Car Upgrade Advice Wanted :)

rdx on 28/07/2017 - 14:23
Last edited 01/08/2017 - 14:24

Hello All,

I’ve currently got a Holden Astra 2005 Equipe TS and would like to sell it to upgrade.
I want a car that will be an upgrade, not a sidestep.
I’ve got around $10k give or take a couple grand to spend.

It might sound juvenile but I would like something I can be proud of, I’m bored of my lacklustre Astra. Doesn’t need to be a race car, just something that looks nice or can be made to look nice, with a bit more than the tiny 90kw that the Astra makes.

I want to switch to manual and it has to have a RWC/Rego.

I’ve been thinking one of the Mazda 3’s or a Focus. I like a smaller car.

Does anybody here have any recommendations?

I’ve been looking at car sales, eBay and gumtree and haven’t found anything that sticks out. I’ve seen a lot of RX-8’s but I’ve been told I’d just end up paying for it again in repair/maintenance costs.

Many thanks in advance, I’ll really appreciate any advice or suggestions.

EDIT: Gday all, I super appreciate all the comments you’ve been leaving, some really great discussion there too, thanks for sharing.
I’ve decided to go with a Ford Focus XR5 Turbo which I have secured for just under $13k @ 120kms. My reasoning is that it is fairly powerful (166kw) especially compared to the auto Astra, it sounds ridiculously nice, the modding community is huge and I like the look, plus I’ve always been a bit of a Ford fan.

Automotive

Comments

  • Rumbaar on 28/07/2017 - 14:31

    Your budget will limit the upgrade over sidestep options, where as you'll get a newer sidestep car at your budget range.

    • gimli on 30/07/2017 - 22:27

      Depends on how old a car op is willing to get

  • oscargamer on 28/07/2017 - 14:36
    +6

    MX5?

    • rdx on 28/07/2017 - 17:58

      To be honest, they look like great little cars but I don’t particularly love the look of them. Thanks anyways!

      • oscargamer on 28/07/2017 - 19:48

        all good

        have you seen all the different MY's?

        • rdx on 28/07/2017 - 21:24

          I have - they can definitely look cool but they need a lot of work to get there.
          The 2017 MX5 looks awesome but all the ones in my price range don't look so flash ;)

      • gimli on 30/07/2017 - 22:28
        +1

        They are quite nice.
        Take it for a spin

      • Agret on 31/07/2017 - 18:36
        -1

        I got a 2005 350z with 97,000KM for $11800 privately if you are thinking of getting a sportscar :) great fun in the manual, first time owning a manual car.

        You could also look at a car like the Honda Civic Type R or Mazda 3 MPS which only come in manual and are both pretty damn fast while still being practical.

  • angelkulit025 on 28/07/2017 - 14:41
    +13

    I'd stay away from any "Focus" D.O.M 2011-2016 if you don't want any headaches.

    • rdx on 28/07/2017 - 17:59

      Why do you say that? I’ve got a mate with a Focus XR5 Turbo 2010 and he absolutely loves it, and the thing sounds like a beast.

      • angelkulit025 on 28/07/2017 - 19:39
        +16

        I was saying date of manufacture 2011 to 2016 as there is a major fault with the Automatic Powershift transmission on those cars. Trust me, i own one.

        • rdx on 28/07/2017 - 21:22
          +3

          Oh dear, thanks for the heads up!

        • bs0 on 29/07/2017 - 22:04
          +3

          Seconded, mum has one too, and it's got a few issues..

        • [Deactivated] on 29/07/2017 - 23:30
          +3

          Thirded. My brother in law has one that occasionally doesn't engage gears when shifting from neutral.

        • trongy on 30/07/2017 - 08:58
          +6

          @rdx:

          The problem is with the automatic gear box and you said you wanted a manual gearbox. It would be worth pursuing a manual Focus if you find one you like. You may find a bargain, as negativity about one model often depresses the price for the whole brand.

