Ervins Auto Search

Ford Falcon

envisage — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:38:23 +0000

The Ford Falcon is set to be retired as a model in the Ford stable – which is a real disappointment. Falcons have been a terrific price range family car for over 4 decades, and remain a popular, big family car. The interior space is the big feature for me, I don’t find myself accidentally elbowing my wife while I drive around in a Falcon- unlike smaller cars where you are wedged together to save fuel… They also have really good performance and handling these days, so I happily recommend them.

The big Ford also has a factory LPG option – I had one of my drivers go to pick a wagon up from Melbourne – filled it up with gas outside the auction, and drove all the way to Sydney on the one tank of gas. He reckoned he would have made it all the way home to the Central Coast – but wasn’t game…

They do suffer from terrible resale values but when you are buying second hand this works in your favour. Wagons will hold value better than sedans, and gas cars will be dearer than petrol – factory fitted gas is the preference. Interestingly the plain white LPG cars are the ones that will sell for the most as the taxi companies snap them up for use as cabs.

So if you want a Falcon – get a gas one in a colour!

Holden Sportswagon

envisage — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:18:56 +0000

Holden Sportswagon
The new shape Commodore Wagon looks pretty cool – but is a stretch to be called a true station wagon. Its too small in the back. The Mid size Ford Mondeo wagon has more load space! But they are still quite roomy in the cab, and comfortable and really should have enough room for a family holiday unless you have 3 daughters. You might need a trailer.

The popular Holden VE Sportswagon is finally reaching the second hand market. Prices have remained very strong with low klm examples still selling over $25k, but plenty of saving compared to new!

Toyota Aurion

envisage — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 06:32:37 +0000

The very popular Toyota Aurion has been a HUGE hit with fleet buyers. Since it was released back in 2006, there are thousands on the roads here in Australia today. I would see 30 – 60 per week in the near new marketplace with klms ranging from 15000 – 120 000, which means they can be bought for a customer for as little as $15k for higher kay examples – or around $20k for low klm or a bit more for really low klms…

The Aurion is virtually indistinguishable from the Camry – slightly different front plastics, but the main difference is the engine. Camry is powered by the adequate and reliable 2.4lt 4 cylinder, while Aurion gets a surprisingly quick 3.5lt v6 with around 200kw. I have owned both, but after driving the Aurion – I would feel kind of insecure in a Camry…. the Aurions power plant has got the go required for those ‘not quite enough space’ overtaking situations – or towing – or showing commodore owners they arent the fastest people on the road….