Carlton Supporters Club

Social Club => Blah-Blah Bar => Topic started by: DJC on July 19, 2021, 09:50:29 pm

Title: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: DJC on July 19, 2021, 09:50:29 pm
Here's your chance to talk about classic motor vehicles, your favourite cars or cars that played a part in your formative years.  In fact, anything to do with cars is fair game.

I'll start with my late brother's HT Holden Premier.  It had a 253 cu in V8 with a three-speed column shift, apparently a very rare combination.

https://www.carltonsc.com/index.php?action=dlattach;sa=tmpattach;attach=post_tmp_324_9594a15caf42eae6be9ce7e13b627178;topic=0

I went for my licence in this car and I remember doing 100mph on the Eastern Freeway when I was on Ls - those were the days!

It was known as Kevin Henry Charles even though the number plate changed to LLL 666 and Kevin Henry Charles stayed in our family for many years as the loan car.  I had it for a while in the late 1980s when my Landcruiser was incapacitated.  My niece was the last one to borrow it and, with my brother's blessing, sold it to someone who was keen to restore it to its former glory.

It was great to drive and went like sh1t out of a shanghai when you floored it.


Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Gointocarlton on July 19, 2021, 11:11:11 pm
Here's your chance to talk about classic motor vehicles, your favourite cars or cars that played a part in your formative years.  In fact, anything to do with cars is fair game.

I'll start with my late brother's HT Holden Premier.  It had a 253 cu in V8 with a three-speed column shift, apparently a very rare combination.

https://www.carltonsc.com/index.php?action=dlattach;sa=tmpattach;attach=post_tmp_324_9594a15caf42eae6be9ce7e13b627178;topic=0

I went for my licence in this car and I remember doing 100mph on the Eastern Freeway when I was on Ls - those were the days!

It was known as Kevin Henry Charles even though the number plate changed to LLL 666 and Kevin Henry Charles stayed in our family for many years as the loan car.  I had it for a while in the late 1980s when my Landcruiser was incapacitated.  My niece was the last one to borrow it and, with my brother's blessing, sold to someone who was keen to restore it to its former glory.

It was great to drive and went like sh1t out of a shanghai when you floored it.



Nice looking jigger that.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Gointocarlton on July 19, 2021, 11:22:41 pm
In the mid to late 70s, my cousin owned a genuine Harry Firth built LJ GTR XU1 with a 308 in it. He purchased it from a Sydney dentist IIRC, the car was registered in Canberra due to the problems registering them. When he took to it Melb, his then fiancé worked at old Motor Reg Board and she organised LJ-308 personalised plates for it. He eventually sold it as he needed the money to get hitched, the guy reportedly wrote it off. If that car was alive today, given the current car market for classic muscle cars it would be utterly priceless given the folklore behind the V8 LJ program that was scrapped by the Gov (A unicorn). I remember going for drives in, god damn it was quick.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: DJC on July 21, 2021, 11:35:52 am
Looks like we're the only revheads G2C  :)
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: LP on July 21, 2021, 12:07:37 pm
There are plenty of us around, it's hard to get motivated these days, too much other stuff going on.

More than a decade ago I could have purchased a partly restored 1974 Astin Martin V8 Vantage Series III, dirt cheap an unfinished project was being offered up for $25K. But I did not take up the offer, I'd baulked at the cost of sourcing the original or replica parts, I worked out it would triple the purchase price just to finish the job.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aston_Martin_V8

I should have, recently examples of finished projects sell for upwards of $250K.

I haven't done much with cars in recent years, I was never much into the grunt work of panel beating or painting I left that to the professionals, my gig was building engines, occasionally dabbling in transmissions and diffs. The last engine I built was a 308 with a custom HEI ignition system, QuadraJet, Headers/Extractors with a 2" single exhaust system, all hooked up to a Turbo 400 Automatic and a very low ratio diff. All crammed in a HZ Premier. On idle the whole house would rumble like an earthquake, you could hardly get it off the line without stalling, but it would run along the freeway or around Calder all day long like a Nascar. There is nothing better in automotive history than the rumble of a serious V8, I suppose that is why they fake that sound in modern supercars.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on July 21, 2021, 12:50:57 pm
My first car was a mini cooper 1275, got hit by a Gilbertsons meat truck that ran a red light in Swanson St/Collins St,made the 3rd page of "the Herald" afternoon edition.Those old enough might remember that paper.  The engine bay broke loose from the cabin and I ended up on the footpath in the cabin minus the engine bay, the truck ran into a shop. Luckily I swerved left at the last second after catching the glint of the trucks hub cap as the sun was rising. Remember the ambo's picking glass out of my back, I was thrown forward then back in the seat where the window had broken and had slivers sticking out my back, didnt feel any pain though as I was in shock, shredded a new shirt I had on too. Took me about 8 weeks to recover, missed the start of Uni at RMIT which set me back, ended up switching to Swinburne which was closer to home and were more supportive, but I was happy just to be around. Side story was I wasnt insured and borrowed money off my father for the car, lesson learned. My mother to cheer me up said to play Tattslotto that week and put in a couple of extra dollars and fate helped us out, we had five numbers and needed number 9, number eight came up.....was worth about $2.5K as we had a systems entry  so I bought a second hand HG Holden with a red 186 motor and bought my mum a dishwasher, paid the old man back ...someone up above must have been looking after me. The HG was a great car, took me and the future Mrs E everywhere ..aqua blue color, easy to work on and that Red Motor just kept humming away.

Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: PaulP on July 21, 2021, 01:08:29 pm
That's one hell of an experience EB. Glad you survived with no real damage.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on July 21, 2021, 01:10:56 pm
That's one hell of an experience EB. Glad you survived with no real damage.
Cheers Paul....got some scars from the glass and had some back issues but I'm not complaining.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: LP on July 21, 2021, 01:16:13 pm
I bought a second hand HG Holden with a red 186 motor
I learnt all my early stuff rebuilding the old grey or red motors, would make some pocket money helping my neighbour service cars at the weekend as a side gig. He was a GMH production line foreman, worked on lots of FB and EJ models initially.

Did quite a few red motors, recall a couple of favs were HK Monaro and Broughams we upgraded from 186 to 253 or 308. The 253 was a special job as this was using aftermarket mounting blocks and a special tranny transom, I think in the end the 253s were probably my favourite.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: capcom on July 21, 2021, 01:24:20 pm
Great history @ElwoodBlues1 ... lucky son of a gun :)
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Thryleon on July 21, 2021, 01:31:24 pm
I like cars, im not partial to any one.  My favourite to look at is the XB coupe (ford).

Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: LP on July 21, 2021, 01:36:48 pm
I like cars, im not partial to any one.  My favourite to look at is the XB coupe (ford).
 Fastback man, orange with a GT stripe?
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Gointocarlton on July 21, 2021, 09:26:53 pm
Fastback man, orange with a GT stripe?
The Chicken Coupe RPO XA GT sold for a pretty penny a few months ago. What a ripper of a car that was.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Thryleon on July 21, 2021, 09:49:47 pm
Fastback man, orange with a GT stripe?

Not really sure, just the interceptor was very cool to look at.  I think fast back. 
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: capcom on July 21, 2021, 09:58:31 pm
Hey, what about the Datsun Sunny.  :)
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Gointocarlton on July 21, 2021, 11:28:53 pm
Hey, what about the Datsun Sunny.  :)
My BIL had one, auto. Slow as a wet week but indestructible.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on October 04, 2021, 12:14:12 pm
LDV utes.... we have all seen them, look the part, got all the toys, and much cheaper...too good to be true, you bet.
Young bloke in Queensland buys a T60 4 x4 LDV crap box thinking all is good and takes it down the surf club where he works
and parks it in the car park for a year or two and then finds its started rusting...$49ks worth of rust in fact to fix.
LDV say its because he parked it every day in an area with high salt content, they wont pay under warranty......gets to court and LDV's defense do their thing about salt and the beach etc. Problem for LDV was that all their brochures and advertising depicted the vehicle driving up and down beaches, through streams etc and the Judge ruled in favour of the young bloke and said the LDV's were of poor quality build/materials etc.
If you want to buy cheap Chinese crap cars then beware but if you do, remember consumer law trumps car warranties and thats with any cars. I wouldnt buy anything connected to the SAIC motor group(Shanghai Automobile)  including those MG electric vehicles that have been aggressively marketed in Australia. A couple of years time you will be able to pick those up for next to nothing IMHO when they start failing and their resale value will be peanuts.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Lods on October 04, 2021, 03:35:41 pm

I'll go against the flow a bit and put in 'one for the small economical car. It's really what you look for in a car...and I've never needed more than something to get me from A to B, and the shops, so all my cars have been small/medium ones

Currently a Toyota Yaris.
Daihatsu Charade before that.
...and a couple of Corollas.
All very economical.

Each one, before the current one went the 300,000km and the Yaris is well on the way (around 100,000)
Never, ever broken down, a few strange noises from one of the Corollas, at one stage that took a bit of fixing but I've never spent more than a $1000 at any one time on repairs. Luck plays a part in that no doubt.

The downside is the space for long trips. I used to do the Sydney/Wollongong to Adelaide trip on about an annual basis. Now it's Brisbane to Wollongong (whenever). Packing needed to be a bit conservative.

I understand the need for some families to have the larger 'people mover' type vehicles but it frustrates me sometimes how poor many of them are at handling them.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on October 13, 2021, 09:26:49 am
I'll go against the flow a bit and put in 'one for the small economical car. It's really what you look for in a car...and I've never needed more than something to get me from A to B, and the shops, so all my cars have been small/medium ones

Currently a Toyota Yaris.
Daihatsu Charade before that.
...and a couple of Corollas.
All very economical.

Each one, before the current one went the 300,000km and the Yaris is well on the way (around 100,000)
Never, ever broken down, a few strange noises from one of the Corollas, at one stage that took a bit of fixing but I've never spent more than a $1000 at any one time on repairs. Luck plays a part in that no doubt.

The downside is the space for long trips. I used to do the Sydney/Wollongong to Adelaide trip on about an annual basis. Now it's Brisbane to Wollongong (whenever). Packing needed to be a bit conservative.

