Sadly, that'll be true.

    • spackbace on 27/04/2016 - 01:11
      +11

      It's there in the revision history…

      Theres a saying - "it's better the devil you know". If you know your car is reliable, why get rid of it? Those 4L, 6 speed boxes are practically bulletproof. You'll go through the hassle of swapping cars to save like $20/week.
      Skip a KFC lunch every week and keep the car.

      Oh, and slow down, your wallet will thank you!

      • PAOK11 on 27/04/2016 - 01:14

        It's not the most reliable thing in the world. The engine is but the diff bushes are stuffed

        • spackbace on 27/04/2016 - 01:20
          +4

          So? You don't think you'll have mechanical issues with another $10k car?
          Unless you're putting more money in to buy new, any car is gonna need maintenance.

          Maybe you should just increase your charges by 10% if you're not making enough money out of your hobby/business?

        • [Deactivated] on 27/04/2016 - 01:21
          +1

          @Spackbace:

          Never knew infringements were mechanical issues… 👀

        • PAOK11 on 27/04/2016 - 01:43

          I run a ebay business selling 2nd hand goods. Profits are very slim especially when I have to drive all around Melbourne to get things for cheap but maybe im better off driving it to the ground & adding extra on my listings

        • whooah1979 on 27/04/2016 - 06:28

          @PAOK11:

          I run a ebay business selling 2nd hand goods.

          a diesel hiace or an apv could come in handy. diesel is cheap for hiace and good mileage from the smaller, but large cargo on the apv.

      • [Deactivated] on 27/04/2016 - 01:18

        Don't bother Spackbace, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink.

    • [Deactivated] on 27/04/2016 - 01:26
      +4

      There's no point in hiding the truth.
      The only person you're lying to is yourself.
      Face the consequences of your actions.

      You mention that you're a 25-year-old man. Be one.

        • [Deactivated] on 27/04/2016 - 01:48
          +20

          your trying to fire me up haha..

          I'm not firing anybody up, and I certainly didn't call anybody any names.

          I've come a long way

          You're correct. 25 years is indeed a long way. For those who've lived 25 years.

          i'm not gonna make myself look a scumbag to feed your ego…

          Nobody is telling you to be a "scumbag", but taking responsibility of your own wrongdoings is something that you ought to do as a human. Own up to what you've done. Admit that you were wrong. It doesn't speak volumes of you if you don't.

          Editing your post to hide your traffic infringements and changing your car to stop an influx of fines isn't what the average person would do, and it certainly doesn't deal with the issues that you're facing behind the wheel.

          Maybe you should try to buy a car so you can feel what getting a ticket feels like

          What makes you think that I don't have a car? The fact that I'm not saying what you want the masses to say?

          I'm not going to, because a) you need to grow up and face the truth, and b) you have shown absolutely zero remorse for your actions, even going as far as deleting what you originally wrote after your driving behaviour was brought to light.

          Aside from that, most people in their driving life would've had at least one ticket. But you know what sets you apart from them? Most people on the receiving end of a fine learn from their mistakes and positively alter their behaviour so it doesn't happen again.

          You don't seem to realise that.

  • RobMel on 27/04/2016 - 06:19
    +14

    I would go for Toyota, 4 Cyl car.
    As a brand reliable, cheap parts everywhere incl wreckers.
    Find a good honest independent mechanic
    Keep car clean, especially all the little gaps everywhere, leafs, prevents rust and maintains value.
    Treat car well overall no sporty driving when cold, or warm really.
    Defensive driving.
    If you need to save money that what it takes, buy and drive carefully and look after.

    All common sense, I know, but look at the drivers and tell me how much common sense there is.

    running costs of a small car are made up out of(assuming you drive 25000k a year, $10,000 2nd hand car:
    $2500 (8l/100km, $1,25l), fuel consumption AND drive style will influence heavily
    $1200 wear and tear/maintenance, tyres, 2.5 services small bingles … could be less
    $1500 loss in value, assume 15% a year, rough guide
    $500 interest if you buy outright, you could have saved this if offset against homeloan
    or
    $800 interest if financing
    $800 insurance really depends on car, coverage and no claim bonus
    $700 rego

    $7200 or $600 a month, orthere abouts, tweak the numbers to suit car, value, km driven

    • [Deactivated] on 28/04/2016 - 09:40
      +3

      Seconded. I have a yaris (which is obviously a far cry away from a falcon XR6).

