A new car for Mrs Shillard

[Ext User(Scott Hillard)]

After 6 years of reliable service, the retirement of Mrs Shillard's Astra is
nigh.

I expect a decent trade-in, considering this Nov '99 build Astra CD hatch
has less than 40,000km on the clock, and is in mint condition.


Based purely on web research, contenders at this stage are:

1. Holden Vectra CD Sedan.
2. Honda Accord Euro Sedan.
3. Mazda 6 Classic Sedan.

Anything originating outside Europe or Japan is a no-go, and any French
vehicles are excluded on principle.

Need something with more space than the Astra, as we intend to build the
Shillard dynasty in the near future.

Any experiences - good or bad - with the above vehicles?

Mrs Shillard isn't much of an "enthusiast" driver, so break-neck
acceleration is not required. She does drive properly (keeping left, using
mirrors, etc - I have taught her well) and is well versed in the correct use
of vehicle lighting.

Vehicle will likely have an easy life, doing less than 10,000km per year.
Expected life of 6 years or so until retirement (my car is up for
replacement in 2008 - unless somebody is ready to pay top dollar for a 2003
C240 with 92,000km on the clock....).

[Ext User(budgie)]

On Sat, 6 Aug 2005 16:43:28 +1000, "Scott Hillard"
<shillard@_nospam_ozemail.com.au> wrote:


>Mrs Shillard isn't much of an "enthusiast" driver, so break-neck
>acceleration is not required. She does drive properly (keeping left, using
>mirrors, etc - I have taught her well) and is well versed in the correct use
>of vehicle lighting.

Can she reverse a trailer? That's the REAL test ....

[Ext User(Old Bugger)]

On Sat, 6 Aug 2005 16:43:28 +1000, "Scott Hillard" <shillard@_nospam_ozemail.com.au> wrote:

>
>After 6 years of reliable service, the retirement of Mrs Shillard's Astra is
>nigh.
>
>I expect a decent trade-in, considering this Nov '99 build Astra CD hatch
>has less than 40,000km on the clock, and is in mint condition.
>
>
>Based purely on web research, contenders at this stage are:
>
>1. Holden Vectra CD Sedan.
>2. Honda Accord Euro Sedan.
>3. Mazda 6 Classic Sedan.
>
>Anything originating outside Europe or Japan is a no-go, and any French
>vehicles are excluded on principle.
>
>Need something with more space than the Astra, as we intend to build the
>Shillard dynasty in the near future.
>
>Any experiences - good or bad - with the above vehicles?
>
>Mrs Shillard isn't much of an "enthusiast" driver, so break-neck
>acceleration is not required. She does drive properly (keeping left, using
>mirrors, etc - I have taught her well) and is well versed in the correct use
>of vehicle lighting.
>
>Vehicle will likely have an easy life, doing less than 10,000km per year.
>Expected life of 6 years or so until retirement (my car is up for
>replacement in 2008 - unless somebody is ready to pay top dollar for a 2003
>C240 with 92,000km on the clock....).

Trabant. ;-)

[Ext User(Bernd Felsche)]

"Scott Hillard" <shillard@_nospam_ozemail.com.au> writes:


>After 6 years of reliable service, the retirement of Mrs Shillard's
>Astra is nigh.

>I expect a decent trade-in, considering this Nov '99 build Astra CD
>hatch has less than 40,000km on the clock, and is in mint
>condition.

>Based purely on web research, contenders at this stage are:

>1. Holden Vectra CD Sedan.
>2. Honda Accord Euro Sedan.
>3. Mazda 6 Classic Sedan.

>Anything originating outside Europe or Japan is a no-go, and any French
>vehicles are excluded on principle.

>Need something with more space than the Astra, as we intend to build the
>Shillard dynasty in the near future.

>Any experiences - good or bad - with the above vehicles?

Nope. Take a look at a Golf 2.0 FSI for comparison.

