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Hi Team,
I recently had my car crashed into and need a new one. I would love to hear your suggestions for a hatchback. I drive around Auckland most of the time so don't want anything too large, but go to Hamilton, up north or to Katikati on ocassion also so want to have enough power to get up the Brynderwins for example. I'm looking to spend between 6 and 10k, but will consider more for the right car. I prefer manual also.
Thanks!
Lisa
It's great that you prefer manual, as many automatic cars in this price range have transmissions with questionable reliability.
Try to go for a mainstream Japanese brand with lowish kms - under 100,000 if possible, but a little more is OK if the car has been well maintained.
Mazda Familia, Nissan Pulsar, Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla would all be good options in this price range.
Hey thanks so much for the advice.
What are your opinions of Mazda 3's and Suzuki Swift Sports?
They are both outstanding models and would top my list. The only reason I didn't mention them was because I don't believe you'd find a good one for $6-$10k. If you are prepared to spend more, these two models probably top their respective classes.
Wow that's awesome - thanks!
The Suzuki Swift interests me the most. Is this car an illogical choice for the odd bit of open road driving? Or can it keep to the speeds okay? I was worried about the 1.5L engine size, but if the car's can hold it's own on the open road then I'm not concerned.
And then finally... if I were to get a Suzuki Swift, Mazda 3 or a Toyota Corolla year 2000 or younger, what kind of things do you suggest I look out for to either aim to get or to avoid? spedo size etc?
Ps you're so helpful thank you so much!
The 1.5 litre Swift would be fine for some open road use, however it's really the model from 2004/5 on that we'd recommend more than the 2000-2003 model. Likewise, the Mazda3 goes from 2003 and the best of the Corollas we'd recommend from late 2001/2002.
These are all good models with good reputations for reliability. As I said previously, go for the lowest mileage you can find, ideally under 100,000km - but even lower would be preferable.
Thanks again for all your help - you've been awesome :)