What Car?

[10G]

Thinking of getting a beater car to save wear and tear on the Patrol.

I'd like to get something around $5K. Son has a 2005 Commy wagon, it's not a bad rig. After something that will be reliable and cheap to fix, so thinking Ford or Holden. Don't want a granny car, looking for a bloke car. I really don't have much clue.

Doesn't need to be beautiful looking but like a heap of shite either.

Another thing, it must be able to easily swap out the radio if the radio is crap. I've looked this up on VE commodores and apparently it's a massive PITA.

Any suggestions??

[MudRunnerTD]

VZ Calais. If you can find a nice one that has not been flogged. I reckon they look great with a nice set of wheels and lowered an inch.

[mudnut]

Skyline R31. Little car with a big engine.

[Cremulator]

If you want reliability, get a Toyota. You can get Camry or Corolla models made around 2005 for about $5000.
A mate of mine did the same and got a 2003 Corolla for $1500 on road!

[nipagu7]

depends on what your after , but if reliability is what your after for a basic run around car i second Cremulator . toyota , we have had a few in our family . not what you would call top performers , but very reliable and cheap to run and generally easy to work on .

[10G]

Thanks everyone for the help.

Are subaru's any good???

[MB]

A very straight and somewhat clean old D21 dual cab tub Navara we bought for $5k exactly with 70,000 clicks on its dial...ex-orchards Shepparton way.
Has been amazing, our go to backup little ute still to this day, has taken some wicked punishment albeit the dual fuel petty situation needs consideration as backfiring in hotter weather scares the shite out of me diesel loving brain :-)


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[mudnut]

The older auto Subies had a problem with an 'O' ring going brittle or hard. This caused the unit to not engage any gears straight away or at all. Apart from having two heads and two of everything associated with the valves, run by a super-long timing belt they are reliable.
https://www.google.com/search?q=chan...-e4-EP_d2wwAY2

And head gasket delamination is also a common issue.

[10G]

The older auto Subies had a problem with an 'O' ring going brittle or hard. This caused the unit to not engage any gears straight away or at all. Apart from having two heads and two of everything associated with the valves, run by a super-long timing belt they are reliable.
https://www.google.com/search?q=chan...-e4-EP_d2wwAY2

And head gasket delamination is also a common issue.

Thanks Craig, much appreciated.

[10G]

Reckon I might be looking at a ute. Can put firewood in it etc etc.

It'll be an auto on petrol probably a ford or holden coz anyone can fix 'em and parts are everywhere.