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Hi there,
I need to buy a vehicle for myself and two babies, with 1 teenager occasionally along for the ride. I have around $8000. I'd prefer an SUV, I need reasonable boot space for pram etc. My requirements include safety and fuel efficiency. Would be great if it were fun to drive but I'd make that sacrifice for my other two priorities. I am in the country and drive the 15mins into town around 5x a week. I'm looking at the following models, Honda CRV and Rav 4. For my price range, the kms are fairly high and I'm looking at around 1998-2004. It worries me that the safety rating on the Rav 4s that Im looking at is quite low. What are your thoughts on these two, and is there anything I should be looking out for? Also, would the Caldina and Attenza be two other vehicles worth looking at? Any others?
Hi there,
All 4 vehicles you have listed are great vehicles. The safety ratings are good for the age of the vehicles. Newer vehicles have more air bags and occupant protection, hence higher ratings.
Within your guidelines i have seen, 02 Honda CRV 170km, 01 Toyota Rav4 110Km,03 Mazda Attenza Wagon 170km, and 03 Toyota Caldina 170km.
Engine size varies from 2-2.3Ltr.
The Suv's may be a better option in terms of size and room for prams ect.
The Rav is rated at 9.5ltrs per 100km Honda is 10ltrs/100km. So fairly close.
The key is to find the newest car with the lowest kms possible.
Thank you!
Hi again,
I have found a 1997 Honda CRV locally at $5300. It has low kms for the year of 125000. The owner has the original "odometer certificate of inspection" that is dated 11 Oct 2005 & was verified accurate at 59250Ks. It has been regularly serviced. It is below my budget which is great, is it silly to buy an older car? The Cambelt was done at 94500km in 2011. I will get an AA inspection, will it show up any issues? What should I be looking out for with a vehicle of this age?
Hi there,
No problem in buying an older vehicle as long as it is in tidy condition and well maintained.
This one appears to have both.
An AA pre purchase inspection is a good idea, and will tell you the overall condition of engine, drivetrain, cooling system, and suspension componants that are getting a bit old.
They should tell you of any possible issues or componants that may need attention soon.
I hear these cars a very reliable and rarely give problems.
Thanks so much for your help