bravo 35 Report post Posted August 24, 2009 I have a friend with a budget of $10k or less. He wants a station wagon as new as he can afford, with as low kms as possible that doesn't look like a Mum, Dad and the Kids wagon. He's not a car guy, and just wants something cheapish, newish, reliable and able to cart camping gear etc, but still look ok. He's been looking at '99 Caldinas, Caribs and Familias. Any other suggestions? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nobimmer 694 Report post Posted August 24, 2009 My ex GF had a 99 caldina. In one year, the only thing she did was put gas in it and get it serviced once. I hope it has broken on her now, but I doubt it. I also had a Carib, pretty much same deal. Most reliable car I have ever owned hands down. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
martyyn 2 Report post Posted August 24, 2009 (edited) We bought an 01 Ford Focus for 8k over a year ago, so should be able to buy a much newer one for cheaper now. The newer Mondeo wagon is a good looking car with plenty of kit and a nice drive too. A quick search on TM has dozens of 2005/06 Mondeos between 10-12k, a little less for a year or two older. Our Focus had more room in it than the 528 touring. Edited August 24, 2009 by Penry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Apex 693 Report post Posted August 24, 2009 (edited) Newer shape Nissan Stagia's are cool. Sacked out Mondeo's look good. I ended up with an E30 when searching with a 10k budget Edited August 24, 2009 by Apex Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
e30plz 1 Report post Posted August 24, 2009 The newer Mondeo wagon is a good looking car with plenty of kit and a nice drive too. A quick search on TM has dozens of 2005/06 Mondeos between 10-12k, a little less for a year or two older.+1, The new Mondeo wagons are pretty good cars. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
antil33t 90 Report post Posted August 24, 2009 Lots of cars fall in this price range. Nissan Stagea, Mitsubishi Diamante Wag (Do not get a GDI one). Toyota Camry. What sort of "size" does he want? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DRTDVL 0 Report post Posted August 25, 2009 (edited) hehe 406 2.0 hdi http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/C...n-234699660.htm plus diesel runs for ever and super good on gas... (490km on 1/2 a tank in my 1.9ltr older style turbo diesel) or 3.0 v6 auto Visit My Website 2003 new cambelt (2.0 pet auto) http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/C...n-237243371.htm Edited August 25, 2009 by DRTDVL Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pjay 8 Report post Posted August 25, 2009 +1 to Stagea, Mazda 6, Legacy GTB Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Apex 693 Report post Posted August 25, 2009 Actually, I can se potential in those Heath, good value and much much better than some boring Jap crap wagon, they are in killer need of some massive wheels and a massive drop though. How easy is it to get mags for them and how easy are they to lower say 40mm? Tell the truth now Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Apex 693 Report post Posted August 25, 2009 +1 to Stagea, Mazda 6, Legacy GTB Or a Legacy B4 3.0 boxer six, they are more reliable than the turbo and are chain driven, some good deals going on them at the moment too. Mazda 6's are not 10k and they are boring as fork. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DRTDVL 0 Report post Posted August 25, 2009 (edited) Actually, I can se potential in those Heath, good value and much much better than some boring Jap crap wagon, they are in killer need of some massive wheels and a massive drop though. How easy is it to get mags for them and how easy are they to lower say 40mm? Tell the truth now 17's not super easy but lots of adaptors out there. 306/206/307/407 wheels also fit so there is a large selection of factory wheels availables and the cars coming out of japan tend to have aftermarket wheels. I know a few of the wreakers are importing cars for parts from japan with nice wheels on them... also 206 gti 180 wheels are the same as the 307 wheel (17inch 5 spoke) which look nice... Talk to Keith about Lowering springs... 35mm drop is tons and would still allow him to clear things... standard 406 sedan... 406 sedan lowered on 406 coupe wheels: 406 sedan on 17in DTM wheels: Edited August 25, 2009 by DRTDVL Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites