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I'm looking to buy a resonably nice looking wagon using my usual car buying criteria: Under 10 years old, under 100,000K's, under 10k. Admitedly it's a bit of a struggle and I may have to compromise somewhere. Could potentially go slightly outside of those parameters.
I've been getting reviews from the Dog and Lemon Guide. It's good to know what to watch out for. But I've bought 8 reviews and every car is either 'Dodgy', or just 'Okay'. The most stars is 3 out of 5. Mazda 6, Honda Stream, Toyota Avensis, Hyundai i40 and Mitsubishi Outlander were all 3 out of 5 stars, 'Okay, but avoid (something or other)'. The Outlander is 'It's Okay, but don't say we didn't warn you'. Yeah I feel real secure with the one!
Subaru Legacy, Ford Mondeo and BMW 3 series are all apparently 'Dodgy'.
The question is, do these guys actually recommend anything? Anybody else use this guide? I want something that looks OK, has good boot space - so either a wagon or a 7 seater with back seats that fold flat, 2008 or newer (07 is absolutely as old as I'll go), 1.8 - 2.0L, reasonable economy, reasonable reliability, under 10K, maybe 12k if it's really good. What would you guys recommend out of the cars listed? Or something else?
Hi there,
I feel your pain, I 'm not aware of many that use that guide.
There is always going to be a plus and a negative with any used vehicle, the key is to reduce the potential negatives.
The Mazda 6 I thought was a great choice, as is the 1.8 Stream. The Outlander was a good SUV 7-seater choice - My sister has the V6 and is happy with it.
Avensis with the FSI (D4) engine is not a good choice. I don't know much about the i40.
Legacy is a good AWD vehicle but not strong on fuel economy.
Would a 2.0L Legacy with 4WD instead of AWD be better for fuel economy?
With regard to the mitsubishi outlander,these are great vehicles.I have a 2014 model 2.4 .done only 30,000 kms. Recently hired the same vehicle in Australia which had done 155,000 kms, Seriously i could not notice any difference in the running the seat was as new for firmness and just a great drive. Dont think Subaru make a 4wd ithink they are all awd vehicles