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I'm looking to buy a used car,a Holden station wagon type model suits my needs best. I am a single earner so my budget for a used car would stretch to $8000-$8500. What do you think I would get that is fair and road worthy at that price.

Riria

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009

If you're trying to conserve money my best advice would be to look for a reliable Japanese brand rather than the Holden.

That $8500 budget restricts you to either an older Commodore wagon, or newer ones with very high mileage. Both are a much higher risk in comparison to the Japanese brands.

Fuel consumption alone makes them an expensive option.

I suggest you have a look around for examples of the following models:

2000 - 2002 Mazda 626
1998 - 1999 Subaru Legacy (non-turbo)
1998 - 2000 Subaru Forester (non- turbo)
1998 - 2000 Toyota Caldina