      Can get down to 6L/100km if you drive carefully, insurance is cheap as, tyres are expensive (the original dunlop that came with it) but defo not as expensive as the ones for a bigger car.

      • Speckled Jim on 28/04/2016 - 10:20
        +4

        So don't buy the OEM Dunlop tyres next time. You are under no legal obligation to do so.
        It's not like Toyota approached Dunlop to develop a specific tyre for the Yaris.

        That sort of arrangement exists, but for super-high performance cars. Pirelli does bespoke compounds and sizes for Ferrari, Pagani etc.

        You are free to choose whatever brand you want. The legal requirement is the speed and load index meets or exceeds original fitment.

        • Euphemistic on 28/04/2016 - 11:20
          +2

          And Dunlop probably make them cheap as chips, then sell them to Toyota cheap and to the public at a large profit because they know some people will just get the same as what is already on the car 'because it's better'.

        • [Deactivated] on 28/04/2016 - 14:39
          +1

          They're only expensive compared to cheapo tyres. Can't remember the price off the top of my head, but I could buy el cheapo at the same size ((185/60r15) but would have had to replace all 5 at once.

          Price might have come down since, too.

        • Speckled Jim on 28/04/2016 - 18:40

          Understood. Needing just one is a different story. For many people, there could be insurance issues if you risk fitting mismatched tyres.

          I was in the same situation last year. Needed just one tyre so I bought a matching Kelly (195/65-15) around $100.

      • plague69 on 28/04/2016 - 21:12
        +1

        Camery gets about 6.8L driving normally, not start stop though. Toyota seems to be pretty good when it comes to mileage. Plus, never had a problem with my last +200K Camery :D

      • captobvious on 28/04/2016 - 21:57

        I had oem wheels and tyres on my runabout when i was a younger, did some shopping around worked out i could get lower profile mag wheels and new tyres for the same cash. So i got some wheels.

        Looking around now and wheel packages are cheaper than oem tyres. That be the way to go if you are happy to run a cheaper brand tyre.

      • Azn310 on 29/04/2016 - 23:26

        Yeah i go for kumhos, cost me like $70 a piece, cheap as.

  • voiletmay on 27/04/2016 - 07:22
    +5

    I have a similar car and understand how much it costs in petrol. Maybe a little hatchback eg. a 2010 hyundai getz isn't too expensive to buy or run.

  • dimplex89 on 27/04/2016 - 08:39
    +4

    get a bike around the size of 250. cheaper than any car and spend 13 bucks on fuel that lasts 300kms

    • spackbace on 27/04/2016 - 10:11
      +10

      Okay so I've got my second speeding fine this year & I honest to god can't afford these fines.

      You sure you know how to drive…? Like, sticking to the laws?

        • spackbace on 27/04/2016 - 10:33
          +13

          Yeah, you're obviously not learning from your mistakes. To say that doing 9kms/hr over the speed limit wasn't your fault is just stupid. I've copped fines, I've copped a suspension years ago, but I'm not gonna defend what I did. I did the wrong thing, I got caught, such is life. The sooner you realise that, the better.

        • Speckled Jim on 27/04/2016 - 12:39
          +1

          "Complete bullshit" because they got it wrong, or because ~50 is still slow enough for the conditions, or because your speedo might be out?

          The latter can be affected by not maintaining the OEM rolling diameter of wheel/tyre combo. If your XR6 is rolling 20s and the tyre profile is too high…?

          Regardless, my old 1.6l hatchback is easily capable of 200+ and it's also quick point-to-point, so pretty much anything* that's running properly can rack up those points.

          *Exc Daewoo Matiz

        • [Deactivated] on 27/04/2016 - 12:43

          You were going ~25% over the speed limit and you think it's the governments fault because it's a local area? Would you drive at 137kph on the. F3?

