Wow, information overload (that's a good thing). I'll organise my replies as best I can, but seeing as most replies are quite similar I'll avoid repeating myself thousands of times over.
@Morgan: Firstly, thanks heaps for all of that. I know it must've been a lot to get through but I do appreciate the time you have taken out to write that up, this goes for everyone. It's good to see that help is there when you ask for it. The run downs on models is awesome and I now kinda know what I'm looking for. I do have to get my head around it completely but so far so good. I'm happy to see that my budget is realistic and gets me what I want, I'm over having old rust-prone buckets. Yes all cars are prone to rust, but I mean cars that are older then I am. I think I'm just over Commodores now to be honest... I used to love VL's. And I still love rotaries (hopefully this doesn't spark up Apple vs. other brand-type arguments).
Alright, back on topic.
I think the GT is out of the question as that is turbocharged. The 3.0 sounds awesome (and I like the 6-cylinder sound of it) but $20,000 is just way outta my budget. For question 4, that's music to my ears. On past forums people are all about 'this is my fully sick show car and this is my daily'. Finally a forum exists where people use their cars and not store them away to be used only on rainy days to conserve rubber. If you have a car and modify it, USE IT. I'm really keen on doing the basics to make things look nice, drive perfectly and at the same time meet my hunger for finally driving a decent car. Things on my to do list include a full exhaust system, suspension, rims, window tints and that's pretty much it for my short-term plans I think (open to suggestions or critique). I don't wanna have a fully sick wog-mobile (it's not racist if I'm a wog as well) but still want to meet the fine line between pleasure and performance. I like getting my hands dirty as well so wouldn't mind if I REALLY got into things.
Moderate costs to keep the car running, servicing, etc? Awesome. I hoped I wouldn't be getting myself into the Euro stage of things. My mate owns an Audi A4 turbo and parts for it are astronomical. Not only would I not be able to afford it, but I'd have to lose my love for such an awesome car. Moderate I can do. As for colour, my heart is set on silver, charcoal or black. Black would be awesome but leaves scratches and imperfections prone to be noticed a lot easier. Morgan, your conclusion is spot on and has made this a drug-like Liberty addiction I can't shake off. I saw an S15 driving home from work today on Canterbury Road and I was like, "What the beep is that piece of beep?" It had the noise of the exhaust and it did grab my attention, but the second I saw it I was kinda turned off. Just like switching on the light or waking up in the morning after a big night out with a girl that, hmmm, let's just say wasn't your cup of tea?
Thanks again Morgan.
Can we swear on this forum?
@WALKER: I am definitely interested in getting a model that has the lot, but leaves the turbo out of course. Leather interior isn't an absolute must, but I've never had a sunroof before and I want it! Letting my hair out as you cruise to the beach is my idea of a happy dream. I don't have long hair, but if I did, the last sentence would be true. The AWD aspect is a huge plus as well. I've lost my license for two years in my VS and I believe it's tainted, although I haven't been pulled over yet since getting them back *knock on wood*. At least an AWD will keep me out of trouble, I think? But seriously, in regards to handling, that's what I'm looking for as well. I don't think I'd get a chance at driving one before I'm out looking to buy, so the test drive before I seal the deal will be the first time I ever manage to get in one. I have seen pics of the interior and love what I see. I can potentially go up to $16,000 or even $17,000, it just comes down to what's on the market.
Thanks for your reply man, another big help to add to my research.
@FR34KO: Just had a look man and have made my reply. Thanks for that.
@mark300: Thanks mate! Great to be here! I'll be sure to check out RedBook, but as for other forums, I really don't want to register to many if I can get everything in the one place (and Suby Club is absolutely mental so far, I love it!). That's a valid point with regards to my budget. If I can get the top of the range NA '06 model then that's my target. Like I've said earlier, it'll all just depend what's on the market when I'm looking at sealing the deal and whether I can get it in overall good quality. You get what you pay for of course, but sometimes money talks and when people see $15,000 in their hands they'll be sure to take off a grand or two. Call me optimistic, but isn't it a good thing to be thinking positive?
I don't plan to go heavy on my mods, and the ones that I will do won't be stupid. I want something extremely nice, not a whole lot of noise with little to back it up. One of the factors that I decided to go with a Liberty over an S15 was purely due to the boys in blue. I've been in trouble before and don't want to get in trouble again. I've had my lessons taught and learned from my mistakes. Time to get on with it and not make those same mistakes again.
Thanks for your post. Yet another one that has made me not stop thinking about the car.
@SUBARU: Judging from your list of models, I'm targeting the Liberty 3.0 SpecB sedan (this would come with the sunroof, leather interior and the extras right?). If this is the model that is way out of my budget then I guess the next best thing would be the Liberty 3.0 sedan (does this also come with the added extras?). The reason why I want the latest and best is because I am planning on keeping the car for a LONG time. I don't want to have to buy another car for another 5 years say? Reason-being, I won't need to. If I pay the price and get something overly decent now, I won't have to think about getting a new car for ages. When you say I should keep my eyes on a 3.0 or Premium Pack, do you mean the 3.0 or 2.5i Premium Pack? I am just confirming in case the 3.0 has a Premium Pack model as well.
You mentioned that I won't be able to do many engine modifications due to it not being turbo, my question is, what engine modifications CAN I do? The usuals; air filter, performance parts, etc? I'm just curious. I'd like to think I'm handy with a spanner and together with my dad we've managed to do work on my VS ourselves. The Liberty won't be any different. It's always good to get your hands dirty if you know what you're doing of course. Thanks a lot for taking out time to reply man, much appreciated.
@FR34KO (again): I've never been a fan of wagons, but the Liberty wagon does look nice I must admit. Like I mentioned before, I'll leave my options open and won't completely say no to it but as it stands now the sedan is what I think is the way to go.
Many thanks so far guys, and I think I've just out-posted you all now but keep 'em coming. The amount of information I'm soaking up is like opening the flood gates of Warragamba Dam!