Used Car for Approx $7,500 - $9,000 for Long Distance 300km One Way Commutes

HighAndDry on 11/01/2019 - 13:04

Hi all,

A friend has asked me advice on what kind of car he should get as a cheap-but-reliable method of going about 300kms x 2 once a week, under some misapprehension that I know these things.

Off the top of my head I'm thinking a small-ish (but not tiny, for stability and ride comfort reasons) car, Korean or Japanese, and ideally no more than 5 - 10 years old, but apart from that I'm having a hard time narrowing it down because there are so many options. Currently in mind in no particular order:

  • Toyota Corolla
  • Honda Jazz
  • Mitsubishi Lancer
  • Hyundai i30
  • Kia Rio (Cerato?)
  • Mazda 3
  • Suzuki Swift
  • Nissan… what's their model one size above the Micra?

Hoping to narrow that down instead of telling my friend to basically put in a dozen different models into carsales.

Thanks in advance!

Automotive

Comments

    • mskeggs on 11/01/2019 - 18:06
      +15

      V6 is equally comfy.
      Assuming 300km is mainly intercity the fuel use for a v6will be under 9l per 100km. Very comfortable and nicer to drive than a little Asian hatch.
      Purchase price likely to be several thousand less than a hatch with equivalent age and kms too.

      Since the fuel saving will be under $5 per trip, it will be a wash financially.

      • Antikythera on 13/01/2019 - 20:42
        +4

        2012-2015 3.6L V6 LPG VE Commodore
        2008-2014 4.0L 6cyl LPG FG Falcon

        cant beat paying 60 cents per litre for cheap fuel costs. even if it does use about 20% more than the petrol version.

        actually with loyalty card and buying milk i think i paid 52C last time i filled up.

        • GaryQ on 14/01/2019 - 06:52

          My falcon wagon is LPG only (2 x 65l tanks)… what worries me is the rumour that a lot of Servos are phasing out LPG altogether

    • greatlamp on 12/01/2019 - 23:02
      +1

      Would be my choice.
      the later models drop to 4 cylinders to save fuel.

      • Daabido on 13/01/2019 - 04:11

        That would be Ford, not Holden. and you won't pick up a 4 cylinder Falcon for that type of money. Falcons ran straight 6s, not V6s.

        • greatlamp on 13/01/2019 - 07:09
          +2

          No I am talking about the holden V8.
          They have (had?) fuel saving technology that turned off half the cylinders fo save fuel

          https://www.whichcar.com.au/reviews/2009-holden-commodore-ss…

          • Harold Halfprice on 13/01/2019 - 12:41

            @greatlamp: That works on engine load - all cylinders will work when you want them to. It's not like you have a V8 only running on 4 cylinders at all times, and the other 4 are just dead weight. Plus AFM is only for third gear and above, so you'll always have all 8 when taking off from a stop.

            Cylinder deactivation is just one of many fuel saving techniques, some Audis have it too… seems like such a silly thing to gripe about. It's like complaining about variable valve timing.

          • abuch47 on 14/01/2019 - 17:24

            @greatlamp: the most recent ones dont do that anymore but from 2009 to 2015 they did have an Active fuel managment/displacement on demand V8 that had 260fwkw (205rwkw) in a rear wheel drive that handled well.

            such a great car and a smart engineering to reduce fuel consumption. still they sucked up the juice in stop start and city driving so not really economical.

            I feel that the market moved on more than people didnt want a thirsty v8 anymore.

            instead of buying well handling decent economy performance sedans people moved to SUVs.

        • justaperson on 13/01/2019 - 20:59

          You'd be surprised. Even an 4 cyl G6E can be had in that budget now.

  • BLAIL on 11/01/2019 - 13:13
    +10

    Any on that list which has a full size spare - definitely needed for long commutes in case imo

    Would recommend Toyota Corolla or Cerato - as i've driven both on weekend getaways

    • HighAndDry on 11/01/2019 - 13:31
      +2

      Thanks - Corollas are surprisingly expensive in the ranges I'm looking for (and with fairly reasonable mileage on the odo), but I guess that's to be expected. I'm having a look at the Cerato's - I think it'd be extra peace of mind if he can find one that's still within the 7 year factory warranty.