        • PAOK11 on 27/04/2016 - 13:21
          -6

          50 is definitely slow enough for the conditions. Lakeside drive & Fitzroy street in mel that lights got me twice. One for red light and now for speeding.

        • PAOK11 on 27/04/2016 - 13:27
          -7

          nah mate 20% over the limit

        • sv123 on 28/04/2016 - 08:20
          +1

          @PAOK11: yeah that camera is a scam (pissing on the line of it anyway). It is at an intersection. Across the intersection is a sign that says 50kph. But the camera behind the intersection is still 40kph. So as you speed up (technically wrong because its before crossing the speed limit) it catches you.

        • Euphemistic on 28/04/2016 - 08:28

          @PAOK11: 50 isn't slow enough for the conditions, that is why the sign says 40.

        • airzone on 28/04/2016 - 13:39
          +2

          @PAOK11:

          Lakeside drive & Fitzroy street in mel that lights got me twice. One for red light and now for speeding.

          Some hip-pocket friendly advice for you… Stop speeding, and stop running red lights.

          I should not have been speeding to work. I had to quit that job due to the fine, plus other external factors

          Did I honestly read this just now?

        • PAOK11 on 28/04/2016 - 13:57
          -3

          employer was ripping me off… not paying me enough and when due. The fine was what topped it off.

        • Sirocco on 28/04/2016 - 19:43

          @mcmonte: lol I doubt your jelopy can do 200+ easily….

        • Speckled Jim on 29/04/2016 - 08:49

          Indicated a shade over 210 the following years in the CRX:

          1991 - F3 Fwy x2
          1993 - Coast Rd Mandurah
          1993 - Kwinana Fwy
          1993 - Eyre Hwy
          1994 - Eyre Hwy
          1995 - Eyre Hwy
          1996 - Syd Harbour tunnel
          2002 - Eyre Hwy
          2004 - Kwinana Fwy
          2007 - Eyre Hwy

          There was another one during the '93 trip. I can picture the road but forget where exactly it is. Was a country road on the day we left Pt Augusta, possibly in southwest NSW.

          Been in Tassie since 2007. No suitable roads for V-max. That I'm aware of.

          Never busted and nobody got hurt. I did startle a few people, a roo and a bird.

        • WhatWouldBiggieDo on 30/04/2016 - 09:36

          @mcmonte: I sincerely doubt your CRX did over 200 easily

        • Speckled Jim on 30/04/2016 - 13:11

          Yeah okay, I dreamt the whole thing then.

        • WhatWouldBiggieDo on 04/05/2016 - 10:29

          @mcmonte: Del Sol or Mk2/1?

          B16A (vtec) engine?

        • Speckled Jim on 05/05/2016 - 17:27

          88 Mk2, D16A8 considered "warm" at the time (I/H/E) bigger injectors, fuel pump & cams.
          Internally stock & stock gearing.

          Those V-Max runs saw 5700rpm in fifth and it couldn't pull any further.

    • [Deactivated] on 27/04/2016 - 12:51
      +3

      I got my licence already

      Maybe you shouldn't have it if you continue to speed.

  • [Deactivated] on 27/04/2016 - 14:41
    +2

    A tradesman always blames his tools…

    • plague69 on 28/04/2016 - 21:13

      Ever tried to drill a hole through 150mm of concrete with a 18V cordless hammer? :D

      Then again, dumb azz tradesman if that's what they use!

      • [Deactivated] on 28/04/2016 - 22:08

        Might be worth asking the OP to give that a try…

  • Mumbles on 27/04/2016 - 14:51
    +3

    I read KapnKaos' comment. Quote from the OP's original post:

    Okay so I've got my second speeding fine this year & I honest to god can't afford these fines.

    Lets assume most speeding fines are for speeding 11km/h-20km/h. Depending on which state the OP lives in, that's about $250 per speeding fine. Two speeding fines is about $500 within 4 months. Extrapolated for a year that's $1500 of speeding fines per year.