The annual usage doesn't justify a diesel though you could get a 1.9
TDI at the same purchase price... Fuel consumption is very low.

It's surprisingly roomy inside.

Plenty of explosives to improve occupant safety in a crash and in
"Comfortline" trim has just about all the mod-cons you could want.
That makes it a bit more expensive than Vectra, etc. $30k plus
onroad for manual tranny. $2k less for "pov-pack".

It's a Seth Efrrrikun build, so its not exactly a European car. :-)

VW Jetta (Golf with boot) is due "soon"; built in Mexico. Boot is
large enough (1160 litres) to hold both your mothers in law without
any hacking. Look like the prices shouldn't be much higher than for
the Golf.
--
/"\ Bernd Felsche - Innovative Reckoning, Perth, Western Australia
\ / ASCII ribbon campaign | I'm a .signature virus!
X against HTML mail | Copy me into your ~/.signature
/ \ and postings | to help me spread!

[Ext User(Scott Hillard)]

"budgie" <me@privacy.net> wrote in message
news:nkr8f19hsskdecsn817gfp26dq8c6hqg0q@4ax.com...
> On Sat, 6 Aug 2005 16:43:28 +1000, "Scott Hillard"
> <shillard@_nospam_ozemail.com.au> wrote:

> >Mrs Shillard isn't much of an "enthusiast" driver, so break-neck
> >acceleration is not required. She does drive properly (keeping left,
using
> >mirrors, etc - I have taught her well) and is well versed in the correct
use
> >of vehicle lighting.

> Can she reverse a trailer? That's the REAL test ....

Neither of us would be seen dead towing anything - trailers should only be
attached to prime movers branded "Scania", "DAF", etc.

[Ext User(Dan---)]

"Scott Hillard" <shillard@_nospam_ozemail.com.au> wrote in message
news:4P0Je.639$Lu1.10297@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au...

>
> Neither of us would be seen dead towing anything - trailers should only be
> attached to prime movers branded "Scania", "DAF", etc.

I guess I could easily get away if it put a Scania badge on my Jeep. :-p

--
Regards
Dan

[Ext User(MK)]

"Scott Hillard" <shillard@_nospam_ozemail.com.au> wrote in message
news:l_YIe.581$Lu1.9000@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au...
>
> After 6 years of reliable service, the retirement of Mrs Shillard's Astra
> is
> nigh.
>
> I expect a decent trade-in, considering this Nov '99 build Astra CD hatch
> has less than 40,000km on the clock, and is in mint condition.
>
>
> Based purely on web research, contenders at this stage are:
>
> 1. Holden Vectra CD Sedan.
> 2. Honda Accord Euro Sedan.
> 3. Mazda 6 Classic Sedan.
>
> Anything originating outside Europe or Japan is a no-go, and any French
> vehicles are excluded on principle.
>
> Need something with more space than the Astra, as we intend to build the
> Shillard dynasty in the near future.
>
> Any experiences - good or bad - with the above vehicles?
>
> Mrs Shillard isn't much of an "enthusiast" driver, so break-neck
> acceleration is not required. She does drive properly (keeping left,
> using
> mirrors, etc - I have taught her well) and is well versed in the correct
> use
> of vehicle lighting.
>

I've also been looking at mid-sized cars recently for my wife, to replace
her '99 Vectra V6 hatch. I'm pretty sure we're going to go for another big
hatch and it will be an auto.

After test driving a few cars, the Mazda3 and VW Golf were eliminated as
they were too small in the boot department. As a previous Golf owner and a
fan of their TDi engines, this was a hard decision and even after I'd been
convinced that it wasn't big enough, I still found myself going back to our
favourite VW dealer for another look.

Subaru Liberty 2.0 sedan was a quality car and well put together, but needed
more power and the 2.5 was a bit too expensive and the boot space wasn't up
to it. I've also heard the flat 4 layout can be difficult to service and
therefore cost more to maintain.

