No more Aussie cars- starting to really notice it

[Late braker]

So I’m sitting in a bunch of traffic at the lights and just looking blankly around in the zombiefied way you do waiting to go and it is gradually becoming more apparent to me- I’m completely surrounded by Japanese, Korean and Chinese vehicles. I’m the only one in a group of 10-20 cars in either direction in an Aussie-made car. And it’s only increasing (obviously…) I’m kind of proud about it actually. I even got a compliment recently from the console operator at a servo. Made me feel quite good.
Anyone else “feeling it”? (lol Toyota…)

[Franco Cozzo]

How good is it when you see the mighty 'Victorian Taxi Yellow' Falcon getting around Melbourne suburbia without its taxi stickering, you just know its on its 9th owner and its been around the clock three times already.

Reminds you of the good ol' days when cars were reasonably priced, trayback utes did 0-100 faster than 20 seconds and even though they had leaf springs on the rear they didn't make you feel like you need new kidneys every time you drove it.

[FERG_51]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

How good is it when you see the mighty 'Victorian Taxi Yellow' Falcon getting around Melbourne suburbia without its taxi stickering, you just know its on its 9th owner and its been around the clock three times already.

Reminds you of the good ol' days when cars were reasonably priced, trayback utes did 0-100 faster than 20 seconds and even though they had leaf springs on the rear they didn't make you feel like you need new kidneys every time you drove it.

We have an Indian guy at my work in S.A , just moved down from Melbourne in his yellow ex taxi G6E 900+ kms on the clock. Runs like a dream.

[Citroënbender]

Still plenty of B-Series on DCOA.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

Still plenty of B-Series on DCOA.

This Falcon @2.21mins. comes to mind. (but FG)



I see a skinny Franco making an appearance down at the mall.

[danzvtil]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

Still plenty of B-Series on DCOA.

The age of b series means their owners are at peak meth.

[Mr Brooksy]

Still plenty of Aussie built cars up here in Brisbane/Ipswich. Not nearly as many, but yes there are less and less. I really love seeing the Falcons/commodores/Territorys that are in really good condition getting around as they look as good as their newer and more modern counterparts when looked after.

I'm really grateful to have 2 turbo charged Aussie icons in the fleet!

[Sprintey]

Originally Posted by Mr Brooksy

Still plenty of Aussie built cars up here in Brisbane/Ipswich. Not nearly as many, but yes there are less and less. I really love seeing the Falcons/commodores/Territorys that are in really good condition getting around as they look as good as their newer and more modern counterparts when looked after.

I'm really grateful to have 2 turbo charged Aussie icons in the fleet!

Yep absolutely.

We've been getting the AWD Terry mechanical up to spec after the last Nullarbor run and the mechanics have been great and are almost there. 15 years old, 325,000. I gave it a wash and it shined like new, and it drives like new, just so solid and straight on the road. No rattles yet. Never been in an accident.

If you've followed my posts you might notice that we are considering how to replace it. Been to Subaru and Toyota now. For the money, very little impresses. The closest so far is the fully loaded Outback - a turbo version will be coming with about 200kw/420Nm so similar to Barra outputs. My ultimate benchmark is driving the Terry home - did these cars feel as good as this? And so far it hasn't been pipped.

If you see a good Aussie, put it away and take care of it.

[russellw]

It hit home to me when looking to replace the present car because I concluded that there wasn't anything else that held any appeal to me in the sub $100k price bracket and frankly, the FGII XR6 EcoLPi is a hard act to follow anyway given the combination of performance and economy and it makes me sad to realise we got all that for under $40k drive-away.

It is now the oldest daily driver I've had since I was a teenager and the new car I've put the most mileage on at 165k. It's running costs are impressive.