        • drprox on 30/07/2017 - 15:50
          +2

          Good news is he said he wants a manual.
          Edit: had two mates with manual XR5s, one an older gen circa 2011 and one newer about 2016. The 5 cylinder sounds tough as and the mate in question flogged his power chip and all (incidentally don't buy a white one..) and was still running very strong when he sold it!

        • Dr Techno on 30/07/2017 - 23:33
          +2

          Official name is Powersh*t transmission…

        • AlexD on 31/07/2017 - 09:30
          +1

          I had a 2011 Titanium auto (diesel). The petroleum used a dry clutch system, which was rubbish. The diesels used wet clutch, and the transmission was totally different. Was a great car!

          Because the petrol autos were so bad, manuals and diesel autos are very undervalued.

        • boretentsu on 01/08/2017 - 20:44

          @darkage: You shifted the F

    • aussieprepper on 30/07/2017 - 03:05
      +3

      Ford is getting taken to court by the ACCC for this. I hope they fix the issues mate!

      • angelkulit025 on 30/07/2017 - 08:32
        +2

        Had mine replaced the clutch last friday and feel good when driving now..the question is how long will it last.

      • roguescholar on 31/07/2017 - 15:17

        Bannister Law is also running a class action.

    • gimli on 30/07/2017 - 22:28
      -1

      Paracetamol is $1 for 100 tablets.

  • TheBilly on 28/07/2017 - 14:49
    +8

    Just some advice: if you can't make an informed decision on your own and figure it out, definitely steer clear of cars like the RX8. Go with the typical Mazda 3's, VW Polos, Hyundai I30's and the like. Dont be too adventurous in other words. Unless you have the budget to make mistakes.

    • gimli on 30/07/2017 - 22:29
      +1

      He could always save by skipping insurance?

  • whooah1979 on 28/07/2017 - 14:50
    +2

    Corolla?

    • [Deactivated] on 28/07/2017 - 15:00
      +1

      For about 10k to 15k as a budget - genuinely the most relevant set of options:

      Corollas
      Hondas
      Hyundai
      Kia
      Mazdas

      Those are the areas you can play with - new car money will mean you are only really looking at base level hatches rather than sedans (depends on your preferences).

      Work through those and you'll get some ideas.

  • Nugs on 28/07/2017 - 15:28
    +4

    camry in white

    • Kangal on 28/07/2017 - 15:47
      +3

      falcon on gas

      • altomic on 28/07/2017 - 16:29
        +5

        camry in off white
        falcon ex taxi on gas
        the perfect haiku

        • Kangal on 29/07/2017 - 00:59
          +4

          That's what I was going for.
          Glad there's some poets around!
          Out in public they're no-where to be found.
          Such a mournful sound.

        • itsdougie on 30/07/2017 - 11:42

          @Kangal:
          Can you incorporate commodore on Ethanol in that jingle?

        • gimli on 30/07/2017 - 22:31
          +1

          Five seven then five
          Syllables mark a haiku
          Remarkable oaf

      • MathNerd on 30/07/2017 - 17:29

        Ah the good ol' FoG - every Whirlpooler's favourite choice ;)

  • Some Human on 28/07/2017 - 15:47
    +4

    Mazda 3 looks pretty cool, I'd go with that.

    • rdx on 28/07/2017 - 18:00

      That’s what I’m strongly considering now. Thanks :)

      Any idea what year I should go for?

      • Zaenille on 30/07/2017 - 01:40
        +1

        If I were you, I would go for 2014 used. Look at the SP25 range - they're what I've found to be best value. SP25 GT is a lot of other extras on top of SP25 like leather seats, improved dashboard, better audio, but SP25 is the jump that gets you 2.5L engine instead of 2.0L, and gets you a spoiler and bigger wheels.

        I have a 2015 Mazda 3, bought new, and only because there were not much 2014 used at the time I was buying.

    • gimli on 30/07/2017 - 22:31

      Why iz Mazda so popular. I thought Toyota was ozbargain brand of choice.

    • nobarginsarehere on 30/07/2017 - 22:32
      -1

      Mazda 3 looks pretty cool, I'd go with that.

