Car advice

[Sdajii]

I did not ask for a moral assessment of my character.
Thank you all the same.

I didn't actually make one, it was your choice to take it that way. Anyway, I think this line of conversation has run its course.

 

[marklar]

I've owned Audis in the past and wouldn't buy one 2nd hand, got rid of each of mine after about 5 years and they were in need of some expensive repairs.

Currently driving a 2009 320d and I love it, not the first diesel or BMW I've owned but well worth the money.

m.

 

[nulla nulla]

G'day Julia. In considering bmw's have you considered the BMW X3. This is functional without being one of those over the top 4X4's and I suspect your dawg would love the elevated perspective for watching the world go by.

 

[Julia]

Thanks, Marklar and Nulla Nulla.

The servicing looks like being a potential problem because I live in a regional area with no local agent for either BMW, Audi or Peugeot.

As mentioned earlier, the dealership cannot legally invalidate the warranty if the car is serviced outside a brand dealership, but my local mechanic tells me they can make it very, very difficult, in that the dealership has its own specific software for the servicing according to the requirements in the logbook, and they will not make this available to non-dealer mechanics.

Heard one horror story today from someone who had had Peugeot which was off the road for weeks while the arguments went on.

Sigh!

So now into the mix is thrown the Mazda 6 Wagon which can have the black cloth trim (which I dislike and which attracts doghair) replaced with leather in choice of colour. This is a reasonably attractive vehicle, and with a local dealership (which is happy to accommodate my own mechanic) the potential hassles of service problems wouldn't exist.
The wagon provides very adequate dog space in the tail, with cargo barrier.
They would throw in rubber type flooring to sit on top of carpet in tailgate.


It would be very much a compromise.

Don't want to try anyone's patience out there with my vacillating, but are there any experiences of service on BMW or Peugeot outside of a dealership?

Thanks again.

Attached is photo of the Mazda 6 wagon which has some resemblance to the Peugeot.

 

[Logique]

...the Mazda 6 Wagon...This is a reasonably attractive vehicle, and with a local dealership (which is happy to accommodate my own mechanic) the potential hassles of service problems wouldn't exist.

Now you're on the right track Julia. Service and parts are essential considerations in the overall package. I'm tipping that BMW parts won't be coming cheap, and could well be delays in ordering them in.

Mazdas as a rule are well-finished, reliable, value for money and resale value holding cars. And with Mazda dealerships around the place for when you go travelling. Why put yourself through that prestige car nonsense?

That Mazda 6 wagon looks a beaut car to me. (No I'm not a Mazda dealer)

 

[DocK]

Would love a BMW X5, but sadly has to make do with a Holden Captiva. I have heard that both the servicing and particularly the tyres for the X5 are very expensive - I believe the tyres are unique to BMW and cannot be replaced with nonBMW-specific ones? Might be a consideration if you can get around the servicing by local mechanic issue.

I do know several happy Mazda 6 owners - nobody seems to have had any issues to speak of, although they are a run-of-the-mill car - have you considered a Volvo XC60 or V50??

 

[Kimberly]

Hi Julia,

Sorry to hijack the thread, but I've been wondering for the longest time, how your little puppy is doing?

 

[Julia]

Now you're on the right track Julia. Service and parts are essential considerations in the overall package. I'm tipping that BMW parts won't be coming cheap, and could well be delays in ordering them in.

Mazdas as a rule are well-finished, reliable, value for money and resale value holding cars. And with Mazda dealerships around the place for when you go travelling. Why put yourself through that prestige car nonsense?

Not because it's a 'prestige' car, Logique, just that I've always really admired them and have been a bit surprised to find that a used BMW with under 50kms, around 2 or 3 years old, can be acquired for less than many new 'ordinary' cars.
Have now found a local mechanic who services all the European cars, probably would indeed be more expensive but given my low km use, it's not going to happen all that often other than routine oil change etc.

That Mazda 6 wagon looks a beaut car to me. (No I'm not a Mazda dealer)

It is nice. Especially if it gets the leather trim instead of the ubiquitous black cloth.

Would love a BMW X5, but sadly has to make do with a Holden Captiva. I have heard that both the servicing and particularly the tyres for the X5 are very expensive - I believe the tyres are unique to BMW and cannot be replaced with nonBMW-specific ones? Might be a consideration if you can get around the servicing by local mechanic issue.

I do know several happy Mazda 6 owners - nobody seems to have had any issues to speak of, although they are a run-of-the-mill car - have you considered a Volvo XC60 or V50??

