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AugustineChen

Hi, my family is looking to replace our ageing MPV with a newer one. We're considering either a 2013 Mazda Premacy (skyactiv) vs 2013 Toyota Previa. We don't know much about them. Would you be able to advise the reliability of both these 2013 model as to their reliability, and safety? They've both done ~100 000km. The previa is an ex-fleet up for auction while the premacy is an import.
Is there a problem buying an import like the Premacy compared to the nz new Previa? Is it a good idea to buy from a dealer that is from a different city if the model is not available where we are? Please advise and thank you for your help.

Anon

Hi there,
Both vehicles are quite different, the NZ new Previa has a 4 star ANCAP rating, 8seats, and a 7-speed CVT transmission. Toyota a generally very reliable and have a good name. You can possibly even locate the NZ service history, whereas you may not know with an import.
The Import Mazda, as a brand make fantastic vehicles and are possibly even better than Toyota lately. It has 7 seats, and a 4-speed conventional automatic transmission which is a plus. However there are not really any specs to find, and no ANCAP or used car safety rating.
The two transmission types are quite different in operation and need to be driven to decide which feels better.
Buying a vehicle from a dealer in another location is not normally an issue but it is recommended to get the vehicle pre purchase inspected before buying.