Ask an expert
Hello there,
I'd love to hear your comments on the below.
I'l looking to purchase a second car in the next weeks. What's important for me is boot space to fit our lots and lots of camping gear for long trips. That would be the main purpose for the car, plus the wife driving it from time to time around the city.
Security, reliability is important for me, and also something that is not much expensive to run. My budget would be 15K - give or take.
I was looking so far at three options so far (but happy to consider more): Toyota Wish, Toyota Avensis or Mazda 6/Atenza.
Regarding the Toyotas I'm aware of the basics, like CVT & D4 engine; and for the Wish to stay with the 1.8 model. Most of the newer models from 2009 or so appear to be fitted with CVT. Is this correct? Also there is a Valve Matic engine on some. Would you care to comment your views on this engine type?
As far as Mazda6/Atenza, I've been hearing lots and lots of good reviews here and there. As I understand, the Atenza is the import version and Mazda 6 would be the NZ one?
Also heard they are thirsty and not so cheap to run compared to the other options. Would this be true?
For any of the above options, would looking at < 100K be OK in terms of reliability & maintenance? I also looked at the SUV range but struggle to find something at that price range with < 100K on the clock.
Thank you very much for your time!
Hi there,
It is a tough choice in this vehicle bracket and with cvts and direct injection fairly common for giving problems in this year period.
Most problems however have been sorted or too new to give problems from 2010 on.
Maybe try looking at a Honda Stream, Accord/ Euro. Subaru Legacy/ Forester.
The Atenza/6 have a larger engine and thus uses more fuel, the Subarus with 2.5 engine would be similar.
Cvt rules out the Avensis and the Wish. As does the Corolla Fielder.
For km's if you allow a vehicle to travel 10-15k per year as a guidline of what is a good amount. 100k is uaually when a large service/ cambelt is required so people would sell before getting all the fluids, belts changed. So keep that in mind when looking around this km. Ask if they have had the cambelt replaced yet, if the vehicle has one.
Thanks much Cade for your response!
I'll look into the Honda. Subaru I prefer to avoid them. I've seen Wish having VTTI in models 2005 or so... would that be a fair trade off? I also saw one with 30+K... could that even be possible? 2005 model with only 30K? Would that be something to be wary about?
Do the Wish and Avensis come with cambelt? I heard that's not the case for the Atenza/6.
Thanks much!
Good morning,
VVTi is common in most late model engines now, I'm not sure that there are too many that give problems. The Avensis and Wish 1.8 1AZ-FE and 1AZ-FSE engines are both chain driven. It is still possible to get a Japanese import that has hardly been used, however an inspection should uncover if there has been any damage and repairs, also a odo certification in Japan before arrival here is also a good check of how accurate the mileage is.