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Hi,

We're looking at buying a smaller car - mostly for around town, but we would like to be able to go on longer trips once or twice a year. We're looking for something really reliable and economical ($6-8K).

We're currently looking at a Toyota Ractis 2008, 37K km, or a Mazda Demio 2007, 90K km.

What are the pros and cons of each? Anything in particular we should look out for? What are some of the other models in the same category we should consider?

Thanks in advance! :)

Hi there,
Both of these on paper are good choices, we have not received complaints for either lately.
There are a few similar choices like the Suzuki Swift, Mazda Axela, Toyota ist, Allex, Runx or Auris.
As they are imports, information is relatively had to come by and safety items can be a little less than a NZ new version. All the cars in this class from Japan seem to be unrated for NZ used car safety or seem to be a one-star. http://rightcar.govt.nz/find.html