Across the 8 years of ownership it's averaged a fuel cost of 7.9 cents / km and even with the current LPG prices it's still 12.7 c/km this year so far;
Dealer servicing has added 2.613 c/km;
Other servicing has added 0.781 c/km (wheel alignment, battery, rotors/pads etc);
Tyres have added 1.76 c/km which includes 2 that were destroyed and 2 that were out of round;
Other repairs have added 3.42 c/km but that includes replacing 1 new alloy rim after a pothole destroyed it and a tyre, rolling another rim after a similar incident and twice replacing the ICC screen after battery failures killed it. Excluding those it's 1.67 c/km to (1) replace control blade bushes (2) replace diff bushes (3) replace centre bearing and (4) replace the A/C supply pipes after they were worn through by a hose rubbing on them.

So, excluding the 'abnormal' items and the preventative maintenance (replacement of the trans cooler), it's been a fraction over 7 cents a kilometre in non fuel running costs which added to the fuel costs is 15 cents a kilometre.

It makes an interesting comparison with the other daily in the garage which is a 3.0L V6 Turbo-diesel van bought in the same year. It's done ~20k less but the fuel cost has averaged 13.01 cents per km (and it's just over 20 cents this year), servicing and repairs 3.68 c/km and tyres 2.06 c/km although one set were destroyed after a bad wheel alignment. so the total is 18.75 cents / km. Thus despite the almost double fuel cost and much higher dealer service hourly rates, the lack of non scheduled repairs (it's only needed a DPF sensor replaced) and 30k km service intervals have pretty much balanced it out.

I'm going to keep looking for a low mileage FG-X EcoLPi and pay whatever it costs.

[FTE217]

My parts of regular travel to work and back like today, the daily is in for service so its jump in the Sprint, I'm like the only Falcon I see each time I'm in it and so proud of it !
Always notice some people trying to figure out what it is or a thumbs up from those in the know.
Yes russellw what bang for buck our Falcons were.
I'm having to shift the daily "23 at that 100k figure and I struggle to decide what to jump into next, IF there was a new Falc FGX11 like a GT I wouldn't even blink an eye put my money down whereas its a euro that really doesn't suit my needs even though they drive great or a thai special more so a new Amarok.
Both just don't jizz me like a new model Falc.

Roads full of Jap/Korean/Euro SUV's its all become same same and EV's just don't bring my calling.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by FTE217

My parts of regular travel to work and back like today, the daily is in for service so its jump in the Sprint, I'm like the only Falcon I see each time I'm in it and so proud of it !
Always notice some people trying to figure out what it is or a thumbs up from those in the know.
Yes russellw what bang for buck our Falcons were.
I'm having to shift the daily "23 at that 100k figure and I struggle to decide what to jump into next, IF there was a new Falc FGX11 like a GT I wouldn't even blink an eye put my money down whereas its a euro that really doesn't suit my needs even though they drive great or a thai special more so a new Amarok.
Both just don't jizz me like a new model Falc.

Roads full of Jap/Korean/Euro SUV's its all become same same and EV's just don't bring my calling.

Whilst i only have an XR6T, i sometimes think about selling it. 1 because its unused 2 it'd be a good chunk off the mortgage if i sold it.
Would i regret it? Probably.
But every time i jump in it, it brings a smile to my dial, what ever i replaced it with just wouldnt (It'd be a cheap run about)
Missus has a new Tuscon, whilst i love the ease of driving it and we use that mostly, its good to get the yoot out from time to time. Although i can hardly hear her at highway speeds if she is in it to

I too also appreciate seeing a nice falcon when i see one, and i can almost extend that to a nice late model commodore too.
They are only going to become even fewer on the roads as the years go on

[lra]

Today is the 13th anniversary of our Territory. It still looks good amongst the convoluted curves and weird shapes of the latest model cars from places that are not Australia.
I am happy that I do not need a new car, as the days of walking into a Ford or Holden showroom and seeing something that I just had to buy are gone.
There is nothing that gets me envious. If I see something that does look interesting, the interest wanes when I find out it has a tiny engine, DCT, and a bewildering connectivity with annoying 'safety' driving aids, that take the pleasure out of driving.

Only have to visit the local supermarket, or Bunnings, car park to notice that Australian built cars are in the minority, completely outnumbered by SUVs and dual cabs.
And the worst aspect is that the majority of younger drivers don't care.