Thanks, DocK. You're right about the Mazda. They're popular and I've never heard any adverse comment about them, plus my own 20 year old 626 wouldn't have had more than $3000 in total spent on it in that time.

Volvo: they've just never appealed to me. Not sure why.

Hi Julia,

Sorry to hijack the thread, but I've been wondering for the longest time, how your little puppy is doing?

Hi Kimberly,
Hmm, she is no little puppy now, almost a year old. Despite the breeder assuring me that her parentage would ensure she would be placid and calm, she's the most excitable, boisterous Shepherd puppy I've ever had.
The puppyhood has been trying, to say the least!

She's gradually getting better, but is still hugely socially inclined and thinks she has to make instant friends with every dog she sees.

I've had to work hard with the training, constantly, and she will still at times appear to forget everything she has learned.

Hopefully the worst is over now.
Thanks for asking.

 

[Boggo]

Volvo: they've just never appealed to me. Not sure why.

Volvo, built tough to protect Volvo drivers from Volvo drivers

 

[roland]

Does anyone have a Jeep Wrangler, or had one? I'm thinking of getting the 4 door version, but may wait for the 2011 model - looks like they have done a bit to spruce up the interior.

Found that on the net, people that have them, love them, people that don't have one hate them with a passion!

My RX7 is sitting gathering dust because I am scared of getting a scratch or stone chip. Looking for something solid that will do just about anything, and something to be able to knock around, chuck firewood in the back, toe a boat (if ever I could afford one), go camping etc.

Don't want a shopping center/pick up the kids from daycare SUV.

 

[prawn_86]

able to knock around, chuck firewood in the back, toe a boat (if ever I could afford one), go camping etc.

Don't want a shopping center/pick up the kids from daycare SUV.

If this is what you are after then there is no point buying a new one. Get one that is about 5 yrs old and you will be able to do all the stuff you want to without worrying about it, while also saving yourself some cash (to buy that boat with )

 

[roland]

If this is what you are after then there is no point buying a new one. Get one that is about 5 yrs old and you will be able to do all the stuff you want to without worrying about it, while also saving yourself some cash (to buy that boat with )

Good advice, unfortunately the 4 door version has only been out for a year, and almost none with hard tops due to the hard top manufacturer going bust. They have a new hard top manufacturer now, but I may be waiting a few years to get a 2nd hand one.

 

[JTLP]

Julia I suspect with a German Shepherd you'll want something like a 4x4 as such.

I've only ever owned Honda's and have to say that they are extremely reliable. Only things I've had done with mine is just the usual servicing and replacement stuff.

Have you considered maybe a CR-V? They would seem to suit your mould and are relatively inexpensive to run.

 

[nulla nulla]

Julia I suspect with a German Shepherd you'll want something like a 4x4 as such.

I've only ever owned Honda's and have to say that they are extremely reliable. Only things I've had done with mine is just the usual servicing and replacement stuff.

Have you considered maybe a CR-V? They would seem to suit your mould and are relatively inexpensive to run.

Have you ever had any issues with the "D" (gearbox) indicator light flashing?

 

[JTLP]

Have you ever had any issues with the "D" (gearbox) indicator light flashing?

Hi Nulla,

Are you referring to the "D" in an Auto? I only drive manuals (plus I drive an Integra)

But back on topic - Julia i'm sure you can pick up one for a great deal...get the Sport Model and you will be happy.

 

[Julia]

Julia I suspect with a German Shepherd you'll want something like a 4x4 as such.

I've only ever owned Honda's and have to say that they are extremely reliable. Only things I've had done with mine is just the usual servicing and replacement stuff.

Have you considered maybe a CR-V? They would seem to suit your mould and are relatively inexpensive to run.

Thanks for the suggestion, JTLP, but I just don't like the 4x4 type vehicles.
And really not necessary for the dog. Have successfully carried dogs in ordinary sedans (back seat covered appropriately) for many years, but with this boisterous young thing I do like the idea of confining her in the tailgate section of a wagon.

Only disadvantage of this is that there's no window there so one of the dog's greatest joys of having its head out the window while driving is ruled out.

I have a friend who has a Honda and likes it a lot. Somehow their current models just don't attract me. I do appreciate that they are very reliable, however.

 

[awg]

Hi Julia,

From a financial perspective there is no question retaining your older vehicle is a winner imo.

Depreciation on a vehicle is unavoidable, at the rate of approx 15% pa,
so do your sums.

Maintenance costs may also higher on a newer BMW.

Mazda 626 are very reliable, although you did not say how old your one is?

