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![jadeaqua](themes/aaAle/images/interface/profile-pic-placeholder.47cf740a.png)
Hello I am looking for a reliable car to purchase within a price of $6,500. It needs to be a station wagon and an automatic. Also taking in consideration cheap parts, repairs and maintenance. I do clock up km's, so something comfortable is a must. I do like the look of the Nissan Wingroads (2000-2005 models), Toyota Corolla fielder z and Caldinas. What would you recommend?
![ABayliss](themes/aaAle/images/interface/profile-pic-placeholder.47cf740a.png)
The models you're considering would be recommended, with a few cautions. The Wingroad is a good model, but with the 1.8 engine and conventional automatic transmission. The 2.0 litre model from this era had the CVT transmission as fitted to similar era Primeras, and this transmission does not enjoy a good reputation.
The Corolla Fielder with the 1.8 litre engine is basically the same as the NZ new Corolla and has a great reputation for reliability.
Likewise, the 1.8 Caldina would be a great choice, but the 2.0 litre one had the D4 Direct Injected engine, which from the early/mid 2000s era, suffered clogging/carbon problems.
So basically, all of these cars would be highly recommended with 1.8 litre engines.
Go for the best condition, lowest mileage example you can find, with the model only coming into the equation as personal preference, as they're all pretty good otherwise.
![jadeaqua](themes/aaAle/images/interface/profile-pic-placeholder.47cf740a.png)
Thanks for that. Is a CVT transmission when the gear stick moves from left and right as well as up and down, and a non-CVT transmission is when the gears can only be changed by moving it up and down?
Any other station wagon models you would recommend?
![ABayliss](themes/aaAle/images/interface/profile-pic-placeholder.47cf740a.png)
No, you're talking about tiptronic, which any transmission may or may not have, which allows manual shifting of the transmission.
CVT is Constantly Variable Transmission, where the transmission itself works on a completely different principal. There are no discernable gear changes with a CVT as they work on a belt or chain drive system with constantly variable ratios. Modern CVTs (from around 2010) seem to be perfectly reliable, but earlier ones (from around 2000) where the technology was still evolving created problems and were very expensive to repair.
I think the Nissan and Toyotas you have mentioned would be the best bet in this price range.
Perhaps the Honda Orthia or Nissan Avenir could be contenders.