Ask an expert

Hi,
My partner and I are keen on a small, fairly economic wagon. We have also looked at hatches but would prefer something with a little more space, for weekend trips and the odd road trip. Budget up to around 6000.

I've been looking at a 98 Carib, 2wd, auto. Seems like a great car, 110 000 K's, very good service history, clean recent WOF's, obviously very well looked after, seller has had a very recent AA check done, with nothing significant recorded by the inspector. Problem is he is asking quite a lot and I'm slightly put off by the age. How much of a consideration should the age be considering everything else seems to be well in order?

We have also looked at Familias, around 1999/2000 years. they seem fairly suited to our purposes and a bit cheaper, though we have yet to find one with the kind of history the Carib has.

Also looked at a 2003 1.8L Mitsi Cedia, bout 130 000 on the clock, auto. Seems like a nice car, smooth, easy to drive, but I have read on this forum and elsewhere that they can have problems. Would the older Carib be a safer bet than the newer mitsi?

Any other vehicles that I might consider?

Any advice appreciated, cheers,

In this price range the mileage will be high so it will be worthwhile looking for an older vehicle with lower mileage and a good service record. The Toyota Carib, Toyota Caldina and Toyota Corolla wagons are a good choice but stay away from the D4 engines which are normally found in the 2.0L petrol models. The 1.5L and 1.8L motors will be a safer bet. Other vehicles to consider are the Nissan Avenir (non-CVT transmission models) and the Mazda Capella.
The Mazda Familia and Nissan Pulsar are good choices too.

The Mitsubishi Cedia fitted with a direct-injection engine and CVT transmission is best avoided.

Many thanks for your help, cheers.