Who's planning on buying a Euro car in the next 5 years?

VZSS250 · 05-03-2008, 02:22 PM

Hi Guys,

I was wondering how many of us are planning on buying a european car in the next 5 years and whether the Ford/Holden offerings are mere stepping stones to bigger and better things from europe or whether people view the aussie offerings as genuine alternatives (i.e. do you aspire to own a european car or is a GT or Typhoon all you ever want?)

My next car is going to be an FG GT despite my initial reservations (actually they were not reservations - I was clear that I disapproved of the designers' attempts to make the car look smaller, but the pics from the motor show of the FPVs look great). But after that I desperately want a BMW 335i in the driveway or maybe a Porsche Cayman.

To me the european manufacturers offer something the aussie manufacturers cannot - a choice in body styles and a bottomless pit of options. You can have a small coupe, big coupe, two seater convertible, four seater convertible , hard top convertible, LWB cars, hatches etc.

The aussie manufacturers offer one bodystyle in the performance range - a comparatively large four door family sedan. Holden also have the LWB range which I am thankful for since I own one at the moment!

I'm just trying to gauge whether I'm losing the plot or whether there is a general consensus that euro cars are more desirable in these affluent times where a $70-80k car is nothing to write home about.

irlewy86 · 05-03-2008, 02:53 PM

You test drive, then you decide which one is going to put a smile on your dial. There are a lot of cars I like but know I would get fed up with over time (or more quickly than I should)....

So basically whatever floats your boat.

sgt_doofey · 05-03-2008, 03:51 PM

I bought one last year. Does that count? VVVVV

Powdered Toast Man · 05-03-2008, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VZSS250

But after that I desperately want a BMW 335i in the driveway or maybe a Porsche Cayman.

Slightly different classes those 2 lol! A small sporty car vs a big lumbering (although extremely quick and powerful in turbo form) SUV (eek! I hate that Americanism).

I think the Aussie stuff holds it's own against the european competition. Both the Falcon and Commodore are extremely good cars for the money.

Dunno if it will be in the next 5 years but I can see myself getting something european in the future. Mainly because I'm thinking of getting a small car so VW, Audi, BMW, Ford (Focus, Fiesta) are really the main ones I'm looking at. But then I'm also thinking Mustang too so....

But if it was a large powerful 4 door I was after the aussies are definitely top of the list over BMW, Mercedes, Audi and whoever else makes them that size. Just can't beat the value for money, plus the fact they are engineered for aussie conditions.

Ives · 05-03-2008, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Powdered Toast Man

Slightly different classes those 2 lol! A small sporty car vs a big lumbering (although extremely quick and powerful in turbo form) SUV (eek! I hate that Americanism).
.

I think you got Cayman and Cayenne mixed up.

Cayman is Boxter and Carrera thrown in a blender. Cayenne is the SUV.

Powdered Toast Man · 05-03-2008, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ives

I think you got Cayman and Cayenne mixed up.

Cayman is Boxter and Carrera thrown in a blender. Cayenne is the SUV.

Very right, I did too. I take it back :togo:

Didnt Jeremy Clarkson say that the Carrera was a better car than the Cayman anyway? Not that I would buy a car based on his judgement. I think I'm just digging myself a bigger hole here so I will just shut up

:

BAFalconXT · 05-03-2008, 04:50 PM

Most european cars are budget basement taxi's over there. Send them here, double the price and people think they are luxury.

Unless I need a specific vehicle for work, that is not made here. I will always buy Australian. Commodores and Falcons the best value for money.

bd737 · 05-03-2008, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BAFalconXT

Most european cars are budget basement taxi's over there. Send them here, double the price and people think they are luxury.

Unless I need a specific vehicle for work, that is not made here. I will always buy Australian. Commodores and Falcons the best value for money.

Aussie cars can't be beaten in value for money! What would the full-size RWD Euro equivalent of say a Fairmont Ghia set you back? And the Fairmont will probably go harder and look nicer too!

I read a review of the Fairlane previously, mentioning that you get 95% of the refinement of a Euro luxury cruiser, at half the price, yet they don't have the same 'social standing'.

That's definately true - many 'hoi polloi' ( :king: ) out there seem to have the preconception that if it's Aussie made, it's rubbish, and that only Euro-engineered is worthy. While there are many nice Euro cruisers out there, my $20 to $50k is better spent locally.

Steffo · 05-03-2008, 05:23 PM

I'm on my second Euro car, and the next probably will be Euro too. Don't think I'll be changing allegiance any time soon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Powdered Toast Man

Didnt Jeremy Clarkson say that the Carrera was a better car than the Cayman anyway?

