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mheappey

Hi
Like many people I’m looking at getting rid of my trusty Mazda6 for a small car…dimensionally small aswell, my carport is tight so not just down to saving fuel

Is there a standout small hatchback sub $15k?
Also do you notice reliability differences between NZ new and imports?
I like the Honda Jazzs/Fit 2012 and newer. How do these hold up? Any difference in reliability between standard and Hybrid models?
Top of Agenda would be reliability (note I have no problem doing preventative maintaince like auto fluid changes etc just don’t want it to have endless faults big or small), then safety (bit harder in a small car I know), and then performance (I do drive on the open road at times , and like to have just a bit of guts to get out of tricky spots)

Perhaps any ones to avoid?
Cheers
Mitch

Anon

Hi we haven't had any negative reports about the more recent Honda Jazz, or Fit. The earlier Honda Fits seemed to have a transmission vibration on take off but in a model over 2012 you should be fine.
Hybrids are very on trend at the moment especially with the possible rebates from April 1st so the Honda fit hybrid and Toyota Aqua are well worth a look. The added torque from the electric drive means they are not as slow as you might think.
Imports offer good value for money if they are good quality of course you may want to get a PPI carried out before you buy to ensure it is a sound choice.

mheappey

Thankyou
Don't mind the Aqua however there seems to be a trend of them being stolen due to not having immobilizers? Im seeing people clamp there own Aquas around the city to deter theft. Is this quite common for Jap imports including the Fits to also not have immobolisers? One thing also, some come with key start, others with push button...since the Push button would need a transponder would this mean it would come automatically with an immoboliser?