I understand the need for some families to have the larger 'people mover' type vehicles but it frustrates me sometimes how poor many of them are at handling them.
Nothing wrong with a small car especially a Corolla, ultra reliable and always with good resale value.
Couldn't agree more on the large SUV people movers either and the dual cab ute obsession.
Half the owners can't drive them especially the big SUV's and you can forget backing them in to tight spots...takes some about ten attempts.
Turning wide is another gripe, they turn into the oncoming lane in carparks so others have to learn to stop short of the corner to allow them turning room. I just naturally do it now and assume they will make the turn wide. Our new Neighbors have a new lost in space chariot and cannot back down the driveway from their hotel like home and have managed to damage the new vehicle as well as destroy part of their garden and create some new borders.
I'm old fashioned and when I park on slopes or hills I always have the wheels angled into the curb slightly so if the car rolled, handbrake failed etc the car won't run down the road and damage other cars or hit someone.
I hardly ever see anyone else park that way I was taught, a lot of people now can't jack a car up safely and change a wheel. Same with jump starting a car safely too, just no idea half the folk these days.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: northernblue on October 13, 2021, 10:55:57 am
Nothing wrong with a small car especially a Corolla, ultra reliable and always with good resale value.
Couldn't agree more on the large SUV people movers either and the dual cab ute obsession.
Half the owners can't drive them especially the big SUV's and you can forget backing them in to tight spots...takes some about ten attempts.
Turning wide is another gripe, they turn into the oncoming lane in carparks so others have to learn to stop short of the corner to allow them turning room. I just naturally do it now and assume they will make the turn wide. Our new Neighbors have a new lost in space chariot and cannot back down the driveway from their hotel like home and have managed to damage the new vehicle as well as destroy part of their garden and create some new borders.
I'm old fashioned and when I park on slopes or hills I always have the wheels angled into the curb slightly so if the car rolled, handbrake failed etc the car won't run down the road and damage other cars or hit someone.
I hardly ever see anyone else park that way I was taught, a lot of people now can't jack a car up safely and change a wheel. Same with jump starting a car safely too, just no idea half the folk these days.


Yeah, but they know how to boot it with their right foot…
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Thryleon on October 13, 2021, 12:05:46 pm
yep on this topic, can I just say, that I have a Ford Mondeo which is a mid sized hatchback (2008).  Ive just rounded 220000 clicks.  Its a diesel.  it has good size (I can fit more in my boot than my wifes Nissan Xtrail) its a comfortable drive, its small enough to fit anywhere, and has a decent amount of pulling power.  It isn't what I would call zippy (Diesel just seems to have this lag putting the power to the road) but its cheap to run.  Ive had a few what I would call minor issues.  One to do with a cracked air intake manifold, and the other to do with the air flow meter.  Beyond that, it has been reliable enough.  Those 2 issues both in the last 3 odd years. 

Knock on wood, this car will get to 2028, but there is a LONG way to go before we get there.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on October 27, 2021, 05:24:14 pm
A fave car in the Toyota Land Cruiser is now kaput in the USA and being replaced with a nice pretty Lexus Toorak tractor version called the LX instead. Appears the Land Cruiser sales are down due to the price being so high in such a competitive area and no more will be produced for the USA market after 2021. In Aus we love them and from what I read have the highest sales in the world. In 2020 we bought 15000 units here in Aus and the USA numbers were a bit over 3000 units.
So while I think Toyota will continue to supply to Australia for a little bit longer I wouldnt be expecting much change on the design front and they will be harder to obtain .
What are the best selling US SUV's in 2021.......the RAV4 , with 221,000 units(sales surged with the elec versions) and the Honda CRV with 213,000 units...the Toyota Highlander which we know as a Kluger comes in fourth@144,000 units.
 My fav deathtrap car the Jeep Jalopy Wrangler came in No 6 and for those interested in the best selling SUV of all time in the USA its not a Toyota, Jeep or a Chevy...its the Ford Escape which was the No 7 in 2021.
Seems Ford in the USA is a lot to different to the crap box company called Ford selling cars in Oz.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: kruddler on October 27, 2021, 06:05:38 pm
A fave car in the Toyota Land Cruiser is now kaput in the USA and being replaced with a nice pretty Lexus Toorak tractor version called the LX instead. Appears the Land Cruiser sales are down due to the price being so high in such a competitive area and no more will be produced for the USA market after 2021. In Aus we love them and from what I read have the highest sales in the world. In 2020 we bought 15000 units here in Aus and the USA numbers were a bit over 3000 units.
So while I think Toyota will continue to supply to Australia for a little bit longer I wouldnt be expecting much change on the design front and they will be harder to obtain .
What are the best selling US SUV's in 2021.......the RAV4 , with 221,000 units(sales surged with the elec versions) and the Honda CRV with 213,000 units...the Toyota Highlander which we know as a Kluger comes in fourth@144,000 units.
 My fav deathtrap car the Jeep Jalopy Wrangler came in No 6 and for those interested in the best selling SUV of all time in the USA its not a Toyota, Jeep or a Chevy...its the Ford Escape which was the No 7 in 2021.
Seems Ford in the USA is a lot to different to the crap box company called Ford selling cars in Oz.

I've never understood the landcruiser obsession. They are noisy AF driving around on the freeway or around the local streets......from INSIDE the cab.
But....they are about the only car of its type that increases in value because of its off-road abilities....even though plenty never see a patch of mud.

re turning circles, having owned a hilux i now know what its like to try and turn the titanic. Not made for shopping centres.

The highest selling ute is now a ranger, but i think that's mainly because its the most common company car.
Hilux is not far behind.
Triton is sneaking up on both.....which i bought about 6 months ago. 10k cheaper, better turning circle and 10 year warranty for a relatively bullet proof ute was good enough for me.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on October 27, 2021, 06:30:25 pm
I've never understood the landcruiser obsession. They are noisy AF driving around on the freeway or around the local streets......from INSIDE the cab.
But....they are about the only car of its type that increases in value because of its off-road abilities....even though plenty never see a patch of mud.

re turning circles, having owned a hilux i now know what its like to try and turn the titanic. Not made for shopping centres.

The highest selling ute is now a ranger, but i think that's mainly because its the most common company car.
Hilux is not far behind.
Triton is sneaking up on both.....which i bought about 6 months ago. 10k cheaper, better turning circle and 10 year warranty for a relatively bullet proof ute was good enough for me.
You want obsession and cars that increase with value....try the Suzuki Jimny. Its a cult mini 4wd off roader that retails for about 28-32k but you can sell them for about 40k as soon as you buy them as they are hard to get and you have to order ahead, think its the black that are very hard to get.
There is plenty of money in aftermarket accessories for the Jimny too, the ones that are fully pimped are in high demand and I was amazed at how much business there is in Jimny spares etc.
I'm not an off roader but I believe the Jimny doesnt do a bad job given its size and like I said they are a cult car with the most obsessed owners.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Thryleon on October 27, 2021, 07:04:19 pm
A fave car in the Toyota Land Cruiser is now kaput in the USA and being replaced with a nice pretty Lexus Toorak tractor version called the LX instead. Appears the Land Cruiser sales are down due to the price being so high in such a competitive area and no more will be produced for the USA market after 2021. In Aus we love them and from what I read have the highest sales in the world. In 2020 we bought 15000 units here in Aus and the USA numbers were a bit over 3000 units.
So while I think Toyota will continue to supply to Australia for a little bit longer I wouldnt be expecting much change on the design front and they will be harder to obtain .
What are the best selling US SUV's in 2021.......the RAV4 , with 221,000 units(sales surged with the elec versions) and the Honda CRV with 213,000 units...the Toyota Highlander which we know as a Kluger comes in fourth@144,000 units.
 My fav deathtrap car the Jeep Jalopy Wrangler came in No 6 and for those interested in the best selling SUV of all time in the USA its not a Toyota, Jeep or a Chevy...its the Ford Escape which was the No 7 in 2021.
Seems Ford in the USA is a lot to different to the crap box company called Ford selling cars in Oz.


I like my Fords.  The current SUV range (Everest, Endura and Escape) switched from the euro manufactured versions to one built in Canada. 

They all look quite nice.  I suspect the Americans have allegiance with Ford because its "their" car. 
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: kruddler on October 28, 2021, 07:54:25 pm
I suspect the Americans have allegiance with Ford because its "their" car. 
Its not a car, its a truck.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on December 17, 2021, 12:04:52 am
Honda have gone down the same path as  Mercedes and adopted the agent model to sell their cars.
Before dealers would buy their cars off head office and then flog them to customers, the dealers owned the cars and it gave them flexibility to set a price and compete with other dealers. Now the Honda and Merc dealers get the cars from head office and sell them for a fixed price and get a set fee from the company. The company own the cars until sold not the dealer so no more haggling for a price with these two companies, no matter where you buy a Honda or Merc in Aus you will pay a set price. They say it benefits the customer knowing they wont be ripped off by a dealer charging more than others. I call BS on that and Honda sales figures have crashed, I can see them pulling out of Aus as they have also culled their range.Meanwhile Toyota have decided to charge customers a subscription for any remote start cars bought after 2018. So if you use the remote start on your key fob for your vehicle and those useless apps that come with it you will be paying $8-10 a month for the privilege.
What a rip off after initially selling the vehicles with that feature and no cost attached, just another way to make money out of customers.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Thryleon on December 17, 2021, 12:22:59 am
Driving a rental hybrid corolla around NSW at the moment.  Its a very nice ride and quite gutsy for a little car.  I understand why this might be the future.  We haven't gone far, but its barely moved the fuel needle 200km later.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: northernblue on December 17, 2021, 12:47:14 am
Driving a rental hybrid corolla around NSW at the moment.  Its a very nice ride and quite gutsy for a little car.  I understand why this might be the future.  We haven't gone far, but its barely moved the fuel needle 200km later.
I had an old Holden like that, 450km from the top 1/2 of the tank and 50km from the bottom 1/2… 😎
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on September 19, 2022, 07:16:26 pm
Rumors Toyota have boned their customers with a up to $3000-4000 price rise on pre-ordered cars and its across the range with the Sahara being the most expensive rise. Inflationary pressures/covid etc are meant to be the reasoning, sounds like complete BS to me. You would think the price you discussed and fixed on the showroom floor would be fixed but those bean counters from Japan obviously feel inflation outweighs good business ethics.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Gointocarlton on September 19, 2022, 07:54:07 pm
Rumors Toyota have boned their customers with a up to $3000-4000 price rise on pre-ordered cars and its across the range with the Sahara being the most expensive rise. Inflationary pressures/covid etc are meant to be the reasoning, sounds like complete BS to me. You would think the price you discussed and fixed on the showroom floor would be fixed but those bean counters from Japan obviously feel inflation outweighs good business ethics.
They make a good car but they know it and are bloody arrogant kents. A mate of mine had owned Landcruiser since 1967 and when the 200 series came out, he went in to do a deal for a new one. He wanted 5 seats not 7, they said no. There were a few other things he wanted to chop and change and they just said "there it is, take it or leave it" which he did. He went and bought an Audi Q7, they basically started with the base model and gave him a shopping list of options which you ticked yes or no. You could choose btw 5 seats with full size spare or and 7 seats and a space saver. Very happy with it.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Professer E on September 20, 2022, 06:50:32 am
My recent experience with toyota was poor.  Wanted a poverty pack base Prado (manual essentially) which they weren't interested in selling, their trade in quote was insulting and the arrogance of their sales staff was breathtaking. The attitude was along the lines of "we dare you to go elsewhere and buy a lesser vehicle"....so we did.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on September 20, 2022, 09:34:28 am
My recent experience with toyota was poor.  Wanted a poverty pack base Prado (manual essentially) which they weren't interested in selling, their trade in quote was insulting and the arrogance of their sales staff was breathtaking. The attitude was along the lines of "we dare you to go elsewhere and buy a lesser vehicle"....so we did.
Similar experience when we bought our last vehicle for my wife, looked at a RAV4
and they wouldn't budge on the price or include anything to get our business and
gave us bottom price on our trade in which was a decent car with low ks.
They have the mantle of no 1 for sales in Aus and won't deal as they feel they don't need your business and they are doing you a favour by selling you a car.
Only company worse is the three point swastika mob who think you are privileged to be driving one of their autos...
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: kruddler on September 20, 2022, 01:00:54 pm
Yep, Toyota are not making any new friends with he way they treat their (potential) customers.

