What car should we get? HELP ME! Very strict criteria!

[fraseyboy]

Our car is around 10 years old right now, so we reckon its about time we got a new one.

Our current car is a 1997 Ford Mondeo, and while it is quite a nice car, it costs alot ($500 upwards) every time it needs repairing (alot of the time) which is far too much. We think this is because the parts are hard to source because the car is not Japanese assembled, and instead its European assembled. This is what people tell us anyways.

What we want is something not too big (Not like a Falcon) but not too small (Not cut-off on the back like a Ka or a Matrix) which is VERY comfortable, very reliable, very safe and very cheap to repair with easy-to-source parts and stuff (easy to source in New Zealand...)

At the moment, we are looking towards Toyota's as they are known to be very reliable and everyone knows them. But, if there is something really good in a different brand we will get that instead.

So whats a good car that meets all of the criteria?

 

[nkoulban]

If you are looking for quality and reliability Toyota is at the top of the list. Every time JD Power dies its quality and reliability survey Toyota and Lexus (a toyota brand) dominate the top ten... always.

Toyotas I must say are mostly boring to look at in side and out, look and feel plasticky and tinny compared to the Euros... but they work. The new Toyotas are even better in that they have ditched rubber timing belts for chains that last the life of the car.

My advice is a Toyota is a good choice (the head not the heart)

 

[arnoldsoccer4]

Volkswagens are known for being very quick and easy to repair. Passat maybe?

 

[fraseyboy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nkoulban /img/forum/go_quote.gif If you are looking for quality and reliability Toyota is at the top of the list. Every time JD Power dies its quality and reliability survey Toyota and Lexus (a toyota brand) dominate the top ten... always. Toyotas I must say are mostly boring to look at in side and out, look and feel plasticky and tinny compared to the Euros... but they work. The new Toyotas are even better in that they have ditched rubber timing belts for chains that last the life of the car. My advice is a Toyota is a good choice (the head not the heart)

Yeah I heard that. The driver (mum) is heading towards Toyota, but I reckon they're kinda boring. I want something that does something cool, like a refrigerated glovebox or something similar lol.

Quote:

Originally Posted by arnoldsoccer4 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Volkswagens are known for being very quick and easy to repair. Passat maybe?

VW is way too expensive. Our budget is under $20,000NZD ($14,000USD) and you can't get a Passat for that much used. We are looking for something used between 2004 and 2006 preferably with a good amount of K's (like under 50,000km)


I guess if Toyota is good, we should go for it... But they just seem so bland. They aren't the cheapest either. What about Honda? Honda's seem nice. Whats a good model?

 

[The Pieman]

Toyotas are boring but they are very reliable and generally not to expensive to service. The other brand that is good is Subaru. Again reliable and perhaps a bit more of a drivers car than a a Toyota. If you can pick up a reasonable 2nd hand Liberty (aka Legacy) you might be on a good thing. They are about the same size as a Mondeo.

 

[fraseyboy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Pieman /img/forum/go_quote.gif Toyotas are boring but they are very reliable and generally not to expensive to service. The other brand that is good is Subaru. Again reliable and perhaps a bit more of a drivers car than a a Toyota. If you can pick up a reasonable 2nd hand Liberty (aka Legacy) you might be on a good thing. They are about the same size as a Mondeo.

the Legacy looks nice... I like all the cool features inside! It looks really comfortable too. I like comfort

Only problem is, the cheapest ones I can find are in the $30,000-$40,000 bracket, alot over budget.

I guess I'll just have to stick to the less interesting brands, like Hyundai, Honda and Toyota.

What about the Toyota Corrola? It's cheap, and looks OK as well.

 

[fraseyboy]

Bump?

 

[ken36]

Toyota is the best.

 

[DocHamm]

Toyota has a solid reputation. Since my Jeep was crumpled from the rear two years ago, I have been in the market for a new vehicle myself. I have examined and test driven the Scion Xb, and let me tell you, it is wonderful! My husband hated them, until he sat in one. Since then we have taken five other people to check them out with us and two of them are seriously considering trading in their old Subaru for one! I hope they are available for you to at least see and try. Thus far, my only other choices have been a Crysler PT Crusier or another Jeep. But the Xb beats them hands down on comfort, space and mileage. And having an iPod dock option isn't bad either! Good luck!

PS.. And they are VERY reasonably priced!

 

[3x331m]

When I was back in college, one of my part-time job in the weekends, working for my brother, was dealing used cars.

IMHO, Honda and Toyota are more reliable and tend to have very high re-sale value, in general. You won't have problem sourcing maintenance or replacement parts on these brands. You can get them off the web, too.

If you're looking at new cars, the Toyota latest are not that boring at all. I really like the new Camry. Oops.... I dont' know what they call Camry in NZ.

Good luck.

 

[shoenberg3]

The new Hyundais are still significantly cheaper than Toyotas but have really caught up in quality and reliability. In my opinion, they look better than Toyotas too.

 

[Lowfront]

I don't know what she'll think of this but I got a toyota yaris over the summer and it has been amazing to me. Cheap, Reliable, great mpg, fun car.

I get average 36mpg.

 

[Zuerst]

and Honda

 

[Gravitas]

I'd look into a used Honda Accord (I'm assuming they call them Accords in NZ). Very reliable of course, and Honda is currently at the top for resale value. You can't go wrong with Toyota either, but Hondas are much easier to buy IMO. Typically it's either the LX or EX trim, and do you want navigation? That's all you need to think about. Other makers have Package 1, 2, 3, etc..oh, and if you want package 2, you also have to include Package 4. Kind of annoying to figure out exactly how you want it configured and then try to find that exact car.

Don't recommend Hyundai. The wife drives an '05 Tucson. Fit and finish is nice, price is tempting, but the engine still needs refinement. They've come a long way, but not quite to the level of Honda/Toyota yet.

 

[toomtaam]

Toyota is a good choice IMO.