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The Pub For General Automotive Related Talk |
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#1 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,566
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Hey everyone sorry if this is the wrong place to post but I need some info. Not looking for Holden bashing but my girlfriend is very keen on getting an astra as a first car despite whatever else has been thrown at her. Are they any good? How do they age? What are some common issues and are they cheap to fix? What years should she go for/ stay away from? She's looking 2000+ as she wants Abs as a minimum. Also fuel economy must be reasonable.
Let me know your experience with these cars, I don't want to encourage her to buy a fuel sucking breakdown machine and all the same I don't want to discourage her getting something reliable that she finds stylish. So which would he be getting if she got one? Thanks for your help everyone!
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Current Blueprint 03 xr8 ![]() 5 speed manual, Difilippo Quad Big Boy system, BPR CAI, BPR Custom tune, Underdrives 256rwkw ![]() ![]() BA manual Typhoon Fully optioned, 340rwkw@16psi (thanks Bluepower)! The old ride.... AU Fairmont, cammed beast, R.I.P you made my p plate years bearable! 150.8rwkw courtesy BPR |
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#2 | ||
Where to next??
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Sydney
Posts: 8,893
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http://www.drive.com.au/used-cars/HO...422367508&pt=1
Click on "Reviews" (under the images) and you will find some information and user reviews of the 2000ish model Astras. |
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#3 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Queensland
Posts: 1,801
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The ex has a 2007 SRI and though this model is the newer one, the new model was mostly just a reskin in the same way as the FG Falcon update. It's been great for her, plenty of punch and lots of fun. Is still very good, but I've noticed some of the plastic has seen better days. Sips fuel and hasn't broken down, just minor things like keyless entry stoped working and the like. The previous model sold quite well, and always seemed to me to be a decent little run-about. Good luck fella.
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CURRENT: 2017 Escape Titanium 2.0L EcoBoost with Technology Pack in White Platinum PREVIOUS 2015 Fiesta ST / 2012 Focus Titanium / 2009 Fiesta Zetec / 2004 Fiesta Zetec |
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#4 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 2,343
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Watch out for steering issues, noise, notchyness etc they run an expensive electric power steer setup, oh and they generally just drive like rubbish. But thats just IMHO.
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#5 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Adelaide SA
Posts: 45
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My sister inlaw had a early 2000 model. Never had any issues with it and seemed to drive ok.
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[CENTER]1969 XW Falcon |
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#6 | ||
Flairs - Truckers Delight
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Brisbane Northside Likes: Opposite Lock
Posts: 5,731
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timing belt + non-clearance motor = DO NOT BUY
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Current: Silhouette Black 2007 SY Ford Territory TX RWD 7-seater "Black Banger"
2006-2016: Regency Red 2000 AUII Ford Falcon Forte Automatic Sedan Tickford LPG "Millennium Falcon" |
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#7 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Barossa Valley, South Australia
Posts: 3,381
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I spoke to a mechanic about one once and he mentioned that a simple job like having to change a blown globe somewhere in the dash (couldn't remember where though) was a major exercise which pretty much resulted in the dismantling of the whole dash to get to this globe. This was an older model, possibly early to mid 2000's. Might be different in newer ones.
Mechanically, can't comment. One of the wife's friends has one and it seems to give her no grief that I am aware of.
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Cheers, Sam. |
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#8 | ||
Tribal Elder
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Yarrambat
Posts: 2,278
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My daughter has a 2003 auto, has been faultless apart from a coil pack, which cost $1'000 !!!!
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#9 | |||
Moderator
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Location: Foothills of the Macedon Ranges
Posts: 18,529
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#10 | |||
as in chopped
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,991
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Quote:
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-> Reading this signature was pointless <- |
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#11 | |||
Regular Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 70
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Quote:
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#12 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 2,602
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I looked into this 5 years ago for a friend and in the end got her a 2001 Mazda 323. The Astras were better when new, but the timing belt and soft and faster wearing brake rotors (there's quite a few euro cars that have this) sent me looking elsewhere as it meant higher running costs. An example - my friend, who doesn't hammer his 2001 Astra, I know I would drive my car harder than he drives his - his front rotors wore out at 40,000kms and the rears at 60,000kms. My EL Falcon went through the front rotors at 100,000kms and at 170,000kms is still on the original rear rotors. I'm happy with the brake performance in my car.
