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Hi,I have two cars to choose between can you help please
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=682183550 price $10,300
auto.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=687223815 price down to $10,000. triptonic.
My mechanic says mileage means little these days if well maintained ....whereas my kids say different!
Any benefits auto over manual or vice versa?
Unfortunately, the first link you sent is an expired listing, so I don't know what that was. Regarding the second one, there are some strong positives, but also some serious doubts.
Firstly, it's a 1 owner, NZ new car with a full dealer service history - I really like that about it. (Incidentally, it looks to be manual - not tiptronic).
However, it has done 167,000km - so in a couple of years is likely to tip over the 200,000km mark where is will heavily depreciate and be very difficult for you to sell.
I understand your mechanic's view, as I also strongly believe a well serviced and maintained higher mileage vehicle is better that a lower mileage vehicle that has been neglected. But I also agree with your kids, in that assuming servicing has been kept up to date, a low mileage car is by far the preference.
My other question about the 2.0 litre Avensis from this era, it's likely to be the D4 engine, and at this mileage has the likelihood of causing problems with carboning up, causing running problems that can be very expensive to repair.
Regarding the manual vs auto question, generally speaking manuals are more reliable in the long term, with clutches being the only hiccup. Having said that, many conventional autos (such as the 4 speed auto found in most 1.8 litre Toyotas) is fairly robust and not a major concern.
To summarise, I'd prefer a lower mileage car to this one, preferably not with the D4 engine or a CVT transmission. Perhaps a Corolla wagon or Caldina - in manual or 4 speed auto (but preferably not the 2.0 litre D4).
Thanks. Hmm ...does seem that one has gone off Trademe.
It is..Avensis 2005 118km auto. towbar has a VTNZ pre purchase check done in Nov by owners..all sounds ok. 3 Tony's tyre visits for wheel align. test drove yesterday.I guess there is no need for another check by VtNZ?
I've always driven a manual hence a slight lean to the higher mileage and the above car is white...yuk! Looks like I just have to get over myself :-)
The manual now 9,500 today.
Haha.. white is the new black (or perhaps that should be "the new silver").. As a colour, it is now very popular at the prestige end of the market - check out any Audi or BMW dealership in 2014!
Personally, I'd have the 118,000km car in preference to the 167,000km one. It may still be the D4 engine though.
Ah...I see...I will be on trend!
Many thanks for the help I will go for the lower mileage. Just one thing in the VTNZ report, the on underbody exterior the rf engine cover is missing. Big deal or not?
Many thanks
It's probably not a major problem that the cover is missing - just as long as it's not the result of any other accident damage in the area. If it seems just that a mechanic has taken it off at some stage and forgotten to put it back on, then not a major. Perhaps price one up and use it as part of your negotiation.