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Hi there, We're looking to buy a small(ish) 1.5L runaround for around $5k. Should we be focused more on the age of the car or the mileage when all other factors are equal? We are currently looking at either a Toyota IST, a Mitsubishi Colt or a Nissan Tiida. Which of these would you rate the highest in terms of reliability and are there any others we should consider?

Hi there,
The Toyota ist would seem the best and most popular of these vehicles, with a Suzuki Swift, Toyota Vitz, or Mazda Demio as other options. Low mileage is usually more attractive with resale in mind and component condition.

Thanks. We hadn't considered Suzuki Swift because they seem a little too small and we were after at least a 1.5L engine. Do you think if we pushed our budget up to 7k it would make a big difference in the quality of the car/ driving experience or would we need to make a bigger jump to have any real impact?

Hi there,
Yes I think it might open up a vehicle that would be newer, or have less km's both of which is a good thing.