      Maybe 7 years ago

  • yoonibear on 28/07/2017 - 16:28
    +2

    Perhaps a Mazda 3 MPS?
    Or maybe an XR5 or an XR4?

  • Bargainaholic on 28/07/2017 - 17:55
    +2

    You can pick up a 2013 Nissan Pulsar st-s (turbo variant with 140kw) for around 10K give or take..

  • [Deactivated] on 28/07/2017 - 18:45
    -8

    Wouldtn't somethinf more to have pride in is your current car? And use the rest for an overseas holiday?

    How does one have "pride" in a car? They are steel deathtraps which you usually use to sit in bumper to bumper traffic.

    • rdx on 28/07/2017 - 21:25
      +3

      Not to me my friend :)

      I've always been a car guy but never had much money - and still don't!

      • Euphemistic on 29/07/2017 - 06:46
        +5

        But you bought an Astra?

  • xoom on 28/07/2017 - 19:23
    +17

    It might sound juvenile but I would like something I can be proud of,

    This can only be achieved by an 80k high yielding investment.

    • DangerNoodle on 29/07/2017 - 21:00

      Not necessarily true. I've got a 2007 v36 skyline sedan and it only cost me $18k. It has a 245kw engine with seven speed paddle shifter transmission and Bose audio system and sat nav. Seats are electric and heated and are equipped with driver seat memory and has remote starter from the factory. Quite a nice luxury performance car that looks nice (look them up, they're less ricey than the older skylines and look more like a luxury car) and a good alternative to local cars.

      Although in the OP's budget range (around $10000), he may have to settle for a v35 skyline instead. They still have performance and luxury, but not as much as the V36. The sedan in the v35 doesn't look as good as the v36 sedan though.

      He could also look towards Toyota chasers and Mark 2s if he wants performance within a budget but not as much luxury.

      • xoom on 29/07/2017 - 21:08
        +6

        If you haven't already. You should read this thread below:

        https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/273269

      • hutsy on 01/08/2017 - 17:46

        Did you import the V36? If so which import service did you use? Also how much do you pay for insurance? It seems most insurance companies charge $1000+ for the V36.

        • DangerNoodle on 01/08/2017 - 22:22

          I went through iron chef imports since they give you the De registration certificate so you know all the km's are genuine. They used top secret imports for the compliance itself, which includes 3 months rego and interstate transport in their 3000 ish compliance fee.

          Insurance was 900 with just cars but since they shut down I've gone with shannons. Shannons have a limited driving option which costs me a little under 1000 per year. I'm also 28 and owned an Evo 8 previously which seemed to lower my premiums with them. Another company that has competitive prices is enthusiast underwriting.

  • spackbace on 28/07/2017 - 19:29
    +3

    Go bogan, go a Commodore or Falcon. Compared to the Astra it will feel like a rocket.
    Or same class with 380 or Aurion

    • rdx on 28/07/2017 - 21:26
      +6

      No I like my cars for driving, not for boating ;)

      • spackbace on 28/07/2017 - 21:35
        +8

        No you don't, you bought an Astra…

        • rdx on 28/07/2017 - 21:36
          +1

          Eh, it was too good of a deal to pass up. First car, i've owned it for a little while.
          $3600 w/ rego and 70kms.

        • spackbace on 28/07/2017 - 21:37
          -6

          @rdx:

          I meant to add… And you're considering a Mazda 3. A 'car guy' does not buy a Mazda 3.

        • spackbace on 29/07/2017 - 11:46
          -3

          @Spackbace:

          Lol at the negs. A Mazda 3 will be disappointing within a year and OP will be chasing better. It's not like it handles like a go kart, it's not like it has any sort of power.

          Suggestion of a family car was because in the V6 forms you get plenty of power and can scratch that itch.

          Guaranteed OP would be bored of their Mazda 3 inside 18 months

        • Speckled Jim on 29/07/2017 - 17:11
          +3

          @Spackbace: SP23? MPS?

        • spackbace on 29/07/2017 - 18:45
          +4

          @USB-V:

          MPS would definitely be fun yes, SP25 would still be lacklustre after a year or 2.

