$22k to spend on a car. What do you buy?

[b2tf]

The better half is looking to upgrade her current car to something a bit newer. Current car is an 05 Accord Euro 6 speed manual, very, very happy with it but the kms are starting to rack up so time to move it on. I would ideally like to replace it with something of a similar nature but there is a little room to vary. Manual transmission is preferred but again not mandatory.

There are a lot of FG XR6's going round at the moment which are great value, I have found a number of them for $23,888 driveaway with less than 50,000kms and they look like great buying. Obviously the answers will be a bit biased but is there anything else we should consider? I won't buy a VE unless it is a V8 and if it is a Falcon I would really like an FG as I've had one before.

So the main points to consider are:

Ideally manual
Under $25k
No more than 3 yrs old (warranty)
Colour not important
Not too 'big' - will be a female driver and she 'doesnt want a truck'

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[smciner1]

How big is too big? How old are you looking at?

[Yellow_Festiva]

Not too big? Forget Falcon then. It is a full size family car.

Mondeo? Camry?

NEW Lancer? 4.5ish metres long, around 21k drive away, 22 with some added gear. Great warranty and capped services.

[Professor Farnsworth]

he said no more than 3 years..

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by smciner1

How big is too big? How old are you looking at?

Falcon Commodore etc is about as big as she wants. Nothing smaller than Accord Euro so Lancer etc is out.

Mondeo and Camry both out - I refuse to own a Camry.

[EFFalcon]

keep the accord.

[AcidTrip]

Check the auctions, www.manheim.com.au and www.pickles.com.au. If you're prepared to buy from an auction you'll have a huge array to choose from!

[Professor Farnsworth]

i'm curious to know how many km is considered too high on the current Accord? My daily has 271,000 on it and it's still great

[prasac]

just saw a 2008 ZR6 Aurion for around that price, leather interior, 200kw, sat nav, bluetooth, 14000k's, 6sp Auto on carslaes. good reliable cars for $20-$25k

[DBourne]

Mondeo Titanium would be worth a look. Nice interior, not toooo big, plenty of options.

[ZA-289]

dont pay 22k for a fg xr6!!!

05 accord euro is probably still a better car.

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by Professor Farnsworth

i'm curious to know how many km is considered too high on the current Accord? My daily has 271,000 on it and it's still great

Has 72,xxx on it and I would like it gone well before it hits 100,000. Just dont like to keep cars that long.

If you want to buy it shoot me a PM!

[Zero_PSI]

32 Gtr!

[R1XSTA]

What about the new Holden Cruze. You can get a brand new CDX with the 1.4L Turbo Petrol, or the 2L Turbo Diesel in 6spd manual for around that cost.

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by R1XSTA

What about the new Holden Cruze. You can get a brand new CDX with the 1.4L Turbo Petrol, or the 2L Turbo Diesel in 6spd manual for around that cost.

We did look at an SRiV 9the new Turbo thing) on the weekend but they are too small for what we are after. Other than that I was impressed with it.

[R1XSTA]

They are an impressive car. Great fuel economy for what they are.

The sriV is a bit more than your listed price range, being they start at 27k.

I've recently purchased one on the pure basis of;

- Leather Seats Factory.
- Heated Front seats
- Heated Side Mirrors
- Full sports bodykit
- Big leg room
- Really easy clutch
- Really easy gear selection
- Factory SatNav
- Easy steering wheel controls

and lots more.. The only real downside is, missing 2/4 cylinders and no factory bluetooth.

[El Caballo]

I am flabbergasted. That Accord is just broken in at 72k. I have a Suburban that is past 300kms and that Accord will last that long comfortably. But hey, if the ashtray is full, I guess it is time to trade it in.

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by El Caballo

I am flabbergasted. That Accord is just broken in at 72k. I have a Suburban that is past 300kms and that Accord will last that long comfortably. But hey, if the ashtray is full, I guess it is time to trade it in.

Can assure you the ashtray has never been full. Perhaps if you don't agree with me updating cars you can take that elsewhere though.

[Poetic Justice]

I wouldn't want to keep it over 100kms either, so there at least a few of us who would share your opinion on this one!

[Paxton]

Mazda6? I drove an Accord Euro before buying one in 2005, and whilst I wasn't taken aback with the Accord, I did buy a Mazda. Otherwise, try a Liberty. The last of the 4th Gen are in about that price bracket, and the H6 is a surprisingly good package.

Something like this would be good buying.

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by Paxton

Mazda6? I drove an Accord Euro before buying one in 2005, and whilst I wasn't taken aback with the Accord, I did buy a Mazda. Otherwise, try a Liberty. The last of the 4th Gen are in about that price bracket, and the H6 is a surprisingly good package.

Something like this would be good buying.

I'd be happy with that Subie you linked to but it doesnt really make sense to get out of one 05 model and into another. The Mazda6 is on the shortlist too.

[blueoval]

2009 Mazda 6 classic - $22,700

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...d=1321575D1311

2010 Mazda 3 Maxx Sport - $20500

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...d=1321575D1311

[Paxton]

Originally Posted by b2tf

I'd be happy with that Subie you linked to but it doesnt really make sense to get out of one 05 model and into another. The Mazda6 is on the shortlist too.

Point taken - for mine, that was just something with fewer miles, and possibly some extra goodies.

The Mazda6 (if it is the old model) was a decent car. Just try and find a Luxury Sports, and you'll be set. My one was Auto, but the Manuals are a good drive.

[Geez Louise]

I was going to suggest a Mazda 6. From what I have seen and heard about them (2 of the girls at work drive them) they are a great car.

[blueoval]

If the budget could stretch, I'd personally go for a VW Golf
http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...d=1321575D1311

[R1XSTA]

The missus has a 04 Mazda 6 Luxury. Its a great car, Climate control is wonderful.

Seats are a bit uncomfortable. Bit of power. good on fuel, pullin in the low 8's in an auto.

[prydey]

if you're happy with the euro, just upgrade to an 09 one. obviously looking for a change of scenery?

22k ain't going to get too much in the FG range with low km's. coming from a euro, the xr6 may seem too sports orientated (rather than luxury) and many of the cheaper ones may not have the 6sp. only a handful of G6LE's on carsales and these are all 5sp also.

[Professor Farnsworth]

what about an LW Focus? They're great (not so)little cars, dad just bought a Sport. You can get the base model inside your budget, or even the Trend which is the next model up if you bargain with them. Get in quick as they're switching manufacturing from Germany to Thailand next year.

[blueoval]

2009 Subaru Impreza RS - $22,000 with sunroof
http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...ode%20matchany

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by blueoval

If the budget could stretch, I'd personally go for a VW Golf
http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...d=1321575D1311

Too small