Marlin

I know mate, and I too have a soft spot for old Vals. But, that's cheap enough to buy just to enjoy it as is as a "creeper". To turn it into even a half capable tow car will be a 30k+ experience. Not just an engine/box, but everything. From brakes, to diff, to body repairs and strengthening. 60's Valiants weren't ever designed with the stresses of towing 2,000kg with a grunty modern engine pegging it down the road. So, I maintain, stop it. (With all due respect)

Troy. Stop it.

Meaning: "I'm not happy to be donkey-boy like Massa, I want to race for a win"

Just read Schumi retired. Makes me sad.

Can only imagine how fuming Happy Ron is that his boy is leaving. Given all the support lil Lewi was given in his formative years Ron probably rightly thought he owned Lewi for life.

Yeah I understand that Cal, but I'm not a believer. No matter how many cylinders, f1 tech will ALWAYS trickle down to prod cars. Going V6 only serves the ad guys. Nothing more.

As we all know, a MAJOR ingredient of F1 is the sound. I reckon most will remember fondly the halcyon days of the V10's as a high point. Given increasing competition for dollars that run "The Show", I would think going back to V10 rather than the "wrong" way to V6 would offer something (ie, the noise!) that no competitor to F1 can.... Oh V10..... how I miss you. The sounds I heard at Monza were LAME compared to this.

Absolutely they are! Especially when the major reasoning behind the rulings is a bid to "reduce spiralling costs" whereby rich teams can afford to run their equipement nearer the edge and just change it out as they deem it required. Really an empty rule given the realisation above in the Ecclestone quote that the new turbo tractor engines could be over THREE times the price of the current engines. Add to that costs of developement and......

Still here! Will deal as I need the space!

If that's brake smoke I'm rating it! Where's Will Orders and Monkhouse in this thread?

Do let me know if I can assist mate. And yes, you're right, not a bad back up plan at all!

Pretty much that's the plan. 4 seater setup is the aim.

Not me cuzzy bro, Anus's Pano turbo that I was cruising 'round Europe in.

Despite being LHD Stu?

PM's sent to you both re Jeep.

Graham, if Rich doesn't want it would you mind PM-ing me mate? I was actually looking at one for myself today believe it or not! Rich, don't worry mate, I'm easily confused! haha Despite all the recent chat I do still think something like a SanteFe would suit you well.

The left hook thing was my argument...... they seemed unconvinced and getting ANYTHING in writting from a beaurocrat is nigh impossible. Shall investigate your suggestions, cheers!

Car is well and truly over the LCT threshhold. Not heard that Timmy? Possible exemption Below is an extract from a conversation; The definition of ‘car’ for LCT purposes is broad and covers basically any road vehicle. The only potential avenue to avoid LCT is the fact that a ‘car’ does not include “racing and rally cars that are not road vehicles and cannot be registered for use on public roads in any country in the world. These racing or rally cars are designed for use only on rally or racing circuits.” SIGNIFICANT work would need to be done to ensure the thing couldn't be registered "in any country in the world"... and who would be the judge of that? Does it just need a cage installed? The engine removed? Cut into little pieces?

No "big" Jap 4wd's but you considered a Discovery........ Now I'm confused. Buy a new Challenger and you'll tear up $20k rolling out the showroom. But hey.....

Really, once any of the range of vehicles we've been discussing gets some years/miles on them I'd be leaning back toward one of the more common and popular optios such as a Prado/Pajero. For instance the same car yard owning mate has an '06 V6 Prado with all the fruit at something like $20k. Not a sell and I have no idea of klm or anything but if yards have them at that price then a private buy or good screwing at a yeard should get a cracking vehicle. If you really find yourself doing epic kays (which you won't), an LPG conversion is always an option. I'd like to include 'Cruiser/Patrol in there but @ sub $20k the value just isn't there. Like Harry says, once you're out of the big cities, the popular makes and models are by far the best option. (I still reckon even if you found a late-ish petrol Patrol under $20k they're just a bit too agriculatural to drive daily. Big live axle bouncing away under the front and ball/nut steering boxes. That's just a personal opinion. GREAT things for outback treks and serious off-roading though)

So, importing a late model left hook Porsche from Europe specifically for tarmac rallying and planned to be on rally rego or even Tassie "special interest" rego..... IS LUXURY CAR TAX payable? Can't seem to get a definative answer on this yet? Anyone here got knowledge?

Heaps of info on Jeeps in other forums. Here's a link to an aussie forum (the model I posted and suggested is the WH, 2005~; http://www.ausjeepof...splay.php?f=130 What issues the diesels DO have are well known and can be remedied prior to an issue becoming apparent. "Swirl pot" drama is the common problem, it's an emmision thing. The issue is shared with the Merceded ML, which has the same engine (3.0L V6 TDi). Rest of the Jeep is pretty good, very nice gearbox also shared with ML Merc. Isolated issues here and there, front diff mount bush often needs replacing if not already done.... but nothing ridiculous. These are a very impressive engine, but like all modern tech diesels, preventative maintenence is key. These WH disel models are VERY popular for the grey nomads towing vans. They're a great tow vehicle and very frugal on juice. This model was also built in Graz, Austria, NOT the good ole US of A like the latest model. (*** Personally, I wouldn't put my hand up for ownership of any new tech diesel out of warranty, no matter how good their economy might be. I reckon if you look at the total cost of ownership you're better off with a petrol version as they're usually SO much cheaper to service and maintain/repair).

Gotta agree, if you're considering something as lumbering and large as a Disco, you'd be much better served getting something Japanese. We recently had one at Moreton Island for a weekend (good mate owns a car yard). The only, I repeat ONLY good thing about it was the ride over the rougher tracks. Everything else felt either terribly dated (because sub $20k means Disco 2 model), terribly made, rooted, or nearly rooted. Not the first I've driven either, but a reminder as to why I've owned lots of Jap cars, and no Pommy shit. Oh, and re the Disco, a mate works at the premier Brisbane aftermarket LR specialist, and trust me, it's a recession proof workshop haha. Never a shortage of broken ones lined up out front, usually dropped off via tilt tray. As I say, if you're considering a Disco size it's time to consider instead; Prado TDi; http://www.carsales....~1&sort=default Pajero TDi http://www.carsales....~1&sort=default And I have no doubt you could find a cracking deal on a WH Grand Cherokee TDi if you shopped around (much later year, lower kays, much better performing than the above two) http://www.carsales....~1&sort=default All random listings from lists of hundreds available.

Singapore F1. A sure cure for insomnia. I last to lap 15.

Truly, HOW did Webber not take Nando into the first corner?!?!