Reliable hatchback for $6k?

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#1446700 9-Dec-2015 19:49

Gassing for a VW GTI after a test drive. Drove one 10 years ago when I bought my 3rd AMG, of course it seemed lame in comparison, but now compared to the other hatches, its pretty nice to drive. $2k premium though.

Surprisingly the Mazda 2 4 door doesnt look bad either. Havnt driven one.

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#1446707 9-Dec-2015 20:11

I got a 2000 Suzuki Swift for my sister this week for $4900 with 64K. Gets an AA check tomorrow at 1pm, was owned by a little old lady (Literally). Pretty happy with that!

TeaLeaf

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#1446709 9-Dec-2015 20:16

i had a swift for long commutes in OZ, was doing 90 minutes freeway each way, surprisingly peppy and comfortable and i put well over 150kkm on it, no break downs.

because its a 2000 she wont have to do the 6 month warrant? when will this update, surely at some stage it will become 2005, 2006 etc ?

i got a talk going on over a VW gti with 75kkm on it for circa $7k.

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#1488178 9-Feb-2016 16:28

Found a nice corolla, 2008 65K $7000. NZ NEW.

The problem Im worried about with our car is the timing belt, its going to be due in 30-40kkm. Probably 20kkm before these new tyres need replacing.

Not sure, maybe keeping it for another 20kkm might get more value as long as WOFs dont find anything new. Damn the car is almost new haha.

Had oil change and filter on weekend, and had subaru tech do a proper flush and refill with one of those fancy filter things that fit on the radiator and air bleeds out a little tube with any coolant back into the coolant while they massage the pipes. Did a good job. Sitting at middle As usual.

TeaLeaf

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#1593529 16-Jul-2016 13:17

Just opening this as the Mrs is now forced to buy another hatch. Some clown has written off her car, he was uninsured, on the phone, failed to see 7 cars stopped at a major intersection red light. Hit her at full speed.

So basically what I have found is that all the japanse imports have CVT and non CVT options including the toyotas.

Id like to be able to find a NZ new Mazda 2 for a realistic price but most people want at least $3k more for their car than they end up selling for so you get rejected for months.

She wants to go with a VW. Now what should I influence her to, golf or polo, given it will be an auto. If golf 1.6 or 2.0. What are the main things to look for that go? Are they chain or cam belt?

I have to admit I preference is chain as I service our cars every 5000km.

She is also interested in a mini cooper but I have no knowledge of their reliability.

I aso like the Mazda 3/Axela, but from what everyone says CVT transmissions are not reliable.

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#1593539 16-Jul-2016 14:23

TeaLeaf:

Just opening this as the Mrs is now forced to buy another hatch. Some clown has written off her car, he was uninsured, on the phone, failed to see 7 cars stopped at a major intersection red light. Hit her at full speed.

So basically what I have found is that all the japanse imports have CVT and non CVT options including the toyotas.

Id like to be able to find a NZ new Mazda 2 for a realistic price but most people want at least $3k more for their car than they end up selling for so you get rejected for months.

She wants to go with a VW. Now what should I influence her to, golf or polo, given it will be an auto. If golf 1.6 or 2.0. What are the main things to look for that go? Are they chain or cam belt?

I have to admit I preference is chain as I service our cars every 5000km.

She is also interested in a mini cooper but I have no knowledge of their reliability.

I aso like the Mazda 3/Axela, but from what everyone says CVT transmissions are not reliable.

I thought MF's V-Dub's DSG imploded ...

TeaLeaf

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#1593555 16-Jul-2016 15:46

shizer. i think there are 2 trans?

in the uk they consider them reliable.

what about the newer 1.3 or 1.5 suzuki swift? cheap parts and chain driven. not sure what kind of auto trans

TeaLeaf

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#1593595 16-Jul-2016 17:27

she can drive a manual just doesnt enjoy the stress on hills etc in the cities. trying to talk her into it, i imagine the costs are cheaper, blown trans vs a slipping clutch etc.

TeaLeaf

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#1593596 16-Jul-2016 17:27

she can drive a manual just doesnt enjoy the stress on hills etc in the cities. trying to talk her into it, i imagine the costs are cheaper, blown trans vs a slipping clutch etc.

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#1593653 16-Jul-2016 19:41

We are looking at buy a small $6k hatchback too

Suzuki Swift / Splash

Toyota Yaris / Ist

Honda Jazz

Mazda 2 / Verisa

HTPC / Home automation (home assistant) enthusiast.

TeaLeaf

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#1593680 16-Jul-2016 20:24

i thought the mazda 2 import was the demio?

ive read the toyota avalon auto trans used in the corollas and other toyotas is the most reliable, truth or fiction im not sure.

TeaLeaf

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#1593851 17-Jul-2016 12:23

Is the vitz a good car? Is it like the Echo in Australia?

I presume its not a cvt gearbox?

linw

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#1593899 17-Jul-2016 13:34

Wife's got a Swift. It's a great little care to drive.

Gilco2

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#1593903 17-Jul-2016 13:51

TeaLeaf:

Is the vitz a good car? Is it like the Echo in Australia?

I presume its not a cvt gearbox?

Vitz Echo and Yaris all same depending on market sold in. Echo has boot in most markets. Also available with manual, conventional automatic or CVT. In these dont be put off by the cvt, they are reliable unit. But if you concerned then just look around for conventional auto.

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#1594001 17-Jul-2016 15:52

oh the way people talk about CVTs or DSGs it sounds like they all break down, maybe im misinformed.

yes i like the swift. does your wife have the 1.3 or 1.5? i thought a 1.3 auto might not be enough grunt.

we really like the i30 but way out of our price range.

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