shmoodiver wrote:u11 bluebird! can be had for around the thousand dollar mark if you don't mind em a bit smelly

I had smelly diesel U12 year or so back, great car and it was OK cos I have smelly kids. Made no difference whether the throttle was 1/4 pressed or foot flat but I liked it.
And it said 'Fukushima' on the back

murray the llama bus is a u11 and runs liek a dream. does regular vegas missions from auckland with 5 peeps and 5 bieks on about $90 of 96 and you only have to stop twice to fill the radiator

Spyder wrote:You can repeat those questions for an Isuzu MU (mysterious utility is bloody right)!

how is a mu any different from any other short wheel base 4WD?

herbman wrote:

Spyder wrote:You can repeat those questions for an Isuzu MU (mysterious utility is bloody right)!

how is a mu any different from any other short wheel base 4WD?

That was my thinking. Maybe it was more about the ones with the arse chopped out of them like the x90.

nostromo Mondeo would be a good option 2001 on.
I'm told the Mazda6 has a few issues with clutches (more so the lastest ones) and something about coil packs dieing.

lol

mazda, avoid all fords at all costs

Why?
In all interest when seeing you name

nostromo wrote:Boring question, but;
I've gotta replace our family car as it's a bit stuffed. Thinking a wagon, 2 litre-ish size. Priorities are safety rating and reliability and what forth. Whats worthy? Thinking Mondeo or Mazda 6 sort of thing.

I rate My Nissan Avenir, it's a 96, tons of room too.
Slightly newer ones with the newer shape were larger too
Solid, reliable chain driven Sr20 2l motor, can't go past it.

Hmm, Mondeo would be a good bet I reckon.
I know 2 people with Mazda 6 wagons, one standard, one Atenza. The Atenza is really thirsty but not quick enough to justify the fuel bill. The standard one is nice, nothing spectacular, but probably on par with a Mondeo or similar.

From a very quick squiz on Trademe, it seems you could easily get an 05/06 Mondeo with under 100kms on it for around $15k, and the Mazda 6/Atenzas at that price all seem to have over 100kms on them.

Have you considered an Accord wagon?

ShoreBoy wrote:Hmm, Mondeo would be a good bet I reckon.
I know 2 people with Mazda 6 wagons, one standard, one Atenza. The Atenza is really thirsty but not quick enough to justify the fuel bill. The standard one is nice, nothing spectacular, but probably on par with a Mondeo or similar.

From a very quick squiz on Trademe, it seems you could easily get an 05/06 Mondeo with under 100kms on it for around $15k, and the Mazda 6/Atenzas at that price all seem to have over 100kms on them.

Have you considered an Accord wagon?

I went to a Ford/Mazda car yard yesterday and got my ear bent off, but the guy did say the Mazda 6's carry a big premium over the Mondeo simply because people want them more. They are pretty much the same type of beast with slightly different driving dynamics.
I hadn't looked at an Accord Wagon, but I see one at Turners Auctions, and by the look of the sell prices at Turners for vehicles I'm very keen to buy from there so will go have a look.

http://www.hmthequeensdaimler.com/
You could has a car, as owned by Her Majesty the Quoon

It doesn't have hidden machine guns though

ShoreBoy wrote:Hmm, Mondeo would be a good bet I reckon.
I know 2 people with Mazda 6 wagons, one standard, one Atenza. The Atenza is really thirsty but not quick enough to justify the fuel bill. The standard one is nice, nothing spectacular, but probably on par with a Mondeo or similar.

From a very quick squiz on Trademe, it seems you could easily get an 05/06 Mondeo with under 100kms on it for around $15k, and the Mazda 6/Atenzas at that price all seem to have over 100kms on them.

Have you considered an Accord wagon?

Apart from the Accord wagans are fugly as.
The Nissan Avineers would be a good choice.

zephyrheaven wrote:mazda, avoid all fords at all costs

What, even Mk111 Zephyrs? (and leave them to you I suppose)

Datsane wrote:Why?
In all interest when seeing you name

Ford stopped making cars in '72 as far as I am concerned

Ive spent about 50 hours a week on a workshop floor for the past 13 years - I have seen a fair bit - not everything, but sadly not much of what Ford build is anything but rubbish now - ok the odd bit makes sense and works well (not often) I had dreams of buying a BA XR8 sometime this year - after working on a few and pricing parts - nah thanks
If you have ever had the pleasure of calling a ford dealership for a price on a part not available aftermarket - its worth it for a hoot.

I think google has a pretty comprehensive "mondeo / problem" search to peruse - dont get me wrong, they get one out of every 50 right

Personally, I would go for the Mazda - overpriced sure (demand like someone has stated), but aftermarket parts are off the hook and the fact most major lease companies used them - a win win situation

I have a friend in wholesale if you are interested , obviously a bit far to travel but his prices are competitive and sells a fair bit interisland for that reason.

Cheers

FLATULENTFRIEND wrote:

zephyrheaven wrote:mazda, avoid all fords at all costs

What, even Mk111 Zephyrs? (and leave them to you I suppose)

shhhh its a conspiracy!