Touring vehicle $20,000 budget

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

Citroën C6; nearly $20K but smooth ride, decent wheelbase, legroom and you can always bump up the ride height for light fording.

Always loved those, in no way classically beautiful or well proportioned, but somehow very alluring.

[mad2]

Originally Posted by fiestaz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXWnywSWErM

The Grand Tour boys enjoy a bit of French off roading.

or for Mr. Bender...... Lawn Mowing even....

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Always loved those, in no way classically beautiful or well proportioned, but somehow very alluring.

image

image

That rear quarter glass and those tail lights make me feel uncomfortable

[smoo]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

That rear quarter glass and those tail lights make me feel uncomfortable

The Citroen can get a pass because they've always been a bit quirky.
But is this the car that kicked off ****ed up uncoordinated tail light design that sees them untidily and unnecessary protrude into the rear quarters or tailgate/boot...

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...SE-AD-12163660

For $9000 buy it, flog the **** out of it everywhere and just run it into the ground

Every car is a 4x4 when you don't care about what happens to it

Thats what I did. Picked up this C5 a few years ago for $2k. Put around 70k on it and hasn't cost me a cent. Was commuting 1000km/week in it during 2020-21.
It now sits in the workshop and I use it as a kennel instead of leaving the dogs at home. Pushing compression out of no 1 injector seal, sounds like rod knock but it still keeps going.

[au2000]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

Think we know what I'll suggest but won't.
But why drive, watched this pass by here a few time lately. Pure luxy.

https://www.journeybeyondrail.com.au/great-southern/

image

Tbh am looking at similar re the Ghan, but it’s a one way trip hence why I’m thinking of putting the dollars into a throw away vehicle for the trip

[au2000]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

This is not going to be an interesting or exciting suggestion but get yourself as much Toyota Camry as you can for your $20K budget.

I have done some looooong distance driving in a couple of the previous generation Camry, just the basic 2.5 four-pot. The handling will not excite on a twisty road, although the body roll and tyre squirm on the Snow Mountains Hwy was amusing. But they are quite, comfortable and just "run".

How did you find the seating? We have a few at work and I find em quite firm

[au2000]

There’s been some great suggestions guys, my son even suggested a space cab triton or ranger as an option…
Although a RTV would be fun …. With some extra boost ;)

[BENT_8]

SWB 3.2L Pajero.

[XR Martin]

Yeah agree on Camry.
Older shape (ASV50R) had a 70L tank so you could do 900km a tank if you were brave. Don't trust the fuel gauges in them, it would show empty with over 10L left.
Drove 100km with the needle dead on E once .

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by au2000

How did you find the seating? We have a few at work and I find em quite firm

I don't remember them being uncomfortable. Best long distance seats I have encountered were the ones in our MC Mondeo Titanium, very firm seats but I never seemed to get numb bum on long trips. '

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I don't remember them being uncomfortable. Best long distance seats I have encountered were the ones in our MC Mondeo Titanium, very firm seats but I never seemed to get numb bum on long trips. '

Good lower back support, makes a huge difference.

Especially if anyone has L4/L5/S1 bulged discs in their lower back

VF seats are a bit crappy, I'm a fat bastard and I still flop about in them, if I slide around in them then who the hell were they designed for?

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

I'd be looking at one of these:

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...12972464/?Cr=0

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...12713207/?Cr=1

Only decision you'd need to make is whether you go low or high rider.

Both of these have most of the good fruit that would make that trip a little bit more comfortable; you already know how easy it is to chew up the road in a Falcon. These would be a similar driving experience to what you're familiar with.

Most of the pros of the Tez have already been discussed. The pros for the G6E would be similar. Biggest advantage with both of these is just about any mechanic would be able to repair them, no matter where you are, parts are going to be reasonably accessible, reducing your time off the road, and the cost of both parts and labour will be reasonable, unlike what you'd expect from a Euro.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by au2000

hence why I’m thinking of putting the dollars into a throw away vehicle for the trip

$20 000 throw away.
Still funny.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0

I'd be looking at one of these:

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...12972464/?Cr=0

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...12713207/?Cr=1

Only decision you'd need to make is whether you go low or high rider.