    Its WAAAAAAY cheaper to do track days at your local race circuit, or drag strip. Its a safe and fabulous outlet for speed.

    If you just want to commute while feeling a sense of speed/risk then seriously consider motorcycle riding or bicycling. I assure you that sitting on a bicycle doing 50km/h feels very fast on skinny bicycle tyres without suspension. Its totally legal and under the speed limit.

      • gimli on 28/04/2016 - 07:07
        +2

        You really like getting negged don't you.

        You should just ask mods to close the thread. I don't think you are going to get answers to your question anytime soon

  • [Deactivated] on 28/04/2016 - 08:17
    +9

    As mentioned above hard to go wrong with something small and Japanese - Corolla, Mazda3, Yaris, Jazz all have good reputation for reliability. Obviously the newer and lower kms the better, but keep in mind if a particular deal looks too good to be true it often is.

    Redbook and NRMA/RACV inspections are your friends if you don't know much about cars and market values. Make sure to factor in any major upcoming costs like rego renewal or a major scheduled service. For more peace of mind, first prize is to pick something up within its factory warranty period - possibly an i30 or Cerato they have much longer warranties than the Japanese ones.

    Also invest in a car phone mount and the TomTom GPS app, it gives you an audible warning of fixed cameras and if you are exceeding speed limit, and importantly the app and map updates are both frequent and free.

    Otherwise I can tell you at 25 I was a much worse driver than I am now, most guys are overconfident on the roads at that age. Better to learn to drive more defensively through a few speeding fines than an accident.

    • PAOK11 on 28/04/2016 - 11:14

      Thank-you.. what is driving defensively ?

      • jackjason on 28/04/2016 - 13:13
        +3

        In a nutshell, driving defensively is all about being alert and careful while driving. For example, the following would be part of driving defensively.
        - Always stick to the speed limit.
        - Maintain an appropriate gap with the car in front of you (more speed, more gap; less speed, less gap)
        - As you approach an intersection and you see another car approach it too and you have the right of way, you would need to slow down a bit - in case the other driver is aggressively taking the turn.

        There are many others but hope you get the idea.

        • Euphemistic on 28/04/2016 - 14:50
          +2

          "Always sticking to the speed limit" does not make defensive driving. It should be "Always drive to the conditions". The speed limit is as fast as you are ALLOWED drive, not as fast as you MUST drive.

          Defensive driving is about being able to avoid an incident before it occurs. Drive to the conditions so that you can stop safely before hitting anything.

      • [Deactivated] on 28/04/2016 - 19:28
        +3

        Defensive Driving is about pre-empting the conditions before they happen or could happen.

        Sure you COULD shave a few seconds off your commute by doing a perfectly legal but potentially risky maneuver, or you could wait that little bit longer and play it safe without so much risk.

        I would highly recommend doing a professional course. It doesn't take long to do and it isn't too expensive, but it will save you heaps in the long run with less fines, less accidents and most importantly your safety.

        • [Deactivated] on 28/04/2016 - 21:38

          Oh and better fuel efficiency too

    • fraz1 on 02/05/2016 - 11:26

      NRMA Noway not after I was busy with work a few years back & got them to check a car. All good they said. Wife grabbed it. I checked it for her when I got back from interstate & the damn thing had accident damage inside the engine compartment,had been on gas & had it removed the wrong way & was running like a hairy goat! Got a mate in Parramatta to help do a real good check & he found the gearbox was cracked from the frontend hit. NRMA lost my business & got a hell of a complaint.

  • BargainKen on 28/04/2016 - 11:35
    +1

    I'd go for a civic, always liked those. And they're fairly light and quick even for a small engine.

  • tomleonhart on 28/04/2016 - 15:20
    +3

    This guy is just a troll now. Stop wasting time on him Ozbargainer!

