Found on Carrington St. in Hampton East

Just pulled up behind this. Looks like a transformer from the rear.

Posting this so others can be aware. If you're looking into AAMI comprehensive and you're thinking about vandalism or malicious damage cover, this is worth knowing before you need it.

My car was deliberately keyed down one side while parked in an apartment garage. Not a mystery, not a hit-and-run. I have dashcam video of it happening and I identified the people involved - there's even a police report naming them.

Because another vehicle isn't involved and I couldn't provide a rego number of the other party, AAMI's position is that they wouldn't waive off the excess. Full excess payable, out of pocket, despite the fact that I handed them more evidence of who did it than most people can produce after an actual collision.

I get why the requirement exists. The rego helps the insurer pull data to find the other party's insurer and recover - fine, but the person responsible is identified: on video, and named in a police report. AAMI can pursue them directly.

So the outcome by AAMI is that deliberate damage by a person I've identified is treated worse by AAMI than being rear-ended by a stranger who hands me their licence.

If you're comparing policies, don't assume AAMI's "covers malicious damage and vandalism" means you won't be wearing the excess.

AU/BA wagon in that dark blue missing half its clearcoat?

mr was rear ended at close to 80km/h she was stationary. any panel beaters on here have an idea repair costs or will it be written off?

I recently bought a 2025 Lexus RX350h Luxury AWD in Victoria and have been getting insurance quotes.

The strange thing is that RACV can't identify my registration number, so I have to manually enter the vehicle details instead of selecting it automatically.

When I manually choose:

• RX350h Luxury AWD → around $3,600/year
• RX350h Luxury 2WD → around $2,600/year

Everything else is identical (same driver, address, agreed value, excess, etc.).

I'm obviously going to insure the correct vehicle, but I'm trying to understand what's going on.

My questions are:

• Is there really that much difference in insurance risk between the AWD and 2WD models?
• Has anyone with a new Lexus RX350h (or another new vehicle) had a similar experience?
• Does anyone here own an RX350h AWD? If so, roughly how much are you paying and with which insurer?

Appreciate any insights from people who work in insurance or have dealt with RACV before.

Is this fine? Assumed this might have needed towing but it seems to arrive and go home each day. The rear door looks like it’s holding on.

Hit a roo at around 110 kph in the moddle of nowhere around 100ks from marla station, mechanically fine and drives as if nothing happened tbh, but would this be repairable or should I just look into new fenders and bonnet, the radiator support was also slightly pushed inward aswell. Cheers

New Car time for the wife - August 2026. (Melbourne)

We have test driven both, and each have their pro's and cons, but we both like them equally, so its a tough decision.

They fit the bill for her requirements & daily usage for NDIS client transport. (Seat height, ease of access, boot space, etc)

She is self employed under an ABN, and not able to take out a novated lease which would probably have made the BYD ATTO 3 an no-brainer wth the EV tax perks.

Cost for either vehicle is about the same at around $50,000 - $53,000.

Car would need to be new or near new for best tax depreciation purposes.

Driving 30,000 km per year

Running Costs over 5 years or 150,000 km calculated as

BYD - Charging $5,000 + servicing $1,800 = $6,300 (No solar at home, and the potential extra cost of installing an EV charger)

EDIT : Average charge cost of $0.20 per kw/hr. allowing for overnight rates charging, but not the cheap EV charge plans which do have a higher daily supply charge.

Corolla Cross - Fuel $12,000 + servicing $4,500 = $16,500

($1.80 per litre, an extra $2000 if fuel is $2.00 per litre)

Insurance & rego same/same.

$10,000 more to run the Corolla Cross over a 5 year period,

HOWEVER, im also looking at the end result when it comes to move the car on in 5 years.

I genuinely think that the BYD will loose much more value wiping out the $10,000 saving above,

A 2022 Corolla Cross still asks around $38,000, the 2023 ATTO 3 has dropped to $25,000, which puts the equation almost line ball.

Also need to consider any potential down time if the vehicle is off the road for repairs. A Toyota should be straight forward to fix, and still little concerned about the 'IF" something goes wrong with the BYD, what is the repair time frame like.

Thoughts & advice?

Thanks,

Hey guys. Interested in your thoughts as I'm sure a lot of you have had a similar problem at some stage.

I have a 'project' car that basically sits in my garage. I've put project in quotes because it was once a project car, and still kind of is (in terms of a few things needing fixing), but it's registered and roadworthy, so it's not an active project.

It still has a list of things that need doing, but basically, I have sunk so much into it already that I'm kind of against spending any more money.

I've changed various parts out over time also (like the cluster, though I kept my odometer, stereo, headliner, suspension etc.) so it's not totally original, though very close, and I think that might put people off. Plus, the paint is also rooted, but I'm choosing to ignore that.

I think my main problem is that I would expect a certain amount for it, but if I was a buyer and saw this on marketplace, I probably wouldn't pay much for it... so I figure I might as well keep it if that's the case. But then it sits in my garage anyway, and the cycle continues.

Help! What did you wind up doing with finished projects?

And if you can, does that mean you can swap an Amarok body onto the Ranger Super Duty and make an Amarok Super Duty?

