Ask an expert

Firstly – sorry this post is basically a whole load of questions! But I hope answers might be useful to others as I’m sure we are not the only ones in this situation.

We are wanting to buy a family station wagon. We have a sedan but are planning a second baby so we want to buy a wagon so we can transport two kids plus buggy plus other luggage/shopping without worrying about space. We don’t want a people carrier (looks, fuel consumption, insurance) or a Sports 4x4 (love the looks but fuel and insurance).

Economy (both fuel , insurance, servicing and repair) is really important. So I would have thought 1.8-2.1 engine. A decent level of comfort is obviously preferable, something akin to our current Honda Torneo.

We really want to spend $8-9,000 on vehicle under 10 years old and with the least mileage possible (I would assume approx 100,000). Do you think this is a reasonable target?

The Mazda 6 or Altenza seems ideal but just a bit too pricey.

The Honda Stream or Toyota Corolla Wagon seem to be the best to meet my target. Is there anything with either of these that I need to be aware of?

I also like the look of the Ford Mondeo or Peugot 307 – but are these a risk in terms of reliability and servicing/repair costs?

I also like the Toyota Caldina but these are a bit pricey so may have to be a slightly higher mileage – and I’ve read that these had their heyday pre-2000 - what are the 2002 and later models like? Should I steer clear of the models with lots of spoilers etc?

Are there any other wagons you would recommend? Sometimes I get lost amongst the plethora of models. I’ve always found Nissan reliable but am surprised there isn’t a model which fits my bill – say a Bluebird Wagon type model. The Honda Accord Wagon seems huge. Any views on Mitsibushi Legnum or similar?

Finally, is it always better to go NZ new - or are there some models which are particularly susceptible to problems when imported? I‘m slightly confused as the Atenza is often recommended but isn’t it an import? Will a NZ new always be more expensive?

Phew – opinions on some or all of these will be really helpful.

Firstly sorry about the delay in getting back to you.

Your price range will prove to be a very big challenge and is one which many people in the same position as yourself are struggling with.

I believe you are on the right track by identifying vehicles such as the Mazda6 and the Altenza.

They are very good chooses and if you could stretch the budget a little more they would tick a lot of boxes for you.

I would tend to avoid both the Ford and Peugeot as they can be high risk in your price range.

The Toyota Corolla is pretty much bullet proof reliability wise (providing a proven service history is available) but I wonder if you would struggle a little size wise with two children and all the gear associated with transporting them around.

The Caldina has been a great car over the years and still is however, the later models fitted with what is known as the D4 engine have developed a reputation for rough running and low speed engine surging issues which is proving to be almost impossible to overcome for some owners.

The Legnum would not be on my shopping list especially if fitted with a GDi engine which is similar in design to the D4 Toyota. They have had many problems over the years with a high build up of carbon in the engine intake tracks which can be very expensive to remove.

Most of the Accord wagons will high km’s can very expensive to maintain while a repair to the automatic transmission is a scary thought.

For me it would be the Mazda or Toyota. The Honda Stream would also be worth a look. .

Hope it helps.