Ask an expert

TKS ABayliss, your feedback comments are helpful, tjhull feedback not very helpful, after all this forum 'ask an expert' if I required assistance doing a search engine research or check for price range on trade me , which I've done, I wont be using this forum as a 'second opinion' fm a professional/expert since I am not in the field.

Moving on, what is your general opinion of 'suzuki swift'? as you suggested before I hv narrowed down my preference search criteria to mainstream jap ie: mazda familia, or nissan primera/pulsar on dependability/realiability/efficiency category.

cheers,

In fairness to tjhull, he has been a valuable contributor to our forum and I think was only trying to give you some guidance on how to obtain the information regarding specs/pricing etc a little quicker - especially over a weekend when we're not always near a computer to answer questions. However, we're always here to help so don't be afraid to ask.
Regarding the models you have now suggested, the Swift, Pulsar and Familia generally have good reputations for reliability, efficiency and ease of maintenance and parts supply. The Primera is to be avoided if it has the CVT transmission.

Thank you.

Can you elaborate on Primera CVT transmission? is it same as twin cam EFI most toyota corolla's come with these days or is there a difference between the two?

What does CVT stand for since I do not have insight. Why do you say CVT transmission should be avoided. What sort of issues? does issues rise in both auto/manual transmission in this particular model (nissan primera)?

Thanks..

CVT stands for Constantly Variable Transmission. It is a type of automatic transmission with a constantly changing ratio, so there are no noticable gear changes.
Many Japanese manufacturers including Nissan and Toyota have adopted CVT transmissions in the last couple of years, and we're told by the manufacturers that the technology is now much more reliable than CVTs of old.
The older ones (late '90s - mid 2000s) had a poor reliability record and are very expensive to repair. It is not uncommon on a Primera for the cost of repair to exceed the value of the vehicle, hence we're a bit nervous about recommending them.
A Primera with a manual transmission should be fine.

Thank you. So fm what you say I gather that CVT transmission issues pertain only to Nissan (Primera) or Toyota automatic transmission models?

No, it's not only Nissan CVTs that have issues. Nissan Primera, Honda Jazz/Fit and various others used CVTs. Some Japanese cars that had conventional automatics in our market used CVTs in the Japanese domestic market, so due to the large number of Japanese Imports in New Zealand it pays to check.
I'd be nervous about any CVT from this era.

Hi,
was Opel Astra later renamed as Holden Astra? basically same car, same model or are there any variances?

Same car.. Holden Astra, Opel Astra, Vauxhall Astra etc - all GM nameplates. Some were badged Opel in New Zealand but many Opel badged cars are Japanese imports.