My 2006 Toyota Corolla wagon is at 398k now. Original engine and transmission. Can’t kill the thing even with my poor track record of maintenance.
Shame they don’t bring the wagon out anymore, except as a grey import.
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I’ve got a Vitara, great car. I agree, I wish it had a manual transmission. This is my second Suzuki, first one was the SX4. Brilliant but basic car.
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Yours the Vitara Turbo , hoffy?
Nissan has some great legacy cars, but not really anything lately.
If they just rebooted the GTR (32-34) and the earlier Z ranges, that would be worth a look.
I’ll say this for everyone’s info / benefit - DO NOT BUY ANYTHING WITH THE 1.6 OR 1.4 THP “PRINCE” ENGINE. Peugeot / Mini / Citroen / Bmw whatever.
Absolute pieces of ■■■■ just waiting to destroy your soul and wallet despite BMW’s design involvement. Avoid at all cost.
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Don’t buy anything under 2.0lt. Them’s words to live by.
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That rules out a lot of excellent cars.
What if you add a turbo?
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I just need Toyota to make a Corolla GR GTS wagon in manual and I am set for the next 20 years.
Unfortunately whilst I hold out hope Toyota may have the sense of fun to do it, you can guarantee Toyota Australia wouldn’t bring it out, or would but auto only.
Case in point is the Lexus LBX Morizo RR which is close enough to interest me. Toyota Australia is only bringing the auto out here.
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In a similar boat.
But even the Audi TS6 GT and more affordable (but still out of reach) M3 Estate are only offered in auto.
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I wish luxury brands would offer their buyers the luxury of choice.
Virtually no one buying a manual is doing so because they can’t afford the auto option.
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Sadly, no
Ah, well in that case you actually can get a manual Vitara. You just can’t have the manual behind the boosterjet engine. Which is stupid considering you can have it in the Swift Sport.
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Lotus is about the only one of the “super car” brands still pumping out manual versions.
Of course, all of us manual drivers should probably just rush out and buy an MX-5 before Mazda ditch them. Supposedly , the current MX-5 update is the last on that platform. Not sure what comes next.
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I love engine intel.
Any absolute gems out there in other vehicles?
Bmw lost the plot years ago. I’d try to find a tidy E46 or similar series over any of their newer stuff.
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I’ve read a lot of good things about Honda’s new hybrid drive train. Really nice power output.
Wouldnt mind driving a civic to see what the fuss is about
The only problem- 50 grand.
For a civic
Actually, rebuild (or find another) barra engined car. Hindsight has shown them to be outstanding , despite Fords problems with head gaskets in a lot of the Falcon engines.
I’ve driven the ZRV and its a fantastic car. I own a RAV4 Hybrid and while the Toyota has more power, the Honda has a better driving feel. Its more refined and a very good car.
Actually their most recent designs are good. Its all the vehicles prior that have completely buried this company. Ugly, uninspired and gutless.
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