Both of these have most of the good fruit that would make that trip a little bit more comfortable; you already know how easy it is to chew up the road in a Falcon. These would be a similar driving experience to what you're familiar with.

Most of the pros of the Tez have already been discussed. The pros for the G6E would be similar. Biggest advantage with both of these is just about any mechanic would be able to repair them, no matter where you are, parts are going to be reasonably accessible, reducing your time off the road, and the cost of both parts and labour will be reasonable, unlike what you'd expect from a Euro.

Pretty much every question can be answered with Falcon/Commodore/Territory

What should I buy for my first car - Falcon/Commodore/Territory
What car should I buy for a road trip - Falcon/Commodore/Territory
I want a car thats cheap to maintain - Falcon/Commodore/Territory
I want a project car - XR6 Turbo Falcon/SS Commodore/Turbo Territory
I want a car thats cheap to run - Falcon/Commodore/Territory (on gas)
I need something to carry goods - Falcon Ute/Commodore Ute/Territory with back seats down

All these cars on VFACTS every month, we only need the three that answer all questions and solve all problems

[blue sleeper]

How about one of these? LS460. Comes with a 84L fuel tank too.

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...12505722/?Cr=9

[fiestaz]

Originally Posted by blue sleeper

How about one of these? LS460. Comes with a 84L fuel tank too.

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...12505722/?Cr=9

That is a lot of car for the coin. Nice find!

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by blue sleeper

How about one of these? LS460. Comes with a 84L fuel tank too.

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...12505722/?Cr=9

Hell yeah, I remember when those things were new, mint cars.

The only thing I'm suspect on is something with airbag suspension and 200,000km on the clock, its asking for drama

I think they all have air suspension in our market, not sure if it was available with traditional suspension setup.

The older LS430 is non airbag suspension but they're also the same price.

[FTE217]

If either of these are log book maintained perfect trouble free motoring.....
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...12996735/?Cr=4
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...gType=showcase

Franco, can do airbag conversion in any case, no issue.

[Citroënbender]

How often do moderately maintained cars break down, anyway?

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

How often do moderately maintained cars break down, anyway?

That sounds like an Advice Central question.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

How often do moderately maintained cars break down, anyway?

Usually things like alternators, starter motors, batteries and damaged wheels/tyres are the main culprits on cars that are looked after that cause upsets.

Then there's things like air suspension - kcodezd here on AFF has a story about that which involves sunburn, glaziers pliers and being stuck in the woods with a strange man....

[Citroënbender]

Can’t speak for Melbourne but in Sydney the Wollombi pub is apparently a big journey into the bush.

I seriously think people are overrating their concerns about cars failing. You can be reasonably prepared, accept the rest with good grace and look to see the adventure in it. If you try to second-guess every possibility the journeys become a dead weight of stuff that probably won’t be touched. In later 2019 I drove an Alfa from Sydney to the back-blocks of Melbourne and back (Kinglake area), only stopping to sleep at a truck stop near Gundagai. I knew it had a slipping clutch but nursed it sensibly and all went fine. My point is that even with a modest defect you’re not necessarily finished.

[mad2]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

Pretty much every question can be answered with Falcon/Commodore/Territory

What should I buy for my first car - Falcon/Commodore/Territory
What car should I buy for a road trip - Falcon/Commodore/Territory
I want a car thats cheap to maintain - Falcon/Commodore/Territory
I want a project car - XR6 Turbo Falcon/SS Commodore/Turbo Territory
I want a car thats cheap to run - Falcon/Commodore/Territory (on gas)
I need something to carry goods - Falcon Ute/Commodore Ute/Territory with back seats down - Falcon Wagon !

