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annette.vB

Hi, I've looked carefully in the past week for a first car for my son that is long enough to sleep in but economical to run. I really like Toyota Fielders, as based on a reliable Corolla engine, but most in our price range (under $5.5k max) have mileage over 120,000km. So instead, I have found an under 60k 2007 Toyota Airwave for under $5k. But in previous posts here, you have not recommended Airwaves due to concerns over unreliable CVTs in early model Fits/Jazz/Airwave. Thoughts? Is a low mileage Airwave worth driving for 5 more years, hopefully trouble free then trading up? Or can you recommend an alternative small station wagon in his price range? Thanks in advance.

Anon

Hi there,
The vehicle you mentioned have received a higher portion of complaints as Hondas (Airwave) and Nissan transmissions went through a phase where they required attention in some cases. Not all are bad and it pays to have a vehicle thoroughly checked before purchase and may need some general servicing after purchase. Bare in mind that the vehicles that fit this description are 14 years old and so have generally had their most trouble free life.