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Hi, I am looking to change my car and have a general idea of what I want but can not find any info on the pros/cons/sizes etc. of each. Is there any data available that compare such things, ie which is bigger or smaller inside/overall size; fuel economy, most reliable etc. I am looking for a 5 door hatch, auto, under 100,000 ks and hopefully around $8K. So - Suzuki Swift, Toyota - which model? , Mazda ditto etc. Can anyone help or tell me where such information might be available? Thanks very much

I'm not aware of anywhere that makes direct specification comparisons, but as we source so many used cars from Japan, there are so many different variants, engine capacities, transmission options etc that such a comparison list would be so long and confusing that I'm not sure it would be useful in helping you make a good decision.
You have rightly identified the most popular models in this sector and probably the three that we'd recommend - but with some caveats.
Many of the cars you'll be looking at are likely to be Japanese imports, so the spec will vary from NZ New examples.
Firstly, each of these cars (if NZ new) will have 4 speed automatic transmissions. These are all fairly good and reliable - but many of the Japanese domestic models of each of the three you mention may have CVT transmissions. We'd advise staying away from CVTs from the early/mid 2000s.
Depending on your needs, 1.5 litre is probably preferable to smaller capacities for most NZ conditions.
As for fuel consumption, the difference between each of the models you mention will be insignificant and should not be a deal-breaker whichever one you decide upon.
My advice would be to choose the model you prefer, then look for one with the conventional 4 speed automatic transmission and (in my preference) a 1.5 litre engine.
Ideally, a NZ new example with a full service history and low kms, but that may be something you will have to compromise on, as there are many good Japanese imports around.

Jap imports are fine for me. 1.5 also. thanks for info re the auto transmission & fuel consumption. Now, do you know general physical comparatives of size - ie is a Swift smallerl than an Axela etc. inside/outside etc. Really hard to find this. Many thanks, appreciate your help.

I was assuming you were talking Mazda2/Demio, which is a similar size to a Swift or ToyotaYaris/Vitz.
The Mazda3/Axela is a bigger car which competes size-wise with the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic etc.

Oh ok, thanks, that's what I was trying to find out. So the Demio and Swift are similar physically; and Axela/Corolla. Does each of those models have varying CC sizes in their ranges, i.e. where can I find out what cc's a Demio is, or a Corolla. Or is a Demio always a, say, 1300, and a Axela a 1500? (examples). That's what I am trying to find, but don't seem to have any info anywhere? Thanks again

Not necessarily. Often, some engines are used in various different models. An example of this is that Mazda offer a 1.3 Demio and a 1.5 Demio, but also a 1.5 Axela and a 2.0 litre Axela. As a generalisation, the New Zealand distributor (Mazda NZ in this case) do not take the smaller option, as our open road terrain can be hilly and steep, therefore, in some instances the smaller engine may not be ideal for our conditions.
As an AA Member, you are welcome to use our freefone advice line (0800 500 333 - Option 2). It may be easier for you to speak directly to one of our Motoring Advisors if you wish.