Their cars are good, but not as good as they think. There are equivalent options out there, cheaper, with better customer service, cheaper servicing and you get what you pay for. They will lose a lot of people they are pissing off and may never get them back.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: cookie2 on September 20, 2022, 03:39:56 pm
I recently took my Lexus for service to a local Toyota dealer since the nearest Lexus dealer is quite  long way from my new place.
Very disappointed by their attitude considering the vehicle uses mainly Toyota parts and components . They treated it as if it was a completely different brand and I have to say weren't giving me good vibes. Don't think I will be returning there.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Thryleon on September 20, 2022, 04:05:15 pm
If you want a good cheap car, Nissan have been great.  We bought an X-trail in 2017.  Have been very happy.

I would steer clear of a new car for a couple of years.  You are going to overpay for it in todays market and Id only buy one if I had to.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: LP on September 20, 2022, 04:41:50 pm
If you want a good cheap car, Nissan have been great.  We bought an X-trail in 2017.  Have been very happy.

I would steer clear of a new car for a couple of years.  You are going to overpay for it in todays market and Id only buy one if I had to.
Yep, I agree, and you will get ripped off on trade ins as well, they are offering 3/5ths of feck all and then reselling them like they are gold plated!
 
I'm anticipating some interesting 2nd hand offerings in a very short period on some electrics as well, charging and battery tech is moving rapidly ahead but the cars being sold are not really cheaply or easily upgradeable. In the USA there is already a Tesla after-market / wrecking business that customises and resells cars that only a few year ago were cutting edge. Nobody wants the 2nd hand cars themselves, but they are ripping the guts out and putting them in Land Rover Troupees, old Corvettes or Hot Rod type custom bodies.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Gointocarlton on September 20, 2022, 05:26:44 pm
I recently took my Lexus for service to a local Toyota dealer since the nearest Lexus dealer is quite  long way from my new place.
Very disappointed by their attitude considering the vehicle uses mainly Toyota parts and components . They treated it as if it was a completely different brand and I have to say weren't giving me good vibes. Don't think I will be returning there.
For the various cars I have owned over the years, I have used Holden, Toyota, BMW and VW dealerships. BMW were the best closely followed by VW (Mrs G2Cs current car). Holden and Toyota weren't worth the steam off my crap.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: cookie2 on September 20, 2022, 05:41:42 pm
For the various cars I have owned over the years, I have used Holden, Toyota, BMW and VW dealerships. BMW were the best closely followed by VW (Mrs G2Cs current car). Holden and Toyota weren't worth the steam off my crap.

Interesting GTC. I used to get excellent service at the Lexus dealer but unfortunately its a whole day out for me now to take it there.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: kruddler on September 20, 2022, 05:43:23 pm
Yep, I agree, and you will get ripped off on trade ins as well, they are offering 3/5ths of feck all and then reselling them like they are gold plated!
I think i said this earlier.

Bought a new Triton 2021. $48k with a couple extras, like tray, towbar etc.
After exactly 12 months (and only 7500km on the clock) i sold i back to them (got a work car)
After a lot of BS and back and forth they could only offer me $41,500. Which wasn't too bad in the end.
A week later, they had it up for sale at....i think it was $56k (it was at least $52k) Which, either way, is way more than i paid for it and more than new cars cost.

Supply and demand is very much dictating price atm.

FWIW, i knew i could've got more selling private, but CBF with all the hassle, just wanted it gone.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on September 20, 2022, 06:00:02 pm
I recently took my Lexus for service to a local Toyota dealer since the nearest Lexus dealer is quite  long way from my new place.
Very disappointed by their attitude considering the vehicle uses mainly Toyota parts and components . They treated it as if it was a completely different brand and I have to say weren't giving me good vibes. Don't think I will be returning there.
Blackburn Lexus?
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on September 20, 2022, 06:14:05 pm
For the various cars I have owned over the years, I have used Holden, Toyota, BMW and VW dealerships. BMW were the best closely followed by VW (Mrs G2Cs current car). Holden and Toyota weren't worth the steam off my crap.

BMW are the best of the luxury cars with their customer support, Volvo give you flowers and chocolates plus a nice coffee after every service and make you pay for it 3 fold. VW are over priced like their love child Skoda and their service and support is littered with consumer complaints. They have some nice tech and my daughter loved her Golf but I know other people who have had real trouble with VW and getting repairs done under warranty.
Holden enough said...they are out of business in Aus for a reason/s....deplorable after sales service and backup being one of them.
Ford would be following them but for the Ranger....., Nissan and Subaru have slipped behind MG in sales which doesnt bode well for the future for them either. Pains me to say it but MG now have 83 dealers in Aus and are on the way up and seem to be dealing with customer issues as well as anyone, I wouldnt buy one of their vehicles but along with the major Korean car makers they have made real inroads into the market and its going to be hard to stop them getting a larger foothold in the market.
The 2023 MG EV is going to be a real winner for them given its pricing, improved specs and availability....
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Gointocarlton on September 20, 2022, 06:17:24 pm
Interesting GTC. I used to get excellent service at the Lexus dealer but unfortunately its a whole day out for me now to take it there.
I'd imagine Lexus is separate from Toyota and being more upmarket should be different. BMW were brilliant, very reasonably priced. I remember I had the windscreen become detached in a corner. The BMW dealership was cheaper than Obriens to repair, they offered to first try and remove it and reseal it providing they didn't crack it in the process. When it did crack, they actually recommended a non geniune one as they said the genuine were over priced and didn't charge me for the attempted reseal.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: cookie2 on September 20, 2022, 06:43:26 pm
Blackburn Lexus?

Yes EB, that  is the nearest one to me as far as I know. I’ve had very good service from them in the past even though my old IS 300 is now getting on in years - still in great nick though (unlike its owner 🤪).
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: LP on September 21, 2022, 07:36:45 am
BMW are the best of the luxury cars with their customer support,
I don't own one, but I have quite a few mates who do, and let's just say BMW should be good at it, because they get lots of opportunities to demonstrate their service and support skills! ;)
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Gointocarlton on September 21, 2022, 09:25:31 am
I don't own one, but I have quite a few mates who do, and let's just say BMW should be good at it, because they get lots of opportunities to demonstrate their service and support skills! ;)
They dont have the nickname BM-TROUBLE-U for nothing. Having said that, we handed down Mrs G2C's 09 320 to Junior Junior when I bough Mrs the Golf R (because of the crap trade in amount). We bought it near new with very few kms and apart from the unstuck windscreen, tail light gasket and small oil leak years ago, we have had very few issues. with it. Luck of the draw I guess.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Baggers on September 21, 2022, 09:42:49 am
I don't own one, but I have quite a few mates who do, and let's just say BMW should be good at it, because they get lots of opportunities to demonstrate their service and support skills! ;)

That's also what I hear.

I get most of my car buying advice from my brother, who also served in the RAN but trained in engineering then completed his 'Greenies' training (electrician). Today, in 'civvy street' he's an industrial electrician and his hobby is building huge generators and motor bikes from the ground up! One weird dude - family trait!

He knows I'm a bit like Jeremy Clarkson... 'speed and power.'After doing speedway and rally-cross in the mid 80s my relationship with cars changed, a lot.  But I like a safe but sporty car for Mrs Baggers. So we got her a Volvo V40 and she loves it (0-100 in about 6 seconds, which I love ;) ). We've had it for just over 60,000 kms now and haven't had to put a spanner to it... except for the mag wheel that was oystered after she ran over a brick on the Mulgrave Freeway sitting on just over 100kms. Despite the flat tyre car behaved perfectly so she could slow and pull-over, then call the RACV - who were brilliant.

From my brother's advice, we are sticklers for scheduled services and the best quality service... but not through the dealer. Servicing of the Volvo is about 20% more than the piece of cr@p Mazda CX-3 we traded for it. So, despite the rumours, Volvo's are not exorbitant to service. The one thing the bro insisted on when getting a service... always get the very best quality oil, especially important for the turbo as well.

So now I'm thinking of getting a car for moi. Got an old Volvo S60 3litre turbo in the interim (had 100,000 kms on the clock when I got it, pretty cheap at $14,000 2 years ago) to runaround in. But have to part with it now... just too thirsty, but have fallen in love with AWD. Sticks like shyte to a blanket in all conditions.

Advice? 2nd hand cars are expensive at the moment. I know what my bro reckons but would enjoy and value any opinions from you cats. Budget is around $35,000, smaller than the S60 and must be quick and great on interstate drives. Love driving... and the most comfortable long trip cars I've driven have been Volvos and Saabs... must be the Scandinavian blood.

Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Baggers on September 21, 2022, 09:56:39 am
They dont have the nickname BM-TROUBLE-U for nothing. Having said that, we handed down Mrs G2C's 09 320 to Junior Junior when I bough Mrs the Golf R (because of the crap trade in amount). We bought it near new with very few kms and apart from the unstuck windscreen, tail light gasket and small oil leak years ago, we have had very few issues. with it. Luck of the draw I guess.

A mate's son has a Golf R and I took it for a spin... loved it. Took a GTI on an interstate trip about 5 years ago... just bloody brilliant. Not a huge fan, for myself, of front wheel drive but this thing was so well engineered you could barely tell.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on September 21, 2022, 10:19:21 am
A mate's son has a Golf R and I took it for a spin... loved it. Took a GTI on an interstate trip about 5 years ago... just bloody brilliant. Not a huge fan, for myself, of front wheel drive but this thing was so well engineered you could barely tell.
Daughter had a Golf and loved it too but VW service and support is horrendous.
They fight you on everything you try and get fixed under warranty and only want luxury car trade ins, plus never have enough stock. Where I live several of the brands/ dealers are owned by the autopact group and there in lies the problem...having three local VW dealers owned by the same people means no competition.Think they own around 30 dealerships in Aus selling various brands...
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Gointocarlton on September 21, 2022, 11:41:41 am
A mate's son has a Golf R and I took it for a spin... loved it. Took a GTI on an interstate trip about 5 years ago... just bloody brilliant. Not a huge fan, for myself, of front wheel drive but this thing was so well engineered you could barely tell.
The Mrs's Golf R is a weapon, I don't it too much as I'd lose my licence in it for sure. I have given the launch control a try on a deserted country road, FMD!
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Gointocarlton on September 21, 2022, 11:55:39 am
Daughter had a Golf and loved it too but VW service and support is horrendous.
They fight you on everything you try and get fixed under warranty and only want luxury car trade ins, plus never have enough stock. Where I live several of the brands/ dealers are owned by the autopact group and there in lies the problem...having three local VW dealers owned by the same people means no competition.Think they own around 30 dealerships in Aus selling various brands...
I have found VW service and support excellent thus far. Got into strife a while back when the sunroof got stuck open on a Sat shopping trip. Rang them, they told me to come in and they fixed it.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Macca37 on September 21, 2022, 01:13:10 pm
The most unreliable car I have ever owned was a Mercedes Benz GLC 4 door coupe which I bought new in late 2017.  From day 1 I had  "crabbing" issues with the steering causing the steering wheel to shake violently when on full lock, either left or right.  Dealership told me it was within manufacturer's specifications and there was nothing it could do for me.

Research showed there were thousands of complaints, especially in the UK, where it was acknowledged that there was a design flaw in all rhd GLC models.  Finally late in 2018 in the UK  newly designed steering knuckles were supplied and fitted under warranty.

There was no warranty recall in Australia, and it was only when I brought the recall information in the UK to the dealer's notice that I had the problem fixed under warranty.  I also had numerous problems with the electronics and so I got rid of it late last year.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Macca37 on September 21, 2022, 02:49:49 pm
On the other hand, between 2006 and 2017 family members and I had a number of Lexus sedans and SUVs.  We had zero problems with the vehicles and the service departments were outstanding.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on September 21, 2022, 02:55:12 pm
The most unreliable car I have ever owned was a Mercedes Benz GLC 4 door coupe which I bought new in late 2017.  From day 1 I had  "crabbing" issues with the steering causing the steering wheel to shake violently when on full lock, either left or right.  Dealership told me it was within manufacturer's specifications and there was nothing it could do for me.

Research showed there were thousands of complaints, especially in the UK, where it was acknowledged that there was a design flaw in all rhd GLC models.  Finally late in 2018 in the UK  newly designed steering knuckles were supplied and fitted under warranty.

There was no warranty recall in Australia, and it was only when I brought the recall information in the UK to the dealer's notice that I had the problem fixed under warranty.  I also had numerous problems with the electronics and so I got rid of it late last year.
Not called the three point swastika for nothing and remember they are doing you a favor by allowing you to drive one of their cars.
Warranty recalls are based on money and how much its going to cost them, car makers will happily let people have accidents etc until their insurance threshold is reached and they have to issue recalls.
Real experience in the showroom too, SIL has one on lease through work and had to pick it up, you need to shower twice after listening to they BS feed to you and how important you are to them and how superior you are compared to other motorists now you own a Merc. My SIL is a western suburbs boy used to driving VL Holden commodores and had never experienced such an ordeal....
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: DJC on September 21, 2022, 04:58:31 pm
One of my colleagues had a BMW which she called the Bad Motor Wagen.  It spent more time at the stealers’ than on the road.

She was rapt when it was stolen but the thieves abandoned it when it broke down again and it was returned to her 🙄
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: cookie2 on September 21, 2022, 05:36:32 pm
I used to watch a car show hosted by a mechanic on YouTube.  He hated Beemers and reckoned that they had a lot of cheap plasticy components that only lasted a few years and then cost a fortune to replace. Lesson, don't buy one second hand older than a couple years, especially with high Ks and less than perfect service record.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on January 10, 2023, 12:06:56 am
Car sales figures for 2022.....the winners first...apologies for the longer than normal post.
1. Toyota up 3.3% from the previous year and clear market leader with 231,050 sales.
2: Mazda down -5.3% but still with 95,718 units sold, made a real effort to improve their service as they did cop some bad press from memory over some legal issues.
3: Kia up 15.3% with 78,330 units sold, priced right and the best of the two Korean brothers with better service back up.
4: Mitsubishi up 13.7% after looking down and out after cross sharing tech with two perennial duds in Nissan and Renault with the Triton ute proving popular.
5: Hyundai...seem to have a lot of recalls and iffy engine problems(fires etc) but still managed a 0.6% rise in sales and sold 73,345 units.
6: Ford..living on Ranger and to a lesser extent Everest sales, down -6.7% @66,628 units sold, the other models in their range contributed around 8000 units only so Ford are just hanging on imho.
7: MG...Chinese cheapies selling well at nearly 50,000 units and up 27.1%.....can only see them selling more with their cheap EV's.
8: Subaru....36,000 units sold and sales dropped by around 3%.....20% owned by Toyota who have squeezed the innovation out of the company and will likely own more of a share over the years as they make Sub's more impotent with those horrible CVT transmissions and further reducing the model range.

Shock improvers apart from MG were Chinese mates GWM up 36%, RAM up 52%( the bigger the ute the more bogans in Oz seem to want them) and the renamed Ssan Yongs(cant remember the silly new name) and they are still rubbish but managed a a 32.4% increase in sales. Suzuki were up 23.5% in sales and while I cant confirm Id guess  thats on the back of the fetish for Jimnys and the crazy resale value prices they get.

Losers.......Nissan...down -35.8% and I'd say their future in Oz looks very grim with just 26, 491 units sold.
Ditto Honda...down -19% to around 14000 sales only and they are almost done in Oz, they screwed all their dealers over with fixed prices and have been on a downhill trend for a while now. Management have completely ruined what was once one of the best cars on the road and paying upwards of 40k for a new Civic wouldnt have many folk rushing to buy them.
Lexus down -23%...bean counters at Toyota HQ wont be happy, just too expensive for the average punter in a high interest rate environment .......same with Mercedes, BMW, and Audi all down.
Volvo and Porsche went against that trend and improved their sales, probably with their SUV offerings.
Jeep....one of my favs and they didnt let me down...-14.2%, spiralling out of control and out of business unless they stop churning out the Lemons they do at not so cheap prices. LDV doubled Jeep sales which tells you how well Jeep are going as LDV make some of the biggest crape boxes on the road and with equally crape service to back them up.

Sales figures show the love for big Utes is only getting stronger with four of the top ten cars sold in Aus being utes and the Toyota Prado rounding out the top ten as another offroad offering.
EV sales led by Tesla at around 19000 units but EVs still overpriced and only making up a small portion of the market but I expect the Chinese car makers to improve on that and probably corner the market especially when they start selling big EV Utes that can cover some real distance..
Source for my figures was CarExpert.com.au
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: LP on January 10, 2023, 07:48:53 am
@ElwoodBlues1‍ thanks for the update, very interesting read.

I was reading someone's blog a few weeks back that suggested Mazda's poor strategic decisions over the last few years resulted in a lack of hybrid / EV offerings and also they pulled the Mazda 6 which was a better seller in some markets. The blog claimed they are about to launch a new strategy around a new generation of rotary / hybrid, not sure how that fits with the the market shift.

As much as I think it's a bit early, do you think the OS trend towards big EV Utes / Vans is ever going to have any impact? Personally, in a country like Australia with a massive area and very low density population I just can't see Pure EV being much use, the authorities would have to dot the landscape with Diesel powered generators which seems a bit pointless!
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Baggers on January 10, 2023, 08:51:24 am
No need to apologize for the long post, EB1 - terrific read and really appreciate the time you took to put it together.

For someone who is in the market to purchase a new (well, used, low Kms) vehicle very soon, your contribution was really informative... confirming a few makes to steer clear of. We intend to trade the 'his & hers' cars (Volvo S60 3ltr turbo & Volvo V40 2ltr turbo) for one vehicle. Do prefer the AWD vehicles will plenty of zing (0-100 under 7 sec, preferably around 6sec or less).
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on January 10, 2023, 10:07:08 am
@Baggers...Subaru have always been at the forefront of AWD technology and they provide one of the better customer service experiences as well.
However they have had transmission and drive train issues of late and are not what they were. Depends where you live too and  what dealer support is available as well.
This is where Toyota tend to win out if you live away from the city and if I was going EV or Hybrid it would be a Toyota who have a larger dealer network and have a few more runs on the board especially with Hybrid technology.
@LP...agree charging stations will be an issue in Aus for remote areas.
Yep, Mazda got behind in technology and it's taken them a while to catch up. The Koreans and Chinese especially trick their cars up with the latest tech and bang for buck but Mazda are a steady company whose cars are generally reliable.
Agree in the EV front too and think that Hybrids are more value in Aus for the short and medium term.
Full EVs to me are still better suited to city drivers with smaller car needs.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Thryleon on January 10, 2023, 10:07:15 am
I wouldn't want to be in the market to buy a car right now.

