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Hi
We’re looking to replace our family car, wanting to spend around $10-15k.
We’re thinking of either a station wagon or a hatchback. We’ve been looking at Mazda 3, Corolla s/wagon or something similar. Possibly a Legacy hatch?
We would prefer a manual, and prefer NZ New. Possibly even thinking of a diesel, as I do about 25,000kms a year.

What can you recommend?
We’ve mainly been looking for nz new. Is NZ new as important as you hear?

Thanks

Cars you should consider; Ford's Focus 1.6L/2.0L, Mazda's Axela/3 2.0L and Suzuki's Swift 1.4L/1.5L or SX4. Manual diesel options available are Kia's Rio 1.5L, Toyota's Corolla 2.0L or the VW Polo 1.4L.
Having a NZ new car has its benefits but a good import, at a good price is worth considering. If you buy a fresh import you should get a full service done as they do not normally have a good service history whereas a NZ new vehicle should have traceable service history.