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I am about to trade in a 2008 Toyota Corrolla with 99000 kms and is just about to come out of its 3 year Signature warranty. Currently Toyota have a increased their warrantly up to 5 years which is think might be a good thing and a good time to trade in my car before it goes over the 100,000 km. I'm looking at two options and need your advice. Both are signature cars and ex rentals but from the car yard i bought from 3 years ago. I 'm happy with the corolla as its a bit higher off the ground as i live on a gravel road in the country and seem to do about 25,000 km . I also like the Madza but it does seem lower to the ground.
Option 1. One 2009 model is the lastest model with 9 airbags, stabiliy control and traction control but has 49000 kms. $22,400
Option 2. Still an 2009 but it must be an earlier model as it only has 4 airbags and no stability control, this seems to have the same specs as my existing 2008 model. The only attraction is that it only has 33000 km for the same money - $22,400
Could you give me your opinion - what ever option i would take, I would plan to keep it for the 5 years? Is a 5 year warranty a good thing?
Regards
Sue

With your current driving habits you should be looking for the safest car possible. You are exceeding the national average travelled per year (14K) by a reasonable margin as well as driving on gravel roads.

You are in fact the ideal candidate for a car fitted with Electronic Stability Control and multiple airbags.

In this case, I would definitely place safety over a lower odometer reading.

Any extended used car warranty is good especially if it is included in the asking price.

Have you considered a new vehicle? You can buy a brand new base model Suzuki Swift complete with Electronic Stability Control and muliple airbags for $19,990 (manual).

The Swift LTD with all the same safety features but a higher spec level is currently retailing for $23,500 (manual) and $24,990 (auto).