Ssangyong - Eeeek
Hi Chris,
The Ssangyong has to be one of the ugliest cars currently on the market, but it always has been
I've got a 2002 AUIII Fairmont wagon, which other than its reliability issues is reasonabley pleasant to drive. I'm aiming to keep that another 2 odd years, by which point it'll have done about 180,000km which is about the average Ford's life expectency I'd like to replace with a Toyota Kluger after that.
I know you prefer manuals, but have a look at a Toyota with the 5speed Auto. In the Landcruiser, Prado and Kluger its gated and its about as close as you'll get to driving a manual. You change down and get real engine breaking immediately and the shift is perfectly smooth. Even if you dont want to buy one, still drive one, its an awesome experience. Unfortunately now, the only "Wagon" Toyota is the Carolla unless you look at a AWD/4WD model, I'm seriously contemplating it though, as its quite large inside with 60/40 seats and a largeish rear cargo area. It'd be easier to get a smaller car with manual than it will be to get a larger one.
The Falcon/Holden wagons dont have the rear entry height issues of the sedan, however the wheel arch protrudes a very long way into the door opening, and makes entry/exit hard for older people. In mine its 2.4M from the tailgate to the front seats and about 80cm between the wheel arches. I can fit two washers and a dishwasher in there with relative ease
My only concern about the Mitsu going bankrupt, is the impact it will have on the Parts manufacturing in AU and the follow on effects to Ford and Holden (If anything is left) The previous model Maggot was so hopelessly out of date that I think it even turned off diehard magna drivers. The 380 is less likely to attract Magna drivers and more likely to attract typical Vectra/Astra/Focus/Camry drivers.
I think the reduction in Window height is to do with safety (Other than the lack of visibility) Mum has a 99 626 which was one of the first cars I saw with tiny windows. The visibility is crap, but you have a lot more superstructure in the door up to chest height than there is otherwise.
Our neighbour has the hatch version of the vectra and she's very happy with it. Her only grumble to date is the Auto Trans, which has cost a fair bit to maintain, but other than that, its a lovely car.
Another thought I had as I neared the end of the message, what about checking out a Liberty wagon? A manual should be easy to come by, and you'd get Japanese reliability rather than european.
Nathan
Hi Chris,
The Ssangyong has to be one of the ugliest cars currently on the market, but it always has been
I've got a 2002 AUIII Fairmont wagon, which other than its reliability issues is reasonabley pleasant to drive. I'm aiming to keep that another 2 odd years, by which point it'll have done about 180,000km which is about the average Ford's life expectency
I'd like to replace with a Toyota Kluger after that.I know you prefer manuals, but have a look at a Toyota with the 5speed Auto. In the Landcruiser, Prado and Kluger its gated and its about as close as you'll get to driving a manual. You change down and get real engine breaking immediately and the shift is perfectly smooth. Even if you dont want to buy one, still drive one, its an awesome experience. Unfortunately now, the only "Wagon" Toyota is the Carolla unless you look at a AWD/4WD model, I'm seriously contemplating it though, as its quite large inside with 60/40 seats and a largeish rear cargo area. It'd be easier to get a smaller car with manual than it will be to get a larger one.
The Falcon/Holden wagons dont have the rear entry height issues of the sedan, however the wheel arch protrudes a very long way into the door opening, and makes entry/exit hard for older people. In mine its 2.4M from the tailgate to the front seats and about 80cm between the wheel arches. I can fit two washers and a dishwasher in there with relative ease
My only concern about the Mitsu going bankrupt, is the impact it will have on the Parts manufacturing in AU and the follow on effects to Ford and Holden (If anything is left) The previous model Maggot was so hopelessly out of date that I think it even turned off diehard magna drivers. The 380 is less likely to attract Magna drivers and more likely to attract typical Vectra/Astra/Focus/Camry drivers.
I think the reduction in Window height is to do with safety (Other than the lack of visibility) Mum has a 99 626 which was one of the first cars I saw with tiny windows. The visibility is crap, but you have a lot more superstructure in the door up to chest height than there is otherwise.
Our neighbour has the hatch version of the vectra and she's very happy with it. Her only grumble to date is the Auto Trans, which has cost a fair bit to maintain, but other than that, its a lovely car.
Another thought I had as I neared the end of the message, what about checking out a Liberty wagon? A manual should be easy to come by, and you'd get Japanese reliability rather than european.
Nathan