I can't stand Camry's interior or exterior looks - I had a quick look at the
Sportivo 2.4, but couldn't stomach it. Corolla Levin Wagon - don't like the
cheap materials inside or the dash layout and it's only a 1.8 that needs
revs.

Thought about the Accord Euro, but due to it's higher price and that it is
just a sedan, never test drove it. I quite like the way it looks and have
heard good things about the quality.

I didn't look at the V6 Vectras since we don't need the performance and
extra expense of another transverse mounted V6 that needs PULP. I had low
expectations of the base model 4cyl 2.2 Vectra auto, but I feel it is a
better car than the Mazda6 Classic hatch. 5 sp auto is good, dash and
controls (despite what you read in the reviews) are easy to use and the MY05
has a very neat stereo revision that looks modern and plays MP3s.

Also Holden will not be bringing in any more Vectras as they are going to
replace it with a rebadged Daewoo Magnus with an "Alloytech" 2.8 V6 that
probably won't be called Vectra. So Vectra may end up as an orhpan. If
you're thinking of keeping it for a long time (as we are) maybe this won't
matter so much. If you can wait till the end of the year, I think Holden
will be slashing the price of Vectras. RRP for the CD auto hatch is 32990
and there is a Vic dealer advertising them for 27990 at the moment.

Mazda6 Classic for me did not live up to the hype of the "soul of a sports
car" advertising. The 4sp auto and high levels of NVH were quite
disappointing, and the dash layout and lighting is a bit love it or hate it.
It needs PULP and the servicing interval is 10K / 6 months. The relatively
short 4th gear means that 100km/h requires about 2800rpm, vs 2400rpm in top
gear in the Vectra.

The Mazda 6's good looks and great marketing campaign will have probably
give Mazda6 better resale. And while I think it is inferior to the Vectra,
I'm still considering it.Mazda6 is also due for replacement, with a toned
down - less space age - interior and a 5 sp auto amongst the improvements.

One from left field is the new Focus hatch - which has a boot only 1 or 2 cm
or so shorter than the old shape Vectra hatch we're replacing. It is also a
brand new model so won't date so quickly and should hold value better.

I've got my wife's Vectra up for sale at the moment. When it sells I think
we'll be deciding between a new Vectra CD auto hatch, Focus LX auto hatch
and Mazda6 (new model) Classic auto hatch.

Good luck.

MK

[Ext User(Adam F)]

"Scott Hillard" <shillard@_nospam_ozemail.com.au> wrote in message
news:l_YIe.581$Lu1.9000@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au...
>
> After 6 years of reliable service, the retirement of Mrs Shillard's Astra
> is
> nigh.
>
> I expect a decent trade-in, considering this Nov '99 build Astra CD hatch
> has less than 40,000km on the clock, and is in mint condition.
>
>
> Based purely on web research, contenders at this stage are:
>
> 1. Holden Vectra CD Sedan.
> 2. Honda Accord Euro Sedan.
> 3. Mazda 6 Classic Sedan.
>
> Anything originating outside Europe or Japan is a no-go, and any French
> vehicles are excluded on principle.
>

After reading the passive safety test in Wheels (IIRC), I was sold on the
Mazda.

//Adam F

[Ext User(kevcat)]

> Subaru Liberty 2.0 sedan was a quality car and well put together, but needed
> more power and the 2.5 was a bit too expensive and the boot space wasn't up
> to it. I've also heard the flat 4 layout can be difficult to service and
> therefore cost more to maintain.


