[doowrehsij]

Hi guys,

We're currently thinking of buying a car when we come over in Jan, especially as it seems as if it's a buyer's market!

I wanted to do some research before we came. I'm familar with some of the UK models, but can anyone recommend any models (i.e. a car/ 4x4 to fit 3 people and about 6 suitcases?!)

Thanks!

[TheNaylors]

We have been browsing trademe a lot recently and obviously Japanese cars over in NZ are similar to what we know here and there seem to be lots of them. We like to look of the LWB Mitsubishi Pajero which looks like the LWB Shogun...have a feeling they are both one of the same. I know I have seen Pajeros here, but they have always been the short wheel base! Yet to try one out though :D so can't comment on their reputation but my friends mum loved hers. In general most japanese vehicles tend to be quite good anyway, don't they???

Hope this is of some help,
Julie

[ykkee]

If you don't know which car to choose and need it fast, just get a TOYOTA CAMRY. You can sell it (re-sell value is always good for CAMRY) and get a second one you need a better car.

[PeKaJoSa]

My best friend's wife is Spanish, and she nearly wet herself laughing when she first saw a car with the name "Pajero". Have a look at this, and you'll understand why she thought it was so funny:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi_Pajero

It brings a whole new perspective to Julies statement that "I know I have seen Pajeros here"....

:laugh:laugh:laugh

Cheers!
Pete M

[mylesdw]

I would stay away from the Nissan Mistral and Terrano (aka Ford Maverick) we had one; it was a nice drive but not the most reliable vehicle...

[Red Devil]

We've driven Subaru's for the past 6 years... an Impreza and currently a Forester. We'll definitely buy another Subaru when we arrive in March and will probably go back to the Impreza model again, now that our little one is 5 years and we're not carting so much stuff around.

However, I notice you need to fit in around 6 suitcases. Subaru do the Legacy model and that is what we rented during our 'recce' trip in March of this year...huge boot, plus added flexibility of full folding rear seats should you need it. Coupled with this, Subaru's reliability is superb and safety ratings very good across the full range of models.

It must also be said that Subaru's customer service is fantastic... well it is in the UK, we'll see what it's like in NZ when we arrive in March!!! :D

Simon

[James 1077]

We've got a Ford Falcon station wagon and really like it. Great car, HUGE boot and really comfortable.

I personally think that it is a better drive than the BMW my OH had in the UK but mainly because the engine has much more torque.

[Spooky]

If you have 6 suitcases and don't want to break your back, then go for a low-end SUV like a Subaru Forester or Subaru legacy wagon. They are not as thirsty as other SUVs and I love the handling - very responsive and reliable.

[BkyMonster]

We bought a Misubishi V3000. It's a truck in the body of a wagon. really spacious, decent highway milage.
Probably any japanese station wagon would work for you.

[canajanz]

Cars are a very personal thing so it would be very hard to advise someone.
I am partial to volkswagen ... but have succumbed to the financial advantages of buying Toyota.
Toyota certainly holds it's value and they seem to be quite reliable.
If you want a ffamiliar car and will be in Auckland there IS a Rover dealer there who was very good when we were there.

There is some confusion with the model names ... the NZ new cars have different names than the same car imported from Japan.... and some of them are quite funny .. obviously funny, not as subtle as the Pajero hahahahahaa (not the same as Shogun as far as i know)
Some of them are the same thing you are used to but renamed... you will laugh when you see your first xxxx car as you recognise it as a NNNN car.

Holden = GM = vauxhall

[canajanz]

unless Pajero and Shogun is another example of same car .. 2 different names????
I don't know .. We see both on the road all the time.
Perhaps google can help there.

[Moorf]

I wouldn't be without my Subaru (errm I'm a girl.. think it's a 2.5 Legacy Wagon) - it's green! :D

Great workhorses, had ours 4 yrs now and going strong (touch wood) - heaps of space in the boot with seats down, permanent 4x4, nice ground clearance (for an estate) and you can find one just about anywhere. Ours is a 1996 model so it's 12 yrs old and you can pick one up now for about $4000 - $5000 depending on condition/mileage. Lovely ride and handling...

[Jo Jo]

Just did a quick search on trademe to see what Subaru Legacys look like, and saw this (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Subaru/auction-181542126.htm) - bargain! :nice1

[Moorf]

:laugh Worth buying for parts!!

Here's a decent one for $5k!

