Hi all,

So I've become really interested in cars and race car driving at any level (ideally pro) since I have gotten my driver's license.

I'm 18F and am currently at university, working, and playing club level sports. If the opportunity arises, I would love to go pro, but I understand the level of commitment and dedication, and MONEY required, so I'm not entirely prepared to drop everything for this. Currently my goal to is to participate in a Miata Cup in my state, but even for a 'low cost' championship, it's still pretty costly.

I was wondering how to go about getting into race car driving, where and how I can practice, expenses, etc. I don't have high expectations, but motorsport unfortunately isn't the kind of sport where you try out, and money is a big factor in how far you go.

But could you guys share your experiences of getting into motorsport late, how far you went, and how did you deal with such a costly sport.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks!!!

I’ve been using waze for most of my driving life but noticed lately there’s been much less reports on stuff on the road like cameras and officers, are people dropping off the app?

What are you guys using?

I have a Tucson 2023 and have my parking sensor set to always on. When I come to a stop they activate as if I’m about to bump into something even though there is nothing there. I’m gonna mention it at my next service but wonder if anyone else has this with their Tucson?

For the past 2-3 years, I haven't owned a car due to being in a tough financial situation. Before that, I drove an old beater Mirage. Currently, I get around on a motorbike, which works for most things but isn’t very practical.

Now that I'm married and have saved up some money, I've decided it's time to buy a car. My budget is around $12,000 to $13,000.

We don’t drive to work, but having a car would make it easier to drive to the station, run simple errands like grocery shopping, and eat out. Right now, I either borrow my brother's car or use my bike, which makes carrying things difficult.

More importantly, my wife and I love to travel. We enjoy taking 1-2 day trips on weekends to explore different areas, but it’s been challenging without a car. We’ve managed with borrowed cars, UberCarShare, and the motorbike, but it hasn’t been very comfortable. With a car, we’d like to explore more, go camping, and travel as much as possible.

The car we really like so far is the Gen 3 Toyota RAV4 (2010-2012). It's within our budget, and from my research, it’s a reliable, solid car that isn’t too expensive to maintain.

I’d love to get a second opinion from experts here. Is the RAV4 a good option for my scenario, or are there other cars we should consider?

Outback with 2200kms advertised for $43,000. Seems a lot better than the most similar options in the area, which are 2021/2020 with 80-100k on the odometer for only a few thousand less.

At this price, how much wiggle room should I expect on price? Probably paying cash if that matters.

Other details: Melbourne area Dealer - not looking to try the private market yet

Looking to buy 2023 Ford Ranger XL Auto 4x4 MY23.50 Super Cab with 6000kms for $44,400 drive away.

Is this a reasonable price? How much should I negotiate?

My wife and I trying to work out whether it is better to keep our current car or buy a used one. Would really appreicate your guidance and perspectives.

Current car: 2005 Subaru Liberty 3.0r spec-B manual sedan with 213,000km

Our Liberty is coming up for rego renewal and it needs some work.

• To get it past rego: at least $3500 (new suspension and new tyres)
• To fix other problems: at least $6000 (hail damage, transmission rejuvination, a cracked dash, scratches, fogged headlights, peeling door and window seals, and faulty electronics in the seats).

Similar cars without these problems are going for about $8000, so the repairs ($9500) will cost more than the potential value of the car. We've had an offer from someone for $1000 (they want the STI transmission for their car). Also, 6 months ago, it kept going into limp mode until our mechanic finally worked out that a faulty valve was triggering the ECU.

Requirements

We mainly drive on the weekends to visit family in the country (2 hours outside of the city, 2 to 3 times a month).

I'm over 6 foot and find it hard to sit in the passenger seat when my wife drives (my leg gets in the way of the gearstick unless I keep tucking my legs in). We're also sick of driving manual in traffic.

We really love cars and driving but we also don't want to be stupid with our money. We'd ideally like something that we can depend on given we're doing so much rural driving. We are thinking a larger automatic Japanese sedan that isn't awful to drive.

Proposed car: 2013 Toyota Mark X

We've narrowed down our choice to a Toyota Mark X 350s G's spec. They're great to drive, have a larger body, are reliable and share many parts with Camrys and Aurions: 2GR-FTE, RWD, 151.0 kW/t, reinforced chassis (spot welds and bracing), sports brakes, sport suspension, etc. At this age, it would have already have gone through most of its depreciation.

We could potentially get one for between $26,000-$29,000. We could buy it outright without finance (although this would be a significant proportion of our savings).

Should we keep our old car?