Go the Mazda 3 if it is in the budget. Get the 1.8 litre if the 323 (BJ & BJII series) is the pick. Or perhaps the SP20 with the 2.0 litre and extra features http://www.drive.com.au/buy/market_v...variantseries= The late Laser/Focus would be another excellent alternative, both share some DNA with the Mazdas. One question, what is the budget? A decent 2005> Astra might be out of reach if the budget is under $10,000
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#13 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Riddells Creek
Posts: 1,382
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Quote:
my wife has a ts 2001 astra - manual, had it since new & just hit 115k's, had the timing belt done at 70k and still on original brakes and rotors. no warranty claims at all and have only just replaced the original battery and tyres were done at 90k. fuel consumption is excellent with 750klms between fills(90% highway k's). so from our experience i wouldn't have a problem in recommending it. now our ford territory...well, will leave that one to another day. |
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#14 | ||
Critical Thinker
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 20,324
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Also is your mrs adept with indicator stalk on the other side of the steering column?
My mrs hates that in the early 00 Astra's personally. If this is an issue, go for a 05+ AH model rather than the earlier shape.
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"the greatest trick the devil pulled, is convincing the world he doesn't exist" 2022 Mazda CX5 GTSP Turbo 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander 1967 XR FALCON 500 Cars previously owned: 2021 Subaru Outback Sport 2018 Subaru XV-S 2012 Subaru Forester X 2007 Subaru Liberty GT 2001 AU2 75th Anniversary Futura 2001 Subaru GX wagon 1991 EB XR8 1977 XC Fairmont 1990 EA S Pak 1984 XE S Pak 1982 ZJ Fairlane 1983 XE Fairmont 1989 EA Falcon 1984 Datsun Bluebird Wagon 1975 Honda Civic |
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#15 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,566
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Ohh the earlier models have euro steering columns? Didn't know that it could be an issue she hasn't got her license yet
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Current Blueprint 03 xr8 ![]() 5 speed manual, Difilippo Quad Big Boy system, BPR CAI, BPR Custom tune, Underdrives 256rwkw ![]() ![]() BA manual Typhoon Fully optioned, 340rwkw@16psi (thanks Bluepower)! The old ride.... AU Fairmont, cammed beast, R.I.P you made my p plate years bearable! 150.8rwkw courtesy BPR |
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#16 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,566
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what are the 323s like once they start getting on in km? weve seen a nice red one, 2001, seems very tidy but has 197,000km on it, asking price $8990
she wants to try and stay under 10 grand but im trying to convince her to spend a bit extra and get something good http://www.carsguide.com.au/site/search/vehicle-details/P9320478/@Nf=pYear|GTEQ%202000|pPrice|LTEQ%2010000&origin=a dvanced&N=4294962119+450+623+406&No=165&type=cars& searchType=3&vehicleType=3&pos=172&pr=P9364753&nr= D_14095100 mazda 3, her dream car. im worried cuz it has 50,000km and its only $9700, also there are no comments and no features and only 1 photo. look dodgy to anybody?
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Current Blueprint 03 xr8 ![]() 5 speed manual, Difilippo Quad Big Boy system, BPR CAI, BPR Custom tune, Underdrives 256rwkw ![]() ![]() BA manual Typhoon Fully optioned, 340rwkw@16psi (thanks Bluepower)! The old ride.... AU Fairmont, cammed beast, R.I.P you made my p plate years bearable! 150.8rwkw courtesy BPR |
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#17 | ||||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 2,602
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Quote:
I think you can do better than one with almost 200,000kms for less than $10k http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...carhome&Nne=15 But a Mazda 3 for under $10k - probably not worth touching as that will be the bottom end of the market. Paying about $12000 -$13000 would get something with lower kms. While the Mazda 3 might be closer to her dream car - for a first car she needs to be a little more realistic. I'd like to get a BKII SP23 with 6 speed manual in a couple of years, but need to put more money aside for it.
