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Hi there,

I am looking at station wagons around the $7k mark.

I'm having trouble deciding between a
2005 Mazda Atenza - 107k kms,
2004 Honda Accord (2L) - 31k kms,
2005 VW Golf - 90k kms,
2005 Toyota Avensis - 115k kms,
2004 Toyota Caldina - 54k kms.

I think I'm leaning more towards the Mazda, but the Honda Accord has only 31000kms on it and I'm not sure which is the best one. They are all reasonable to drive.

Is there a big difference in the Honda and the Mazda in terms of reliability? Or is it more a matter of preference?

Thanks.

Hi there,
For me the deciding factor between the Mazda and the Honda would be the km's
the lower the better. However both are great cars, a hard decision.

Thanks for the reply Cade.

Do you know of any particular reasons not to get the Mazda?

With the lower kms, is the Honda more likely to hold its value?

Also, would you mind sharing your general opinion on the other cars?

Thanks.

I have no reasons not to get the Mazda.
I think the Honda would hold value for longer due to low km's providing the condition reflects this. Mazdas are initially priced higher but km's would dictate this.
I'm not convinced on the Avensis, they are a great size and style, however I have heard a few people experience engine troubles in the 2ltrFSE, so I would get the 1.8ltr.
Toyota Caldina are another great choice, again the 1.8 would be preffered over the 2.0 FSE engine.
The Golf is a car I like, but have unfortuntely have heard of issues that could be experienced that would make it my last choice, both with engine and transmission.
But this would depend on type of engine and transmission combination.
Like any car , they may not all give trouble.