I have no idea what the right way to go is, as traditional car evolution has gone flying out the window.  Once upon a time, the flagship V6 vehicles were easy enough to just go get and you would be fine.  Now if you want a sedan or a saloon car, you are stuck with something small, or something expensive (sometimes both) and not much in between.

The SUV revolution, is annoying to me.  My ford mondeo hatch is capable of moving more items and larger items than my wife's Nissan X trail.

The ride height is the only real variance in the vehicles, and what you gain in height for boot storage, you lose in length.

I genuinely would have no idea what to go out and buy if I needed a car, as I don't rate a lot of what's on market.  Probably a KIA or Mazda represents best bang for buck at the moment.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: LP on January 10, 2023, 11:15:47 am
I genuinely would have no idea what to go out and buy if I needed a car, as I don't rate a lot of what's on market.
Tend to agree, it's like the industry is in a holding pattern not knowing which way it wants to go, or perhaps which way the politicians are going to go!

For me the demise of the supercars is a bit sad, Ferrari, Audi, Maserati, Lamborghini, etc., etc., are going the way of the dinosaur, legislated into oblivion. Stupidity, because they are probably 0.1% or less of the vehicles on the road and make stuff all difference to emissions or climate change, the market has forgotten that it was those cars at the very bleeding edge that delivered a lot of advancements that make the wholesale stuff safer, more efficient, better to drive, it's not just about engines. The same sort of evolution is not going to come from generic mass produced rubbish, whether it's EV or not, because the economic driver of a Tesla build is cost reduction, not performance, reliability or capability.

Finally, on the EV front, there is an alarming trend across the industry, the quality of the batteries is not improving it's diminishing, the good materials are a very finite resource and the industry is already switching to cheaper less than perfect solutions. They are "managing" this through smart software, but basically it's smart sensors and software making up for B-Grade product. In the end it seems pretty obvious it's going to be end users who foot the bill for this, a bad line of code could be disastrous!
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: kruddler on January 10, 2023, 11:56:42 am
I'm surprised to see Toyota doing so well considering the wait on some of the Hilux and Prado's have been 12 months+!
Maybe some rejigging of numbers there as previous deposits shifting towards newer cars despite not getting the original one requested? This is what has happened to a mate of mine.

Got a next-gen ranger towards the end of last year and its no surprise its leading the game. With all its fancy tech, its 1 step away from being completely self driving. With its lane departure corrections, and its vehicle speed monitoring (including coming to a complete stop - not turning off at 40kmh) You just point it in the right direction and relax. Keeping a finger tip on the wheel so it feels some feedback. It can parallel park itself already. It just works.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: LP on January 10, 2023, 12:22:14 pm
I'm surprised to see Toyota doing so well considering the wait on some of the Hilux and Prado's have been 12 months+!
I would have assumed the winner for Toyota is the Corolla Hybrid's they are all over the place like a plague of mosquitos.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on January 10, 2023, 12:42:33 pm
I would have assumed the winner for Toyota is the Corolla Hybrid's they are all over the place like a plague of mosquitos.
Hilux is now back on top of the Ranger as the top selling vehicle and the RAV4 is a big winner for Toyota, then after that it's the Corolla.
Agree with Thry, tough time to buy a new car especially with inflated prices, shortages of stock and changing technology. If you have a good older car that has some of the newer safety tech I'd be inclined to keep it for the next couple of years.

Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Gointocarlton on January 10, 2023, 01:25:00 pm
No need to apologize for the long post, EB1 - terrific read and really appreciate the time you took to put it together.

For someone who is in the market to purchase a new (well, used, low Kms) vehicle very soon, your contribution was really informative... confirming a few makes to steer clear of. We intend to trade the 'his & hers' cars (Volvo S60 3ltr turbo & Volvo V40 2ltr turbo) for one vehicle. Do prefer the AWD vehicles will plenty of zing (0-100 under 7 sec, preferably around 6sec or less).
If you want zing, small and AWD, I strongly recommend the Golf R. Mrs G@C drives a 2019 Mk7.5 one, it has all the bells and whistles and is a absolute weapon in race mode (or a granny's cars in Eco). I would consider the wagon version If I were to update.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Gointocarlton on January 10, 2023, 01:31:23 pm
Speaking of Classic cars, if anyone is familiar with the Summernats event in Canberra, you may have heard the Grand Champion this year was awarded to a Porsche 911. Now if you look at all the previous GC's, you will get a flavour for the type of car that normally wins it (ie a "street machine" type vehicle, heavily modified and extremely high standard builds). This years winner is a disgrace as it is not in the spirit of the Summernats, it belongs at something like the Motorclasicca event (ie a concourse car). The judges lost to the plot this year, I am not questioning the build quality and effort that went into it, its just not in the spirit of previous winners.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: LP on January 10, 2023, 03:04:07 pm
Speaking of Classic cars, if anyone is familiar with the Summernats event in Canberra, you may have heard the Grand Champion this year was awarded to a Porsche 911. 
I understand the sentiment, but it's not like it's showroom spec.

(https://assets.whichcar.com.au/image/private/s--EAap1zYr--/c_limit,h_6000,w_6000/c_fill,f_auto,q_auto:good/c_scale,w_1024/v1/Street%20Machine/Features/live_porsche_911_sc_engine_5.jpg)
Tubs, twin carby, custom headrers, etc., etc., credit where credit is due, and it's a lot of work here to keeping the car looking like a showroom model while it is nothing of the sort!

I've a mate who did something very similar with a 911E back in the 90s, except it was all done in stainless.

(https://assets.whichcar.com.au/image/private/s--z8PFiYUi--/c_fill,q_auto:good/c_scale,w_3072/t_w_streetmachine_nw/f_auto/v1/Street%20Machine/Features/live_porsche_911_sc_under.jpg)
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on January 10, 2023, 03:11:45 pm
The Volkswagen Group was one car maker I didnt mention...... Volkswagen (down 24.1 per cent), Audi (down 7.9 per cent), and Skoda (down 29.2 per cent). In the interests of fair play Volkswagen did have supply issues but I guess that was a handicap for a lot of the car makers. Sales of new cars overall were up in Australia despite supply, CoVid and interest rate problems which probably doesnt paint such a rosy picture for the VW group.
Guess there are two camps with VW, those who love or hate them...As I have said before my Daughter loves her Golf as GTC says very nippy and well fitted out with tech. No problems yet but that seems to be the issue when you do get problems and the service you get if you read the following: https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/volkswagen-dealers.
Obviously depends on the dealer but with falling car sales and a reputation that wasnt enhanced with its 2105/16 dual software emissions fiasco Im not sure I would be buying a VW of any kind. My Daughter however in typical fashion is intending to ignore my advice and wants to get a "Tiguan" such is her love of the brand so she can transport herself to work as well as her two large German Sheps when required.
Landrover was another poor performer dropping -33% to around 4350 sales in 2022.....hard to see these green oval badged money sucking machines surviving but maybe the likes of the Judds in Brighton can update theirs a bit more regularly and keep them in business. Landrover of course is now owned by those makers of fine vehicles the Tata group who also own Jaguar...interesting how England once laid claim to India as a colony but now have their prestige motor cars owned by an Indian company.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: LP on January 10, 2023, 03:21:32 pm
I've always been a Golf fan the R-Series are supreme cars, a lot of the performance end Euro cars stack up well, I even had a toss up between an R-Series Arteon and a 3.0 L 407 (Renault Engine) a few years back, both around 230kW(300bhp). Pity they are both about 2000kg.

But I've got to say, you need a lot of combustion engine to match the torque these new hybrids can deliver. I've driven a few hybrids recently and I'm shocked by the get up and go they have given the low fuel consumption, I can't see any option for the likes of Golf or Renault but to head down that hybrid road.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on January 10, 2023, 03:35:17 pm
I've always been a Golf fan the R-Series are supreme cars, a lot of the performance end Euro cars stack up well, I even had a toss up between an R-Series Arteon and a 3.0 L 407 (Renault Engine) a few years back, both around 230kW(300bhp). Pity they are both about 2000kg.

But I've got to say, you need a lot of combustion engine to match the torque these new hybrids can deliver. I've driven a few hybrids recently and I'm shocked by the get up and go they have given the low fuel consumption, I can't see any option for the likes of Golf or Renault but to head down that hybrid road.
Think you will find that VW HQ are putting their faith in Cupra and a Sporty EV Hatchback might be appearing in Aus sometime this year.
Hopefully Renault dont enter the EV/Hybrid race, we got enough rubbish on the road as is although they did increase their sales numbers this year by around 25%. Being a member of the Ateco group doesnt fill me with a lot of hope either...
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: LP on January 10, 2023, 03:43:07 pm
Think you will find that VW HQ are putting their faith in Cupra and a Sporty EV Hatchback might be appearing in Aus sometime this year.
Hopefully Renault dont enter the EV/Hybrid race, we got enough rubbish on the road as is although they did increase their sales numbers this year by around 25%. Being a member of the Ateco group doesnt fill me with a lot of hope either...
I've got say the Renault powered 407 was sweet to drive, ignoring the kerb mass, that mass made it a great highway car but not built for Aussie conditions, to a Euro our roads are more like a ripple test! Still I can't fault the 3.0 Renault engine, until the rear main failed it went like a train! Almost, .... almost made me think FWD might not be that bad! We primarily purchase it due to the boot space and interior comfort, ferrying potential customers back and forth from the airport.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: DJC on January 10, 2023, 03:43:54 pm
I'm surprised to see Toyota doing so well considering the wait on some of the Hilux and Prado's have been 12 months+!
Maybe some rejigging of numbers there as previous deposits shifting towards newer cars despite not getting the original one requested? This is what has happened to a mate of mine.

Got a next-gen ranger towards the end of last year and its no surprise its leading the game. With all its fancy tech, its 1 step away from being completely self driving. With its lane departure corrections, and its vehicle speed monitoring (including coming to a complete stop - not turning off at 40kmh) You just point it in the right direction and relax. Keeping a finger tip on the wheel so it feels some feedback. It can parallel park itself already. It just works.

It's closer to two years for a 70 series Toyota.  Some folk are putting them on the market just before the delivery date and making a tidy profit.

I reckon I could sell mine for at least what I paid for it five years ago.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Baggers on January 10, 2023, 03:49:22 pm
If you want zing, small and AWD, I strongly recommend the Golf R. Mrs G@C drives a 2019 Mk7.5 one, it has all the bells and whistles and is a absolute weapon in race mode (or a granny's cars in Eco). I would consider the wagon version If I were to update.