      • harrywwc on 14/01/2019 - 09:27
        +4

        as a 2011 Corolla owner from the top of the price-range you would be looking at, I can assure you that if it has been maintained properly and even with (nearly) 160,000km on the clock (like mine) it still runs really really well! long term average consumption (daily 80km freeway, 20km city peak hour traffic) 6.7 l/100km (35mpg). Minimal difference in economy between ULP91 and E10/94 (I have a spreadsheet for the whole of the time I have owned the car - from new)

        • dlovep on 17/01/2019 - 10:41
          -1

          Try the 98 you will see the L/100km drop more, at least 2 full tanks.

          • brendanm on 17/01/2019 - 19:45

            @dlovep: No you won't, the corolla isn't designed for 98, it won't run enough ignition timing to take advantage of 98.

          • harrywwc on 20/01/2019 - 17:20

            @dlovep: I ran 95 for a period of time (months)

            The reduction in l/100km was minimal and not enough to cover the price differential between 95 and 91. and yes, it was in almost identical driving conditions - as "identical" as Sydney traffic on Pennant Hills Road / Beecroft Rd / Blaxland Rd can be in morning and afternoon peak :)

            All there in my spreadsheet :)

            I doubt 98 (more expensive again) would make a noticeable difference over 95 - and the price incremental is more than a little ouchy!

    • AP roto on 15/01/2019 - 10:52

      Both great choices. Mazda 323 Astina sp20 or the 1.8L are the best bang for buck I know of ..just get an 03 with low km under 170,000 with a service history of oil changes regularly or you'll be putting oil in it each week. I had 1 of these astinas for 11 years and it cost me only a set of new coils and other disposable parts. I
      got a Mazda 3 SP23 now and it's a good car,fun to drive especially long distance as it has wide ,low tyres and handles great. Space saver spare wheel well can fit a real spare wheel but not 17" …15" inflated . They are getting very cheap now. Subaru Liberty Rx or Impreza rs in either sedan or sportswagon tick all the boxes too

  • spackbace on 11/01/2019 - 13:20
    +3

    ~2010 Hybrid Camry - Not a bad option

    He'd need to push the budget to $10-$12k though. But will offer more comfort and better acceleration if needing to overtake

    • HighAndDry on 11/01/2019 - 13:23
      +2

      Ah, sorry, should've mentioned NSW only, and $9,000 is a pretty hard upper limit to their budget. I talked them out of getting a tiny car because of comfort and driving reasons already. Would a Yaris be okay for 300km drives or too small?

      • spackbace on 11/01/2019 - 13:25
        +8

        Too small, engine struggle would get annoying, particularly if overtaking at 100kph

        Real-world, those micro cars will average similar fuel to their bigger brothers. Or within .5L/100

        • HighAndDry on 11/01/2019 - 13:26

          Yeah, that's what I'm worried about too. Thanks, will keep browsing.

          • spackbace on 11/01/2019 - 13:33
            +2

            @HighAndDry: Hmm Whirlpool favourite, Falcon on Gas?

            Negotiate down to $9k. G6 so likely a private car

            • HighAndDry on 11/01/2019 - 13:49

              @spackbace: Ah…. haven't looked at any Fords. How's the reliability (and I guess parts and service availability and costs) for this approximately?

              It does look good but just going out to see it/test drive it/getting it checked is going to be a pain. But yeah, being on LPG should mean cheap as chips to run.

              • spackbace on 11/01/2019 - 14:04
                +1

                @HighAndDry: Not sure on parts/availability, should be pretty ease for those Falcons. As I said, it's a Whirlpool fave suggestion lol

                https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2293017

                Around 10l/100km on highway @ 80-90c/L = $8-$9/100km. To compare, 91ron is about $1.20/L. A Corolla etc will use around 6.5L/100 = $7.80/100km.