Dunno where you heard that
one of the easiest engines to service as all the servicable parts have
far easier access than most east/west engines
no hidden oil filters etc, the gearbox/diff is not part of the engone
sump but is in the old standard form(as in engine with gearbox bolted
behind)
the engine on a subi sits in front of the drive axles

Kev

[Ext User(D Walford)]

Scott Hillard wrote:
>
> "budgie" <me@privacy.net> wrote in message
> news:nkr8f19hsskdecsn817gfp26dq8c6hqg0q@4ax.com...
> > On Sat, 6 Aug 2005 16:43:28 +1000, "Scott Hillard"
> > <shillard@_nospam_ozemail.com.au> wrote:
>
> > >Mrs Shillard isn't much of an "enthusiast" driver, so break-neck
> > >acceleration is not required. She does drive properly (keeping left,
> using
> > >mirrors, etc - I have taught her well) and is well versed in the correct
> use
> > >of vehicle lighting.
>
> > Can she reverse a trailer? That's the REAL test ....
>
> Neither of us would be seen dead towing anything - trailers should only be
> attached to prime movers branded "Scania", "DAF", etc.

Very nice tow vehicle the DAF CF75.310 is :-)
Hilux is also very good but not as good as the DAF.



Daryl

[Ext User(D Walford)]

Scott Hillard wrote:
>
> After 6 years of reliable service, the retirement of Mrs Shillard's Astra is
> nigh.
>
> I expect a decent trade-in, considering this Nov '99 build Astra CD hatch
> has less than 40,000km on the clock, and is in mint condition.
>
> Based purely on web research, contenders at this stage are:
>
> 1. Holden Vectra CD Sedan.
> 2. Honda Accord Euro Sedan.
> 3. Mazda 6 Classic Sedan.
>
> Anything originating outside Europe or Japan is a no-go, and any French
> vehicles are excluded on principle.

Agreed.


Out of those 3 I'd pick the Honda.
Also consider a Suburu Liberty and VW Golf.



Daryl

[Ext User(Clockmeister)]

"Scott Hillard" <shillard@_nospam_ozemail.com.au> wrote in message
news:l_YIe.581$Lu1.9000@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au...
>
> After 6 years of reliable service, the retirement of Mrs Shillard's Astra
is
> nigh.
>
> I expect a decent trade-in, considering this Nov '99 build Astra CD hatch
> has less than 40,000km on the clock, and is in mint condition.
>
>
> Based purely on web research, contenders at this stage are:
>
> 1. Holden Vectra CD Sedan.
> 2. Honda Accord Euro Sedan.
> 3. Mazda 6 Classic Sedan.
>
> Anything originating outside Europe or Japan is a no-go, and any French
> vehicles are excluded on principle.

What principle?

I quite like the Renaults, drove one around in Europe.

[Ext User(Scott Hillard)]

"Bernd Felsche" <bernie@innovative.iinet.net.au> wrote in message
news:jhges2xsre.ln2@innovative.iinet.net.au...
> "Scott Hillard" <shillard@_nospam_ozemail.com.au> writes:

> >Anything originating outside Europe or Japan is a no-go, and any French
> >vehicles are excluded on principle.

> Take a look at a Golf 2.0 FSI for comparison.

> The annual usage doesn't justify a diesel though you could get a 1.9
> TDI at the same purchase price... Fuel consumption is very low.

> It's surprisingly roomy inside.


Yeah, but the boot space seems to be a real issue - hence the sedan choices
above. Under different circumstances it would definitely be considered.


A slightly used 3-series or C-class was also considered, but to get down to
the price level of the Vectra you're looking at a few years or LOTS of km on
the clock.

[Ext User(Scott Hillard)]

"Clockmeister" <no-one@nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:42f54f57$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
>
> "Scott Hillard" <shillard@_nospam_ozemail.com.au> wrote in message
> news:l_YIe.581$Lu1.9000@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au...

> > Anything originating outside Europe or Japan is a no-go, and any French
> > vehicles are excluded on principle.

> What principle?

The French are cowardly socialist scum, who last received an injection of
good genes in 1944 - when millions of French women learned what it was like
to sleep with a winner.

Even better, a winner who didn't call them "Frauline".

The entire nation caught a bad case of Den Bien Flu and never got over it.