Thank you, GTC old son. We compiled a short-list a little while ago... and there was the R in the top 3!

And valuable comments, EB1, fortunately we have a terrific mechanic well versed in Euro cars with all the appropriate diagnostic equipment... he recommended the Golfs!
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: LP on January 10, 2023, 03:52:02 pm
It's closer to two years for a 70 series Toyota.  Some folk are putting them on the market just before the delivery date and making a tidy profit.
My mate took delivery last year, a brand new GXL Twin Cab, the price had risen about $8K between him placing the order and taking delivery so he seriously considered doing what you mentioned, but in the end he couldn't wait another 2 years as he had a new off-road van to pull!
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: LP on January 10, 2023, 03:57:44 pm
As much as I love V8's and cubic centimeters, I've got say I see it hard to compete with AWD / IWD vehicles of the future.

I suspect some of these IWDs could pin you to the seat even if they were departing on a teflon runway!

But for heart-breaking love, nothing beats a 2" single system bolted onto 5.0L of unbreakable cast iron. My family could detect me coming home from the vibrations in the floor long before they could hear anything. :D Back in the day I referred to my babies as mobile whale communications systems, and I didn't need some tosser sub-woofer! The unfortunate part of all that, you could watch the fuel gauge falling as fast as the scenery went by! :(
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Gointocarlton on January 10, 2023, 06:49:35 pm
I've always been a Golf fan the R-Series are supreme cars, a lot of the performance end Euro cars stack up well, I even had a toss up between an R-Series Arteon and a 3.0 L 407 (Renault Engine) a few years back, both around 230kW(300bhp). Pity they are both about 2000kg.

But I've got to say, you need a lot of combustion engine to match the torque these new hybrids can deliver. I've driven a few hybrids recently and I'm shocked by the get up and go they have given the low fuel consumption, I can't see any option for the likes of Golf or Renault but to head down that hybrid road.
Some of the Tesla cars run 9 second qtr miles, they aren't hanging around.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Gointocarlton on January 10, 2023, 06:52:35 pm
Thank you, GTC old son. We compiled a short-list a little while ago... and there was the R in the top 3!

And valuable comments, EB1, fortunately we have a terrific mechanic well versed in Euro cars with all the appropriate diagnostic equipment... he recommended the Golfs!
Baggers they also offer Car Care now, 5 years of services all included. I dont have that but  I have commented on other threads that I have found their services costs more than reasonable compared to others, their customer service is brilliant.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Gointocarlton on January 26, 2023, 07:15:41 am
I am eagerly awaiting announcements on pricing and release dates for the new 7th Gen Mustang Dark Horse. I didn't like the new shape when it first came out but it has since grown on me. The Dark House looks mega and with 500HP on tap and lots of other       goodies on board, it would be a fun car to drive.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Baggers on January 26, 2023, 08:29:15 am
I am eagerly awaiting announcements on pricing and release dates for the new 7th Gen Mustang Dark Horse. I didn't like the new shape when it first came out but it has since grown on me. The Dark House looks mega and with 500HP on tap and lots of other       goodies on board, it would be a fun car to drive.

Assuming there are 8 cylinders growling away under the bonnet.

You can drive all manner of technologically enhanced 4s and 6s and but nothing can match that sensation of 8 angry cylinders demanding a heavy foot from its driver. It's a motor that just seems p1ssed off when idling... grumbling and gurgling and wobbling about at the lights! But when those 8 cylinders come into harmony under strong acceleration... ah, bliss!
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Gointocarlton on January 26, 2023, 09:52:49 am
Assuming there are 8 cylinders growling away under the bonnet.

You can drive all manner of technologically enhanced 4s and 6s and but nothing can match that sensation of 8 angry cylinders demanding a heavy foot from its driver. It's a motor that just seems p1ssed off when idling... grumbling and gurgling and wobbling about at the lights! But when those 8 cylinders come into harmony under strong acceleration... ah, bliss!
Baggers there are some videos online of it (the US version), sounds amazing.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: DJC on January 26, 2023, 11:12:27 am
My 79 Series powering over a dune on the Madigan Line, northern Simpson Desert, May 2018:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCDAV5PQwZs
 
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Gointocarlton on January 26, 2023, 11:52:50 am
My 79 Series powering over a dune on the Madigan Line, northern Simpson Desert, May 2018:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCDAV5PQwZs
 
love it
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Baggers on January 26, 2023, 12:17:05 pm
Baggers there are some videos online of it (the US version), sounds amazing.

Just... wow! Now that's a growl...
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: dodge on January 27, 2023, 12:29:26 am
A mate of mine has a 60's (forget which year) mustang that he tinkers with.  You know when he's coming or going, and looks amazing.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: BluePhantom on January 27, 2023, 08:22:13 am
E Type Jaguar V12
Is there a sexier looking car?
Lucky enough to go for a cruise in the Adelaide Hills in one that was fully restored and ooooh the noise.  O:-)
The interior was superb and the cigarette lighter was labeled 'Cigar'. Just classic.
Dream Car.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Baggers on January 27, 2023, 08:59:12 am
A mate of mine has a 60's (forget which year) mustang that he tinkers with.  You know when he's coming or going, and looks amazing.

The first item on the Tattslotto win list... '66 or '67 Mustang, second item... GTHO Phase III. Third item... payout mortgage. Priorities.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Gointocarlton on January 27, 2023, 02:54:48 pm
The first item on the Tattslotto win list... '66 or '67 Mustang, second item... GTHO Phase III. Third item... payout mortgage. Priorities.
I love the old GT350H (ex Hertz rentals) fastback. Rare as hens teeth, there is one for sale nudging $500K.

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/1966-ford-mustang-manual/SSE-AD-13440723/?Cr=0
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on March 04, 2023, 08:52:06 pm
My non favourite car firm Volkswagen are back to their old form of being one of the most despicable car companies on the planet.
If its not creating sneaky software trying to defeat emission testers  then its little java monkeys in a VW beetle, I'll let you google that story....cartoons and all.
Now we have the latest....

https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/volkswagen-slammed-for-refusing-to-hand-over-gps-data-to-track-down-stolen-car-%E2%80%93-with-baby-inside/ar-AA1839xg
A kids life isnt worth $150....?.....Corporate Policy?........WTF.......

I couldnt buy a car off VW , I know they have their fans including my own family members but they wont be getting my money ever..
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: cookie2 on March 05, 2023, 11:12:57 am
My non favourite car firm Volkswagen are back to their old form of being one of the most despicable car companies on the planet.
If its not creating sneaky software trying to defeat emission testers  then its little java monkeys in a VW beetle, I'll let you google that story....cartoons and all.
Now we have the latest....

https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/volkswagen-slammed-for-refusing-to-hand-over-gps-data-to-track-down-stolen-car-%E2%80%93-with-baby-inside/ar-AA1839xg
A kids life isnt worth $150....?.....Corporate Policy?........WTF.......

I couldnt buy a car off VW , I know they have their fans including my own family members but they wont be getting my money ever..

I feel the same way about VW EB. Last one I owned was a Beetle 1500 back in the 70s. Was not sorry to see that go and the emmissions scandal was the final straw, ensuring I will never buy VW again. What do you think of the Lexus UX?
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on March 05, 2023, 11:49:11 am
I feel the same way about VW EB. Last one I owned was a Beetle 1500 back in the 70s. Was not sorry to see that go and the emmissions scandal was the final straw, ensuring I will never buy VW again. What do you think of the Lexus UX?
Cookie, Are you thinking of the hybrid 2023 version ?.did read somewhere they are only making the hybrid from now on.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: LP on March 05, 2023, 12:22:03 pm
Cookie, Are you thinking of the hybrid 2023 version ?.did read somewhere they are only making the hybrid from now on.
One thing about these hybrids is that the electric motors can deliver heaps of torque across a wider bandwidth than a convnetional motor. Add to that they can be very effecively sealed against dust and moisture, and you get regenerative braking on descent, so I think it won't be long before we see serious off-road vehicles in the form of hybrids.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: cookie2 on March 05, 2023, 01:08:20 pm
Cookie, Are you thinking of the hybrid 2023 version ?.did read somewhere they are only making the hybrid from now on.

I was looking at a 2ltre petrol but I would consider a hybrid.  Not really interested in a full EV as yet. My needs are fairly simple these days.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on March 05, 2023, 04:48:24 pm
I was looking at a 2ltre petrol but I would consider a hybrid.  Not really interested in a full EV as yet. My needs are fairly simple these days.
Lexus are well built and reliable but always over priced but you pay for what you get. Hybrids come at a premium to the standard petrol variety so you have to be doing the k's to get your money back on the price difference or be wanting to channel your inner woke spirit and look at the hybrid as your effort to make the world a bit greener.
UX200 Petrol version seems to have a few enhancement packs to choose from as well....Id be going the 18 inch wheels with run flats and any extra safety gear but ignoring any of the other gimmick stuff.....
Comfort and seating is always A grade in Lexus vehicles so Id expect that to be the same and while the Sport performance aspect seems to get bagged out in a few reviews I read I dont think thats going to worry you too much and given your history and satisfaction with the brand from a few of your comments I can remember I cant see you going to wrong with the UX200.
It will have decent resale value being a Lexus so you have some protection if  it proved to be not what you wanted.
If you did want a hybrid I'd probably look at the top line RAV4 first as its much cheaper with AWD all be its not a compact SUV/Cross over.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: cookie2 on March 05, 2023, 05:30:38 pm
Lexus are well built and reliable but always over priced but you pay for what you get. Hybrids come at a premium to the standard petrol variety so you have to be doing the k's to get your money back on the price difference or be wanting to channel your inner woke spirit and look at the hybrid as your effort to make the world a bit greener.
UX200 Petrol version seems to have a few enhancement packs to choose from as well....Id be going the 18 inch wheels with run flats and any extra safety gear but ignoring any of the other gimmick stuff.....
Comfort and seating is always A grade in Lexus vehicles so Id expect that to be the same and while the Sport performance aspect seems to get bagged out in a few reviews I read I dont think thats going to worry you too much and given your history and satisfaction with the brand from a few of your comments I can remember I cant see you going to wrong with the UX200.
It will have decent resale value being a Lexus so you have some protection if  it proved to be not what you wanted.
If you did want a hybrid I'd probably look at the top line RAV4 first as its much cheaper with AWD all be its not a compact SUV/Cross over.

