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I'm starting the difficult process of finding the right car for me that will hopefully last for many years. My preference is a small SUV (eg Nissan Juke) because it is high and has a higher boot area making it easier to get gear (especially if heavy) in and out. But also a 1.5L Yaris is close. The Juke seems cheaper for the same year and mileage.

But I've been told by one person that an SUV is more technical so more chances of breaks and more expensive to maintain and service because of this.

Seems to me that all modern cars are full of technology. So is it true than an SUV is likely to be more expensive to maintain over the long run?

Also any thoughts on the Juke - getting lots of confusing messages, eg the yard sign says 5 star ANCAP rating. But one US consumer report gave it a big thumbs down for safety. Confused about timing chains versus timing (cam) belts? And the foam tyre repair kit instead of a tyre.

Hi there,
The new SUV style vehicle is divided into two classes on-road and off-road. The Juke and many like it would be classed as on-road and is pretty much a normal car with higher ground clearance. Off-road SUV's are generally 4wd and have extra components to give good off-road capabilities, thus more to maintain.
Each country has it's own models they receive and safety items as standard, NZ usually take a high spec grade and would be considered safe if it achieved a 5-star ANCAP rating. Most vehicles are full of technology and not necessarily more expensive in the long run. http://www.aa.co.nz/cars/motoring-blog/motoring-advice/engine-maintenance-cambelts-and-chains/
It is increasingly common to save weight by removing the spare tyre and running special run-flat tyres or the addition of a can of inflator/ sealer for a quick temporary remedy on the side of the road. Most people would just call road service instead of attempting it themselves.

Thank you - that helps me feel a little more confident with regards to my vehicle preference.

Except with regards to the tyre. It seems these days in Christchurch flat tyres are not unusual in some areas where there is so much construction still taking place. I've had two in the last 18 months. I might investigate the option of a wheel instead of the foam.

I can call road service, but wouldn't they need a tyre to change? I've heard if you just use the foam, when you take it in to repair they prefer to replace the tyre anyway?

Thank you

I guess it's up to the individual tyre companies and their preference, I would not image an item now becoming popular, would cause the tyre to need to be replaced just because of a small puncture. Road service can put the sealer in if you were not confident, or tow the vehicle to the nearest place for repair if required.