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Thanks again guys. This is so useful!

Actually there's a cheaper and newer Fielder (this one an X, not an S) at a dealer ... I must have typed the wrong one in. It's a 2004, auto, 1500cc, done 64,000k, new import.

Would that be the one to go for then?

The Camry is 3k cheaper, but older and more K's done.
Just that the Camry sounds like the holy grail of sensible family cars!

It sounds from what you say that low mileage beats later year of production?

Is an import anything to worry about?

Another question. When a dealer says the car comes with an AA report, does this mean I don't need to get my own report done, or would their report contain less information than if I got my own directly from AA?

You mentioned that you need a new wagon for the family camping trip, for this reason I am not sure that the 1.5L engine will be sufficient for your needs. The 1.8L motor will be a better option.

Yes, lower mileage with a good maintenance record is a better option than a high mileage vehicle.

The Toyota Camry is a good choice but if you can find a Toyota Fielder with a 1.8L motor and lower mileage in your price range then it will be a better option.

You should test drive both vehicles to decide which one is better suited to you.

The dealer could be referring to an AA Appraisal. The AA Pre-Purchase Inspection has more information on it and it's designed for the purchaser while the AA Appraisal is designed for the selling dealer only.

OK, so not below 1.8L. Good to know. :-)

Do you mind if I run my current vehicle past you? Because squeezing a couple more years out of it is another option of course. It won't be worth much because I haven't looked after it cosmetically so it looks not so hot!

It's a 1994 Subaru Legacy LX, manual, 230k on odo. It has been reasonably well maintained (at least engine-wise!) although it's currently overdue for a service and needs an oil change and some brake fluid.

Last WOF I spent about 500 on fixing exhaust leaks and on a new tyre.

This WOF it needs a seatbelt replacing, the wiper blades replacing, the other half of the exhaust fixing up, and the rear swaybar links are worn. It also has the rear shock absorbers on one side rubbing on the body. I think this was the worst thing. The inspector thought it would cost around $900 for this work.

Next time he said it will need a new tyre and a cv boot replacing. He also said it's started leaking engine oil (which is a new thing). Given the high mileage he also suggested there could be other stuff which comes up.

It just seemed to me that my years of passing WOFs without spending are coming to an end.

Do you think going for a newer car is now the way to go, or should I just fix up what I have?

Thanks so much for your time.

Hi Elevator,

I think you'll find that due to the engine configuration of the Subaru (Boxer) and its age and mileage costly repairs are going to keep coming . It looks like you have spent $1400 on the car already replacing wear and tear items. At a guess I would say that is half the value of the car itself if you chose to sell it.

In my opinion you're better of buying something new with the relevant checks done. Subarus of this age do not have a great reputation for reliability compared to say a Camry or a Pulsar and the Boxer engine configuration means that the engine bay is harder to access and therefore will cost you more in labour. Lastly, as its an AWD you're likely to have to replace more suspension and drivetrain items along the line.

Here's one more for your opinion please:

Honda Accord 2.3 v-tec, 2000, automatic, Auto, 105k on the odo, and they think it has a chain but are getting back to me on that.

The fuel economy on all these vehicles seems to be $2000-2500 a year according to energywise ... and this is of course at the top of that range. The asking price is a little lower than some of the other options though (apart from the Camry, which is the cheapest at 5k).

Should I add the Honda Accord to my test-drive list?

Thanks Pat. Yes, I think the inspector did mention something about likely upcoming suspension problems ... but by that point it was all just a blur to me!

...Selling my one will be the next drama. Luckily I can park it off the road in the meantime. :-)