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Your comments appreciated.
Currently driving Suzuki Cultus S/W 1998 233000km on clock. Purchased 9 yrs ago 58000 kms on clock $9000 and have spent $6000 on repairs and maintenance. It has done its dash.
Looking at new Suzuki SX4 2wd manual $26000. Finance not required. Plan on keeping it for 10 yrs all being well and will be doing similar mileage.
Should I buy new or look at something a few years older and be prepared for higher maintenace costs? Probably only chance I'll have to buy new.
Other sticking point is we travel 3kms of gravel road each day.

If you have the opportunity to buy new then it will be the best choice to make considering you are planning on keeping the vehicle for 10 years. The new vehicle warranty will also give you piece of mind for the duration of the warranty, provided you stick to the maintenance guidelines.

In this way you won’t be buying a car that has been poorly cared for and has little or no service history.