[Sprintey]

Originally Posted by lra

Today is the 13th anniversary of our Territory. It still looks good amongst the convoluted curves and weird shapes of the latest model cars from places that are not Australia.
I am happy that I do not need a new car, as the days of walking into a Ford or Holden showroom and seeing something that I just had to buy are gone.
There is nothing that gets me envious. If I see something that does look interesting, the interest wanes when I find out it has a tiny engine, DCT, and a bewildering connectivity with annoying 'safety' driving aids, that take the pleasure out of driving.

Only have to visit the local supermarket, or Bunnings, car park to notice that Australian built cars are in the minority, completely outnumbered by SUVs and dual cabs.
And the worst aspect is that the majority of younger drivers don't care.

Completely agree Ira.

As an aside, the connectivity/tech, eg. the huge screen with menu-driven X mode selection in the new Outback, I hope it doesn't age like an iPhone does; for if so the car will be unfunctional within a couple of years.

[Citroënbender]

Originally Posted by Sprintey

…As an aside, the connectivity/tech, eg. the huge screen with menu-driven X mode selection in the new Outback, I hope it doesn't age like an iPhone does; for if so the car will be unfunctional within a couple of years.

This has long been a gripe of mine, but from the other angle. Why not build the cars to interface with both Android and iOS tablets, so the customer BYO’s the control centre?

If something happened to the B-Series ute to kill it, I would buy another. Even with the cost of a refit/refresh there is nothing comparable I’ve seen.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

This has long been a gripe of mine, but from the other angle. Why not build the cars to interface with both Android and iOS tablets, so the customer BYO’s the control centre?

This 100%

Car manufacturers have been trying to make their own in car entertainment software has been absolutely junk,

Ford SYNC in the old man's Fiesta ST no longer works with SMS messages on his phone, so some of the functionality no longer works with current Android phones and the bluetooth implementation is a bit sketchy.

They should have been working in with phone manufacturers a decade ago.

[xkxlxm]

T3rminator: Watsonia/Greensborough

[Vesper Martini]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

This has long been a gripe of mine, but from the other angle. Why not build the cars to interface with both Android and iOS tablets, so the customer BYO’s the control centre?

If something happened to the B-Series ute to kill it, I would buy another. Even with the cost of a refit/refresh there is nothing comparable I’ve seen.

I agree, but I can go back to our 2004 Prado that had one of the early sat nav systems, it was amazing so I then I fitted an aftermarket system to my Territory.

The first IPhone wasn't released until 2007 at the same time Ford Released SYNC

& things like Android auto only came out in 2016.

Most new cars can now interface with both Apple, Android & google.

[lra]

Originally Posted by Sprintey

Completely agree Ira.

As an aside, the connectivity/tech, eg. the huge screen with menu-driven X mode selection in the new Outback, I hope it doesn't age like an iPhone does; for if so the car will be unfunctional within a couple of years.

That is why 50 year old Holdens, Fords, and Valiants are still around, although expensive, whereas a 50 year old connectivity car with a touch pad will be a forgotten memory.
Who is going to be up for a 'classic' used 2022 Tesla in 2053, EV chappies ?

[Sprintey]

Originally Posted by lra

That is why 50 year old Holdens, Fords, and Valiants are still around, although expensive, whereas a 50 year old connectivity car with a touch pad will be a forgotten memory.
Who is going to be up for a 'classic' used 2022 Tesla in 2053, EV chappies ?

Yep thank goodness we have the XW.

I tried to keep an original ipod, the coloured ones with the little screen as I thought the design was quite classic. Within a few years the battery had expanded, pushing the metal casing outward... grrr. So it had to go to that giant battery recycling facility in the sky. I guess if they sort the batteries, make them interchangeable or modular, then it becomes an option for an EV - but then you have to deal with software:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXHB3nh547A

Just out of interest, we just had our 1964 L Series Fender Jaguar re-wired. I bought the guitar as a 15 year old as it was the cheapest American Fender I could buy (just before Kurt Cobain/Sonic Youth made them immortal). My young one has grown up to be a good player, so has been badgering me to restore it... Simple electrics, a little renewal and re-solder, and it works like new! Best action and feeling on the neck of any guitar!

