New Commuter - Fun car or sensible?

[dvestate]

So with the car buying topics popping up it draws me out of the grass, with the build of my new place and the old place sold off we have decided that if I want to the 1998 Pulsar SSS can be replaced but have set myself a max budget (including anything from trade in or private sale) of the Pulsar to 25K

So my options are if I want something fast and fun then I need to look at the 2nd hand market because I'd really need to spend closer to 40K for something new in that bracket, or something practical and fuel efficient then the budget could see me with a new car.

My problem seems to be do I keep the "Hot Hatch" going or now that I'm in my mid 30's do I go for the calm and sensible car, then when it needs replacing I'd be prime for my mid life crisis car

Been thinking if I go Hot Hatch then 2010 XR5 or WRX, if I go sensible then Corolla, Mazda 3 or mid range Focus or even dip myself into Korean made market......

Thoughts?? I'll be driving this car each day to and from work because public transport sucks in my new location

[DexterPunk]

Rexy! Dooo it

But be aware of insurance costs. I think there's something to be said for a car that puts a smile on your face and you actually look forward to driving in the morning. A WRX hatch is still going to be practical and safe in the wet with 4x4. Parts aren't tooooo bad and easy enough to find. The engines are solid. Just get the gearbox checked if you do look at buying one.


Sent from Han Solo using TK-421's phone.

[Speed]

I reckon you can't beat a Golf for a good all rounder but a low k GTI might be a bit pricey.

Some sound advice that I read years ago to get the best value out of buying cars is to buy at 20,000 km's & sell at 80,000 km's.

[wabbit]

'06 auto Rolla... Awwwww shit yeah!

[Gizmo]

You can get something pretty decent for 25K and that is before you go add any funds from the sale of your current car.

In keeping with my Volkswagen theme of late, i'm going to suggest two ripper cars! Both of which will leave you money in the bank.

The first is a Polo GTI. You can pick these up 2nd hand with anything from 10,000km to 30,000km on them. The model I will give as an example is a 2010 with 28,000 on the clock for $22,950, and that's before the haggling! Fucken Bargin! Go and take one for a drive at a dealership, they are fantastic cars. Plenty of power and magic handling! If you can get $5k for the Pulsar you could get a new one as you can pick them up for $30,000 drive away.
2010 Polo GTI

The second car is, wait....you guessed it....another Volkswagen. This time a Golf GTI. This is a car that needs no introduction. You can get this 2010 model with 35,000km for $25,800. If you can find better value than that you are a better man than I!
2010 Golf GTI

If you want to step away from the hot hatch I would look at a Mazda 6. I've only ever driven the first gen car, however these are great, class leading cars!
Mazda 6

[richo]

Polo or Golf .

Just don't get an auto.

[SE1Z]

'06 auto Rolla... Awwwww shit yeah!

This.
/end thread.

If you have to ask the question, you aren't ready for a hot hatch!

If it were me....
WRX or Golf GTi.

Since you already have a forester, test drive a golf GTi.

[dvestate]

Dex - Insurance is one of the reasons we looked at the XT Foz in 2006, same motor, etc and saved $1300 on insurance a year

I've stayed away from even looking at the Polo or Golf due to the DSG issue, don't really want the car to suddenly do something stupid...... Will definitely have to give them a look, will need to be a 5 door so I don't have to lean into the back to get the little bloke onboard when required.

That Polo you linked Gizmo looks very nice, I had been thinking about a Polo about 18 months ago when the house building process started so might have to head back that way

[DexterPunk]

That's why I bought a 2.5RS instead of the WRX. Insurance is soooo much less! Still has enough go to be fun to drive, and just adore AWD. I'm not a huge fan of anything after 2005 in the Impreza line up though. I think it I was going to pay the big insurance I'd skip the WRX and go straight to the WRX STI. Something which I consider sometimes. But really my car is fine for now... I really don't need it. One day.


Sent from Han Solo using TK-421's phone.

[dvestate]

Heading to the VW dealer near work tomorrow to sit in a Polo and see how the sizing fits and go from there.

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[dvestate]

Went up to the VW dealer and jumped into a Polo & Golf GTI, both had enough room to be comfy enough but the width of the Polo you could see the back seat might be a bit tight with a few humans and looks like a kids seat would take up half the rear seat.

Will take another walk up that way tomorrow, saw a manual Golf GTI at another dealer on the way back so might test pilot that sucker and see what I think

[Vilante]

Do you think the back of the Polo would be OK with 2 adults in it?

Kinda getting smitten on the Polo GTI but worried about it being pretty small.

[Santaria]

Do you think the back of the Polo would be OK with 2 adults in it?

Kinda getting smitten on the Polo GTI but worried about it being pretty small.

The polo's are a bit small. They'd fit, but it wouldn't be terribly comfortable.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus

[dvestate]

My driver position left me just enough room to get in there and not be squished but I would not like to sit there for a length of time.

The Golf however felt much bigger in the back.

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[Vilante]

Cheers guy

[dvestate]

What a fun drive, 30 minutes of fun around the back streets of Parramatta and down the freeway a bit.

Have to say that the Golf GTI was a heap of fun to drive around and is my pick for my next car,I would look at a WRX but a bit keen for something other than a Subbie seeing we have one.

Not sure why I did not drive this earlier.... Kills the XR5 in fit and feel for me. The dealer price was overs and he was not keen to negotiate on price very hard....

With the Pulsar with 10 months rego I am not in a massive hurry so will stick it out browsing carsales until a 5 door manual comes up in a colour that I'm after

[dvestate]

Anyone know a good company for pre sale inspections in Sydney?

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[Gizmo]

Dealers would be silly not to negotiate on a Golf GTI. The Mk VII is not far off and they need to clear current stock. Set your price and if they can't match it walk out the door. I'm pretty sure you'll get a call back later that day

[dvestate]

Working on a long lunch and heading to check this out - http://www.carsales.com.au/private/deta ... 6746/?Cr=2

[dvestate]

Well 9 days after the suggestion from Giz that I look at a GTI, and BAM there is one in my driveway.

Base model of the GTI but such and awesome car to drive, looks and feels like new inside. Not too many marks on it, nice drive home even though half was bumper to bumper traffic

[Vilante]

Awesome, congrats mate!!

[Santaria]

Fuck yeah man, welcome to the VeeDub club ;-)


Sent from my Galaxy Nexus

[Gizmo]

Sweet. Awesome car there man. Pretty good deal there too! The Golf GTI/R is such a complete package.

Next step is to head on over to http://www.vwgolf.net.au" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[nutty]

Nice car for that sort of cash, talk them down any?

I need a new car... looks like a nice solid option!

[Gizmo]

Where in Brissy are you living Nutty? We should catchup!