                So maybe not the best option lol

                • tryagain on 13/01/2019 - 03:13

                  @spackbace: LPG can currently be had for 57.5 with the 7/11 price lock spoof.

                • GaryQ on 14/01/2019 - 06:55

                  @spackbace: LPG can be bought for 60cpl at a lot of places

                  • thetrain on 14/01/2019 - 22:03
                    +1

                    @GaryQ: NSW minimum is hovering around 70c/L.

              • JIMB0 on 12/01/2019 - 14:41
                -7

                @HighAndDry:

                haven't looked at any Fords. How's the reliability

                They are the most common car littering the sides of freeways in Australia.

                • thetrain on 13/01/2019 - 00:00
                  +3

                  @JIMB0: Um no Falcons were reliable enough to use as taxis for 500,000km+ before the camry hybrid took over with better fuel economy

            • thetrain on 11/01/2019 - 14:59
              +8

              @spackbace: I have a Falcon on gas.

              The current LPG price versus petrol means not worth the effort anymore as LPG has gone up much more than petrol. Used to be better when LPG was 65c and petrol $1.30

              • HighAndDry on 11/01/2019 - 15:19

                @thetrain: Thanks, damn =/.

              • greatlamp on 12/01/2019 - 23:10

                @thetrain: My system uses 60L of LPG and 15L of 91 ron petrol for 450km

                it is still cheaper, but not by much, maybe 10-15 $ saving on LPG

                • thetrain on 12/01/2019 - 23:58
                  +3

                  @greatlamp: Compared to a Falcon on petrol yes LPG is cheaper.

                  The problem is our 2012 Camry is a similar size car and does 10L/100 km in Sydney city. Falcon LPG does 20L/100 km in city.

                  Camry 45L 91RON@$1.30 for 450 km=$58.50
                  Falcon 90L LPG@$0.70 for 450 km=$63

                  Your numbers 60L LPG@$0.70 + 15 L 91RON@$1.30=$61.50

                  So for us at current prices the 4 cylinder is now cheaper than 6 cylinder on LPG.

              • resisting the urge on 14/01/2019 - 21:41

                @thetrain: Major benefit of LPG is a motor that lasts a lifetime* (*auto industry def'n) of private use.

                LPG burns clean, so no emissions to speak of. You'd be amazed how much gas the average person breathes from the tailpipe of the car they drive, let alone others'.

                LPG engines have very clean oil. If you change yourself to save money, a benefit is less risk of skin cancer, less lethal fumes on removal, nice clean engine that runs better during its whole lifetime. This means less trouble if/when things need replacing.

                Isn't the LPG ford engine a rocket, IIRC? Or was that compared only to the old i6, or other LPG offerings…

                • thetrain on 14/01/2019 - 21:59
                  +2

                  @resisting the urge: 2012 and later LPG Falcons are ridiculously powerful. More power than petrol and at lower RPM too. 12:1 compression ratio, Ford had to limit it from factory to stop it demolishing the petrol version.

                  I have an earlier Falcon which has less power than petrol version but only noticeable above 4000 RPM. The torque means it has amazing shove off the line though, day to day drive I'm lucky to see above 2000 RPM.

                  LPG is nice but Aus government has let this industry die. The rest of the Falcon will perish first so motor lifetime is unfortunately a moot point.

                  • resisting the urge on 15/01/2019 - 01:25
                    +2

                    @thetrain: When it gets you down, pop the donk in something with better build/dynamics. Or go for a fun 'upgrade'; to an early Cortina shell, or the like.

                    The gubmint might be as dumb as they come but they won't destroy LPG totally. That is happening only as a side-effect of ride-sharing and so on killing LPG taxis off.

                    It remains a fact that LPG is good for lots of reasons; In Oz it is abundant, has low well to wheel cost, requires low processing effort, no export/import madness or GDP impact. Not to mention the only carbon fuel that has any life left in it.

