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Hi - I am looking at buying a new car. I'm currently looking at either:
Toyota Corolla GX hatch (petrol), 2016, 96,000km
OR
Toyota Corolla Fielder hybrid, 2013, 119,000km, with upgraded head unit (backing camera, bluetooth etc)
Approx. same price (around $15k)
Reliability/ low ongoing running costs (esp. maintenance but also fuel) is high priority. I need something I can load child plus camping gear in/ luggage to travel up the country (Wellington to Hamilton) to see family about 3x/year. I need a tow-bar on it to carry a (hired, braked) trailer with garden green waste to tip 10 mins down the road about once/month and potentially collect a 1m3 load of mulch on the way back. Possibly about once/yr I'll need to tow something (eg. chest of drawers or double mattress) a bit further - like 30-60mins. One day I dream of buying a small caravan (900kg or under braked) but unlikely this will be before a year or two and I may then be looking at upgrading to something with better towing capacity anyway.
I know the Fielder hybrid is not officially rated for towing but have read that there is an 'unofficial' rating of about 450kg unbraked, up to 1000kg braked - similar to the Toyota Corolla hatch (petrol).
I'm aware that hybrids need battery replacement, usually around 8 years, and will be having the dealer check this out when they put it through the workshop and take account in cost comparison.
I've test-driven the Corolla hatch but not yet been in the Fielder. My thinking is that the Fielder as a wagon will offer a bit more cargo space, and as a hybrid will be cheaper to run - and possible higher resale possibilities in 3-5 years given fossil fuel vehicles seem to be on their way out. I'm wondering however if the age of the Fielder, especially with fast-changing hybrid technology will be a disadvantage. I'm also wondering whether it really will have the towing capacity. Any advice on which choice will be better for me?
Hi there,
The average age of the vehicle fleet in NZ is quite old and I imagine a 2013 vehicle is still quite modern and would be in demand for a few years yet.
The biggest difference between the two cars is the engine size as the Corolla is 1.8ltr and the Fielder is 1.5ltr and with the hybrid technology could seem even more underpowered if towing.
Thanks Cade, this is helpful!