So... what car do you guys drive when not flying?

[UpInTheAir:)]

The X5s I'm looking at are nowhere near that cost. More likely $110K
LCT is a bit of a killer though

How about an AMG? Take the kids to sport in a 4x4 that can get to 100 in about 4.5 seconds

 

[hummel]

I am looking at something similar but am swaying towards an Audi S3 convertible. I have been resisting the temptation to go into the dealership as I know I will probably buy one, there's a few really nice demo's out there which means I don't need to wait x months for a delivery and they are fully optioned too. Now to go sell my MY14 Forester XT.

S3 a fair bit softer than A45... good car though. What about M135i if you're intro driving?

Didn't you only rent cars for a while?

 

[YSSY]

Well, i've just gotten rid of the BMW X5 and changed to a Toyota Kluger. As a pom, owning European cars in Europe and the UK was easy, here its just too much hard work. The Kluger, my wife loves it more then the BMW X5.

 

[Deleted member]

Well, i've just gotten rid of the BMW X5 and changed to a Toyota Kluger. As a pom, owning European cars in Europe and the UK was easy, here its just too much hard work. The Kluger, my wife loves it more then the BMW X5.

I have been a Kluger fan for years, changed to Mazda this year (CX9) big mistake. In ZQN as we speak, driving the Highlander (US Build) I believe they will be available in oz soon, will trade the CX9 in an instant.

 

[Alanslegal]

S3 a fair bit softer than A45... good car though. What about M135i if you're intro driving?

Didn't you only rent cars for a while?

Awesome memory you have I did rent cars during most weekends of 2012/2013 which worked out very well given that I only drive during the weekend, it was cheaper in the long run and Hertz treated me very well Then I had a vision at Christmas 2013 where I hoped to travel around Australia in 2014 instead of flying around the world so I went to buy a small SUV with decent power (177kw/350nm and 0-100 7.5s). 2014 is now long gone and never explored Australia but continued flying including once to Europe and three times to Asia. Now my car is 15 months old and it's only done 12,000kms, and I am sure half of that was my brother's doing whilst he used my car when I was travelling. My longest drive was Sydney to Port Stephens, once! So I figured, since I don't drive much, I thought about quality of time on road - so an S3 has the power I want it is a young'ish car and with the option of having the roof down sounds like lots of fun I did drive a friend's A45 and it was a blast, and those red seatbelts but one couldn't put the roof down I might look at the BMW 228 convertible as well, I think its in the S3 price range.

 

[wooley]

Now my car is 15 months old and it's only done 12,000kms, and I am sure half of that was my brother's doing whilst he used my car when I was travelling.

Only 12,000!? I do that in a month sometimes. Although I sometimes wish I only did 10,000 a year.

 

[Alanslegal]

Only 12,000!? I do that in a month sometimes. Although I sometimes wish I only did 10,000 a year.

There is a benefit from driving a lot though - those frequent flyer points earned every time you fill up

 

[mini2]

I thought about quality of time on road - so an S3 has the power I want it is a young'ish car and with the option of having the roof down sounds like lots of fun I did drive a friend's A45 and it was a blast, and those red seatbelts but one couldn't put the roof down I might look at the BMW 228 convertible as well, I think its in the S3 price range.

If you rate the S3, have a look at the Golf R. As for the A45, you can option it *not* to have the red seat belts. Haven't regretted doing that (yet). Perhaps a S3 cab is a good compromise?

 

[Warks]

I have been a Kluger fan for years, changed to Mazda this year (CX9) big mistake. In ZQN as we speak, driving the Highlander (US Build) I believe they will be available in oz soon, will trade the CX9 in an instant.

Wow I've read nothing but rave reviews for the CX9. I was tossing up between the CX9, the Kluger and the Pathfinder. Had the 'Highlander' for three weeks in NZ in January which sold me on the Pathfinder (I'd test driven it before the trip). The Highlander/Kluger was okay but lacked some features. CX9 was a bit expensive. Had the Pathfinder for a bit over a month. I like it but sometimes wish I'd gone for the next model up. Couldn't justify the extra $$ though. Probably the top Kluger is a better car than the one I drove.