                    It just doesn't line the pockets of the oil companies. Madness is only mad in the eyes of those who don't understand better

                    • thetrain on 15/01/2019 - 10:36

                      @resisting the urge: haha don't get me started on government and oil/mining companies =P

                      similar gas exports
                      Aus tax revenue $0.6B
                      Qatar tax revenue $26.6B

                      Yeah I understand why it has happened, just don't like the politicians and self interest at the expense of national and public interest.

        • lolz112 on 11/01/2019 - 22:20

          I drive a manual Yaris with a 1.5L engine and it goes okay at around 100kph. If it's just on the Hume with a 2 lane road each side I don't think it would matter that much. Would recommend getting one with cruise control though.

      • BLAIL on 11/01/2019 - 13:40

        There's actually two cars for NSW in the search listing Spackbace gave
        that are within your friend's buget

        2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid Auto MY10 211,335 km - $8950
        https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/Toyota-Camry-2010/S…

        2003 Toyota Camry Altise Auto 149,994 km - $4200
        https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/Toyota-Camry-2003/S…

        • HighAndDry on 11/01/2019 - 13:51

          Thanks for looking into it! Yeah, the 03 (imo) is too old, and the 2010 one has 211,335 km on the odo so while not a deal-breaker, I'd be more comfortable recommending something with a little less mileage.

          My friend's not too worried about ride comfort apparently so smaller car > older/high mileage car I think.

      • Some Human on 14/01/2019 - 09:42
        +1

        Yaris is uncomfortable for long drives. I drove from Ballerat to SE melbourne in one of those and couldn’t wait to get out of it.
        Go with a corolla. I’ve had mine for twelve years and it’s never let me down.

    • brendanm on 11/01/2019 - 14:26
      +1

      Battery may be borderline at that age. I'd go for an Aurion, cheaper than budget, comfortable and good on fuel.

      • spackbace on 11/01/2019 - 14:31
        -1

        Doubtful. Batteries come with an 8yr/160,000km warranty (now extended to 10yrs).

        2010 model has only just passed that 8yr mark. 1yr outside what Toyota would warrant it for doesn't mean it's ready to die. All that could be the case is it's lost a bit of it's capacity, which wouldn't greatly affect the overall economy, as it's not often the batteries are at 100% full.

        • brendanm on 11/01/2019 - 14:34
          +5

          Ah well, at any rate hybrid is pretty rubbish for highway driving compared to stop start, and not impressive at all compared to decent diesels. I'd still prefer the Aurion over the hybrid.

          • spackbace on 11/01/2019 - 14:38

            @brendanm: Hybrid will switch to the battery on the highway, I've seen it happen. Sure, it won't charge as often from the regenerative braking.

            Thing is, diesel small cars are dying out. And can cost more to service over their petrol counterparts. Personally I prefer diesels for big cars, not the little ones. Maybe if they have small turbos so very little lag. Turbo lag sucks :/

            • brendanm on 11/01/2019 - 15:41

              @spackbace: Small diesels are great. My passat gets better economy than the hybrids, and has a heap more power, also extremely low boost threshold, vgt turbos are good for this. Don't care about the servicing cost as I'm a mechanic. With the price of aurions now, op can buy a tonne of fuel with the price difference to a hybrid.

          • stumo on 12/01/2019 - 21:01
            +3

            @brendanm: Strongly agree. Hybrid is great around town, but pointless on a 300km highway run. Get a Non hybrid aurion or camry if you want Jap. Otherwise a comode or falcon would be a good choice, and so much cheaper than a hybrid.

            Small diesels fall into the same category as hybrids in this application. And overtaking and long drives would be pretty bad compared to the above.

            • brendanm on 12/01/2019 - 22:43
              +1

              @stumo: Small diesels are great on the highway. My passat does under 5L/100, has about as much power as a falcodore, and more torque at lower rpm. Hauls ass for overtaking.

  • iratepirate on 11/01/2019 - 13:22
    +6

    Hyundai Santa Fe AWD Turbo Diesel 2.2l CM (2006-2012) is my pick in this price range for long distance drives. Just bought one with 150K on the odo for $1000 less than your price range.