Most female drivers give up on the old girl too early, I find.

Wear items can be replaced provided that the vehicle is subject to a good maintenance schedule by the same mechanic

Perhaps you could grab an old 626 for "spares" and just stick it under a tarp in the yard:

ps I would avoid any less popular vehicles in regional areas, due to possible service support issues.

 

[Julia]

Hi Julia,

From a financial perspective there is no question retaining your older vehicle is a winner imo.

Yes, I know you're right about that, awg, and it's what I've been telling myself for the last couple of years.
But the money I'd outlay on a new car which would make me smile when I drive it represents just what it produces in income - around $2400 p.a.
which isn't much.

Depreciation on a vehicle is unavoidable, at the rate of approx 15% pa,
so do your sums.

Absolutely agree, but as above, this isn't much about money as a bit of long overdue self indulgence, for which I've already been castigated by Sdajii.

Mazda 626 are very reliable, although you did not say how old your one is?

I think I did say: it's 1990, so now twenty years old, still only done 78,000 and is in excellent condition.

Wear items can be replaced provided that the vehicle is subject to a good maintenance schedule by the same mechanic

Yep, it gets regularly checked and has needed next to nothing spent on it.

Perhaps you could grab an old 626 for "spares" and just stick it under a tarp in the yard:

Um, awg, not sure that this would enhance my landscaping too much.
Seems a fairly extreme measure to go to in order to hold on to a car that has already put in a lot of years.

ps I would avoid any less popular vehicles in regional areas, due to possible service support issues.

Yes, I'm very conscious of this. Though BMW Brisbane are prepared to drive up here, collect the vehicle if I buy from them, even a used car, service it and return at what they say is no additional cost.
Hard to believe I wouldn't be paying for it somehow, but they do really seem to be very service focused and say they have people who just do this as their entire job, i.e. driving round Qld collecting and delivering cars for service.

 

[basilio]

Congratulations on a very courageous decision to ask a largely male forum to advise you on buying a car. As you are no doubt aware we men know almost everything there is to know about cars and welcome every opportunity to spread our knowledge.....

On a serious point I would tread very carefully with BMW's. From everything I have heard ( basically from my mechanic for 30 years and some indirect experiences) BMW's are very expensive to service and even more expensive to repair when things go wrong. And they seem to go wrong a lot quicker than you might expect from a marque brand..

So what might befit your station Julia given you want to splash some cash and enjoy the rewards of your canny investing?

How about a superbly restored 1933 Phantom Rolls Royce ? There is an excellent example in Melbourne . Check it out at car sales. (certainly worth a drool..)

Of course you wouldn't want to drive it yourself. Perhaps the right chauffeur could be approached. Some like Morgan Freeman perhaps ?

Cheers and good luck.


1933 ROLLS ROYCE PHANTOM II 107794
$139,777*


Vehicle 1933 ROLLS ROYCE PHANTOM II 107794
Price $139,777*
Kilometres 63170
Colour BLACK OVER BLUE
Transmission 4 speed Manual
Body 4 door 7 seat LIMOUSINE
Drive Type Rear
Engine 6 cylinder Petrol Carburettor 7.7L (7668cc)
Reg Plate TBA
VIN TBA
Stock# 933
Comments Roomy and comfortable Windovers coachwork. One owner for the last forty years and recently restored. This is the fastest and best driving Phantom II we have encountered for many years and will be great for long distance tours. Comes with logbook ownership history and workshop manual. Registrable on historic plates in most States without stamp duty.


http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars...247 1252 1282 4294959600 4294767989&silo=1011

 

[jbocker]

Hi Julia
Is NO car a possibility?
I only ask because I am seriously considering it myself, moving into the heart of the city in the new year hopefully, sell off the car, which is due for replacement anyway. Put the purchase amount of money and costs aside in an investment, and use that on a as needs basis to hire or taxi.
If I want to travel for the week/end away I hire the vehicle suited for the trip from whomever has the best deal.

No need to worry about rego, depreciation, servicing, cleaning and so on.

I have two car bays in the property and could lease them out... except I will have last two kids with us, and they have cars and work in town. So while they are with us their cars are available to us, BUT I am working on the theory that they dont stay... too long.
Interested to know anyone who has a No car existence, and how it works for them.

So Julia, just prompting your imagination on a 'what if I couldnt drive or dont own a car' see what solutions may arise for your transportation needs.

More back on topic my son bought an old BMW 2 door and had it trucked from east to west. I have driven it and am impressed, with its feel and functionality.