  • Mysterious Laptop on 28/04/2016 - 17:26
    +6

    I read his original post, and can clearly what OP is trying to ask. Why does every ozbargainer feel the need to flame people whenever they mention ANYTHING relating to the law? Ok he's got speeding fines, he's asked some genuine questions, so why start flaming OP for saying he got a speeding fine at the start of the post?

    what's wrong with people on here?

    edit: grammar

    • tomleonhart on 28/04/2016 - 17:37
      -4

      Because there isn't any luck involved in getting a fine. OP stated he got bad luck with fines, no he doesn't.

      His sentences imply he expects to break the law and hope not to get caught. If it does it's bad luck rather than dangerous driving.

      Tl;dr: no remorse whatsoever.

    • EnALup on 29/04/2016 - 09:49

      I am surprised as well. Few people are interested in revisions more than the post.

      I am happy that young people like OP care about their job and understand speeding cons. But sometimes bad luck is with you when you are caught for little over speeding when normally you don't do. There are car drivers who mostly overspeed and never get caught.

      • [Deactivated] on 30/04/2016 - 09:59

        Hopefully the OP understands the cons of speeding, because he doesn't seem to understand much else.

        But then again, some might call it luck but I call it awareness. If you're always aware of your speed then you'll never get a fine, but chances are you'll be less aware of more important surroundings the more you focus on your speed.

        Also, we're all humans, so we're bound to make mistakes at some point. But what sets OP apart from most is that the OP shows no remorse, guilt or acknowledgement for their own actions, instead covering their wrongdoings up and taking cheap shots at people telling the truth.

        • EnALup on 01/05/2016 - 13:42

          Why is everyone interested in OP doing a remorse. He does not have to show truth of how many times he has been booked with his post, does he? He asked a question. Answer it or move on.
          We should not be judging people as as Police on the roads is doing that job.

  • stevensx on 28/04/2016 - 19:15
    +2

    I read the revision. While I agree with the general comment of 'cars don't drive/speed by themselves' I have to say that I own 2 cars. One is a performance vehicle while the other is just a standard hatchback. I can honestly say that driving a performance car does encourage you to speed muuuuch more in my experience. When in a slower car the temptation to speed is less for some reason. Probably gonna get negged for stating my own personal experience but ah well. Just remember, there's a reason why so many of these hoons are in these tuned up cars, it's because hooning in a slow car just isn't fun and doesn't really work. Anything this guy can do to help remove the temptation is a good thing in my book.

    • PAOK11 on 29/04/2016 - 09:05

      You get my vote :-) also not a hoon if anyone was wandering, would have lost my licence by now if I was.

  • compound on 28/04/2016 - 19:18
    +2

    this thread - lol

    if you're serious then get a motorbike or some carolla

  • Moderatorhamza23 on 28/04/2016 - 19:49

    Let's keep comments related to the question at hand (only): Cheap Car to Run - Looking to Sell My Car and Downgrade to a Cheaper/Economical Car

    Thanks

  • McScotty on 28/04/2016 - 21:33
    +1

    Ignoring all the very full on comments above, have you considered a turbo diesel sedan? I get around 5L/100KM in my 2.0L Ford Mondeo TDCi and although it isn't XR6 fast, it has the torque of a V6 Commodore so overtaking on the highway is a piece of cake with all the euro pleasantries (Reversing and Front Sensors, nice stock stereo, cruise control).

    I'm about to make a trip down to Melbourne and I'm going to do it on less than 160L of diesel with 5 Adults and baggage.

    • captobvious on 28/04/2016 - 22:11

      160L sounds like alot for a small car from Brisbane to melbourne? You sure?

      My 200 series diesel landcruiser does bne to mel approx 160L with 5 occupants, trunk of junk and a trailer?

      • McScotty on 02/05/2016 - 07:47

        That's return mate :)

    • Azn310 on 29/04/2016 - 23:34

      Diesel sounds very good on paper, and they do last long. But if you get unlucky, any trouble with the engine will turn the car into a money pit.

  • EnALup on 29/04/2016 - 09:44

    I dont know why so many people are interested in the history of the post and not sticking to what OP is asking. Comment if you want to help or move on.

    OP, as someone suggested earlier, go for a small car ( Toyota or Honda). They run cheap and are easy to park and might not accelerate over limits easily when you press the pedal to deep.