[Ext User(Clockmeister)]

"Scott Hillard" <shillard@_nospam_ozemail.com.au> wrote in message
news:nycJe.695$Lu1.13348@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au...
>
> "Clockmeister" <no-one@nowhere.com> wrote in message
> news:42f54f57$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> >
> > "Scott Hillard" <shillard@_nospam_ozemail.com.au> wrote in message
> > news:l_YIe.581$Lu1.9000@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au...
>
> > > Anything originating outside Europe or Japan is a no-go, and any
French
> > > vehicles are excluded on principle.
>
> > What principle?
>
> The French are cowardly socialist scum, who last received an injection of
> good genes in 1944 - when millions of French women learned what it was
like
> to sleep with a winner.
>
> Even better, a winner who didn't call them "Frauline".
>
> The entire nation caught a bad case of Den Bien Flu and never got over it.
>

That's quite an chip you have on your shoulder.

[Ext User(Richard Fay)]

"Scott Hillard" <shillard@_nospam_ozemail.com.au> wrote in message
news:l_YIe.581$Lu1.9000@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au...
>
> After 6 years of reliable service, the retirement of Mrs Shillard's Astra
is
> nigh.
>
> I expect a decent trade-in, considering this Nov '99 build Astra CD hatch
> has less than 40,000km on the clock, and is in mint condition.
>
>
> Based purely on web research, contenders at this stage are:
>
> 1. Holden Vectra CD Sedan.
> 2. Honda Accord Euro Sedan.
> 3. Mazda 6 Classic Sedan.
>

May i suggest the new AStra Wagon..

And don;t expect a good trade on the Astra. The used market is shot....

Richard

[Ext User(Scott Hillard)]

"Clockmeister" <no-one@nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:42f56cf5$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...

> That's quite an chip you have on your shoulder.

You know why the French plant trees alongside their highways?

Because German soldiers like to march in the shade.

[Ext User(kevcat)]

Scott Hillard wrote:
>
> "Clockmeister" <no-one@nowhere.com> wrote in message
> news:42f56cf5$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
>
> > That's quite an chip you have on your shoulder.
>
> You know why the French plant trees alongside their highways?
>
> Because German soldiers like to march in the shade.


FOR SALE
60,000 french militay rifles
never used
only dropped once


Kev

[Ext User(Clockmeister)]

"kevcat" <kevcat@dodo.com.au> wrote in message
news:42F6035E.7F174A5A@dodo.com.au...
>
>
> Scott Hillard wrote:
> >
> > "Clockmeister" <no-one@nowhere.com> wrote in message
> > news:42f56cf5$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> >
> > > That's quite an chip you have on your shoulder.
> >
> > You know why the French plant trees alongside their highways?
> >
> > Because German soldiers like to march in the shade.
>
>
> FOR SALE
> 60,000 french militay rifles
> never used
> only dropped once
>

Meh, the Italians couldn't even make up their mind which team to bat for and
the first command Italian troops are taught is "come back!".

[Ext User(FowlFred)]

"Scott Hillard" <shillard@_nospam_ozemail.com.au> wrote in message
news:nycJe.695$Lu1.13348@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au...
>
> "Clockmeister" <no-one@nowhere.com> wrote in message
> news:42f54f57$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
>>
>> "Scott Hillard" <shillard@_nospam_ozemail.com.au> wrote in message
>> news:l_YIe.581$Lu1.9000@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au...
>
>> > Anything originating outside Europe or Japan is a no-go, and any French
>> > vehicles are excluded on principle.
>
>> What principle?
>
> The French are cowardly socialist scum, who last received an injection of
> good genes in 1944 - when millions of French women learned what it was
> like
> to sleep with a winner.
>
> Even better, a winner who didn't call them "Frauline".
>
> The entire nation caught a bad case of Den Bien Flu and never got over it.


And they blow up perfectly nice Pacific Islands, and ships parked in foreign
ports. Frog bastards...