Are we being foolish spending our savings on something like this? We know that car prices are still high following COVID. We also know that it could be prudent to buy a newer car rather than continue to put money into an older one.

I'd ask r/AusFinance but the answer is always either 'just walk' or '1993 Toyota Corolla with 300k on the clock'.

Thanks for your help!

Hi All.

First time poster here.

I have recently “purchased” a new car, have put down a 1,000$ deposit to secure it. Still awaiting on the finance approval for it. But I have searched the stock number that the dealership had written down onto the contact given to me on the day of signing, & upon searching the stock number on the website the car is marked as “sold”. Would they mark it as sold due to the deposit being taken for the vehicle or does that mean I have been approved for the car but am yet to be notified of when I am able to come down & pick it up? Or both being “sold” due to deposit & approval of the finance loan.

I’m definitely all new to this buying brand new / used cars thing.

Hope this makes sense (not the best at explaining sorry)

TIA.

I'm sure I'm immature youth #57929 to ask, but the restrictions on P plate friendly vehicles are too harsh. If you're just going to comment that I should wait three years, I got it.

Hi car world 👋

Picked up a new car during the week and we’ve noticed heat and a burning smell coming from the front wheel area after very short driving distances - is there a burn in period for brakes/pads for new cars? Is this something to be concerned about? First new car purchase so am unsure about what to expect.

Thanks ☺️

I got pulled over today by highway patrol and was fined for a supposedly non-working right brake light. Immediately after, I went to an auto repair shop, and the mechanic confirmed the light was working perfectly.

I’m frustrated because it feels unfair. Has anyone else dealt with this? What can be done in this situation?

Any other tips or advice on how to handle this would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

The small sized 'medium SUV' is what I'm after in terms of overall size of car, boot space, and price.

What would you choose here?

Am I missing an obvious choice?

Hi. Rego’s due at the end of the month. I’ve linked my e-toll and verified my ID on the Service NSW site.

Can anyone offer up a few words to explain whether I should continue with the final step (see pic). Or what I need to consider before clicking that button?

Just want to get this done and dusted. Any kind, explanatory words that allow me to tap out for the afternoon will be greatly approached! Cheers

No, not a style issue, but how the. f*ck do people drive safely with half their head covered by a hoodie? How would the do a headcheck when changing lanes?

Don’t get me started on headphones…

rant over

About finalise on a 170000k outlander. As I couldn't find any other Newish 7 seater under 15k.

Found out that CVT is an issue for this generation. Does they use the same crappy Nissan JATCO CVT which cost most more than 8k to replace?

Hi all,

Was not sure where else to ask. And I need some advice. I feel like the dealer is hiding something. Too good to be true?

I purchased a new 2024 Mazda 3 Astina in Victoria Australia from a local Mazda dealership in Metro Melbourne.

Before purchasing the salesperson told me there is 1 left in Victoria and if I buy today they can get the car to me in a few weeks. The contract was signed with a estimated due date of 13th May 2024, being one month since purchase date.

A few days after purchasing I get notified from the dealer the last car (the 1 left) in Victoria had sold out and but they have secured one on a cargo ship due to dock soon. Now past the one month I contact the dealer to ask for an update. Apparently the cargo ship with my new car has been delayed off the coast of Brisbane.

The dealer just came back to me today saying they have spoken to their general manager, who spoke to the "Big boss" and they have managed to secure the last car available in Victoria and it is on the way to the dealership.

I have alarm bells ringing in my head. Is this too good to be true?

Why is the new car suddenly available when they had no stock? Is it a lemon? Is it actually new or are they selling me a used/ex-demo?

Reddit what do you think?

What do I do next? And do you think the dealer hiding something from me?

What’s with cars advertised on Carsales with expired registration. 3 months 6 months expired. And while I’m ranting why oh why does Carsales hide the dealer details till you contact them

Seeing club plates on an AU makes me feel old; I rode in a pre-production model (I think a Fairmont Ghia?) just before release in 1998, and now it's been around long enough to achieve classic car status.

Looks like there's a complicated process in order to be granted a club permit in Victoria, so someone must really be dedicated to this green baby!

Does the AU Falcon bot work on OPs, or just comments? I guess I'll find out...

Hi guys, just need a bit of help.

I looked at a Pajero NM 3.5L v6 petrol with 262,000 kms, everything looked good apart from when i was revving the engine you could hear a metallic rattling at around 3k revs, coming from (roughly the top) of the engine bay. Does anyone have an idea of what this may be, we couldn't find anything loose or off.

Thanks for any help.

