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I'm looking for a medium sized 4-wheel drive station wagon/hatchback.

How does the Toyota Carib measure up, especially in regard to safety and fuel use?

Rhonda

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 23 September 2009

If the Carib fits into your price range then it certainly is a vehicle to be recommended. Mechanically they are very sound, reliable and are a very versatile vehicle.

The fuel consumption I would describe as average, you could expect to achieve around 8.5 litres per 100km on a mixture of urban and highway driving.

Safety wise, they are equipped with driver and passenger airbags only, but that is the norm for vehicles of this age.

The Carib's bigger brother the Caldina is another model to consider. It is available with either a 1.8 or 2.0 litre engine, two or four wheel drive, manual or automatic.

It consumes about the same amount of fuel but gives you a little bit more power and room. Safety features are about the same.