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Could you please advise me the fuel figures, mpg preferably, for a 2003 Nissan Maxima 3L auto [A33 model].

Also an imported Toyota Spacio wagon 1999, 1.6L auto and finally a 1999 Volvo V40 auto 2.0L wagon turbo.

I am considering downsizing from the Maxima to the Volvo V40 for fuel reasons mainly and am interested in your comments in comparing the two and in how reliable the Volvo is likely to be.

The majority of my travelling is urban and if I go to open road speeds it is usually only for freeway travelling.

Brayden

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009

Be very careful here are my first thoughts and don't jump into a decision you may regret.

The Nissan Maxima has enjoyed a great reputation for reliability since its inception and tests we have carried would suggest the fuel consumption to be extremely good. We list a combined (urban and highway driving) figure of 25.6 mpg for this model.

The Toyota Spacio has a claimed fuel consumption figure of over the 30mpg mark (35mpg) but I suspect this is more related to highway rather than urban driving.

The only fuel consumption we can find for the Volvo is 25mpg however, any vehicle fitted with a turbo can potentially blow those figures away depending on how it is driven.

Unfortunately all three figures come from different lists as there is no accurate data available in NZ for used imports.

From our experience the Maxima will highly likely be the more reliable vehicle and repair costs would, in my opinion, be lower in comparison to the Volvo. The Toyota brand in general does have an excellent reputation for reliability but being an import you may have to spend money on the Spacio bringing it up to scratch (cam belt / fluid changes etc) to ensure ongoing reliability.

I also note both vehicles are 4 years older than the Nissan.