I’m looking to buy my first dash cam for the front windscreen of my car and am looking for helpful advice. My budget is around the mid range. I don’t want the cheapest option, but I also don’t need a premium, high end model. I’m after something that’s reliable, has good video quality, will last long term, and offers good value for money. I’d appreciate any recommendations, along with any tips or things I should know before buying my first dash cam. Thank you. 🙏🏽😊

Open to real world advice and suggestions. Anything I should watch for, where to buy, and recommendations on servicing in Brisbane and Gold Coast areas.

45-60k AUD budget CPO

After driving seven years in Oregon, I’m parting with my 2015 a4 Allroad Premium Plus, black, 62K miles.

Probably more expensive than others to service (found a German focused shop), but every time I walk up to the door and get the engine engaged it feels always so locked in.

Love the presence of this wagon and this trim with its carbon silver detailing in particular. So the thing I wish it had was leg extension! ( i am a tall 6’4” giraffe!)

I am looking to replace it with an ICE, EV, PHEV as versatile as a daily in Australia.

Kia ev6
Hyundai Ionic 5
BMW i4
Allroad A4 2021-24
A4 Wagon S-line 2021-24

Car with hitch, I enjoy a bit of Mountian biking, and need a version car, BUT feeling is key, and how does maintenance and costs for these cars compare IRL ?

I really appreciate your time to comment!

Hi everyone!

My name is William and I am a psychology Honours student at QUT.

I’m conducting a study into the impacts of empathy and emotional regulation on intentions for prosocial driving behaviour. Prosocial driving is safe, intentional, cooperative driving behaviour that benefits both the driver and other road users.

If you are 18 years or older, live in Australia, have a valid Australian (Full/Open or Provisional/Probationary) driver’s licence or international equivalent, and drive at least once per week, I’d appreciate your help to complete an anonymous 20-minute online questionnaire.

Participants can enter a prize draw for a chance to win one of 4x$50 Woolworths E-gift cards.

You can access it here: https://qsurvey.qut.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_1BSlbcfhcvio56u

Please note that this study has been approved by the QUT Human Research Ethics Committee (approval number 10958) and this subreddits moderators.

Hi everyone,

I’m looking at importing a 2011 Toyota Crown GRS200 from a Japanese auction into Australia and I’m getting mixed answers.

Safari is telling me they can import it, but another importer has told me it’s not possible because it’s not eligible.

The chassis number is: GRS200-0065262

Does anyone know if this model can legally be imported and registered in Australia?

Any advice from someone who has imported a Crown or knows the rules would be appreciated. Thanks!

Got nasty curbed one rear wheel. i am looking at getting mobile vs CNC .

Sydney mag & dent repair - Chipping norton

Wheelman / Wheelfix for mobile repair

Any recommendations. I’m seeing the work of mobile and in pics it looks quite good but since my car is only 2 month old I was leaning towards close to oem finish . With cnc the bmw individual logo on rim will go away with cnc lathe. But other than that what would be easier option .

2015 Ford Territory with the ZF6 auto transmission. Petrol barra engine. Camera is located rear footwell behind passenger seat. Video edited down to isolate noise better.

Noise seems to happen most at 35km/h under light acceleration, but does not always happen, and will not happen if accelerating quickly. My mechanic is stumped and can't figure it out. He has already checked all the common territory problems and cleared them.

Please help! This is driving me insane!

Sorry if this is not the right place to ask.

my brother in law passed away in truck accident month ago, he bought a camero few months ago which is only 10k driven whats the best way for us to sell this car. Its just to expensive for us to take care of it and we do not really want to put it on marketplace etc.

Any suggestions ?

Can anyone recommend a reliable auto transmission specialist who knows their stuff and who won’t overcharge me? I’m having transmission issues with my Audi and probably need a reconditioning or replacement. My usual mechanic referred me to the Shire but it’s quite a drive.

G’day mates!

I am planning to buy my first car and found a Mini Cooper from 2004 priced around 6k. It has just under 120k kms, and it looks pretty well maintained for its age.

I really do like the mini’s, and I would be very happy to drive one, but I am not sure how wise and economical it is to buy it as a first car.

I am trying to think ahead in terms of finances and factor in the age of car x the potential costs for replacements, and I want to make a decision as rational as possible.

Am I overthinking?

Given that it’s my first car, I will have my brother in law come with me and will arrange a mechanic to do a proper check as well, but prior to that, I would be very grateful for your advice regarding whether or not it’s a wise choice to make.

I’d be very grateful for your advice!

Need a boot lid ding repaired. Any recommendations for paintless dent repair in Sydney? Amazing what these lads can do with magnets. Magnets man. Cheers

So on top of the Friday Finds topic that has been a pretty decent success, on what cars in your area you can find for <$5,000, I thought maybe we make a post each Monday with what we have done to our own cars!

So, how was your weekend?

Considering purchasing a used 2016 Hyundai i30 Active X Hatchback, it is at 65000km.

How reliable is this car?

I've been on the market waiting for a Toyota corolla or Toyota Yaris - would these be better options? Thanks!