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mikewithdi22

I wish to purchase a second hand sedan or station wagon and would like guidance as to the make that provides reliability and good fuel consumption.I am looking to spend $10 000.00. Many thanks.

ABayliss

There are numerous makes and models to choose from in this price range, depending on what you need from your car, how many passengers you're likely to have, whether you need to tow, cart a lot of luggage etc.
The fact that you mention "station wagon" as well as sedan would suggest that a small vehicle such as the Suzuki Swift, Toyota Yaris etc does not suit your needs, so I'll assume you're looking for something a little bigger.
Toyota models such as the Corolla or Caldina (which is bigger), would be good options.
Equivalent models to these would be Mazda3 (or mport model Axela) or Mazda6 (Import - Atenza) would be good choices, although the Mazda6 might be at the top of the budget.
Try to stay with mainstream Japanese brands and avoid CVT transmissions and direct injection engines.
Once you have narrowed down the type and size of car you require, feel free to ask further questions.

mikewithdi22

Thanks very much for the info.Would you be able to give me a few examples of th CVT transmissions and direct injection engines.How does the Ford Focus compare to the Japanese brands? Thanks again.

ABayliss

Regarding CVT's and direct injection engines, some Caldinas had an engine called D4. This is a direct injection engine which gave trouble. Also, Mitsubishi had an engine called GDi, this was also a problem.
Honda Jazz/Fit, Nissan Primera and some other Nissan models had a CVT transmission. You'll need to ask the dealer with each specific vehicle when it comes to imports, as some models that had a conventional automatic transmissions in our market were CVT in the Japanese domestic market.
The Ford Focus is a good model and would compare favourably.

mikewithdi22

I have also considered a Toyota Fielder 2005 model and would like to know your opinion on this and would it have the CVT engine and Direct injection engines you recommended to avoid.Many thanks.

ABayliss

To our knowledge, the Fielder would not have either a CVT or a D4 engine. However, as we have seen some odd spec cars come from Japan, it would pay to ask the question to be on the safe side.
Basically, the Fielder is a Corolla wagon with an excellent reputation for reliability.