We're 'blessed' with no less than three cars. Public Transport in Perth is only good when you're going in and\or out of the city, so in order to get around we need two cars. Lisa does have a work-vehicle but due to tax-regulations is she only permitted to use this for work-purposes, which makes this our third car.
Family Car
We've only recently acquired a Holden Captiva (in other parts of
the world known as a Chevrolet), so photos will follow (or follow the link on
the logo). It's a Merlot Red, LX Petrol, 3.6 litre, 6-cyclinder, 4WD, 7-seater
which will hopefully see us through the next few years of family-adventures. As
extra's we got Rear-Parking-Sensors and a tow-package.
The choice was somewhat of a compromise as Lisa wanted a 7-seater (Honda Odyssey) but didn't mind a 4WD and I didn't want a large 4WD but rather a station-wagon model (Subaru Liberty\Outback).
Before that we had another Holden, a Commodore Station wagon, which was
our first foray in family-sensible cars. It came complete with
dog\baggage-barrier and of course for the longest time anchored
baby-seats.
BC (before children) we had a Chrysler Neon, which
was relatively cheap to buy, but no so cheap to maintain and repair (as I found
out when I had a small accident: event the left and right front headlight globes
are different). Thus (and because of the family-needs) we traded it
in.
When I arrived in Australia (in 1997) Lisa had an old Mazda Station
wagon she used, mainly to\from work.
Company (Simon's) Car
As we need two cars only on occasion (although with two growing kids, with growing interests and social lives it is becoming more frequent), our second car is more or less Simon's car. It is mainly used for his work which makes it a tax-deduction.
Currently (since 2006) I am driving a BMW 120i or Baby-Beemer as we call it. I was in need of a 4-door compact car, but wanted something 'different' as well.
This is great (although of course hugely overpriced) with auto-sensing lights and wipers, electric sunroof and great handling. It is almost a shame that I don't have to do more work-related driving (about 5.000 kms per year).
Before this I had my midlife crises (to get it over with early) and had
a little, two-seater sportscar, although not red: a Mazda MX5. This was in the
time we only had Joshua, so there was no need for more than 2 seats. It was
quite funny to hear him say 'dak af' (roof off in Dutch) ...
And my first car in Australia was a Suzuki Vitara, a small 4WD. After
all what is all that Aussie wilderness for if you can't take advantage of it. It
turns out that most of what we do is city-driving and when you go 'bush' these
little 4WD-cars don't have the tracks or stability. But it was fun while it
lasted.
Prior, in the Netherlands, I drove a Rover 620 (only for a few months prior to migrating), an Alfa 33 and my first car was a Fiat Uno.
Lisa's Work vehicle
For work purposed Lisa needs a vehicle with a separate compartment (for storage of chemicals), or what in Australia is referred to as a Ute (with canopy). For tax-purposes she is only allowed to drive this for work-purposes and\or whatever lies on the way (such as school, childcare, ...). Thus there is also the need for 3 places or rather a benchseat.
The only Ute that provides a benchseat (with column-shift etc.) is the Ford Falcon (sample photo).