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gramallo

Hi AA,
I just got my driver license and I am trying to buy a car that wont cause me pain. I don´t have mechanics knowledge and I want to avoid buying a lemon. Last week I made my 1st attempt to buy a Mazda Demio 2002 with 90.000 Km but verification detected a problem with engine.
Could you give me some advice on what brand should I look and what to check before schedule the inspection and how many KMs should is recommendable to avoid problems with the car?
My budget is $5000.
Is Holden Barina 2001 recommendable? fits in my budget

Thank you

ABayliss

The Mazda Demio is a good model with a good reputation for reliability, so just because the one you found had a problem, it doesn't mean the Demio is a bad model.
The Toyota Echo (or Vitz) is also good, as long as it doesn't have the CVT transmission. Nissan Pulsar and Mazda Familia arealso quite good, although slightly bigger than the Demio or Echo/Vitz.
Although the 2001 Barina fits your budget, the otherd would probably be better choices.