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Hi there, I'm looking for a good second hand car and just like to know which makes and models I'm going to have more luck with - My needs require:

• A Hatchback/Small car
• $5,000 or under
• Would only be driving it around central auckland a couple of times a week, occasionally drive out to Huia, maybe once a month.
• Cheap to fix, reliable (or at least the particular model has a good record of reliability)

I've been looking at Honda Civics, Toyota Corollas and Mazda Demios all from around (1999 - 2005)....Is there anything to look out for with any of these models, or any particular year of these models that I should avoid? Or do you know of a make and model that would suit me better?

Thanks a lot!

The models you are looking at all have good reputations for reliability and ease of maintenance.
I don't think you'd get a really good Corolla for that money, as they have a particularly good reputation, so hold their value well.
Other models to consider would be the Mazda Familia and Nissan Pulsar. These are similar in size to the Corolla and Civic (the Demio is really a size down). However, you may find they're slightly cheaper than the Corolla.
The only thing to avoid in Japanese cars from this era is a car with a CVT transmission, as some Japanese imports had CVTs when NZ new models had traditional automatic transmissions. But most of the models we've discussed here will not have CVTs.

Hello,

FYI Ive owned a Mazda Familia 1993 1.5 saloon for 17 years and what a fantastic car its been! Ive had it serviced each year which I think is the key to keeping it reliable. All Ive had to do to it is the CV Boots and brake pads...fan belt cam belt at 100,000 (needs another now at 200,000) and the usual tyres and wiper blades.....

No complaints here.....ready for upgrading soon though...