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We are a family of three. Our toddler in a car seat. We live on the Coast and regularly need to cross mountain passes in all weather to get to family in Christchurch. Plus, we like to ski. We'd like an entry level 4WD wagon or crossover type vehicle, ideally with good cargo space. Is there anything new in the 30K range (meaning closer to 30K than 40K)? We have historically bought used cars but a tired of inherenting other people's problems.
Cheers, anu

The only brand new ones in your price range would be some of the lesser known brands such as Ssangyong or Chery. While they are new, depreciation may hit you hard and safety ratings are not great.
If you don't mind something a little smaller, the Suzuki SX4 could do the job, but probably your best bet if you want a true Crossover type vehicle would be to look for an ex-demonstrator. Mitsubishi seem to be doing some competitive deals at present on their ASX, so it's likely you could get an ex-demonstrator 2013/2014 ASX 4WD for around $30k. Buying an ex-demonstrator is the next best thing to buying new. Many of them have only done a couple of thousand kms or so, and when you come to sell or trade in, they're really treated as one owner vehicles.

Thank you for the helpful response.