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Hi,

We are looking at purchasing a second hand wagon, we love the Mazda 6/Atenza 2.3 models and Subaru Legacy. Our budget could be stretched to 15K...however would be more comfortable at 12/13K, at the moment two vehicles have caught our attention.

Subaru Legacy, 2L, 2006, 105KMS, advertised price 11,999 - (new cambelt) - dealer happy to neg.
Mazda 6, 2007,2.3L, 115KMS, advertised price 14,990, dealer not too neg.

Both are Japanese imports, and are having mechanical inspection carried out. I guess I am wanting to know if the mechanical report checks out...how much of a risk is a Subaru 06 at 100KM's?? Is it considerably more then a Mazda 6, 07 at 115KM (considering the price difference?).

The reason we like these models is the look, but reliability and economy is important.

Any advice would be great :)

Both these cars should do the job you need equally well. The 2.0L Legacy is probably the pick of the bunch of the Subaru range from a reliability perspective and should not pose any more of a risk than the Mazda6. However, neither of these cars are known for their fuel economy - possibly the Subaru may be thirstier.
Obviously, there are no guarantees with a 100,000km+ used car and each one goes on its own merits.
From a popularity point of view, the Mazda6 probably has the edge, hence the price difference.