Edit: that said, I liked the Suby big screen more than I thought I would, as a new car. It isn't up in the peripheral vision of the windscreen, the menu screens were quick and intuitive. Just wonder how it will age.

[xkxlxm]

Just back from supermarket (there and back 8 km). It's hard to be precise, without crashing, but: 2 Aussie Camrys, about 14 Commodores [10 sedans, one wagon, 3 utes] not counting three being stockpiled in someone's yard; 5 Territories; a BA ute; 4 Falcon wagons; 2 Falcon sedans.

[ford71V8]

Yesterday I visited local sand and metal place, and guy jumped out the dozer and ran over to me yelling something about blocks.
?
As he got closer "You should have that in a shed on blocks".
Was surprised Im driving it around. A BA ute (xr8).
Really?, as I load the back with rubble and sand.
He has one too, gets to use it 25 days a year with his rego/insure conditions

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by ford71V8

Yesterday I visited local sand and metal place, and guy jumped out the dozer and ran over to me yelling something about blocks.
?
As he got closer "You should have that in a shed on blocks".
Was surprised Im driving it around. A BA ute (xr8).
Really?, as I load the back with rubble and sand.
He has one too, gets to use it 25 days a year with his rego/insure conditions

How dare you use an older car for its intended purpose. Yeah, I get the "its to good to drive into the quarry."



and proudly flying our flag.

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by fgpsi

Who reckons locally manufactured Holdens will make a comeback one day ? GM has zero presence in Australia apart from gmsv. surely they cant stay away forever

I can see locally manufactered small car/small medium suvs/ and evs under the Holden badge thriving in this market if done correctly

Beyond zero. GM have pulled all resources except for North America and China. They have next to zero presence anywhere else, nor do they care to.



Living in geelong there are falcons and territories everywhere. Might be a few more years before their presence drops to a noticeable degree.

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by bossxr8

living in geelong there are stolen falcons and territories everywhere. Might be a few more years before the police presence drops to a noticeable degree.

efa..

[Vesper Martini]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Beyond zero. GM have pulled all resources except for North America and China. They have next to zero presence anywhere else, nor do they care to.

I see they ditched the Korean Daewoo's if they couldn't get the success that Hyundai & Kia have had over there then their future must be bleak.

[Cobra]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Beyond zero. GM have pulled all resources except for North America and China. They have next to zero presence anywhere else, nor do they care to.



Living in geelong there are falcons and territories everywhere. Might be a few more years before their presence drops to a noticeable degree.

I still see Commodores everywhere in Adelaide.

[Sprintey]

Saw the rare and thought-to-be-extinct EL ex-Taxi in Taxi Yellow with unpainted bumpers driving up Gt Ocean Rd today. What's that - 20 years after being in service?!

Looked very nice and lowered a bit.

[fgpsi]

Who reckons locally manufactured Holdens will make a comeback one day ? GM has zero presence in Australia apart from gmsv. surely they cant stay away forever

I can see locally manufactered small car/small medium suvs/ and evs under the Holden badge thriving in this market if done correctly

[Vesper Martini]

Originally Posted by fgpsi

Who reckons locally manufactured Holdens will make a comeback one day ? GM has zero presence in Australia apart from gmsv. surely they cant stay away forever

I can see locally manufactered small car/small medium suvs/ and evs under the Holden badge thriving in this market if done correctly

GM?
sorry zero chance to all of the above.

[lra]

Originally Posted by fgpsi

Who reckons locally manufactured Holdens will make a comeback one day ? GM has zero presence in Australia apart from gmsv. surely they cant stay away forever

I can see locally manufactered small car/small medium suvs/ and evs under the Holden badge thriving in this market if done correctly

Only way that will happen is if GM 'Merica sell the name to a Chinese company which will then import them into Oz.
An electric Chinese Holden should sell here as good as a 3 day old chicken sanger.