Ask an expert
Given the current economic market we have been considering upgrading two workhorses and would appreciate some advice.
1. Family car is a 1998 Subaru GTX, which has served us well but at 167,000kms we feel that now might be an opportune time to sell. We bought this car because of its safety features; the brand is not necessarily what we would look to purchase now if you could advise a preference.
We do some out of town travel but not regularly. We saw a current model "diesel" Subaru on a fore court...what are your thoughts?
2. Our second vehicle was an opportune buy, a one owner Suzuki Swift, 1992, with 60,000kms on the clock which we bought five years ago for the kids to learn to drive in but we think it is also time to improve the safety features of this vehicle.
Can you advise please. Would a newer model suffice?
Julie
From the "Ask Jack" archives - 1 October 2009
The diesel Subaru has only just been released to the NZ market and it has had some very good reviews. Safety has always been a top priority for Subaru and the diesel carries on that tradition.
The advantage of diesel is the fuel economy, current pump price, low emissions and fantastic low down engine torque. In layman's terms this means the pulling power at low revs is superior than that of petrol.
Downsides are engine noise, you have to pay separate Road User Charges, increased registration costs and maintenance can be more frequent and cost more. In general diesels really come into their own if the total distance travelled each year exceeds around 20,000kms. The Subaru diesel is only available with a manual transmission which may or may not concern you.
Mazda currently have a fantastic range of cars which I strongly suggest you have a look at. The Mazda6 comes as a sedan or hatch and the Mazda3 which is currently on run-out has been a top seller for many years. The smaller Mazda2 was the AA's small car of the year in 2008. If you purchase new or low mileage used, the servicing is also covered by Mazda NZ for 3 years (from new) or a set amount of services.
The current Suzuki Swift is currently NZ's best selling small car and is a great looking sporty vehicle. Their other great selling point is the number of models available. The base model Swift is currently around the $18,000 mark which is fantastic buying for a new car.
It's hard to ignore Toyota as well. They have a product range to suit every possible lifestyle and have always been keen on discounting to achieve a sale.
The Hyundai i30 is the AA's car of the year and is a fantastic vehicle which highlights the Korean maufacturer is now equal to the Japanese and Europeans in terms of quality and reliability. This model comes as a petrol or diesel.
If you were keen to update both vehicles I would be visiting the new car dealers in town and trying to negotiate a trade-in deal for both.
The 92 Swift still has plenty of life left, but if safety is a priority then it does not measure up in comparison to the newer small cars available today.