    Good safety, 1000Km range on one tank, cheap service parts and very reliable.

    • HighAndDry on 11/01/2019 - 13:24

      Oh nice, will have a look. Didn't even consider small SUVs as I'd assumed that'd be totally over budget but… interesting. Thanks.

      • Euphemistic on 11/01/2019 - 17:42
        +6

        Santa Fe isn’t small.

  • spackbace on 11/01/2019 - 13:26
    +2

    Side note, considering the budget, keep an eye on timing belt vs timing chain on the car.

    People could be flipping cars at this budget because a $1000-$1500 timing belt replacement isn't worth it for them.

    • HighAndDry on 11/01/2019 - 13:27

      Oh. Thanks for the tip! I'll keep an eye out on that - will definitely remind him to have it mechanically inspected before putting any money down. I assume timing belt/chain is something a mechanical inspection can see?

      • spackbace on 11/01/2019 - 13:32
        +1

        Yeah should be. Or the owner should really have a receipt. Or look for cars with timing chains and you'll be fine if it has 150,000km

        • barcer on 12/01/2019 - 08:32

          A timing chain should really last 300,000k plus. I got rid of an N15 Pulsar with 380,000k on the clock a couple of years ago (for reasons other than the engine, mainly to do with suspension/steering wear being uneconomical to repair) and the engine was still doing fine. And the good thing with timing chains USD they don't just randomly break, they start to rattle a bit too let you know they're worn out.

          • BargainMyMiddleName on 13/01/2019 - 22:03

            @barcer: Unless it's a vw 2.0 tfsi engine from the 09 to 13. Google it for more information. Timing chain tensioner fails.

            • brendanm on 14/01/2019 - 21:24

              @BargainMyMiddleName: Timing chains/tensioners fail in lots of cars these days. Mazda 2.3 turbo is terrible for it, Navara 2.5 diesel, astra 2.2 litre, Barina 1.4, Audi v6s in petrol and diesel, BMW 2.0 diesel etc etc.

      • greatlamp on 12/01/2019 - 23:20

        An inspection will check a timing belt as it's on the outside.

        A timing chain will be inside the engine and cannot be easily inspected.

        • gorge on 14/01/2019 - 02:21
          +1

          there's no real way to tell with an inspection. It has to be logged in the service manual

    • iratepirate on 11/01/2019 - 13:31

      Second that - if it hasn't had it's first major service (including timing belt - if applicable) take the price of that service into account when you negotiate.

    • Cluster on 11/01/2019 - 14:14
      +2

      My CH Lancer cost $450 to have the timing belt changed at the dealership. It's worth looking at this cost when selecting a car as the prices vary widely.

    • Jonski on 11/01/2019 - 17:38
      +1
      • waterpump
      • Worf on 12/01/2019 - 23:45
        +1

        Upvoted, my water pump was situated under the timing belt, so they had to take it off, often the cost of labour is what makes the job expensive

        • AP roto on 15/01/2019 - 11:00

          It's just a given to replace water pump when other work is getting done and it's convenient

  • boomramada on 11/01/2019 - 13:28

    All the cars you listed are mid range car, long distance travel, better to have a big car (v6)?.

    • HighAndDry on 11/01/2019 - 13:29

      Yeah - unfortunately I think all bigger cars are over budget (or will be too old or have too many kms). It's not ideal - but he was looking at tiny sized cars so I've already talked him into going one size bigger.

  • pjetson on 11/01/2019 - 13:42
    +2

    Corolla.

  • Chewiebacca on 11/01/2019 - 13:52
    +8

    Can find used Toyota Aurion's in that price-range, Touring model is supposedly even better for long distance driving. They will all fit the bill (pun intended).

    • Jugganautx on 12/01/2019 - 20:19

      All aurions have the same engine… performance wise won't be any different than an at-x unless a spoiler and leather seats make a long drive better..

  • pao2x on 11/01/2019 - 13:57
    +1

    Get a camry hybrid or not.

  • [Deactivated] on 11/01/2019 - 14:03

    300km highway, urban, mixed?