          Doubt an MPS would be under $10k in any sort of decent condition but happy to be proven wrong :)

        • Speckled Jim on 29/07/2017 - 21:38
          +1

          @Spackbace: Darn missed the budget bit.

          A well-used s/c Mini. Smaller than the Astra, but much fun. Or the last gen Swift Sport with nearly 100kW is also a bit of a go-cart

          TG mag said of this (paraphrasing) "Black, with a nice set of alloys and sticky rubber. Poifect."

        • Ahbal on 30/07/2017 - 19:30
          +4

          @Spackbace:

          Why is Spackbace being downvoted? They are 100% right. Modern mazdas within OP's range (as with many other modern cars) "look" sporty but really aren't. 10k will get you very far if you truly are a car guy. The "good" modern mazdas are also out of OP's price of 10k (in decent condition of course).

          Aurions are great, I wish they were manual and RWD (or had seperate model like that). 200kw and a power/weight ratio of around 125? Thats excellent. Looks aren't everything (because they look similar to camry's-depending on the model).

        • gimli on 30/07/2017 - 22:33
          +2

          @rdx: because he was being a meanie

        • Buyme on 31/07/2017 - 19:00

          @Spackbace: correct. OP can have mine for double his budget… awesome car, totally worth it

    • Cwong14u on 30/07/2017 - 08:44
      +1

      Nice move on name dropping the Aurion. That car would never have been mentioned if you were still selling junk at Suzuki.

      • spackbace on 30/07/2017 - 10:21
        +3

        Yep because 1 car out of the 4 is gonna help me make sales when op is on a $10k budget and in a different state…

      • spackbace on 30/07/2017 - 19:02

        Lol what, no more smartass replies, just a piss-ant vote on my comment? If mentioning the Aurion was of benefit to me, doesn't that mean I shouldn't recommend the competition?

        Or ya know, the recommendation is just simply a recommendation from someone familiar with all 4 cars?

        But that's cool, I do love reading replies from people with no backbone, brings a smile to me every time :)

        Hey you should post something 1 day, be nice of you to actually contribute

        • Cwong14u on 31/07/2017 - 07:39
          +1

          Relax, man….

        • Skramit on 31/07/2017 - 09:55

          Woah ease off the angry pills….

      • Moderatorneil on 04/08/2017 - 14:52

        Cwong14u & Spackbace,

        Discussion is fine and car discussions get people a bit heated however please be respectful to each other. Let's stick to the topic at hand (Car Upgrade Advice Wanted) and not make it personal.

  • tunzafun001 on 28/07/2017 - 20:01

    No idea what a 2012 Cruise SRi-V is, but it's black, 6 speed manual, turbo, low km and has an interior like a space ship and under budget at $8990

    Equip version (again, no idea) $1000 less.

    http://buynow.manheim.com.au/view/2012_Holden_Cruze_JH_Serie…

    or maybe a slightly older BMW 325i for $6750

    http://buynow.manheim.com.au/view/2005_BMW_325I_E90_Grey_6_S…

    • liquid metal on 30/07/2017 - 18:51
      +2

      Never ever recommend a Cruise. There is a reason why they are so cheap. They're all shitboxes.

      • nobarginsarehere on 30/07/2017 - 22:33

        tunzafun001 owns a cruise

        • tunzafun001 on 30/07/2017 - 23:45

          I don't. Sorry, they just seem to be well appointed for price..Maybe not??

  • [Deactivated] on 29/07/2017 - 00:18
    +3

    Sensible option would be a 'warm' hatch like a second generation Mazda3 SP25

    Left field maybe something like the Suzuki swift if you don't mind the lack of power and smaller size

    I've owned an RX-8 they're fun to drive but the low end torque is low and the clutch is heavy, it's a car that makes more sense on a track than as a daily driver, plus fuel and maintenance costs are astronomical.

    Alternatively why not endure until you can save up for something a bit newer? At least you know your Astra is reliable, and you can get a much bigger upgrade at the $15k+ mark

    • rdx on 29/07/2017 - 00:28

      Thank you for your response.

