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Hi, any thoughts on which of the above would be the best buy (new):
Lancer sei - $30k - 10/5 yr warranty - CVT - lots of "bells and whistles" (have test driven)
Corolla GX - $30K - 5 yr warranty and 5 year service - manual (have test driven)
Corolla GLX - $33K - 5 year warranty and 5 year service - CVT- quite a few "bells and whistles" (have test driven)
Mazda 3 - $30k ish - warranty not sure - "traditional" automatic (to test drive)
Kia Cerato EX - $33k ish - 5 year warranty - "traditional" automatic with 'bells & whistles' (have test driven).

The choice is becoming very difficult, I've read "different things" about the reliability of CVTs, reversing cameras etc are really nice but are they worth the extra, leather seats (SEI) v. cloth seats, security (ie tinted) windows at the back etc. The Corollas have "more headroom" as I sit lower (6'4") but the Lancers (I also test drove a GRS) and Cerato has many more "bells and whistles" so to speak. I'm still to test drive the Mazda 3 (the current model - not the new one due in 2014). I am leaning towards the Lancer SEI and the Cerato EX (the sedans).

Any thoughts and suggestions would really be welcome - there is "so much information" that some independent AA thoughts would be great!

Cheers.

Mike.

As you are obviously looking at new cars, the CVT transmission is not really a concern. The technology seems to be much more reliable now than it once was, and most Japanese manufacturers (including Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki etc) have now adopted CVT transmissions in the interest of saving fuel.
Ultimately, all these cars should prove reliable and it comes down to your personal preference, ecpecially as to whether you want a base model or one with the bells and whistles.
Some things to consider would be how popular the model is, how long it's been in the marketplace and what the resale may be like in future.
On that basis, while you appear to be getting a lot of fruit with the Lancer SEI, it is one of the oldest of this group and perhaps not as popular as Corolla and Mazda3, which would be the two most popular and with great reputations for reliability. The Lancer is also quite a noisy car on open road course chip services.
The Cerato offers a lot of kit for the money and is quite a likeable little car, but again, is it the bells and whistles you are after?
As I said, it comes down to personal preference, as all these cars are likely to give you trouble-free motoring. Personally, I like how the Mazda3 drives, and even though it's about to be replaced, it's probably still the best of the group dynamically. It has a great transmission, good chassis and a premium feeling build quality and Mazda's price includes free servicing for 3 years/100,000km.
The Corolla is also a very good car to drive and feels solid. While the CVT may not be to everyone's liking, for those looking for smooth delivery of power, it fits the bill perfectly. Corollas always hold their value too.
If you want the bells and whistles, it's the Cerato or Lancer. If you want good driving dynamics, solid feel and good resale, then probably the Mazda3 and Corolla.
So, in summary, I've probably confused the issue for you. I like all of these cars and whichever way you go, you won't be making a bad choice, but ultimately it comes down to what you want in a car.