He said the Carrera was better for bragging rights only, and if the Cayman S had an LSD from the factory, the Carrera wouldn't be able to keep up anywhere.

Carby · 05-03-2008, 08:12 PM

Yeah once Holden and Ford close up local production of RWD vehicles I'll be looking at RWD Euro's Though a Caddy looks interesting also! Unfortunately I can't see either Ford or Holden being around in a manufacturing sense for a great deal longer. Seems everyone wants a bloody SUV or something else with a Toyota badge on it.

**Falcon Coupe** · 05-03-2008, 08:14 PM

By Australian and be proud i say, if Ford/Holden make a car that suits you needs then why not.

I still turn my head to look at a BA GT go buy where as the only Euro's that stand out to me are AMG/M3 etc..

Rob · 07-03-2008, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falcon Coupe

By Australian and be proud i say, if Ford/Holden make a car that suits you needs then why not.

I still turn my head to look at a BA GT go buy where as the only Euro's that stand out to me are AMG/M3 etc..

True enough.

318i/E220... uh.. sorry, what? You spent 60 grand on a German toaster? Nice.

Falcon4L · 05-03-2008, 08:16 PM

I would love a porsche carrera... but I dont think its happening too soon. lol

But I love my Fords too much so I'd probably rather be the guy in the F6 pulling up next to the carrera to blow his doors off.

MITCHAY · 05-03-2008, 08:43 PM

I'll probably be in another Japanese or Australian car after my WRX. I want to get a house so probably wouldn't have the money for a nice Euro anyway.

MRJUCY · 05-03-2008, 11:34 PM

Australia simply isn't a big enough market to manufacture a car for every niche but no where else makes what I require either so I'll be sticking with Falcon for the foreseeable future.

XR_Strider_GuY · 06-03-2008, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRJUCY

Australia simply isn't a big enough market to manufacture a car for every niche but no where else makes what I require either so I'll be sticking with Falcon for the foreseeable future.

Spot on mate. Show me a rear drive v8, that handles, looks the part and has over 350hp, comfortable on cruises, decent space for under $60k. Some how a BMW 320i would not cut the mustard for me comparing the same price.

Oh sure a BMW 545i is a decent saloon but at $200k...

All good and well to say European cars are better (and they are) but at what price.

smoo · 07-03-2008, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR_Strider_GuY

Spot on mate. Show me a rear drive v8, that handles, looks the part and has over 350hp, comfortable on cruises, decent space for under $60k. Some how a BMW 320i would not cut the mustard for me comparing the same price.

Oh sure a BMW 545i is a decent saloon but at $200k...

All good and well to say European cars are better (and they are) but at what price.

Remember that is just in this part of the world. I don't have any figures at hand, but the BMW 5 series/Merc E Class is about the same price as Falcon/Commodore in Europe, considering living costs etc. are all relative.

In NZ, used Euros (and Jappas) shiit all over aussie cars in bang for bucks. I could pick up a mid ninetys V12 Merc S class or BMW 7 series for the same price as an AU Fairlane V8 (12k upwards). I know which one I'd rather spend my hard earned on lol.
At the same time a 2000 M5 BMW and E55 Benz goes for around VT-VY 300kw GTS money (45-55k). Irrelevant, but thats my situation, so yeah, I'll be buying a Euro, among others as soon as I can.

tallica1 · 07-03-2008, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smoo

Remember that is just in this part of the world. I don't have any figures at hand, but the BMW 5 series/Merc E Class is about the same price as Falcon/Commodore in Europe, considering living costs etc. are all relative.

In NZ, used Euros (and Jappas) shiit all over aussie cars in bang for bucks. I could pick up a mid ninetys V12 Merc S class or BMW 7 series for the same price as an AU Fairlane V8 (12k upwards). I know which one I'd rather spend my hard earned on lol.
At the same time a 2000 M5 BMW and E55 Benz goes for around VT-VY 300kw GTS money (45-55k). Irrelevant, but thats my situation, so yeah, I'll be buying a Euro, among others as soon as I can.

Very true! I live in NZ too, soon moving to QLD like the rest of NZ lol.

My Dad bought a 1993 Merc SL600 (V12), when it first came out they retailed for $350,000...he bought his 6 months ago for $25,000K. Before that he owned a HSV VXII Clubsport R8 that he sold for $27k, which he said was a really nice car but since he is moving to QLD (I'm following him there too) there is no point in taking an HSV (which are made over there) over as it will only loose value more so, so he intends on shipping the Merc over and selling it there thinking it would be worth around $45k in QLD according to the prices of other cars alike on carsales.com.au.

