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I'm in the market to purchase a replacement vehicle and have a couple of questions for you please:

1. If I purchase a car that has just come in from Japan and gone through compliance etc (so I would be the first NZ owner), would you still recommend an AA Check?

2. Toyota Ist 2002-2003 v Chevrolet Cruze 2002-2004 - your thoughts appreciated

Rochelle

from the "Ask Jack" archives - 12 March 2010

Asking about the need for a pre purchase inspection is a very good question.

Used imports go through a very thorough and invasive inspection as part of the official compliance programme.

What is good about the process is the fact that structurally the car is examined thoroughly and safety items such as brakes must meet an approved standard.

What is not required to be checked however, is the mechanical condition of items such as engine, transmission and driveline.

In other words a used import can pass the compliance inspection, be registered and warranted but still have a major mechanical problem.

If you buy from a Licensed Motor Vehicle Trader (dealer) you are covered under the Consumer Guarantees Act however there are no time or distance limits and this warranty gets watered down over time.

A pre purchase inspection I believe, is a wise move in to help provide that extra peace of mind for potential buyers.

To be honest I don't know much about the Toyota IST apart from the fact it has a 1.3 litre engine (from what I have seen) so power wise it may struggle to meet your needs.

While Toyota are struggling at the moment in terms of bad press, the cars out of Japan have had a very good record for reliability and the IST should be no different.

The only used import Toyota I would avoid is any model fitted with the D4 lean burn engine.

The IST would still get my vote over a Chevrolet Cruze but you do need to treat every car on its individual merits.

Parts and service back up may be difficult for the Cruze in NZ.