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rarose

Thanks for this service and I've learnt a lot by reading previous posts. I am looking for a mid size wagon, less than 10 years old. Currently looking at Ford Mondeos, but also Mazda 6 wagon and Avensis. I expect to keep the car for a long time, need it for towing a trailer and loading with gardening supplies.
1. I would prefer a manual to an automatic, but: is an auto better for towing, as I've heard suggested? Is fuel economy different? Can I expect lower maintenance costs/longer life from a manual transmission, or does this just not apply to modern cars?
2. How much, if any, value should I put on an NZ new car vs an import? Should I expect to pay more? (Noted from previous questions that a 6 has superior safety features cf imported Atenza).
3. I note the later model Mondeos come with a cam-chain rather than a cambelt. Good/bad?
4. My uninformed preference is for Japanese cars cf Fords in terms of reliability/servicing. Any evidence or expert advice to support this or not?
4. I'd love an Octavia Scout but am put off by costs of servicing European cars (I currently drive a Lexus IS and pay Euro prices despite the Japanese build!) and what I've heard about depreciation. Any thoughts?
Thank you so much!

ABayliss

Probably the wagon that's currently most popular, easy to live with, nice to drive, has a reputation for reliability and maintaining its value would be the Mazda6/Atlenza.
The Avensis is also extremely popular, although the D4 engine can have issues with carbon/choking up as they get a bit older.
The Mondeo is an excellent car to drive, but as they age, maintenance and reliability seems to be an issue.
The Octavia is also an excellent driver's car, but as the brand is still not considered mainstream, so you're probably right about depreciation.
Chain drive is preferable as they don't require replacing every few years as belts do, however given that the replacement interval is usually every 100,000km or so, it's not a major cost per km, but will usually cost around $1k when it comes time to do it!
As to your question between auto and manual, there's not usually a great deal of difference in fuel economy, with the difference usually being minimal so I wouldn't let economy dictate an auto/manual purchase decision. In fact, some modern autos (DCT/DSG etc) are more fuel efficient than manuals.
While there's less to go wrong with a manual, an auto is easier to live with, particularly if you do much driving in traffic. While an auto may be easier to tow with (when taking off from standstill etc), a manual will do the job equally well, and from what you've described, you're only towing a light trailer, not a big heavy boat/caravan etc, so either will be fine.
A good, well kept NZ new car with a full service history would be my preference, but I wouldn't rule out an import that's in nice condition either. You're likely to pay slightly more for NZ new and the Mazda6 generally has more safety features/airbags than an Atenza.
So, all things considered, a good low mileage NZ New Mazda6 would seem to be the car which would probably meet all your criteria. Auto would be my preference if doing much driving in traffic.

rarose

thank you SO much!

rarose

I've done a lot of research and test driving since I posted my first question! I've ruled out diesels and manuals. Also the Mondeo -- bigger and thirstier than I need. (I preferred it to the Mazda 6 though, which I was underwhelmed by and I've been warned the suspensions can be problematic). I was about to organise final mechanical checks on a 07 Avensis, freshly imported, 96,000 kms, immaculate condition -- despite all the motoring press panning them as boring and ordinary. Safety and reliability are key considerations, not high performance driving. But I'd somehow overlooked that it's a D4 engine. I've just been talking to the parts manager at my local Toyota dealership and he warns (like you did) that they give more trouble as they get older and that diagnosis can be an issue because the engine is not that common in NZ (Toyota's D4 apparently only turns up in imports -- all the Avensis it seems, and some Ravs and Coronas?) so the mechanics are not familiar with them. My plan was to find a suitable car and keep it for 10 years, so reliability and servicing it well into the future are key issues.

I'm kinda gutted because if I rule the Avensis out, I have no other options. I would like fuel economy of 8l/100km or less. I've driven a Ford Focus and am not interested and I just can't see another option unless I go with an imported Corolla Fielder which will still be light on the safety features I'm after (ie only the very latest models are decently equipped with air bags; the 5-8 yr old ones have only two).

Thinking sideways, I did test drive a 07 Toyota Blade (the 2.3, not the V6!) hatch today. Bit small on the cargo end but fun to drive and perfectly suited to the majority of the time when I'm not carrying a load but just scooting around town. That's a Camry engine and CVT but new enough not to be a problem?

Aargh, I need to make a good choice so I don't have to do this again for another decade!

ABayliss

At the end of the day, you need to be happy with what you buy. Also, there's no such thing as a car without any potential problems, so I'm not sure I'd avoid a Mazda6 due to potential suspension problems, but if you don't like it - don't buy it.
Obviously, the Blade is very much out of left field, and I think the CVT is more of the earlier generation, so not sure I'd recommend it.
As for the Avensis, while Toyota D4 engines (particularly earlier ones) do cop a bad rap, maybe this one being relatively late model, and with the VVTI, it may not be as high a risk as its reputation may suggest. Although the manufacturer says this engine can run on 91, sources I've spoken to say it runs cleaner on 95 - so maybe that has something to do with the problems too? So perhaps it could still be worth considering.
As for your 8L/100km, you may be lucky to achieve that in real world terms with any of these cars, although you may come close.
A 1.8 Corolla Wagon could still be a good option - I believe some of the NZ New ones may have side airbags, but would need to check.
Otherwise, I'm running out of options.
Perhaps an Accord, otherwise a small SUV/Crossover type vehicle, although they tend to retain their value well.
I'll put my thinking cap on, and may come up with some other suggestions tomorrow..

rarose

Given I just couldn't find a car that fit all my criteria, I am thinking to buy something cheaper and older without all the safety features I wanted and run it for a couple of years -- then prices will have dropped on some later model vehicles and I'd look at a Fielder or Octavia. I'm considering a Nissan Avenir, which come in a 1.8l, four star fuel rating. Will have to travel to test drive one, guessing they were only available as imports and there's not a heap for sale. They're cheap, I'd find one for less than $5K. Any comments on this car? I am not familiar with Nissans but in asking around they seem to have a good rep for reliability.
The other possibility is a MPV! I don't need 7-seats but with the back two rows down, there is a LOT of room. Is this a real alternative to a station wagon or I am being ridiculous to consider this? It seems the Toyota Wish is built on a Corolla platform, which appeals. The Honda Stream is another alternative. Grateful for any advice, cheers

ABayliss

The 1.8 Avenir would be fine - but beware of the 2.0 litre as they have a CVT transmission. The same applies to the Wish - 1.8's are the same running gear as the Corolla, but 2.0 litre models have CVT transmission and D4 engine.
Some Stream models also have CVT.
In all, for a low priced wagon, of those you've mentioned, you shouldn't go far wrong with a 1.8 Avenir.