Thanks for your input EB, most useful. I just sold the IS300 after 8 years and got a good price on that. Seems they are becoming a popular old bus and increasingly hard to find, at least a good one. The pressure's on now to find a replacement.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on June 20, 2023, 07:50:08 pm
Latest offering from Mao's Garage(MG) is the MG4Excite51 which is a full EV(350km range)for about $38k plus ORC or $139 a week if you want to take up Albos incentive package if you lease the vehicle through your employer. Three models with the 51 as the base and the other two just add another battery module each time with the top of the range at around 56K and good for about 500km range. Not a fan of Chinese Vehicles myself but MG is gaining traction in Australia as I have said before and this latest offering is sure to attract newbie EV purchasers who have been prevented buying due to the extreme prices of EV's.
The MGExcite probably suits as the second car or mums taxi but I'll be interested in the sales and takeup of the Govt incentives given the leasing price is very cheap imho.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on October 19, 2023, 03:53:35 pm
https://www.9news.com.au/national/electric-vehicle-tax-high-court-rules-against-victorian-charge/a1f89092-aae8-4d7b-807c-9a8be3ff8cb4
Pity Dan isnt around to explain his illegal tax, Adam Bandt warning the Albanese Govt not to try and impose a national Tax is about the best thing he has done since entering politics although Im sure Albo and his State Labor stooges will try and get the lost revenue back with some other underhanded suedo EV tax like jacking up Rego's of old gas guzzlers etc...
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Macca37 on October 19, 2023, 04:50:27 pm
https://www.9news.com.au/national/electric-vehicle-tax-high-court-rules-against-victorian-charge/a1f89092-aae8-4d7b-807c-9a8be3ff8cb4
Pity Dan isnt around to explain his illegal tax, Adam Bandt warning the Albanese Govt not to try and impose a national Tax is about the best thing he has done since entering politics although Im sure Albo and his State Labor stooges will try and get the lost revenue back with some other underhanded suedo EV tax like jacking up Rego's of old gas guzzlers etc...

So with no State tax and Bandt threatening to vote down a Federal tax, how will EV owners be made to contribute their  fair share of revenue to cover road maintenance and repairs?  Keep in mind that any EV weighs approx 200kg more than an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Thryleon on October 19, 2023, 05:00:01 pm
Anyone know anything about the Chery Omoda?  Looks like a pretty good offering, although am skeptical as the made in china tag is likely hanging over its head. 
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on October 19, 2023, 05:26:01 pm
Anyone know anything about the Chery Omoda?  Looks like a pretty good offering, although am skeptical as the made in china tag is likely hanging over its head. 
They sponsor Stkilda.....most EV's come from China so its a sad reality if you want an EV its going to be Chinese manufactured more than likely. Chery have had a dubious safety record over the journey and hence have had to exit the Aus market previously but now have returned with some new offerings that are meant to be better and 5 star ANCAP rated.
If I was going to buy Chinese Id buy MG who are now in the top ten car makers in Australia which means they will have more dealerships, better service backup etc. Car Companies invest in consumer backup on the basis of how many units they sell so more sales means better service, more techs, more spare parts and more chance they will honour warranties.
Id be skeptical of Chery myself or any Chinese car maker although MG like I said appear to have made improvements and dont appear to be providing consumer affairs with too many cases.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on October 19, 2023, 05:45:37 pm
So with no State tax and Bandt threatening to vote down a Federal tax, how will EV owners be made to contribute their  fair share of revenue to cover road maintenance and repairs?  Keep in mind that any EV weighs approx 200kg more than an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Agree on the weight and its only going to get worse when EV utes arrive on mass as they will be carrying extra weight due to batteries equivalent to a Honda Civic.
Not sure how EV users will help fund road costs to be honest, Im presuming increases in Registrations, Insurance Levies and taxes placed at the time of purchases on EV vehicles. There is a 24 billion dollar short fall with taxes collected for Road use anyway so Governments have been making up that shortfall for a while now.
Double edged sword really, you want to encourage the uptake of EV vehicles but overall costs make it prohibitive for a lot of families and Australia doesnt have the population to support the infrastructure needed by user pays alone which means non users have to help foot the bill with their taxes too...
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: DJC on October 19, 2023, 07:11:26 pm
https://www.9news.com.au/national/electric-vehicle-tax-high-court-rules-against-victorian-charge/a1f89092-aae8-4d7b-807c-9a8be3ff8cb4
Pity Dan isnt around to explain his illegal tax, Adam Bandt warning the Albanese Govt not to try and impose a national Tax is about the best thing he has done since entering politics although Im sure Albo and his State Labor stooges will try and get the lost revenue back with some other underhanded suedo EV tax like jacking up Rego's of old gas guzzlers etc...

Every State appeared before the High Court arguing that Victoria's tax was constitutional.  Those arguments fell on deaf ears and I think that the Federal Government will have no option but to introduce a road users' charge.  They will get away with it if they drop the fuel excise by a corresponding amount.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Gointocarlton on October 19, 2023, 07:15:14 pm
Looks like we're the only revheads G2C  :)
@DJC You'll be pleased to know after 25 years of dreaming and looking, I finally got my dream car about a month or so ago. Two door LC Torana with a Holden V8 in it.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Macca37 on October 19, 2023, 07:41:56 pm
@DJC You'll be pleased to know after 25 years of dreaming and looking, I finally got my dream car about a month or so ago. Two door LC Torana with a Holden V8 in it.

You have done well.  That's a real keeper.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: shawny on October 19, 2023, 10:11:27 pm
@DJC You'll be pleased to know after 25 years of dreaming and looking, I finally got my dream car about a month or so ago. Two door LC Torana with a Holden V8 in it.

Beautiful mate. I’ve been looking for years for an SS torana hatch. Seen a few I liked but crazy dollars.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Mantis on October 20, 2023, 02:23:47 am
The most favourite car of all cars on this earth was the XY GTHO Phase 3. The fastest 4 door production car in its sat in 1971. The funny thing is it could be bought for around $5,500 dollars in its day new. Limited numbers but available. Ever since it was first sold, it never dropped in value. Not even 2 years later when it was second hand. It was never bought as a second hand car for less than the original price. Now a version full of rust and needing thousands to restore (80-150 thousand dollars) will still return more than $500,000 if not more than $1,000,000. Which has happened before. I own a 2005 Nissan Pulsar Q. Automatic if that counts. Electric windows, air conditioning, power steering, cruise control, factor sunroof, and a few more options. I hope as unwanted it becomes a car that someone might appreciate. Especially considering a 18 year old car had 45,000 original kilometres on the clock. NO, not wound back or a dodgy done here. I am not even sure what to insure it for. Definitely not a market value policy. Sorry guys. It isn’t a GT Falcon. Not a GTS Monaro. Just a Nissan with almost minimal genuine miles. Body and interior rates as at least 8 out of 10. Here is the funny thing. It is my every day driver. I don’t ever want to sell it. Not fast. Not exciting. Very economical. Zippy yes. Easy to park. Very clean and almost new.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Baggers on October 20, 2023, 08:55:01 am
@DJC You'll be pleased to know after 25 years of dreaming and looking, I finally got my dream car about a month or so ago. Two door LC Torana with a Holden V8 in it.

Paint me green with envy!

Still saving and looking for my 'project' - XR or XT GT with a 289 V8.

Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Gointocarlton on October 20, 2023, 11:59:54 am
Paint me green with envy!

Still saving and looking for my 'project' - XR or XT GT with a 289 V8.


An XR V8 was 2nd on my list, XB was third. They are bloody hard to find, XRs in particular. I got lucky with the LC, a few planets aligned and here we are. As I said, I looked for long enough.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Thryleon on October 20, 2023, 12:16:55 pm
XB coupe would be my preference.

If not an XB, and XC would suffice. 
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Macca37 on October 20, 2023, 01:48:33 pm
The car that I really want from that era, but can't afford,  is the Valiant Charger R/T E 49 with the straight six, triple Webers and 4 speed manual gearbox.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Baggers on October 20, 2023, 02:03:33 pm
The car that I really want from that era, but can't afford,  is the Valiant Charger R/T E 49 with the straight six, triple Webers and 4 speed manual gearbox.

A dear friend of mine, who's monthly tax bill is about the same as my annual gross, has got exactly that beast. Orange. A car you could just pull up a chair, sit down and stare at for hours.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: LP on October 20, 2023, 02:38:31 pm
I nearly purchased my 1970s dream car a long time back, it was a unfinished / never started rebuild project, an Aston Martin DBS V8 from 1970, historically perhaps one of the first ever "Supercars". It had been flogged to death and left to rust in a paddock, the owner had purchased it to rebuild in factory livery, but after breaking it down he never really got started for any number of reasons. The panels and chassis were in reasonable condition in they were straight, but in addition to the corrosion the engine, cooling system and gearbox were complete rebuilds. He wanted $20K for it and I was tempted but it would be a lot of work. The technical stuff didn't worry me, back then in my youth my hobby was building high performance engines on the stand and finding ways to wedge them into old bodies, but it would be a lot of work. You don't / can't do this stuff for profit, so I baulked at it. It was eventually bought by someone and refurbished in factory colours, silver body with red / white leather interior, it recently sold for $250K.

Around the same time, a long time back, while part hunting for grey or red motor spares, I had a chat with a bloke who had owned the No.3 Holden, one of the first ten or so what is now called homologation builds, build for approval. He was a manager on the production line and he owned it for years then sold it to put a deposit on a new house, back then a house was about $16K so he probably sold it for a few hundred or maybe a thousand or so at most. Many years later he came across it on display at the car museum out near Calder Raceway valued at $1.3M. I think he said the Prime Minister at the time got No.1 and that's also in a museum somewhere as well, not sure what happened to No.2.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Gointocarlton on October 20, 2023, 03:55:08 pm
I nearly purchased my 1970s dream car a long time back, it was a unfinished / never started rebuild project, an Aston Martin DBS V8 from 1970, historically perhaps one of the first ever "Supercars". It had been flogged to death and left to rust in a paddock, the owner had purchased it to rebuild in factory livery, but after breaking it down he never really got started for any number of reasons. The panels and chassis were in reasonable condition in they were straight, but in addition to the corrosion the engine, cooling system and gearbox were complete rebuilds. He wanted $20K for it and I was tempted but it would be a lot of work. The technical stuff didn't worry me, back then in my youth my hobby was building high performance engines on the stand and finding ways to wedge them into old bodies, but it would be a lot of work. You don't / can't do this stuff for profit, so I baulked at it. It was eventually bought by someone and refurbished in factory colours, silver body with red / white leather interior, it recently sold for $250K.

