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Hi, I'm a lady in the market for a second hand car. My preference leans towards a People Mover or SUV type vehicle, either 7 or 5 seater, including the following low mileage makes and models currently available in the market:
1) Mitsubishi Grandis Sports 2006 or Sports E 2007
2) Mazda Premacy 20S or 20CS 2007+
3) Toyota Ipsum or Blade 2008+

I note that there is negative comment around vehicles with continuous variable (not sure if it is timing or transmission), and I also do not know whether VVTI/ VVT-i is a good or bad thing.

Basically, what I need to know is what to avoid in terms of mechanical parts/systems as I really cannot afford to incur expensive technical problems in the future with whatever vehicle I purchase.

Any advice you may be able to give me would be greatly appreciated. Also if there is any vehicle that is not in the list above that you feel I should perhaps consider I would valuable hearing about that too.

Thanks.

Hi there,
VVTi is pretty much a standard fitment on a modern vehicle now, but CVT transmissions were know have the potential for trouble with some manufacturers more than others.
Honda and Nissan have received the most attention pre 2010 for shuddering complaints.
There are a few popular options like the Honda Stream 1.8ltr, Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda Premacy, and Toyota Ipsum, and Corolla Fielder, Auris, RunX or Allex.