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Looking at a Toyota Fielder 1800 . With similar odo say 80,000km, which would be the better option 2005 model with 4-speed auto or 2007 model with CVT?
I am aware that some earlier CVT gearboxes gave problems with some makes. Have these been overcome yet or are they still known to be an added risk?

While the manufacturers tell us that newer CVT's and the assiociated technical upgrades have addressed the reliability issues, we believe that being 6 years old, a 2007 model would not fall into the "newer" catigory.
The other issue that we come across on a regular basis is that most parts are not available for CVT's, hence a leading automatic transmission specialist we have regular contact with advises us to go for the conventional automatic over a CVT any day.
Therefore, if it's a choice between a 4 speed auto or a CVT in a Toyota Fielder, we believe the 4 speed auto is the way to go.

Many thanks for your information - it certainly clarifies the issue.