I want a new car
Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008As petrol gets more and more expensive (and we pay a lot more for it in NZ than people do in the US — try $8/gallon), I am thinking it’s time I found a car that’s cheaper to run. I’ve looked at the Prius before, but I have come to think of these as overengineered, being basically two things at once. I don’t really want an electric + petrol vehicle (especially one which isn’t pluggable). And they’re ugly.
I would love it if there was a short to medium range EV on the market here but of course that’s a totally unrealistic expectation and can only happen in the distant future— notwithstanding the fact that individual hobbyists are getting bored with waiting for the market and actually building their own.
So I’m thinking small cars, with small engines. Maybe like the Smart, only less 90s concept-y and more simple. Something like a Mini. Not a mid-life crisis BMW MINI… rather an old Mini, a la Mr Bean. The problem is, I’m not exactly a classic car enthusiast, I just like the look of the things. They are, for want of a better word, cute.
The body panels of the Mark I were so thin as to be virtually transparent, an issue rectified with later models.
I think an old mini makes more sense than, say, an old VW beetle, since the latter is amazingly loud, not known for its excellent handling, and the last time I sat in one it actually caught fire.*
So within a week or so, I expect to be the proud owner of a tiny piece of motoring history… or possibly I will have completely changed my mind and come to my senses.
UPDATE: I have come to my senses. Much as I would like an old mini, they are too expensive (people are asking $4000 - $6000 depending on condition) and they have almost no safety features by today’s standards. Instead I am going to try to get something like the 2002 VW Lupo… which appears to be both extremely economical and safe for its class.
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* The reason for this was that in the VW Beetle the battery was located under the rear seat, and in this instance the insulating cover had slipped such that when I put my weight on the seat the springs beneath pressed onto the battery terminals, electrically shorting them and creating an instant toaster effect which nearly set my arse on fire.
July 22nd, 2008 at 3:14 am
I’m not sure what kind of cars make it out to NZ, but there’s a whole bunch of small cars which do pretty good mpg. Personally I’ve always liked vw polo’s (the older and rustier the better for me), but anything that weighs less than a ton and has a small engine will do you good.
Of course if you want to spend even less, get a motorbike (over here in the uk they cost half as much in road tax, which is nice)
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:01 am
I get 57 mpg out of my Subaru Ace (800cc) when driving long distance. The noise (even with ear plugs) and the discomfort keeps me nicely awake, even after no sleep the night before! (About $800 to buy a ‘good’ 1989 model)
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:57 am
Check out realwholesalecars.co.nz They have heaps of Polo’s, Toyota whatevers and other small cars for not a lot of money. They might even have a mini.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Perhaps you should check the fuel consumption and polluting aspects of these old cars before buying. If you want to feel righteous and save money on fuel, a newer, cleaner more efficient car may be better. I read recently that in Tokyo everything large and above about 600cc is taxed to oblivion, so companies like Suzuki have become expert in making efficient small cars. OTOH I could see you on a Vespa ;-) but then it rains a lot here in NZ…
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Righteousness is not really an issue for me… until electric vehicles become a reality we are all sinners :)
It’s probably more about style and economy (and yes comfort will probably suffer, not to mention *cough* safety)
I have my eye on a particular 1979 mini right now, yellow and in excellent condition. 1000cc engine and fuel economy double my current car (ie under 5L/100km).
If I don’t buy that I might look at the Japanese offerings, although I don’t really want to buy new.
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:06 pm
my 2c
get something that’s fuel injected. avoid a mini, they are carburettor and expensive to maintain and have less emissions controls.
i think the realistic ideal intrim car (until solar supplied electricity comes online) would be what we ended up getting.
A mazda 121
Fuel efficiency (without AC) is:
18.75 km per litre (5.33 L/100km)
Compared with our Toyoto FJ45 Landcruiser, which gets:
4.9km per litre (20.4 L/100km)!!
Buy new is a silly idea, an old car is way better than buying a new car. Just make sure, it’s going to last another 10 years.
PS: my dad’s mid life mini was also very fuel efficient, getting 6L/100km
in the city.
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Mini’s are expensive to repair. Mechanics hate them, as getting at anything requires pretty much disassembling a lot of things. If possible, avoid UK built if you’re on a tight budget.
July 22nd, 2008 at 4:41 pm
+1 for the VW polo. Remember the green one I used to have? Ran on the smell of an oily cliche.
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Have you seen Jeremy Clarkson driving the Peel P50? Absolutely hilarious! tinyurl.com/6ynbt4.
For ‘more simple, less engineered’ may I suggest the Citroen 2CV? Wikipedia has a nice write-up.
July 23rd, 2008 at 11:15 am
There I go suggesting a suzuki and the same day State Insurance releases a study showing they are the most expensive cars to repair in relation to cost - a 10km/h nose-to-tail could practically write one off.
Search for suzuki on the herald site.
I almost suggested telecommuting but then I remembered the state of NZ broadband :-(. Also, I’d miss the social aspects of office life, not to mention the efficiency of face time.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:53 am
those results are pretty dismal… so much for the Swift (they are surprisingly expensive 2nd hand too)
Nearly bought a 2001 Fiat Punto yesterday but was outbid (most would say I was lucky I suspect)
July 31st, 2008 at 2:18 am
Just bought the red 2002 VW Lupo I’ve had my eye on, stay tuned for my impressions as owner (riveting as they are sure to be)