Reliable hatchback for $6k?

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6325 posts

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#1439625 2-Dec-2015 23:07

i dont give a ...

thanks techno, nah i dont vtnz, they way strict which is close to be upselled. nah i changed mechanics. ill be going back to the old mechanic who i cant trust.

thats what nocowboys is for, so you can lay into bad service.

Athlonite

1828 posts

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#1439649 3-Dec-2015 01:40

You can have my reliable Toyota Corolla for 3K rego's and wof'd only 187K on the clock

TeaLeaf

6325 posts

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#1439764 3-Dec-2015 10:47

Thanks, wanting something a bit newer.

What is with names like Toyota Alex, is that a corolla?

What happened to normal names on cars in NZ. I guess that went with locally built cars in the 70/80s

WyleECoyoteNZ

1049 posts

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#1439775 3-Dec-2015 10:59

TeaLeaf: Thanks, wanting something a bit newer.

What is with names like Toyota Alex, is that a corolla?

What happened to normal names on cars in NZ. I guess that went with locally built cars in the 70/80s

The Toyota Allex\Runx is a Corolla bodyshape, yes. As far as I know, they are all imports.

Key difference being that NZ new cars are front wheel drive, whereas the Allex\Runx are four wheel drive.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Corolla_(E120)

lxsw20

3552 posts

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#1439777 3-Dec-2015 11:01

TeaLeaf: Thanks, wanting something a bit newer.

What is with names like Toyota Alex, is that a corolla?

What happened to normal names on cars in NZ. I guess that went with locally built cars in the 70/80s

Because the market is full of grey imports you get NZ New and Import names here...Toyota dealerships in Japan are bit more complicated than all Toyota dealerships selling the Allex etc, hence you end up with many names.

MikeAqua

7782 posts

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#1439789 3-Dec-2015 11:17

A good rule of thumb is not to take your car to a mechanic for a WOF. They have an obvious conflict of interest - the motivation to 'find' things to fix.

Personally I find my local VTNZ very fair - if a little slow on throughput.

Mike

Fred99

13684 posts

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#1439921 3-Dec-2015 14:28

MikeAqua: A good rule of thumb is not to take your car to a mechanic for a WOF. They have an obvious conflict of interest - the motivation to 'find' things to fix.

Personally I find my local VTNZ very fair - if a little slow on throughput.

While that's possibly true, I haven't experienced it.
I take cars to a local mechanic I've known for a few years. He's got a small workshop, I'm always dealing with the same person, and he's more than happy for me to be in the workshop while he's doing his checks, an opportunity for me to have a good poke around under the cars while they're up on a hoist, looking for non WOF related issues, any minor oil leaks etc. Easier than doing it at home with ramps or jacks/axle stands.

One thing I would say though about getting a WOF anywhere, is give the car a good clean and inspection yourself before you take it in. If you rock up with a bit of attitude in a car with back seat full of used baby diapers, old socks, front seats with some very dodgy looking stains, dashboard and screen covered in sneeze-splatter, and sticky stuff on the steering wheel, then don't expect the poor guy inspecting it to err in your favour if anything a bit marginal is found in the check. People do take cars for WOF checks in the state I describe - absolutely horrible. The difference might be a fail and recheck required because a rear number plate bulb has blown or you forget to secure the spare wheel in the boot. If the car's presentable, the mechanic might be far more inclined to replace the bulb on the spot for $3 or put the clamp and nut on the spare for free, then issue the WOF.

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TeaLeaf

6325 posts

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#1439925 3-Dec-2015 14:45

yep good point. our car is always kept immaculate.

i also think its a good idea to find one mechanic you trust and stick with him. in my case it was simply geography change, but in hind site id have made the $30 in fuel just for him to do it. the guys got over 100 5 stars on nocowboys and he shows me shot parts when replacing. the same part he passed for 3 years the new guy had an issue with, it was marginal at worst. anyway its over with. car is now mint. love driving a fresh set of treds on an aligned AWD. almost drives itself.

i think we are set on going with a Golf FSI now. upgrading to $7-8k depending on whether we cash or finance. i just couldnt stand the look of some of the jap imports. they just dont look like corollas or 323's anymore with weird names. only the civic looks good. need some interest in your wheels even if you hardly use them. each to their own though of course.

Fred99

13684 posts

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#1439950 3-Dec-2015 15:08

By Golf FSI, I presume that's a Mk5 2.0 litre with 6 speed DSG trans.
IIRC VW specify a 4 year interval between cambelt changes, so not just based on km. If it is a Mk5 it should have had one cambelt change already. IIRC these are also an "interference" engine, so if the belt breaks or slips etc. serious engine damage is likely.
If buying one of those, I'd get the DSG transmission checked by an expert. Of course there's lots of rumour, claims and counterclaims about how reliable these earlier DSGs were, but much better to be safe than sorry. If it failed, repair/replacement might cost more than you paid for the car.

TeaLeaf

6325 posts

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#1440056 3-Dec-2015 18:10

you mean if it fails and the rods get bent etc? of course. same with any interference engine. my preference is chain. but whilst chains may last a long time other components can go just as quick as a belt. so its often not a win with a chain.

id be getting vtnz pre inspection clearly on any vehicle and i wouldnt by any vehicle without proof of cambelt change.

yep looking at golf 2.0 fsi. anything i should be wary of?

i saw this souped up jeep wrangler that is lifted so damn high with the meanest lugs. but the mrs wont go that.

Fred99

13684 posts

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#1440231 4-Dec-2015 00:06

I'd urge you to take it to a specialist VW/Audi workshop for a PPI - rather than VTNZ.
You also need service history if possible, to find out if the DSG scheduled services have been carried out and by whom. AFAIK these services aren't too difficult, some people DIY, but the genuine lubricant is expensive - tempting people to not use the correct oils, which could be a very expensive mistake.
Of course you need to know about the cambelt - valve stems bend - not (con)rods, piston damage possible too, so you don't want that to happen.

Technofreak

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#1440462 4-Dec-2015 13:15

TeaLeaf: i dont give a ...

thanks techno, nah i dont vtnz, they way strict which is close to be upselled. nah i changed mechanics. ill be going back to the old mechanic who i cant trust.

thats what nocowboys is for, so you can lay into bad service.

In my experience VTNZ have been very good. Car has always passed with them. They let you know when things like brake linings might need replacing before the next visit.

As mentioned earlier always make sure your car is clean and tidy and I always do a double check of tyres, lights, etc before going.

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TeaLeaf

6325 posts

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#1440557 4-Dec-2015 14:22

whats with the Civic having its gear stick on the dash? its like driving a HiAce Van lol.

how reliable is that gear system?

Jase2985

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#1440565 4-Dec-2015 14:43

makes no difference where it is, its just cables and/or electronics so it can be anywhere. doesnt change the reliability of it

TeaLeaf

6325 posts

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#1440573 4-Dec-2015 14:54

thats all that really concerned me, the placement being electronic if their have been any large recalls or failures, if not, all good.

you can find the regular models with a bit more cash i have found. some how i got stuck on lotus exige and then maseratti, and have already planned my speech in regard to an bmw M5. But i know we will be getting an A to B, no matter my enjoyment looking.

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