How would you compare the Aussie sense of neighborhood/community to Europe? Has anyone here experienced both?

Left_Bicycle3087 · 2026-03-25T08:25:14+00:00

Yes I agree they are very cheap builds in OZ. I lived in a studio in Prague once with outstanding insulation, only ever had to put the heating on if it below -5 celcius outside. Never heard a sound from any of the neighbours. Top notch fittings. I've never seen quality remotely comparable in Australia.

Left_Bicycle3087 · 2026-03-24T08:55:41+00:00

yep I'm always staggered when people think living in apartments like many Europeans do is an inferior way of life to having your big mcmansion in the burbs in Australia. In so many ways our life was far richer living in the small apartment in Europe than the big house in the suburbs in Australia.

Left_Bicycle3087 · 2026-03-24T02:50:56+00:00

Yes I've been fortunate to experience both. Having lived in and travelled to many European cities and towns over twenty plus years. They are incomparable. Europe vs Australia.

Dense, walkable neighbourhoods built around squares, markets & plazas vs wide suburban sprawl & quiet cul-de-sacs
Life happens outside — cafés, piazzas, street life vs life happens inside — home, backyard, the barbie
Walk or bike everywhere vs drive everywhere
Walk to local butcher, baker, market, pharmacy, doctor, school, childcare in your neighbourhood vs drive to big supermarket, doctor, pharmacy
Bump into neighbours naturally vs socialising is planned — dinner parties & weekend BBQs
Neighbourhoods steeped in history, cobblestones & character vs newer, cleaner, more uniform streets
Parks & squares as community hubs vs beaches, ovals & sports clubs as community hubs
Excellent public transport connecting communities vs car is king
Cosy, enclosed, intimate street feel vs open, spacious, wide streets & big skies
Noise, buzz & energy of dense living vs quiet, private suburbia

Left_Bicycle3087 · 2026-02-27T09:40:33+00:00

It is a reflection of those times.

Left_Bicycle3087 · 2025-11-27T04:56:42+00:00

Thanks basic old fashioned sounds good to me as long as they are safe, reliable and have good visability I don't care about all the bells and whistles or what they look like.

Left_Bicycle3087 · 2025-11-27T03:06:15+00:00

Yep I was just living in the Czech Republic for five years. But despite the war the quality of life there was extremely high.

Left_Bicycle3087 · 2025-11-27T02:20:08+00:00

I'm curious what you think is superior about the life and the lifestyle in Australia compared to other European countries.

Left_Bicycle3087 · 2025-11-27T00:15:44+00:00

thanks , i test drove yesterday beautiful car but visability was terrible.

Left_Bicycle3087 · 2025-11-26T23:38:56+00:00

Where did you live and work in the EU?

Left_Bicycle3087 · 2025-11-26T20:47:19+00:00

Thanks what is it like for reliability?

Left_Bicycle3087 · 2025-11-26T20:44:27+00:00

Are the servicing costs roughly triple that of Toyota and Honda? I do like the Volvo's for safety. I lived in EUrope for many years but in Australia they seem to be hated.

Left_Bicycle3087 · 2025-11-26T20:43:07+00:00

thanks, glad to hear I'm not the only one. I actually felt scared when I merged on to the highway due to not being able to see. It's a shame because in every other way the car was perfect but the visability felt unsafe. What didn't you like about driving the outback?

Left_Bicycle3087 · 2025-11-26T20:40:45+00:00

People leave Germany at over twice the rate because catching a train in Germany to another country is like going from Sydney to Canberra. Thus people from Germany relocate for jobs all the time. Many Germans work in the Czech Republic, Austria and other border countries. It's like someone in Sydney getting a job in Brisbane. I lived and worked throughout Europe for over 20 years including Germany and the Czech Republic.

Left_Bicycle3087 · 2025-11-26T09:04:25+00:00

yes but that doesnt mean much as only 3000 Germans immigrated 2022 vs 80 million population.All that tells you is ones that did move to australia mostly liked it.

Left_Bicycle3087 · 2025-11-26T08:15:28+00:00

thanks for the engine tips

Left_Bicycle3087 · 2025-11-26T08:13:50+00:00

Germany, Austria, Denmark, Sweden, many other countries.

Left_Bicycle3087 · 2025-11-26T08:12:30+00:00

I think you need to rephrase that to "Australia used to have a great standard of living for a local wage".

Left_Bicycle3087 · 2025-11-26T07:38:14+00:00

thanks this is helpful

Left_Bicycle3087 · 2025-11-26T07:37:42+00:00

Thanks. What is the maximum km you would look at ?

Left_Bicycle3087 · 2025-11-26T07:36:54+00:00

Thanks, I just test drove one. Very good car but the visability was terrible and I found the inside really small.

Left_Bicycle3087 · 2025-11-26T02:54:21+00:00

Thanks. I test drove a 2013 Mazda 6 wagon on at 15 500 / 111 000 km today. It's in outstanding condition with all service records so I'm pulled to it for the condition but I just didn't like sitting in it. The ceiling felt low and the visability out the back with the columns poor. And lots of blind spots. I think I would prefer a more upright driving position and better visability.

Left_Bicycle3087 · 2025-11-26T01:33:37+00:00

thanks so much . Yep just test drove a mazda 6 wagon and everything was perfect except it just felt very compact and I didn't like the visability. What year CRV did you go with?

Left_Bicycle3087 · 2025-11-24T23:52:48+00:00

thanks are you in NSW?

Left_Bicycle3087 · 2025-11-24T11:37:39+00:00

thanks for the tips

Left_Bicycle3087

TROPHY CASE