      Yes I am thinking strongly about the Mazda's.

      I've heard as much about the RX-8's, so while they look good I don't think they're worth the associated costs.

      That's the other option, but I currently do not know how to drive manual and would really like to switch it up from the boring Astra.
      The Astra is also hard to make look good, while I've seen some very nice looking Mazda SP23's with some easy debadging, lowering and darkening of headlights.

      • spackbace on 29/07/2017 - 01:02
        +4

        darkening of headlights.

        No… Just no. Unless you feel like putting the car over the pits every time the cops give you a 2nd look.

        Be sensible about the modifying. It's easy to make a car look good but within the law so you know you won't get hassled.

      • [Deactivated] on 29/07/2017 - 01:03
        +3

        Strongly recommend no lowering etc - it's spending money you will never get back and will make your car harder not easier to sell down the track. If you have the extra $$$ get something newer.

        I test drove the current generation SP25 manual when shopping for a budget work commuter, very nicely weighted clutch and gear shift (FWIW I bought a Maxx auto). Assuming the previous gen is similar it'd be worth a test drive

  • Architectonic on 29/07/2017 - 01:29
    +1

    All of the alternative cars suggested* are just yawn fests too. The alternative is to realise they're all just boring refrigerators on wheels and any "status" from driving a more expensive car is illusory.

    *(with the exception of the RX-8, but don't buy that unless you are mates with a mechanic, and the mx5 which are overpriced in the Australian market)

  • subydooby on 29/07/2017 - 07:34
    +1

    Depending on how many Klm's you drive, how about a classic car. 60's or 70's, chrome, steel, easy to maintain yourself.

    • BartholemewH on 30/07/2017 - 03:12

      Not many decent classic cars going around for 10 grand.

  • Live Dimension on 29/07/2017 - 09:54

    Just in case you haven't considered this, but do you have a manual's driver licence? Most (all?) states require you to have a manual driver's licence to drive a manual car. If you have a manual driving licence, it also works for auto cars, but not the other way around since there is more to driving a manual car than an auto.

    As an aside, little 90kw cars can be much more fun and engaging in manual as you're able to get the most out of the engine and transmission that an automatic just can't provide. Once you start hitting 150kw-200kw, modern autos are generally better.

    Considering your lack of budget it would be important to get a reliable car. Hyundai/Kia will be great as long as it's not old, as it's only been in the last 5-10 odd years that their quality control has really gotten better. Avoid non-Japanese cars that are older than say 2005, or 2010 if you want to be safe.

    Do NOT go European (BMW for example) as these will be a killer on your budget over the long term. Also, wtf to a classic car?

    As many have said, this leaves you in Mazda 3 territory and can be a perfect car for this. There is a reason that Mazda is the most popular car brand sold in Australia. If only Mazda would bring back V6 6's.

    Also, ignore all the car boys who have said xyz is not what a "car owner" would drive. Most of them only have cheap modded falcondores that they are stuck with and can't flip, and in the end, the car is for YOU, not to show of to THEM.

    Finally, I would highly consider waiting a bit longer and saving a bit more, but it depends on how much you can save over how long.

    • No ONE on 01/08/2017 - 19:15

      Doesn't matter on Full licence, auto or manual, can drive both.

  • mult1m4n on 29/07/2017 - 11:28
    +5

    Will share countess hours of car investigation will the Ozbargainers.
    BIG secret which no-one really looks/talks about.
    Lexus IS250 2005 onwards, small 2.5 litre 9.1L/100K but good performance, 6 speed auto or manual.
    No expensive timing belt to replace(chain 2005 onwards). Japanese built reliability and servicing parts reasonable.
    Budget around $14K depending on K's, location and addons. Not a BIG car, not a small car.
    Has 4 doors so insurance is better than a 2 door.
    Take one for a drive from a car yard, you will be surprised!
    Prices will probably go up as all the "bargers" will look at them now.
    Vote if you think my comments are fair.

