Ask an expert

Hi, Im looking to upgrade my old nissan pulsar to a station wagon, less than 2.0L for me and my 3 kids. So I want economy, safety and reliability and maybe comfort? Kids want a 7 seater but im not bothered as long as i have a big space with the seats down. So Im wondering around the 2007-2009 years, if theyre all the same price and under 100,000kms, what is best between, Toyota Fielder/Corrolla 1500, Toyota Wish 1.8, Subaru impreza 15s 1500, Mazda Premacy 2.0...I would rather have a manual but they are scarce and Ive read that some automatics are rubbish? ie cvt single transmission? Ive never had an automatic but if i have to.....
Thanking you kindly for your wisdom,
Lisa

Hi Lisa,
The 7-seater wagons of this range tend to have no leg room in the rear most seats but are good for smaller family members. When not in use, the seats can be folded down and then you have a nice large boot space though.
Toyota Wish 1.8 (CVT) and Honda Stream 1.8 (conventional transmission) is popular. The Corolla Fielder is another good choice, as is the Impreza and Premacy (more fuel hungry though).
For safety ratings for imports we look at the used car safety ratings, which also can be hard to find some models. The Impreza 2007-2012 comes out on top at 5-star, Corolla wagon 2007-2015 3, with the Wish, Stream and Premacy un-rated. http://rightcar.govt.nz/find.html