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#18 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 1,584
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Quote:
Had the clutch replaced and just kept an eye on the oil level and it was a great little car. Sold it to my sister and she recently did 4,000kms around queensland in it with the only trouble of the fuel pump dying when she got back cause she ran a batch of mega dodgy fuel! Apart from that, would highly recommend a 323 ![]()
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BAII XR6 in SHOCKWAVE 5SP Manual | Sports Leather Seats | Premium Sound | Dual Zone Climate Control | Sunroof | Reverse Sensors | 18" XR8 Wheels | XR6T Exhaust | Lowered | XR6T Intake | GT Steering Wheel AUIII XR8 in NAROOMA BLUE Info to come soon! |
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#19 | |||
Thailand Specials
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Centrefold Lounge
Posts: 49,029
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#20 | |||
Happy Volkswagen owner
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Manly
Posts: 256
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Mazda 3's can be more of a money nightmare than the Astra as well. They are riddled with tedious electrical problems and alternators failing on them seems to be the norm and mazda's electrical parts cost an absolute fortune.
Also look at the last of the Mk 4 Golfs, a 2.0 Sport is well kitted and and looks great if looked after, interior quality is second to none, and whilst they still get electrical gremlins from time to time they are not as expensive to fix as mazda. I'm sure the safety aspect in these would be right up there also, as well as the sheer driving enjoyment. Stoney!
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Curent ride: 2009 model VW Golf 118tsi - 1.4L supercharged and turbocharged - ECU flash - 151kw and 318nm - 6.7s 0-100. Quote:
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#21 | ||
Bolt Nerd
![]() Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Ojochal, Costa Rica (Pura Vida!)
Posts: 14,621
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My daughter bought a 2006 Astra coupe (brand new) and it has been faultless in the 3+yrs she's had it. Her Mum bought a new 323 a year before, and although no real problems, the Astra is twice the car.
It feels much "tighter", less obvious torque steer than the Mazda, and generally much more refined. Both are manuals BTW.
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Current vehicles.. Yamaha Rhino UTV, SWB 4L TJ Jeep, and boring Lhd RAV4 Bionic BF F6... UPDATE: Replaced by Shiro White 370z 7A Roadster. SOLD Workhack: FG Silhouette XR50 Turbo ute (11.63@127.44mph) SOLD 2 wheels.. 2015 103ci HD Wideglide.. SOLD SOLD THE LOT, Voted with our feet and relocated to COSTA RICA for some Pura Vida! (Ex Blood Orange #023 FPV Pursuit owner ![]() |
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#22 | ||
Secret Sleuth
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sydney
Posts: 306
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I used to own a 2003 Sri Turbo. Was a great car - very well made, very solid Euro feel to it. Only thing I found was parts are a bit pricey though in the two years I had it I only did a timing belt change (precautionary as per log book) and replaced the coolant overflow tank in the engine bay (they crack in the Aussie heat after about 60,000km - new one was $70). Fuel economy for a turbo was superb.
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BF Mk2.5 XR6 Turbo |
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#23 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Gren A Waverrey
Posts: 2,363
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A friend of mine had an Astra around 03/04 and she told me it was terrible.
Car would stop running for no reason and would not start up again. Electronic fault that kept playing up. She sold it and got an RX and has never looked back. Goes to show that in every batch of apples, there is a rotten one.
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Practicing - Sleeping with a guitar in your hand counts, as long as you don't drop it. Don't snap my undies. |
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#24 | ||
Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,940
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We've got an '07 CDX (bought it new), 3 years old, 40,000km and nothing has ever gone wrong with it. Fit and finish is excellent, no squeaks or creaks from anywhere in the car, motor seems to be very reliable, power is sufficient, the interior is fantastic and the car looks nice. Nothing but praise for the Astra, which was the last of the European Holdens to be sold here. It's a cut above the Falcon in terms of quality, that's for sure.
