Ask an expert

Hi there, we are looking for a rear wheel drive car to use for long trips for under $8K. I'd like it to be reliable and cheapish to maintain so this rules out BMWs, Mercs and Suburus in this price range.

Are there any other cars we should be looking at? I have come across a Lexus GS300- what are these cars like in terms of reliability. I'm not overly keen on Australian models so basically looking for something Japanese with a big engine and rear wheel drive

Hope you can help me

In this price range the vehicle's mileage will be relatively high so reliability will be dependent on how well the vehicle has been treated and maintained over the years - even then, no one has a crystal ball to tell what the future holds and the high mileage makes it a high risk purchase – look for as low a mileage as your money can buy.

It seems you have already set your mind on the Lexus, and it is a good choice that has a good reputation. The only other options are the Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon (the Australian choice) or a BMW 5 Series (the German choice). But the Lexus and BMW were luxury cars when they were new and the parts pricing will be expensive too - the vehicle’s value might have depreciated significantly over the years but the parts pricing will have likely stayed the same.

The Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon should be less expensive to maintain and repair as most mechanics in NZ will have experience with repairs to them and the parts will be readily available too.

It will be a tough task to find all your criteria in a used large sedan for around $8,000 with a big engine, rear-wheel drive as well as being reliable and affordable - besides the fact that a large engine will use a lot of fuel and there is limited choice in the rear wheel drive category.