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Hi, when buying a car, is the year more important or low kms, what is the reasonable kms for a year. I am currently driving a 1998 Volvo S40, I'm considering either a Toyota, Honda or Swift for fuel economy, What should I expect to buy for around $20,000 for the above make? Thanks

The aim should be to buy the safest and latest model your budget will allow. The average distance travelled per year is around 14,000 kilometres which is a good guide to work around.

High mileage vehicles can be well serviced but at the end of the day they have travelled the distance showing on the odometer so wear and tear needs to be considered.

For your budget you are in the market for a brand new Swift which comes fitted with Electronic Stability Control and airbags galore as standard.

A used Honda Accord Euro, Toyota Corolla or Mazda3 would fit within your budget also.

Thanks. I am interested and had test driven an auto 1.8 NZ new 2007 Honda Civic (37,000kms) asking $20,995 from a dealer. Is this a fair price? I have been offered only $1,000 for my 1998 S40 Volvo (170,000kms, Wof expiring this month, regn 3 months left, need 4 tyres and engine mount), is this fair? What should I offer them? Please help, your opinion is much appreciated. Thanks.

First up I think the trade-in value on the Volvo is about right. I'm sure the Dealer will only pass it onto a wholesaler who specialises in selling at the lower end of the market.

Honda's do tend to hold their price very well and the Civic is a great car (this one has very low km's) however, you would be paying the same amount of money for a second-hand vehicle as you could for a new one.

The all-new Suzuki Swift is roughly the same price and you would be getting new car warranty and a odometer starting at basically zero.