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#25 | ||
SY TS Territory
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Northern Suburbs Melbourne
Posts: 596
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we have had a couple here at work as pool cars which means everyone drives them, one had 120k on it in 3 years at changeover and it ran really well, no major issues.I have been told though if something does go wrong they are expensive to repair. As rst2000 my Territory is a different story. My wife has a current model Misubishi Lancer no timing belt so far been fantastic
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#26 | ||
Supercharged Mang-mobile
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Behind the wheel
Posts: 1,792
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I'm going through the same thing with the gf wanting an ashtray.
Alot of good info in this thread.
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09/00 VX HSV XU6 Build #0001 of 0171 http://fordforums.com.au/showthread....09#post5571209 -- Best E/T: |14.982 @92.12mph | R/T:0.013 | 60' 2.213| 330: 6.283 | 1/8: 9.624 @ 73.17mph | 1000: 12.529 | 25Deg, N/A Hum, 1010mb | Willowbank Raceway 7/12/16 Tickford EL Falcon XR6 RIP ![]() -- Factory Manual -- Best E/T: |14.991 @ 92.71mph | R/T: 0.607 | 60': 2.215 | 660': 9.665 |13Deg, 86%H, 1024mb, 184RA @ Willowbank Raceway |
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#27 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,505
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I hired one of these astras when I went on holidays if you want a car that will give whiplash under breaks and whiplash on launch yet still being slow as a snail in a mudpuddle go right ahead the whole family even my 6 year old son and 11 year old daughter ALL thought the car was crap surprising seeing the reaction coming from the kids in the back after we had the car for a sumtotal of around 25 minutes they didnt like the whiplash effect the car gave and no matter how you drove it it just did it - all I can say is I hope it was a thrashed hirecar hence driving the way it did if I test drove a car that drove like that I would ask the dealer if it comes with a HANS device for all occupants it was a shocker
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Phantom, T56, leather and sunroof BAmk1 :yeees: Holden special vehicles - for special people ![]() |
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#28 | ||
SiX_iN_a_RoW
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Capalaba Brisbane
Posts: 770
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Common Astra faults that I see regularly through our workshop
They chew brake rotors ( most euro cars do ) riddled with A/C dramas, particularly the diode in the clutch coil on the compressor Timing belts breaking = bent valves Timing belt tensioners fail and SHOULD be changed each time the timing belt is Head gasket failure Radiators splitting ECU dry solder failure due to ECU being mounted under the bonnet ( heat ) Bonnet cables breaking Other than that, they drive pretty well with enough grunt to keep most happy, I cant stand the smell of the interior, parts can be exxy
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Oh yeah, my G6ET eats diff bushes for breakfast! |
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#29 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 622
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Quote:
Yep Same but more Just do a google search on Holden astra You will be surprised!!!!!
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1976 Gold Fairlane Marquis 351c, FMX, 9 Inch. 2005 ba mk 2 xr6 turbo Rapid yellow 94 Ed Fairmont 1997 El Futura Saphire 11 Wagon 1985 xf Fairmont sedan |
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#30 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,566
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Budget isn't the biggest issue. She wants under 10k originally she said 8k but shed fast finding out if you want a small auto you pay good money. She's also very picky. The budget is self imposed, she has the money to buy a brand new car but she wants something a bit older as she's not a confident driver and doesn't want to wipe out her savings account.
Are mazda 3s that bad with electrical faults? Ideally id like to see her in a nice 5-6 year old Mazda 3, focus or corolla Im just gonna have to convince her to spend a bit more
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Current Blueprint 03 xr8 ![]() 5 speed manual, Difilippo Quad Big Boy system, BPR CAI, BPR Custom tune, Underdrives 256rwkw ![]() ![]() BA manual Typhoon Fully optioned, 340rwkw@16psi (thanks Bluepower)! The old ride.... AU Fairmont, cammed beast, R.I.P you made my p plate years bearable! 150.8rwkw courtesy BPR |
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