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Our 1998 Toyota caldina has 256,000 on the clock and I am hoping to reach at least 300,000. However, as we do so many kms I am thinking ahead. I am a fan of the station wagons and have 2 main options, 2003-05 Nissan Primera or Toyota Caldina. However, I understand the Primera's can have problems with their CVT technolgy while the Caldina problems with the D4 engine and associated rough running and low speed engine surging. Just wondering what option is best (?), or should I be looking at a Mazda 6 instead to avoid such problems. It’s a shame the slighter newer Caldinas are not as reliable as the pre 2000 otherwise it will be an easy decision.

The Primera CVT was a problem, as was the Caldina with the D4 engine, however, not all Caldina's had the D4 engine. Some 1.8 litre Caldinas and some 2.0 litre (3S-GTE engine - which were AWD) cars did not use a D4, but they may not be easy to find.
Maybe the Mazda6 is the best option.