After selling the Merc he thinking of buying another HSV lol the VE or VF if it's out then.

MAGPIE · 08-03-2008, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smoo

Remember that is just in this part of the world. I don't have any figures at hand, but the BMW 5 series/Merc E Class is about the same price as Falcon/Commodore in Europe, considering living costs etc. are all relative.

In NZ, used Euros (and Jappas) shiit all over aussie cars in bang for bucks. I could pick up a mid ninetys V12 Merc S class or BMW 7 series for the same price as an AU Fairlane V8 (12k upwards). I know which one I'd rather spend my hard earned on lol.
At the same time a 2000 M5 BMW and E55 Benz goes for around VT-VY 300kw GTS money (45-55k). Irrelevant, but thats my situation, so yeah, I'll be buying a Euro, among others as soon as I can.

Are these euros NZ New or used jap imports as I would imagine there would be some difference in price between them.

smoo · 08-03-2008, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAGPIE

Are these euros NZ New or used jap imports as I would imagine there would be some difference in price between them.

Generally both, although NZ new examples with history usually demand a higher price. Saw a striped XR8 like yours out by Kumeu today... wasn't you was it?

xe351 · 06-03-2008, 01:09 PM

euro cars dont do it for me styling wise, so no, i wont be getting one

PoMmYwOG · 06-03-2008, 01:31 PM

aussie cars are great value for money, althought if i could afford a euro i would buy one.

I've driven a few and they out do any holden or ford i've driven...

i drove a 2004 M3 with the SMG box and it was totally awesome...i then drove a VE GTS and the GTS had nothing on it in my opinion, the GTS was probably a bit quicker as it had a tune and exhaust done (380kw) but noway the GTS would be quicker off the mark or in cornering or in comfort...
the GTS sounded better tho lol as did the XR8 i was behind the other day...

I still cant get over how nice the SMG gearbox is. The way the computer controls the clutch is amazing and how u can set how hard you want it to take off and shift by a switch...wish holden and ford would bring out a box like that :(

ultimate dream car is the 911GT2 in silver or black...

chevypower · 06-03-2008, 01:16 PM

I get bored of cars way too quick to want to same thing over and over, I want something new and exciting every time. Right now I am going through a Toyota FJ Cruiser phase.

RATT · 06-03-2008, 06:36 PM

Aussie made for me for now.

new2ford · 07-03-2008, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RATT

Aussie made for me for now.

So we can look forward to you owning a Camry any time soon RATT?

:

RATT · 07-03-2008, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by new2ford

So we can look forward to you owning a Camry any time soon RATT?

:

If they had a turbo rwd version? Maybe..

Binnie · 07-03-2008, 02:03 PM

Nope, i cant see my self driving anything euro for a long time i would perfer to ride Ausie any day

Smoke Pursuit · 06-03-2008, 06:42 PM

Aussie made for me to, till they stop building them here!! Wouldnt mind a new X5 wagon to but no rush for that one!

tex · 06-03-2008, 07:12 PM

Support the local product if it meets your requirements and value for $$$ expectation.

There are no Euros (10yr old M's & AMG's aside) available for GT-GTP money that deliver similar levels of performance, comfort and modern appointments. And I don't see the point of buying a 10 yo car thats probably been flogged from new for that amount of money.

As much as like my cars, spending big bucks on them is not my thing. Paying 100's of thou for a vehicle does not register on my radar now, or in the longer term.

Rather spend more on my boat!

sgt_doofey · 06-03-2008, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tex

There are no Euros (10yr old M's & AMG's aside) available for GT-GTP money that deliver similar levels of performance, comfort and modern appointments.

I went the European route simply for the fuel consumption factor. Once the local manufacturers offer either a Turbo Diesel Territory or Falcon, then I might be interested in one to replace the EL with. Until then, the only Diesel's available in a large, family sized car are the Japanese (Mazda 6) or Korean (Captiva). My aim is to have a car that can comfortably move a family and also have a ton of torque for towing with great fuel economy.
The 307 is a 2.0L TD which is a wagon, so it meets the moving family criteria. It also has a towing capacity 200kgs less than the standard BF Falcon XT automatic, and it's a manual! I'm sure if the 307 was an auto, it would have the same, if not greater, towing capacity than a car with an engine capacity twice it's size.

By the way, I never bothered getting a tow bar on the 307 as I have the EL for towing already. I.e. The 307 will never be used for towing as I already have a cheap car to do that in. I just used the towing capacity as an example and it is something that I'll be looking for with my future purchases, especially for towing a boat when I am allowed to buy one.