Ask an expert
![MareeO](themes/aaAle/images/interface/profile-pic-placeholder.47cf740a.png)
We recently viewed a 2006 Nissan Tiida in good condition and passed A.A check. Mileage 33000. The thing I wondered about is that for the handbrake it has a foot pedal which my husband and I have never used a car with this before. Is this type of car reliable and are you able to make any comments re the handbrake foot pedal. Any comments on the benefits and disadvantages of this type of vehicle. Price $12,000. What about fuel consumption?
![ABayliss](themes/aaAle/images/interface/profile-pic-placeholder.47cf740a.png)
The Nissan Tiida has been a good reliable vehicle for Nissan. The foot operated parking brake is something you soon get used to, and has been successfully used for many years by Mercedes-Benz and some BMW models among others.
Fuel consumption is quoted by Nissan to be between 7.2L/100km and 7.6L/100km depending on model, but be prepared for a little higher than manufacturer's figures in real world conditions.
Overall, the Tiida enjoys a good reputation and this price seems very fair given the low kms.
![ABayliss](themes/aaAle/images/interface/profile-pic-placeholder.47cf740a.png)
That's stretching the truth a bit, but I know what he is saying.
Some CVT transmissions are programmed with stepped ratios to try to simulate conventional transmissions. So, a CVT can sometimes appear to have similar characteristics as a conventional automatic, but a conventional automatic cannot be a CVT.
There are an enormous amount of Tiidas being imported as used imports from Japan at present - the number 1 import for last month. However, most of the imports seem to have CVTs. To my knowledge, all NZ New Tiidas had a conventional 4 speed auto which had a better reliability record.
![ABayliss](themes/aaAle/images/interface/profile-pic-placeholder.47cf740a.png)
Sorry if my previous post wasn't clear. If this car is NZ New it should be 4 speed automatic - not CVT.
The salesman/manager was not correct in saying a 4 speed auto can be a CVT, although the opposite on some models is possible. (ie; some CVTs can be mapped to simulate 4 ratios - but theyre not proper 4 speed automatics).
I don't think you have anything to worry about with this car, as it sounds like it is a conventional 4 speed auto - but maybe the salesman isn't technically minded and got himself confused?