All these cars on VFACTS every month, we only need the three that answer all questions and solve all problems

geezz

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by mad2

geezz

I forgot they existed, I literally can't remember the last time I saw a Falcon wagon

[smoo]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

Can’t speak for Melbourne but in Sydney the Wollombi pub is apparently a big journey into the bush.

I seriously think people are overrating their concerns about cars failing. You can be reasonably prepared, accept the rest with good grace and look to see the adventure in it. If you try to second-guess every possibility the journeys become a dead weight of stuff that probably won’t be touched. In later 2019 I drove an Alfa from Sydney to the back-blocks of Melbourne and back (Kinglake area), only stopping to sleep at a truck stop near Gundagai. I knew it had a slipping clutch but nursed it sensibly and all went fine. My point is that even with a modest defect you’re not necessarily finished.

Add to that the old cliche of ‘fix it in the bush’.
People aren’t driving Kingswoods or FJ40 cruisers anymore.
If your Falcon trans milkshakes or Terry ball joint separates or V8 cruiser does a starter or any other modern car stops in its tracks **** all is being fixed without a tow truck.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by FTE217

If either of these are log book maintained perfect trouble free motoring.....
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...12996735/?Cr=4
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...gType=showcase

Franco, can do airbag conversion in any case, no issue.

Brilliant suggestion.

[DFB FGXR6]

Don't rule out a Mondeo hatch or wagon either. We had a MC Titanium for a number of years, one of the first made with the 2.0 EcoBoost. Because these are made for European highways, they absolutely devour km's and sit at 100-110 absolutely rock solid. Handling is pretty good too when required.



https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/for...n-15000-20000/

I would say go for the later MC model, or the MD.

For MC, the base models still had the lethargic NA 2.3 with a 6-speed torque converter auto. The diesels were fitted with the dry-clutch DCT, as were the 2.0 EcoBoost.

For the MD, all diesels had the dry-clutch DCT, Ecoboost's had the 8-speed torque converter auto.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Don't rule out a Mondeo hatch or wagon either. We had a MC Titanium for a number of years, one of the first made with the 2.0 EcoBoost. Because these are made for European highways, they absolutely devour km's and sit at 100-110 absolutely rock solid. Handling is pretty good too when required.

image

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/for...n-15000-20000/

I would say go for the later MC model, or the MD.

For MC, the base models still had the lethargic NA 2.3 with a 6-speed torque converter auto. The diesels were fitted with the dry-clutch DCT, as were the 2.0 EcoBoost.

For the MD, all diesels had the dry-clutch DCT, Ecoboost's had the 8-speed torque converter auto.

I put the vote in for an MA/MB Mondeo XR5T in my first post, you have to change your own gears though

MA has the better looking wheels,
MB loses the good wheels but picks up bixenon headlights

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by smoo

Add to that the old cliche of ‘fix it in the bush’.
People aren’t driving Kingswoods or FJ40 cruisers anymore.
If your Falcon trans milkshakes or Terry ball joint separates or V8 cruiser does a starter or any other modern car stops in its tracks **** all is being fixed without a tow truck.

The difference is aint no one in Taree seen a MA/MB Mondeo XR5T, Lexus LS460 or a Citroen C5 before let alone worked on one, nor do the local parts resellers have parts for them

Its not so much the tow truck, its the local experience, knowledge and parts availability.

Yeah you need a front left airbag for the Lexus LS460, we have one in Melbourne distribution warehouse, then they send it by road or with other stock transfers and you're in Taree for 2 weeks because the transit time or they held onto it to wait until they could justify putting it in with other items for other customers in a stock replenishment.

You could go to IGA Alice Springs and they'll have a DXA552 on the shelf for a KUN26R Hilux and pick up 2x JB9979 at the Maccas drivethru

Or even something like an uncommon tyre size, our Fiesta ST has 205/40R17, thats not a common size that people are likely to keep in stock.

[mad2]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

I forgot they existed, I literally can't remember the last time I saw a Falcon wagon