Off Topic Advice Needed - Car Related

[3Putt]

What if the price was 'too good to refuse'??

I'm sure that's what the author of this thread's dilemma is.

[gregozedobe]

What if the price was 'too good to refuse'??

I'm sure that's what the author of this thread's dilemma is.

Feel free to offer your own advice................

I read the OP and he was asking about buying ex-rentals.

[Flipper Dog]

I would not worry too much on the fact it is an ex-rental. As long as you get it checked out by NRMA/RACV or what ever state motoring body local to you. The 5 year warranty is a real bonus which you should thank.

Most modern rental car companies now value servicing their fleets as they are leased not owned by the rental company, there fore must be correctly maintained.

Yes I would say ex rental cars have had a hard life, driven like they were stolen, big highway kms and uncaring operators but then they could have done the airport to city run for half of their life. But you can be sure that if something broke it was fixed, service done within time, in/out side maintained etc, not fixing these problems cost the rental companies money so it is in their interest to keep them presentable, hence the turn over around 40,000km or 12 months. The same goes for ex government 40,000km appear to be the limit before they have to flog them off to recoup some return on their investment.

[Autopia]

Hey All,

My wife and I are thinking about buying a new second car.

So have you made a decision?

[R36 Dreamer]

So have you made a decision?

WE think we are going to go with a 380.

there are about 50 or so ex rentals, so we will probably find one which is in the best nick, and if there are any problems we are covered for 5 years.

Spec is 2008 Mit 380 SX. Standard are 5 speed auto, cruise, 6 stack (prob never used), bluetooth (my R36 doesnt have that!), climate, etc. etc.

All are under 40,000km.

The "driven like it was stolen" comment above is fair but there would also be people who dont bother driving it like that. I drive my car pretty hard most of the time, so I cant really see the difference.

We are close to agreement on selling the 323 for $9,500, which I reckon is outstanding for a 10 year old car..

Even if we drive the 380 into the ground over 3-5 years (which we wont), we are starting from such a low base I couldnt care if we only trade it for 5k or less.

It will probably only have another 25,000kms on it at our current average of 5,000 per annum. That is another reason having a big car is not a big deal - the fuel difference is tiny (think Hyundai Getz uses 5L/ 100 kms @ $1.30 per litre - $1,300 per annum $325 fuel, 380 @ 14L/100kms @ 1.30 = $910 per annum. Difference of $8 per week.)

Depreciation is our (and everyones) biggest expense, and fuel is not a big issue when kms are so low..

It will be a safer, newer option that what we have, with no surprises in terms of mechanicals.

Thanks everyone for their opinion.

[gregozedobe]

Good luck - hope you find a good'un

And well done on considering the "whole of life cost" - very few people do.

[KWICKS]

I owned a Magna and it was fine until 200000km and it literally fell apart. The only issue you will have with your 380 is your missus won't be able to reverse it becasue seeing out the back is a nightmare. My wife refused to drive the Magna for this reason and ther 380 has a higher boot than the Magna did.

If it passes this small convenience test then I think you're on a winner.

[tryingavw]

The "driven like it was stolen" comment above is fair but there would also be people who dont bother driving it like that.

Depreciation is our (and everyones) biggest expense, and fuel is not a big issue when kms are so low..
.

When i go interstate and use rentals such as magnas, your usually just putting around, trying to get to customers, no time for driving fun.

totally agree on the depreciation comment, its a massive hit on euros but will be much easier with the 380.

do the 08 models have stability control? would be a good thing to get. probably worth paying a toucj more for if you can find one.