 

[Deleted member]

I usually buy the Kluger Grande. I couldn't justify the extra cost last time ( bug regret now). So I bought the mid range cx9 . It has most bells and whistles. But not the nice ride I like in the Toyota. But my CX9 came with less rubber and more wheel. So more of a sports feel. That said I'm not into a "Sports SUV" I'm driving the GXL in Queenstown as we speak. I love the ride. Will want to revisit the Grande in 2 years time

 

[docjames]

Had one other thought for PF - the Audi Q7 was on runout and looked great value with multiple "packs" and a price d/a under $100k. So would be worth a look also.


Audi Q7 Runout > Audi Australia

 

[jb747]

If you rate the S3, have a look at the Golf R. As for the A45, you can option it *not* to have the red seat belts. Haven't regretted doing that (yet). Perhaps a S3 cab is a good compromise?

I've got an S3 hatchback, and I previously had a VW R32. I looked at the current R, but the interior didn't do it for me. I like the understated Audi. Driven the A45 too, and whilst very quick, I wasn't a fan of the cabin or looks (though that's obviously a personal choice).

The S3 is now a year old, and I love the fact that's it's bit of a sleeper.

And if it isn't powerful enough for you, the RS3 will be available soon.

 

[amaroo]

I'd cross shop the new XC90 and the LR Discovery Sport in that case.

Since the cruiser been dumbed down to a 7 seater, I'm keen on the XC90

[video=youtube;USHm-jJ9AvQ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USHm-jJ9AvQ[/video]

 

[jb747]

Since the cruiser been dumbed down to a 7 seater, I'm keen on the XC90

Are they really in the same market? I thought the Discovery Sport was really a Freelander in different clothes (as is the Evoque).

 

[amaroo]

Are they really in the same market? I thought the Discovery Sport was really a Freelander in different clothes (as is the Evoque).

IMO the L'cruiser (Sahara), XC90 and Range Rover Sport are a better fit (assumed this is what the OP meant).

 

[docjames]

Are they really in the same market? I thought the Discovery Sport was really a Freelander in different clothes (as is the Evoque).

New Disco Sport is a Freelander replacement but is built off the Discovery chassis.

It's larger than the "old" Freelander.

 

[jb747]

New Disco Sport is a Freelander replacement but is built off the Discovery chassis.

"Discovery Sport’s lightweight monocoque chassis" That's a quote from the LR web site.

The 'real' Discovery has a separate chassis (the body can be totally removed), not a monocoque. As best I can tell, the only points of commonality are in the name.

I've got a Disco 4 parked next to the S3. Most comfortable vehicle that I've ever owned, and tardis like in its ability to carry stuff.

 

[Pukka]

S3 a fair bit softer than A45... good car though. What about M135i if you're intro driving?

Didn't you only rent cars for a while?

M135i is a great car my wife recently swapped hers for a 435 convertible which is a great car but not as much fun. I've just got an M4 coupe which is a lot of fun but more money. Still the corporate pack with free servicing helps.

I'm a big fan of BMW

 

[Princess Fiona]

Since the cruiser been dumbed down to a 7 seater, I'm keen on the XC90

[video=youtube;USHm-jJ9AvQ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USHm-jJ9AvQ[/video]

That looks quite nice inside. I'm currently driving an XC90.
It's been a great car to drive and if I could wait longer to replace it then I'd definitely look at the new model.
Two things I've noted are that although the head room is quite big in the third row, the leg room is no better than the Q7 or X5. It does have a fair amount of boot space even with the third row in use (same can't be said for Q7/X5).
The middle seat in the second row is very uncomfortable and only suitable for small kids as the floor is elevated there behind the centre console. It looks from the video as if this will continue to be the case in the new model.

It chews through tyres (I've had 4 full sets in 5 years) this could just be an SUV thing or I'm a bad driver or both

 

[amaroo]

"Discovery Sport’s lightweight monocoque chassis" That's a quote from the LR web site.

The 'real' Discovery has a separate chassis (the body can be totally removed), not a monocoque. As best I can tell, the only points of commonality are in the name.

I've got a Disco 4 parked next to the S3. Most comfortable vehicle that I've ever owned, and tardis like in its ability to carry stuff.

How long have you had the Discovery? I do like the look ... have been put off by service issue reports.