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After having our citroen stolen we need to buy a used car, we definitely don't want to get a European one again as the parts were too expensive. We are about to have our first baby so have been looking at a station wagon or a decent hatchback. Fuel economy is important as is reliability, we don't want any frightening bills. Style is the bottom of the list! We have been looking at the Nissan Wingroad and Subaru Impreza but have read less than positive things about both of them. Our budget is around $6500. Ideally we would like to get a Toyota but can't seem to find one within our budget. We think the car should be no older than 2001 and no more than 150,000km, and NZ new. A big ask? Would be great to get your suggestions. Thanks Zoe

Your focus is correct however your budget is going to make things difficult.

The Toyota Corolla wagon or hatch would do the job but they hold their prices so well and you often end up paying more than you should simply to get the badge.

A couple of other options to consider that will fit within your age/price range are the Nissan Pulsar hatch or a Honda Civic hatch.

Try and stick with your NZ new preference.