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I've been reading a lot of the comments on the AA site and want to steer clear of cars with CVT transmission. I need a small reasonably peppy car (Dunedin has a few steep hills). I had a 1995 Mazda Familia Neo and it was great but recently I let someone else drive it and they went over a steep edge and damaged the chassis (repairable but more than the market value so a write-off). Now I'm desperately looking for a cheap replacement but cheap doesn't seem to exist so I'm now looking at Toyota Platz 2005, 1.5 manual, 22,000km for $7,999; Mazda Demio 1998, 105,000km, 1300cc automatic, $3,499, Mazda Demio 2004, 76,000km, 1300cc automatic, $7,995; Mazda Demio 2005, 66km, 1340 automatic $7,999 and Mazda Demio 2005, 1340cc 5-speed, 60,000km, $8,995. Would the 2005 Mazda automatics be CVT? I was told the Toyota is chain driven but didn't ask about the 5-speed Mazda? I think the 2005 Mazda are Japanese imports. My question is which would you recommend and if I went for the 1998 one might I be buying trouble - cam belt etc? Also do you know of any issues with these cars? And do you think the asking prices (all dealers) are reasonable? And why would the 5-speed one with similar mileage and same year be $1,000 more than the automatic? I'm told the imports have been VINZ Compliance checked and that it's very thorough and wonder what extra an AA check would cover? Your advice will be very much appreciated. Thank you.
Hi there,
The Mazda Demio doesn't seem to list them as having a CVT transmission for around 2005.
Mazda doesn't have a many problems with transmissions in any of their vehicles lately and all seem to be very good, I don't have a problem recommending the Demio.
Cambelt driven engines are not usually big trouble, they just have a periodic replacement schedule generally at 100,000km. All imports get entry compliance inspections, the AA even carries compliance. An AA pre purchase inspection gives you an overview into the overall condition of the vehicle, not just the warrant safety items that are checked at entry compliance.
Thank you - very much appreciated.