    Parking? Cargo? Passengers?

    • HighAndDry on 11/01/2019 - 14:18
      +1

      Highway, some urban/suburban driving. Parking should be fine, but I don't know his parking skills. Not much in the way of cargo or passengers I don't think.

      • [Deactivated] on 11/01/2019 - 14:35

        Swift is a crapbox for highway. Braking distance after 80kmph is panic inducing.

        Nissan Pulsar/Tiida is underpowered and heavy. It is cheap though but for a good reason.

        Jazz is very loud cabin noise on highway.

        Corolla is always a safe option but not the most fuel efficient. Not a problem for once a week.

        Lancer, like the old Corolla didn't get updated much. Very aged and inefficient engine.

        I haven't driven the others much but I'd narrow it down to Corolla and i30.

        Alternatively, I'd stretch to a v6 commodore in good nick.

        https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2010-Holden-Commodo…

        • Lichen6420 on 13/01/2019 - 14:18

          My 2010 Lancer does abour 7.5l /100km highway.

          I would go a larger more comfortable V6 with less cabin noise for highway cruising though. I only drive 10mins each way to and from work.

  • Cluster on 11/01/2019 - 14:16
    +5

    If it's mainly highway driving do not get a hybrid. They shine in stop/start traffic but fuel consumption goes up in country driving compared to urban. I have a GD4 Hyundai i30 diesel and it's nice driving long distances. Very economical, awesome range (about 950km), comfortable. You may be able to get a GD3 in your price range.

    Look at service intervals. 6 months/10k km is common with Mazdas and Toyotas, while Mitsubishi, KIA, Hyundai, etc allow 12 months/15k km. With driving such long distances the cost of servicing will be a factor.

  • singlemalt72 on 11/01/2019 - 14:32
    +2

    Just as an alternative - these are fantastic cars and get great fuel economy for a 6 cyl (and it's a Lexus!)
    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/Lexus-IS250-2006/SS…

    4-door Yaris - very economical and surprisingly competent for a little buzzbox
    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/Lexus-IS250-2006/SS…

    Hyundai ix30
    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/Hyundai-i30-2010/OA…

    • gezza90 on 14/01/2019 - 23:25

      The Lexus is exactly what I suggested and got downvoted lol. You know, that 'sold' Lexus is actually a good find especially manual. This time last year I was searching for a manual is250 but at the time there was only 5 manual for sale in NSW out of 300. So I gave up and eventually found a 2010 Audi A3 S-line 6sp manual fully option with sat nav and camera for $9700 with full Audi service history single owner. Got him down from $13,500 :)
      I even have the dealer receipt showing $46,500 in Nov 2010.

    • AP roto on 15/01/2019 - 11:03

      Even a Lexus LS200 2003 is an exceptional car that easily runs rings around German cars for build quality and maintenance costs.. Luxury EXport United States..

  • enzioFirenze on 11/01/2019 - 14:53
    +7

    I'm surprised nobody mentioned this but have you considered a Honda Accord Euro? their cabin noise suppression is really good for long drives.

    • HighAndDry on 11/01/2019 - 15:14

      Yeah would be ideal - I'm actually a big fan of the Accord Euro. But it seems to be way over budget.

      • enzioFirenze on 11/01/2019 - 16:00
        +4

        not necessarily

        • HighAndDry on 11/01/2019 - 16:03
          +1

          Oh nice find.

          Oh man, I was hoping to narrow the choices but it's only gotten wider. I'll just throw all the choices to my mate and he can decide. Between the Accord, Aurions, Corollas, the Kia Cerato, don't think he can go much wrong as long as he gets it checked out beforehand.

          Thanks!

      • Yotta00 on 13/01/2019 - 04:24

        If you are getting a Euro. The first thing you would do is to check the transmission - step on the accelerator it should go through all the gears quickly and not lag. Take it to straight to a automatic place, get the filter replace and put some of the good automatic fluid in there (if it hasn't already) and get them to test the solinoids. It cost 135-300 bux, but save you alot heart ache later on. Also the alternator may fail as well, which is a easy fix.

