So... what car do you guys drive when not flying?

[Warks]

Has anyone used a car broker to buy a new car? Various mobs around who claim to be able to save you at least $2000 on a new car and they do all the dirty work of dealing with the dealers. I've put in some enquiries with a couple. Assume they still make their money on the margin and probably try and sell you finance as well.

This is from one such site - some interesting opinion on what not to buy. Many will disagree. I'm not qualified to judge.
Dogs & Lemons: The Top 10 New Cars You Should Definitely Not Buy

 

[JohnM]

Interesting article in the week's Economist about dodgy practices related to the fuel efficiency of European cars. I was wondering why my new Audi is showing nothing like the claims. It's not bad but, at least for the nearly all city driving so far, is not like a buyer is conditioned to think it will be.

Posting a snip as the link may not work for non-subscribers.

 

[TiredOldFlyer]

There is also, I understand, an issue of the quality of the fuel in Australia.

 

[JohnM]

There is also, I understand, an issue of the quality of the fuel in Australia.

That may make it worse but it doesn't get away from the massive deviation of reality from manufacturers' claims as the data in the chart are from Europe.

At the time of delivery, the Audi salesman mentioned that the fuel economy would improve as the vehicle 'loosened up' or words to that effect. At the time, it passed through my mind that it seemed an odd thing to say as I've never noticed anything like that with other vehicles. I can now see why he said it - they must get plenty of buyers complaining/stating that the fuel economy is substantially greater than that claimed. A softening-up process.

It's my first European car after a series of Japanese ones, so the practices outlined in the article make the divergence more obvious.

 

[UpInTheAir:)]

Commodore SV8.. has to be a V8 sedan.. no buzzy turbo, 4WD or diesel truck will do.. Don't care about fuel economy (I only drive about 100kms a week when I'm at home).. I just love the noise

Currently driving my mother's Hyundai Getz... dying inside

 

[Mr_Orange]

Commodore SV6 VE Series II. Probably a surprising choice for a Pom, but the Audi A6 3.2 was too much nickel this time around.

 

[UpInTheAir:)]

Commodore SV6 VE Series II. Probably a surprising choice for a Pom, but the Audi A6 3.2 was too much nickel this time around.

Very nice Mine's a lot older (VY)... Great car.. never had a problem with it.
It does get hard to justify the price of the imports.. Mr Up was looking at Mercs before he bought his new car (HSV Grange) but couldn't justify the added expense to get an AMG he could fit comfortably in..
I like my cars like my men - big, powerful, reliable and easy to service

 

[JohnM]

I like my cars like my men - big, powerful, reliable and easy to service

You're not a Senator by any chance :shock:.

 

[YSSY]

Kia Sorento won the Drive award. I picked up a base model petrol new for 34k. Whilst it's not the best car in the world it's a he'll of a lot of metal for what I paid. The 2.2 diesel is excellent all around and now has 7 year warranty. Mine hasn't skipped a beat.

We had a 2011 and 2012 Sorento, we loved it. Now driving a BMW X5, but still miss the Kia Sorento, for the price difference I don't see we have gained much, except for the ability to do park on the kerb and no parking zones on the school run.....

 

[VulpesVulpes]

Nissan R33 Skyline GTS-T

Looks and is pretty stock apart from the Mags and lowered suspension from prev owner (all tasteful). Heavy duty clutch (every day is (left) leg day!) and I have added an electronic boost controller for the extra kick.

I am a professional by day I promise!

A picture from lakeside | and another | Instagram baby!

Life is too short to drive boring cars!

 

[Keith009]

Really love the look of the new Lexus RC, but from certain angles it looks a little too hard-edged/sporty to me. So waiting for the launch of the new C Class coupe before I trade in my Audi A5.

 

[hummel]

I'm really liking the new Golf R at the moment however I have been keen on either E92 M3 or Lotus Exige for a while now... but Golf R would be much easier to lease through work.

 

[Hawkeye]

Really love the look of the new Lexus RC, but from certain angles it looks a little too hard-edged/sporty to me. So waiting for the launch of the new C Class coupe before I trade in my Audi A5.

Great to see a post from you Keith!

I've got another 18 months to consider options. Currently have an E-series HSV Senator and a C63 wgaon. Petrol bills not exactly cheap in this household.

The Senator is next to go - looking at either an E63S (if I go for a sedan again), or changing direction completely and get the new AMG GT-S or a Jag F-Type R Coupe.

Spent much of yesterday listening to a colleague in the process of arranging a test drive of an Aventador for this Saturday, because his 458 Italia is damaged goods from the recent hailstorm in Brisbane.

 

[Mr_Orange]

snip

because his 458 Italia is damaged goods from the recent hailstorm in Brisbane.

Ouch, that brings tears to my eyes just reading about it .

 

[knasty]

The luxury car tax on an Aventador brings tears to my eyes...

 

[Gold Member]

Awaiting delivery of a new Mercedes-Benz C250 in the next couple of weeks. The dealership is loaning me a C200 with all the bells n whistles In the meantime and so far its a great ride.

There is a fair bit of demand for the new C class so my negotiating power is diminished, despite the dealers apparently having 7.5% up their sleeves. I managed to get a 4% discount nevertheless via my employer's corporate program. If only I could optimize my car purchase like I would a Avianca/USDM award or AA status run!

Oh and if money was no object and my DYKWIA status was legitimately sky high, a Bugatti Veyron please.

 

[docjames]

Awaiting delivery of a new Mercedes-Benz C250 in the next couple of weeks. The dealership is loaning me a C200 with all the bells n whistles In the meantime and so far its a great ride.

There is a fair bit of demand for the new C class so my negotiating power is diminished, despite the dealers apparently having 7.5% up their sleeves. I managed to get a 4% discount nevertheless via my employer's corporate program. If only I could optimize my car purchase like I would a Avianca/USDM award or AA status run!

Oh and if money was no object and my DYKWIA status was legitimately sky high, a Bugatti Veyron please.

You could have paid by CC and got the points earn?

 

[bismarck]

Anyone had a look at the Tesla Model S? I think they look pretty good.

 

[PLANT]

Yeah saw it in Miami.... Nice chick customers service only not enough charging stations down here!

 

[Gold Member]

You could have paid by CC and got the points earn?

Trust me, I tried. Most they were willing to accept on CC (without passing on exorbitant fee) was $3k.