    • gimli on 30/07/2017 - 17:35
      +1

      There is no poll to vote in…

  • alexwar on 29/07/2017 - 14:21
    +1

    Consider a Renault Megane. Nice cars, well build and will stand out of the crowded field of Mazdas, Fords etc..

    • WhyAmICommenting on 29/07/2017 - 21:11
      +6

      Repair costs of French cars. Not so sure on that

      • gimli on 30/07/2017 - 22:35

        It's $344

    • nobarginsarehere on 30/07/2017 - 22:35
      +1

      Renaults cost a dick load for parts

      • systema on 31/07/2017 - 08:00

        Actually they share tonnes of parts with Nissan, especially the powertrain, suspension, steering and brakes. So the ongoing costs are quite reasonable as long as no body panels are involved.

  • HeWhoKnows on 29/07/2017 - 18:55
    +1

    Anything would be a huge improvement over an Astra.
    Have you considered a late model Mitsubishi Lancer.
    They have great reviews. very reasonable parts and service costs compared to many others!
    $10K will get you a 2010-2011 model
    Just bought the earlier 2007 CH model with 2.4L engine and its an absolute gun!

    • Gnosh on 31/07/2017 - 10:48

      second the Lancer. I also have the 2007 ES CH model with 2.4L engine. Bloody good car, super reliable and fun to drive.

  • Tech5 on 29/07/2017 - 22:54
    +9

    My advice is to save another 70k

  • jesse085 on 29/07/2017 - 23:15
    -4

    MK5 Golf GTI, I'm selling my 2007 for 11k.

    • gimli on 30/07/2017 - 22:35
      +1

      You're selling if for 3k too much.

  • Illian on 30/07/2017 - 02:19
    +1

    I was in a similar situation, had a TJ Magna (great car really), first car. Got it based mostly on looks, it's a looker for the price point wouldn't catch me dead in a commo, and the one I got had an aftermarket exhaust and cd player already. Had it for 6 years, never had the money to maintain it until it was too late, not a single service that entire time, one set of tires and a new battery, and one oil change and front brake pad change I did myself, never had an issue with it.

    I just got an x-type Jaguar, I'm a car guy, but I don't think 10k will get me the kind of car I want fun-wise so I took advantage of depreciation and went luxury instead, the next one will be the fun one, gotta say though the handling is tight compared to the Magna almost no body roll, and I'm certainly never embarrassed to be seen in it. It's slow, though the other half never liked how fast I drove lol and if we get a second car the jag is gonna be his anyway so I can just bide my time in comfort.

    My opinon: Lexus!

    • gimli on 30/07/2017 - 22:36

      Lexus has been replaced by the pixel

    • m0tyrider on 31/07/2017 - 20:03
      +1

      Not sure how you can call yourself a car guy when you didn't maintain your car for 6 years. Cheap oil comes up loads on OzB.

      • Illian on 01/08/2017 - 00:02

        You clearly have not been in a comparable situation, you don't know my story and I'm not here to tell it. Besides like I said, I did do the oil, however that is just one small part of proper maintenance. It wasn't fair to the car, my first, which I paid for with my hard earned money on my own and thus holds a special place, but it took it, and nobody ever said existence is fair.

        • m0tyrider on 01/08/2017 - 19:43

          "Car guys" maintain there cars on a regular basis, not once in 6 years was the point of my comment.

        • Illian on 02/08/2017 - 17:43

          @m0tyrider: I have already addressed that and there is no point in me simply repeating myself.

  • aussieprepper on 30/07/2017 - 03:11
    +1

    I would say Honda Accord Euro but it would have to be around the same age as your current car. They look awesome and are feature packed i have seen them with under 90000km for under 10k.

    Or a Nissan Pulsar turbo you can score the 2014 for around this price but it will be manual. This car is also feature packed and fairly quick.

    • BartholemewH on 30/07/2017 - 03:18
      +1

      I was going to suggest Honda Accord Euro for the 'enthusiast with no budget' style of vehicle. Providing they have aged well, the last one I was in was 3 months old 10yrs+ ago.

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