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Subaru/GTB/auction-180736666.htm

[KerryS]

A Mitsubishi Shogun and Pajero are the same car with a different name. Much like the Toyota Yaris/Echo/Vitz. It depends on which market the car was originally sold in as to the name it has, but they're all basically the same vehicle.

There are loads of excellent 4x4 bargains to be had at the moment - lots of people in the city realising they can cut costs by getting more fuel efficient cars perhaps?

[Moorf]

There are loads of excellent 4x4 bargains to be had at the moment - lots of people in the city realising they can cut costs by getting more fuel efficient cars perhaps?

I made the mistake of saying something to this effect with some ladies that lunch locally - I think I made reference to 4x4 use for picking up kids from school (me and my big mouth)... god, the look on their faces!

[BkyMonster]

I made the mistake of saying something to this effect with some ladies that lunch locally - I think I made reference to 4x4 use for picking up kids from school (me and my big mouth)... god, the look on their faces!
People in the states frequently drive these huge monster utility vehicles that get terrible mileage to all kinds of around town places. Grocery store etc. Often there is a little short lady hopping around trying to get the back hatch down while parked across 2-3 spaces in the parking lots....
Not seen nearly as much of that here. *whew*

[KerryS]

I made the mistake of saying something to this effect with some ladies that lunch locally - I think I made reference to 4x4 use for picking up kids from school (me and my big mouth)... god, the look on their faces!

They're known as Remuera tractors here in Auckland - Remuera being a rather affluent suburb where they're seen in abundance...

[TheNaylors]

My best friend's wife is Spanish, and she nearly wet herself laughing when she first saw a car with the name "Pajero". Have a look at this, and you'll understand why she thought it was so funny:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi_Pajero

It brings a whole new perspective to Julies statement that "I know I have seen Pajeros here"....


:laugh:laugh:laugh - That is so true for Halifax!!!! No wonder you don't see many Pajero's of the motor vehicle type around in the UK and they changed the name to Shogun...Imagine the sudden realisation of such a faux pas, hahaha!

That will keep me chuckling! :D

[M-Squared]

We bought a 2002 Honda CRV the day after we arrived. Paid cash and haggled like hell. :D :nice1 They let us take it away still owing some on it, just with our promise that we'd come back the following day to pay the balance. Gotta love that! :nice1

Fitted in 6 suitcases, too... same as you. :) Mind you, if we'd not been able to, we would just have made 2 trips.

[DanFromCali]

i've had all kinds of cars. My last two were a Lexus rx330 and a lexus gx, however when i moved to NZ for my current work stint i went the cheaper used car route and bought what i consider my favorite of them all - a 2003 Nissan Stagea Four. Sure it is not in the same class and i am def giving it points for being far less expensive, but i will miss it dearly when i eventually head back to the states where it is not available.

It is an on demand 4wd wagon built on the same chasis as the popular-with-boy-racers Nissan Skyline, but its a practical family wagon with a huge boot. It is really fun to drive on the windy NZ roads and the 4wd is handy, but you can switch it off to save gas when you dont need it. It has plenty of power in a 2.5L v6 and very sporty suspension.

I looked at the all the 4wd wagons including very seriously the Mazda Atenza and all the Subarus, but decided on the end on this Japanese import. They are not as common, but i'm very happy with the one i found.

but canajanz is right... what car you want is very much your own personal preference. Atleast check it out tho.

[djchicane]

Quick chip in from me, have a Subaru Legacy GT wagon, done me proud over the ski season up the hill, happy around town.. and a bit of fun out on the open roads. Loads of room. Cheap as.. (I paid $2,500 for a 1992 Import).

[DMcG]

I have a Subaru Outback. It's got a bit more ground clearance than the Legacy and I love it. It's been on some fairly scary NZ gravel roads in the South Island and carried two kayaks to Coromandel and back - all without a seconds worry.

My only complaint is that they don't do a 3 litre manual version :wah

Dougie

[Spooky]

Ooohh we can start a Subaru club here :D. I swear by its road handling.

[doowrehsij]

Guys, thanks soo much for the info.. - it's really appreciated.

Funnily enough I was looking at the Subaru Legacy!!.. and thanks for the links to trademe... I didn't think of going private... durrrr! :)

[Danlondono]

I see Dodge sells the ram 1500 truck.

but no mega-cab option. man what a disappointment.