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Hi - we need to buy a used station wagon for a very minimal budget of $3500. I know that we are in danger of getting problems with this low a budget, but any suggestions on makes/models would be appreciated – we really want the highest possible reliability and fuel economy as we can.
Many thanks
As you say, there are risks with buying in this price range, but we all have budget constraints.
The best advice is to go for a mainstream Japanese brand with as low a mileage as you can find. Try to avoid Nissan models with CVT transmissions and Mitsubishi GDi engines or Toyotas with D-4 engines.
Unfortunately, this does narrow the field down, but if you can find a well kept '90's Toyota Corolla or Caldina, Mazda Familia or 323, Nissan Sentra, Avenir or Primera (without CVT), Mitsubishi Lancer or Libero etc that is in good order, these would be the models that present the least risk.
thanks for the info - really appreciated! I'm actually looking for a manual, and so this will narrow down the options even more. I assume that subaru Legacys' are not a good option as they are not in your list there.
Good news that you're looking for a manual - there's less to go wrong. Older, lower priced Legacys would be considered fairly high risk, so probably not high on our list of recommended budget-priced models.
Be aware that the 2000cc Caldina runs a D4 engine but apparently not the 1800cc version
No, only the late model 2.0 litre Caldinas from about 2001 on run a D4 engine. Earlier 2.0 litre Caldinas which are likely to be in the price range are not D4.
However, as previously advised, the D4 is best avoided.
I stand corrected,was only looking at post 2000 models.
any thoughts on this car -
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/mitsubishi/libero/auction-518788105.htm
going to have a look at it and wondered if you had a guidance on questions to ask about it
thanks