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I'm currently considering buying a 1996- 1998 Caldina station wagon (2.0 or 1.8 litre) or a Carib 1.8 litre.

Could you please let me know which car would you recommend with regard to reliability and fuel economy. Also would you go for a 1.8 or 2.0 litre in the Caldina? Thanks for your help,

Rob

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009

Both the Caldina and Carib are great models.

With the Caldina there is the choice of two or four wheel drive, however the only option for the 1800 Carib is four wheel drive. Overall dimensions are similar but we've found the Caldina has a bigger luggage compartment (about 1.8 metres in length with seats folded).

My personal pick would be the Caldina, it's a good looking vehicle and extremely versatile, it also boasts a well-known reliability record and should prove safe and economical.

Stick with the more popular 2.0 litre option as performance is an improvement over the 1.8 litre version, but exhibits no compromise in real-world fuel economy. A model change in 1996 saw the addition of dual front airbags, pre-tensioner seatbelts and greatly improved suspension.

A 1997 Caldina G, 2.0 litre with either automatic or manual transmission should fit the bill. This car runs on 91 octane and uses only about 8.0 l/100km. Maintenance would be less frequent and less expensive on the 2WD model.

If you desire more power there are the Caldina GT and GTT. The latter is turbo charged, but much more expensive to run and to maintain. Both the GT and the GTT require high octane fuel.