Ask an expert

I'm down-sizing from my Commodore V6 and need a smaller car that can handle 4ks of metal road with out shaking to bits. What makes/models do you sugest?

Thanks Karen

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009

It greatly depends on your budget and the minimum size of vehicle you are prepared to drop down to.

It would be hard to go past a Toyota of some description (Rav4?) but one vehicle which is underrated in my view and may suit your needs is a Honda HRV. It has a 1.6 litre engine and is built to provide higher than normal ground clearance. Manual transmission would be my recommendation also if the vehicle did appeal.

Not to be confused with a CRV, although that too is another possible consideration, depending on your budget.

Have a look on Trademe to get some idea of the vehicle's looks etc.

Once again depending on your finances I would suggest some caution around an older diesel vehicle. You may be no better off in the long run going down that path.