Ask an expert


Jude&Mike

Hi there,
I am thinking it is time to update my car. Currently I have a 2000 Ford Laser hatchback that has done 185,000 kms. It's been regularly serviced and goes well but it is getting old. What do you think?
I would like to get another hatchback and have seen a 2015 Honda Jazz RS, it's done 55,000 kms, price $14,950. Is this a good car? Do you have any other recommendations? I want a NZ new car and would like to stick to a manual, top budget would be $15,000.
Also if I go to a dealer and do a trade-in, what would be a fair price for the Laser?
Would appreciate any advice you have, thanks.

Anon

Hi there,
Now is a good time to change, the Laser would be worth only $1k to a dealer as a trade, you might get $1,500-$2,000 for it if you sold privately.
There are a few options, however you will be a bit limited if you specify manual transmission- most NZ new manuals are the basic "rental car or fleet" spec model. So you would see Toyota Corolla, Toyota Vitz, Kia Cerato to name a few.

Jude&Mike

Thanks Cade.

What do you think of the Honda Jazz?

Also I would be open to an automatic, so what options does that open up?

Anon

I've not heard any negatives on the later Jazz models (2010+), I believe they are quite well appointed. You have Mazda 2 or 3, Kia Cerato, Suzuki Swift or S Cross, Subaru Impreza, and Hyundai i20 to name a few hatches.

Jude&Mike

Thanks for the advice. Got bit more of an idea of what to look for.