        Take it to a honda place and get the Airbags changed ASAP.

        Avoid getting CL9, there is a tonne of problems with their powersteering and it's getting old as well, things starting to fail.

        • Cleartype on 13/01/2019 - 09:45

          Hi mate, could you elaborate on the transmission issues? My MY06 Euro often struggles and shudders between certain gears, my local mechanic has always said not to worry and I haven't been brave enough to take to a specialist…

          (this aside, it's the best car I've owned and would recommend!)

          • Yotta00 on 14/01/2019 - 04:34

            @Cleartype: Basically, Honda automatic system isn't like other cars, it is smaller like a hybrid manual/automatic system, therefore it is prone to wear and tear.

            See this:
            http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthread.php?154787-CL9-amp-CU2-You-got-Automatic-transmission-you-ll-WANT-to-read-this

            Basically the solenoids wear out over time. It causes the gear change to lag, rough shift (it jumps during gear changes) and sometimes the D light blinks along with both VSA indicators. It is a extremely common fault.

            Goto an Auto Transmission repair place and get the solenoids test. A faulty solenoid will have a low amperage and needs replacing.

            Also you need to change the fluid and filter as well. It is not part of normal car servicing. Preferentially need this stuff to prevent cool the transmission. http://aisinaftermarket.jp/en/products/atf/index.html

  • glenr on 11/01/2019 - 15:05
    +1

    Ford Mondeo - medium size car, bit bigger engine (2L) and diesel so good fuel economy. eg https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/Ford-Mondeo-2011/SS…

    • enzioFirenze on 11/01/2019 - 16:43
      +2

      these had gearbox issues from memory, don't quote me on that but might be worthwhile doing your research on it.

      • barcer on 12/01/2019 - 08:35

        Agree, one of my work colleagues has one and is on to its third transmission. This one seems good though as it had lasted over 120,000. First two went at 10,000 and 35,000.

    • brendanm on 12/01/2019 - 12:55

      Hopefully op likes replacing injectors and seals, and gearboxes. Even when they aren't broken, the powershift is a terrible box to drive.

    • AP roto on 15/01/2019 - 11:05

      Yes and No. Mazda 6 is the same chassis and Ford motor but less Euro more Japanese.

  • whooah1979 on 11/01/2019 - 15:27
    +4

    A 2.4l Camry.

    • fleetfeather on 13/01/2019 - 09:57
      +3

      I have a 2004 2.4l camry. Bought it with 38,000Ks (was a grandma car to get to church). Since 2015 I've put another 40,000Ks on it mostly in trips between Canberra and Sydney or South Coast.

      Never had an issue with it. It's a fkn Camry!

  • SirNed on 11/01/2019 - 15:48
    +4

    Another vote for the Toyota Aurion. Nice car to cruise in have had it down around 7.2l per 100k on trips and lots of space in them for comfort.

    • HighAndDry on 11/01/2019 - 15:50

      This has gotten a lot of mention. How old/mileage specimens are we talking about for an Aurion within my friend's budget? I remember it being a rather large, relatively expensive car. I'll have a look on carsales now though. Thanks!

      • pao2x on 11/01/2019 - 16:56

        07 to 12 depending on mileage and model. Aurion uses a tiny bit more fuel than camry on highway, around 0.3-0.5 l/100km and much more fun. The main reason I ditched my Aurion was because it drinks on heavy city traffic and rego costs more in NSW bec of weight.

        • HighAndDry on 11/01/2019 - 16:57

          Ah thanks. I honestly think the size of the thing might put my friend off more than anything else. They last drove a small hatchback and wanted something similar/familiar. I'll mention the option to him though. For that kind of distance driving I'd want as big a car as I can reasonably get around in.

          • brendanm on 12/01/2019 - 12:57
            +3

            @HighAndDry: It's the same size as a Camry except has a better engine. Actually gets better economy than the Camry due to the 6 speed auto and low down torque, in my experience.

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