Hello My cars airbag light is flashing and horn isnt working. Im pretty sure its clock spring problem. I have a problem finding a new clock spring. Can anyone help with this problem where to get one?

Hi, this is the first time I have to sell a car so I am unsure of the process. I brought this car second hand already, a 2001 convertable Saab, and it has hit me with the check engine light and I think it is time for me to sell - owning a car is too expensive for me. The car has a fair few problems, namely:

• the check engine light, which makes the car accelerate from 0-40 slowly but then drives fine, would be fixed with a service at the mechanics
• the left passenger door handle doesn't work
• the convertible roof doesn't work without repairs
• the back right rear lights has a crack, functions fine
• and in general the car is just a bit old, bit of rust and stuff

Is it worth selling this car or just sell for scrap? I was planning to put on marketplace for 2k and hope for the best, as I assume selling for parts won't offer much?

Also what is the process if someone does wish to buy it?

I don’t know much about cars but I’m on the lookout for a set of wheels and these are my current wheels (195/65/R15). My car is a 2008 Honda Civic FD. I’m pretty sure my car has the same stud pattern.

These are the wheels I’ve been eyeing out but I’m not sure it’ll fit my car. Will these wheels fit my car? (2017 18inch wrx alloy wheels 2 with 225/40r18 bridgestone potenza 2 without tyres 18x8.5 +55 offset 5x114.3 stud pattern)

If these don’t fit, could I get recommendations on what will.

Please help thanks!!

I'm a tall man with a disproportionately long torso looking at personal car options, and my biggest constraint is headroom. My work vehicle is a ranger, with 41 inches/104cm and it's only barely big enough. My head brushes the ceiling. It's not ideal but doable. I sat in basically every other dual cab on the market and they were all too small.

I could possibly get away with it being a little lower, in a car with a telescopic steering wheel/lots of leg room so I can tilt the seat back and still reach the wheel without hunching my shoulders forward or not having enough leg room.

What I want to use it for: Mostly shorter trips (15km), which probably rules out diesels. Also long trips/camping every now and then, but probably not 4WDing or towing for now. Being able to take it on the beach would be nice but not necessary. Camping with a large dog = lots of cargo space or a tray. Before realizing that the DPF will be a problem for shorter trips I was heavily considering a ranger, due to the tray. I'd really like that tray space for dump runs (fucking palm fronds), bunnings trips etc but I can probably just get a box trailer for that. Box trailers are way less convenient than just having a tray but it's probably the route I need to go.

I don't have a strict budget, I know my options are limited so I'll spend the money if I have to but I'm a practical guy looking for value for money/reliability/reasonable running costs etc. I'm likely only going to do <10,000km a year.

Anyway here are some options I am looking at, with the head room in inches next to it. Inches because that's the unit of measurement my searches always bring up:

Ford ranger (41) (DPF a problem due to mostly short trips, V6 petrol is an option but expensive)

Subaru Forester (41.2)

Hyundai Santa Fe (41.2)

Nissan X-Trail (41)

Toyota Prado - I had originally ruled this out because I've been in a few of them and they were too small but according to google the new one has 41 inches of headroom?

Hyundai Tucson - I had originally also ruled this out because I sat in one a few years ago (2018?) and it was way too small, but according to google the new one has 40.1 inches of headroom? Might be lacking in cargo space for camping, but I guess I could always take the trailer?

I haven't even looked at things like trim/engine/plug in hybrid options. I'm a bit suspicious of hybrids because they have more stuff that can go wrong and I'm not sure the extra cost is worth it with the small amount of KMs I do.

Cars I've ruled out due to not enough headroom according to google, but if I've made a mistake here I'm open to that:

Ford escape (40)

Kia Sportage (39.6)

Honda Civic (39.3)

Toyota Rav 4 (39.5)

Mazda CX-5 (39.7)

I’m looking at a 2021 A180 that’s done 40,000km for 45k. Or there is a 2019 A200 that’s done 25,000.

Wanting to get an idea of ongoing costs . I was going to allow 2k a year but Idk that excessive? Or are We talking a couple of 1000s per a service. Because I’m that case I’ll look at differnt cars. They are certified pre owns so will have two years of warranty. Was leaning towards the newer car even though it’s done more kms bc of age related wear and tear . Which one would you pick? What’s the reliability of this engine? Or am I better off getting a C class

I’m not sure how higher the merc service price is when things need to be replaced like brake discs etc? Like are we talking a couple 1000s?

Otherwise I’m considering cupra Leon , Toyota chr or Lexus lbx,