    Or if you need big sized car, get a Diesel Engine car as they are cheap to run.

    or Get an old Camry and change it to Gas. I have seen most of the taxis and people doing that.

  • JimmyF on 29/04/2016 - 10:19

    Keep the car and look at putting it on LPG…. cheaper running costs.

    All cars have 'running costs', they all neeed tyres, servicing, brakes and repairs etc. So you'll never get rid of THESE running costs.

  • neonlight on 29/04/2016 - 12:19

    Mitsubishi Mirage or Suzuki Swift cheap car to run else go for Toyota Prius hybrid however those are not popular

  • SpaceFrog on 29/04/2016 - 13:38
    +3

    Just my 2c

    I drive an old twin turbo sports car
    a 125CC motorobike
    and a pushbike (or 2)

    And I use them in reverse order. Pushie for everything I can, then motorbike, and If I need to take passengers, cargo, or it's pissing down I'll take the car… Or I feel like a nice cruise with the roof off.

    If I wanted to I could join a car club and get cheap rego on the car, since I don't drive it often, doesn't sound like it's possible for the OP though.

    Out of these 3 vehicles I recently got my first speeding fine in 9 years… and it was on the little 125cc motorbike (most riders will not exceed 90KM/H on it). And It was because I was doing something stupid… on a regular basis. nice wide suburban backstreets, 17 over in 50 zone. The $300 fine straightened me out somewhat. I'm very cautious when travelling through there on a motor vehicle.

    Speed, power, acceleration… It's ultimately up to the driver to control him/herself. You can get a speeding fine in a 100 year old car. I'm sure I could get one on my pushbike too.

    Put on some chilled tunes and try your best to concentrate on not exceeding the limit. Yes getting fined is somewhat unlucky. But speeding is breaking the law, and think about all the times you don't get fined for speeding. With the amount of distance you do, the likelyhood of speeding and getting caught for speeding increases.

    Fines and maintanence is a big part of why I choose my pushbike as my primary transport. Great for avoiding tolls, and parking fines etc.

    • JDM4LIFE on 29/04/2016 - 14:41

      I drive an old twin turbo sports car

      300ZX?!

      • SpaceFrog on 29/04/2016 - 22:09
        +1

        Bingo!
        89 Z32

    • captobvious on 29/04/2016 - 17:27

      Lets play guess your twin turbo.

      Im guessing 2jz?

      • robertbruce on 30/04/2016 - 11:34

        darn, I was thinking of one of those old Maserati convertables

  • knk on 30/04/2016 - 13:57
    +1

    25 year old male here, have an 08 XR8 ute, manual that I love and recently bought a second car for business.

    Going from the xr8 to a Mitsubishi Colt wasn't all that big a downgrade from a comfort standpoint, good on fuel and great through traffic. Fairly roomy too. That said they aren't the most common car in aus and I happened to come across a good deal.

    I think the main thing to consider when going to a smaller car will be the comfort factor alongside fuel economy.

    • knk on 30/04/2016 - 17:26

      Might also say, if your car is killing your profit margins that significantly it doesn't sound like you're either charging enough or have a good business model.

      What are you doing if you don't mind me asking?

      • PAOK11 on 30/04/2016 - 17:33

        pm sent

      • PAOK11 on 30/04/2016 - 18:08

        actually bit paranoid about giving away what i'm selling because it's a niche market lol.. I dunno… It's just I have to knock a lot of stuff back because I have to factor in fuel & whether it's worth going to get it in order to turn a profit

  • [Deactivated] on 30/04/2016 - 16:54
    +3

    Been driving a honda hatchback since i got my first job. It's cheap on fuel but didn't get me laid though

    • captobvious on 02/05/2016 - 09:31

      You're doing it wrong

      • [Deactivated] on 02/05/2016 - 10:18

        yea, doing it wrong by looking like an asian but not looking like a gangster. Options are limited for this short guy

        • captobvious on 02/05/2016 - 11:47

          You need 3 black Honda's with green neons

  • captobvious on 02/05/2016 - 11:46

    Moped

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