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Hi, with our trusty Avensis having bitten the dust, it's come time to upgrade. We're ok with going smaller, but not smallest. Looking to pay around $15k, wanting no older than 2015. Looking at Corolla, Baleno, similar size. Anything in this arena worth a look/not to be touched?

Hi there,
Most 3-4 year old normal vehicles you really can't go too wrong, I recommend looking at ANCAP safety specs and buy a 5-star if you can. There is the Corolla, Kia Cerato, Hyundai i30, Honda Jazz, Mazda 3, and then European if you are interested VW Golf, Audi A3, BMW 1-Series. Or Small SUV, Hyundai ix35, BMW X1, Honda CRV/HRV, Mazda CX5

Thanks for that, gives a few more ideas . A few specific vehicles to ask about: Ford Ecoboost, SSangyong Tivoli and Korando-yes/no? Any major flags for/against?

I would steer clear of Ford's Power shift transmission fitted to a lot of their vehicles, Fiesta and Focus and possibly the Ecosport. (Ecoboost is a Ford engine).
I've not heard much lately on the Tivoli or Korando.

Thanks, good to know that about the Fords. The list slowly narrows, as more potentials get eliminated!

Ok, next couple of questions:Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio-anything for or against on either of them? And on the Aussie import front:is it true that hail damage is cause for write-off due to cost of repair over there? So if one's been brought up to snuff and is being resold, on basis of hail damage only, should be a reasonably safe bet (subject to AA inspection, of course)?