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We would like to buy a second hand station wagon or AWD for our family of four. Main prerequisites are: Max $6,500, a reasonable height of ground for baby wrangling (lifting and twisting into carseats), good boot space, safety, and fuel consumption.

been having a look on trademe etc and like the look of the Subaru range e.g. legacy, forester, outback (most are imports in this price range, but happy to get AA check so fairly comfortable with this). We especially like the Subaru Forester due to additional height of ground for baby wrangling, and fairly good safety ratings (for the price, looking at 2000 - 2001 models). we realise that we don't want turbo! but the forester comes in 2.0 and 2.5L. is there much difference re: our prerequisites?

Also, what do you think of the forester compared with the other Subaru models we've listed, and can you suggest any other makes and models to take a look at?

thanks

The Forester is OK however we are always a little nervous with any Subaru that has travelled in excess of 140k’s.

Without a long and proven service history, you can end up with some very expensive repairs.

Cam belts, tensioners and water pumps are not cheap to replace and cooling systems should be kept in above average condition. And definetly avoid anything with a turbo.

You need to check out the insurance costs as well as Subaru is the most stolen brand of car in NZ (mostly used imports).

Fuel consumption has never been a strong point of the older Subaru’s either.

Other vehicles to consider are the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan X-TRAIL and possibly the Honda CRV.

Your budget may lead you to high mileage vehicles, so be very careful. Look for that long and proven service history even if it means paying a little more.

thanks! just one more query, if it hasn't got a long service record, could we rely on an AA inspection to pick up the problems you mention for older Subarus i.e. cam belt, tensioners, water pumps and cooling systems?

Yes and no.

The AA pre purchase inspection is a non invasive check of the vehicles mechanicals amongst other things. It will certainly highlight the obvious problems but it won’t be able to tell if, or when, the cam belt has been changed unless there is a label in the engine bay highlighting the fact.

A seller who can show you invoices of regular servicing or similar evidence, does provide added peace of mind.