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Hi,

My car got signed off recently and I'm looking for a car to buy. I have few options but all of them has got a problem so it's very hard for me to make a decision. I really appreciate if someone can help/advice me on what to choose. Below are my options and what I think about them (ordered by preference. Least preferred one first)

Nissan Skyline 2010+ : Fuel Hungry, Low ground clearance
Toyota Mark X 2010+ : No Electronic Stability Control so no more cars coming to NZ after March 2018. Dangerously skidding.
Holden Cruze CDX : Maintenance cost is high. No second hand market.
Toyota Sai Hybrid 2011+ : Too much electronics. I'm afraid if something fails driving could go wrong.

I know the options of Mazda 3 etc. and Honda Civic, accord etc. But I'm not a fan of Honda and Mazda.

Having driven Toyota Premio I'm after the same or more luxuriousness. I prefer millage to be below 60K and year to be above 2009.

I know I may have sounded like the most pickiest person in NZ. If someone can give me some options/advice/help on deciding which car to buy, I would be really grateful!

Hi there,
How about a European vehicle, like BMW 3-serries, VW Golf, or Audi A4? Plenty of comfort and power, plus they are great to drive.
Maybe even look into Lexus models?
Toyota Aurion or Avensis may even be worth a look.

Thanks a lot for your response Cade!

Isn't European vehicle like BMW, VW Golf, Audi expensive to maintain?

Toyota Aurion is again fuel hungry and I couldn't find any new Avensis. Will keep looking for Lexus though.

BTW would you know anything about Toyota Sai in terms of maintenance cost and any known problems? Anything I should be aware of when going to such a car with lots of electronics?

Thanks again.

Hi there,
Apparently the Sai wasn't that popular. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Sai
However, as with most imports, we do not really hear many complaints because of the small number here.
Yes aging European cars can cost a bit to maintain, but to some the positives outweigh the negatives.

Thank you. Was looking at an Audi A4 and it seems like the ground clearance for that one is pretty low (lower than nissan skyline).

So I'm back to Nissan Skyline and thinking of buying a 2009-2010 model.

Could you please advice me whether it's a good car and is there anything I should be aware of before buying that car?

Also, I saw a inifinity as well. Is there any difference other than the logo?

I have heard expensive transmission stories in the Nissans, but it might be best to chat to a transmission specialist about it to confirm.
Infinity is to Nissan as Lexus is to Toyota - More Luxury.

Hi,

I called AutoTrans in the Eden terrace and they said they very rarely get a nissan skyline to repair. I guess there's nothing else I should be aware of?

Nissan's are generally a well engineered vehicle, aside from what I heard about the transmissions they seem a great vehicle.