cruise control and a tow bar?

Chamelion · 09-10-2007, 02:09 AM

Hello,

I am looking at the following vehicle - http://www.drive.com.au/used-cars/FO...1&SG=819465294

It has just been marked down to $6990 and I intend to push for a bit more off that.

What I have just noticed is that it lacks the cruise control buttons on the wheel, which makes it rather obvious that it lacks this feature.

Does anyone know how much I'd be looking at to get CC put on it post purchase?

I'd also be keen to get a tow bar down the track too, but again, unsure of costs involved.

I can't speak for the mechanical side of this car, but physically it seems to be in good condition. Based on a quick look tonight in the rain. :p

Cheers

Matt.

RG · 09-10-2007, 02:12 AM

If you want cc and tow I'd just find on ethat already has them. There are plenty of AU's for sale atm.

Chamelion · 09-10-2007, 02:20 AM

The catch is that I'm just not mechanically inclined enough to pick a good one from a bad one and private sellers are a little towey about making the time to drive their vehicles to my chosen mechanic for pre purchase inspections.

I'm in no major rush, just yet. My camry is threatening to die, but is holding on for dear life. It's just that this wagon would suit us and whilst cruise control and a tow bar isn't life or death (I've never had CC before) I would like to work out whether a post purchase install is possible without huge costs.

Cheers

RG · 09-10-2007, 02:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chamelion

The catch is that I'm just not mechanically inclined enough to pick a good one from a bad one and private sellers are a little towey about making the time to drive their vehicles to my chosen mechanic for pre purchase inspections.

I'm in no major rush, just yet. My camry is threatening to die, but is holding on for dear life. It's just that this wagon would suit us and whilst cruise control and a tow bar isn't life or death (I've never had CC before) I would like to work out whether a post purchase install is possible without huge costs.

Cheers

I wouldn't buy a car from a seller if they refused to take it to a mechanic for a test, given that it is a reasonable distance and you accomodate their needs too. Post purchase cc would be a few hundred from autobarn and about the same for a decent tow bar.

Dealers are always better to buy from IMHO.

Chamelion · 09-10-2007, 03:02 AM

Few hundred is fine. Being that if I ever want it enough I'll get it. But having never had it, chances are I won't miss it.

I'll follow up with this car and see what happens.
It's certainly a better option than the AUII I looked at today. For a 2001 model it wasn't exactly in a great condition, at least visually. Paint work was less than one should expect, interior had plenty of imperfections too. A shame, it was factory dual fuel.

Thanks for the replies mate

Matt.

RG · 09-10-2007, 03:37 AM

I just realised that that is an AUI, bit too much $$$ if you ask me. You could get an AUII or III in vgc for that I'd think.

Chamelion · 09-10-2007, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedXR347

I just realised that that is an AUI, bit too much $$$ if you ask me. You could get an AUII or III in vgc for that I'd think.

Around these parts it seems that:

AUI
Private - $5500-$7000
Dealer - $6500-$9000 (the lower price being a local holden dealer who stocks the most pathetic looking used cars under 10k, ever. :o)

AUII
Private - $7000-9000
Dealer - $8500-11000

There is also the stark lack of AU's in wagons being sold here on the Sunshine Coast.

There are plenty of options in Brisbane, at least in comparison, but unfortunately getting down there, looking at a vehicle, getting a mechanic to check it out, putting down a deposit, then purchasing said vehicle is a logistical nightmare when you're not experienced in vehicle purchasing.

:

sly · 09-10-2007, 04:53 AM

My local Ford specialist wrecker quoted around $250 for the parts necessary to add cruise control. AFAIK the wiring is already in place and mounting the underbonnet control box and cable looks fairly straightforward. Biggest time/cost will be to R&R the steering wheel and change the stalks.

Parts probably cheaper in Brissy than in Newcastle too. I think Aussie Car Recyclers and "Ford Holden & 4WD" are up there. Have had good prices from them before, got my BA front susp/brakes from FH&4 hundreds cheaper than anywhere else, even with freight.

FGII-XR6 · 09-10-2007, 12:57 PM

you often see complete cruise kits on ebay they are used but come with all wiring and instructions

Chamelion · 09-10-2007, 01:05 PM

Cheers mate

Looking at the wagon tommorow. It apparently has log books to 150,000km when the book ran out of pages and apparently has some receipts.
The dealer is also fine with me taking it to my mechanic 23km~ away for a pre purchase inspection.

I do have another query, in regards to the fact it has dicky seats in the cargo area and as such is a 'claytons' 7 seater.
It's rather obvious that those sears are only suitable for children, which suits well enough. But I'm wondering whether they'll be illegal to use once the new child safety laws come into play.
I'm also curious, and I suppose I can check this out tommorow, as to how easy it is to take said dicky seats in and out. I'd rather they weren't in there for the time being. I'm not quite ready for a third child. :p