Around the same time, a long time back, while part hunting for grey or red motor spares, I had a chat with a bloke who had owned the No.3 Holden, one of the first ten or so what is now called homologation builds, build for approval. He was a manager on the production line and he owned it for years then sold it to put a deposit on a new house, back then a house was about $16K so he probably sold it for a few hundred or maybe a thousand or so at most. Many years later he came across it on display at the car museum out near Calder Raceway valued at $1.3M. I think he said the Prime Minister at the time got No.1 and that's also in a museum somewhere as well, not sure what happened to No.2.
What is the "No.3 Holden" LP? Never heard of it, tried googling it but nothing really come up.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: PaulP on October 20, 2023, 04:25:32 pm
I don't really have much interest in cars, but the notion of the No3 Holden did pique my curiosity. One least guess : the 3rd of 10 pilot cars that were built after the 5 prototypes. 
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: bobby on October 20, 2023, 04:38:16 pm
The car that I really want from that era, but can't afford,  is the Valiant Charger R/T E 49 with the straight six, triple Webers and 4 speed manual gearbox.

In 'burnt orange' ?
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Gointocarlton on October 20, 2023, 06:42:05 pm
The car that I really want from that era, but can't afford,  is the Valiant Charger R/T E 49 with the straight six, triple Webers and 4 speed manual gearbox.
My Old Man had a VH Valiant Pacer, 265, triple, webbers, sucked fuel like there was no tomorrow. Kept it for around 12 months then traded it in for a more docile VJ Valiant Regal. Not sure how original it was, wish he kept it though.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Macca37 on October 20, 2023, 07:55:08 pm
In 'burnt orange' ?

Naturally.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: LP on October 20, 2023, 10:42:47 pm
What is the "No.3 Holden" LP? Never heard of it, tried googling it but nothing really come up.
It's the 3rd FX ever produced, No.1 is in the National Museum.

(https://www.nma.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0009/545445/MA22861025-holden-1200w.jpg)

The wikipedia article lists the first ten, the bloke I talked to was a manufacturing manager, I gather he was part of the engineering department. The article calls them pilot cars. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holden_48-215
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: LP on October 20, 2023, 10:45:47 pm
I don't really have much interest in cars, but the notion of the No3 Holden did pique my curiosity. One least guess : the 3rd of 10 pilot cars that were built after the 5 prototypes.
That's correct, there were actually many prototypes and test builds, but the cars I refer to are the first official production run of 10. The person I meet had No.3 of 10.

Not sure what happened to the US built prototypes.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Gointocarlton on October 21, 2023, 09:11:07 pm
The car that I really want from that era, but can't afford,  is the Valiant Charger R/T E 49 with the straight six, triple Webers and 4 speed manual gearbox.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Mantis on October 22, 2023, 12:19:48 am
Speaking of Chargers, my friend owned an E55 Charger. 340 V8 which was factory 275hp. Changed to a better camshaft profile and a set of Extractors, along with a big open air cleaner. Changed the diff gears to 3.23:1 if I remember correctly. It gave GT Falcon owners a hard time in Dandenong back in the late 80’s. Didn’t look as tough as the E49 but it went like stink. Not the best around corners and not the best brakes.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: LP on October 22, 2023, 07:45:19 am
Changed the diff gears to 3.23:1 if I remember correctly.
That was a common ratio for the V6, V8 use to be about 2.9:1.

Holden 253 would run about 3.3:1 if I recall.

I built a NASCAR type HZ 308 once with 2.4:1, coupled with a Turbo 400 auto.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Gointocarlton on October 22, 2023, 01:12:29 pm

Holden 253 would run about 3.3:1 if I recall.

Std Holden diff ratio around that number s 3.36, that's what my LC has in it.
Ill let you turn my 308 into a NASCAR motor if you want😂
Although at the rate mine sucks fuel now, perhaps Ill just leave it as is.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Macca37 on October 22, 2023, 02:13:37 pm
I've just read the posts in this thread and my wife and I got to thinking about one of the first cars we owned.

Back in the early '60s I bought a one owner 1951 Fiat Topolino 500.  It had a 4 cylinder,  550 cc water cooled motor mounted in the front and driving the back wheels. From memory it developed about 15 bhp.  With a strong tailwind and going down hill it  could reach about 50 mph.  It had a 4-speed gear box with synchro on third and fourth. The fuel tank was in the front in a similar position to the VW Beetle.  It had a long gear lever which screwed into an aluminium housing on top of the gearbox.  By the time I bought the car the thread had stripped and gravity was relied upon to keep the lever in the housing.

Being young and foolish we used it to go for a holiday in Surfers.  We went via the Newell Highway and I remember it took us 24 hours to reach Dubbo.  I've never had a car since that has attracted so much attention.  Along the way no one had ever seen this model Fiat.  Petrol attendants (they had them in those days) just used to look at it and shake their heads.

By the time we got back we were in need of another holiday.  That was the most exhausting trip we have made.

 
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: PaulP on October 22, 2023, 02:32:16 pm
Love the Cinquecento. Not really made for Australian conditions, but in the mother country, it can't be beat.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: LP on October 22, 2023, 02:34:03 pm
Although at the rate mine sucks fuel now, perhaps Ill just leave it as is.
If you live in a hilly region give it a miss, there is no smooth up hill getting off the line without the Turbo400 auto.

I think the 308 was actually, usually stroked to about 323, if we could afford them dome tops but high compression made them horribly unreliable, better to start with the 350. Dome tops were a great upgrade for the 253 though. Wade cams (242a was a popular choice), Quadrajet, Ignition Developments HEI. 1.5" single exhaust systems. Subject to tuning the dyno would run 320 - 350. Had to idle them a bit high to prevent stalling with the low diff, so not the sort of car you want to frequently boil in traffic! :D

When we did all that stuff we always made a mandatory brake upgrade, otherwise there is no stopping them. We aren't talking about anything that was nibble or agile, these were a falling brick with high terminal velocity.

Great for the freeway, watching the scenery go by and the fuel gauge fall at about the same rate, but your friends and family could feel and hear them coming like distant rolling thunder. Addicted to bass!
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: LP on December 01, 2023, 04:50:26 pm
Something tells me the below won't make the grade to get in this thread, no matter how many years we wait!

(https://www.motortrend.com/uploads/sites/5/2019/11/Tesla-Cybertruck-Electric-Pickup-Truck-Front-3-4-in-Motion-on-Road-Course.jpg?fit=around%7C875:492)
I think Bill Hicks summed it up best, "Piece of Sh1t!
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: kruddler on December 01, 2023, 05:01:59 pm
Have a look at the 'frunk' space if you can.
Also have a look at the build quality of the misalignment of the doors.

Search up the pics.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Gointocarlton on December 01, 2023, 05:35:05 pm
Something tells me the below won't make the grade to get in this thread, no matter how many years we wait!

(https://www.motortrend.com/uploads/sites/5/2019/11/Tesla-Cybertruck-Electric-Pickup-Truck-Front-3-4-in-Motion-on-Road-Course.jpg?fit=around%7C875:492)
I think Bill Hicks summed it up best, "Piece of Sh1t!
I'd poor petrol over it and set fire to the fugly thing.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Gointocarlton on December 01, 2023, 05:41:41 pm
If you live in a hilly region give it a miss, there is no smooth up hill getting off the line without the Turbo400 auto.

I think the 308 was actually, usually stroked to about 323, if we could afford them dome tops but high compression made them horribly unreliable, better to start with the 350. Dome tops were a great upgrade for the 253 though. Wade cams (242a was a popular choice), Quadrajet, Ignition Developments HEI. 1.5" single exhaust systems. Subject to tuning the dyno would run 320 - 350. Had to idle them a bit high to prevent stalling with the low diff, so not the sort of car you want to frequently boil in traffic! :D

When we did all that stuff we always made a mandatory brake upgrade, otherwise there is no stopping them. We aren't talking about anything that was nibble or agile, these were a falling brick with high terminal velocity.

Great for the freeway, watching the scenery go by and the fuel gauge fall at about the same rate, but your friends and family could feel and hear them coming like distant rolling thunder. Addicted to bass!
Ive since taken in for a tune to a bloke who knows what he's doing and cut his teeth on 308s/quadrajets back in the day. Mixtures were fine, ignition timing was miles out. He reckons he reckons he could recommend a cam for me that would really make it fun to drive. He suggested a particular Brock inlet manifold to use in combo with the quadrajet and cam he is thinking about but he said good luck finding one. Anyhow, when I got home I checked under the bonnet and the serial number he gave me was on the manifold so bonus, I already have one. Given the markings on the heads suggest they are "B Cast", I'm tipping the motor was out of a HDT car of some description.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on January 31, 2024, 03:05:04 pm
https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/toyota-factory-raided-after-emissions-cheating-admission

Usually its Volkswagen but Toyota lately have become equally morally bankrupt in terms of how they treat customers.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: kruddler on January 31, 2024, 06:11:19 pm
https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/toyota-factory-raided-after-emissions-cheating-admission

Usually its Volkswagen but Toyota lately have become equally morally bankrupt in terms of how they treat customers.
Looks like i can rule out a hilux or a prado as my next vehicle then. They are already behind on stock.
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: LP on January 31, 2024, 06:20:34 pm
Looks like i can rule out a hilux or a prado as my next vehicle then. They are already behind on stock.
Yet have would still have a Landcruiser variant as first choice, although I have heard some good feedback about newer Mitsubishi models of they ever actually deliver some!
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: Gointocarlton on January 31, 2024, 06:24:13 pm
Yet have would still have a Landcruiser variant as first choice, although I have heard some good feedback about newer Mitsubishi models of they ever actually deliver some!
🤢
Title: Re: The classic/fave car thread
Post by: kruddler on January 31, 2024, 10:34:11 pm
Yet have would still have a Landcruiser variant as first choice, although I have heard some good feedback about newer Mitsubishi models of they ever actually deliver some!
Had a triton briefly, good value for money but not in the same league