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Hi, we are looking to replace our faithful 1998 Mazda 626 sportshatch with a stationwagon or suv. Looking at around 2011/12 year range. Needs to be at least 2 litre and with large boot space. Looking for something safe, reliable and economical for both city running and those long haul holiday trips with laden boot and either roof box or trailer. We've just started looking but like the look of mazda 6 stationwagon. We thought about mazda cr7 but not sure about the economy. We have about $20000 to spend give or take. Any recommendations on makes and models to test drive? Thanks
Hi there,
Currently the Mazda range are very popular. And proving to be the be one of the better
brands to be looking at. The CX7 is a very good choice, as is the Mazda6.
The CX7 is much less economic due to larger engine and turbo 11.5ltr/100km
As opposed to the 2.0 ltr Mazda6 at 8.5/100km. The CX5 would be ideal, but these are
more expensive to buy bacause they are newer to the market.
my requirements are also similar to your's but my budget is around 13K and hence looking for car from 2007-2010 range.
Based on the posts in this forum, Mazada 6 seems to be a popular choice.
I am also considering Toyota Rav4, I was never into SUV but I recently drove RAV4 as rental car and really liked it.
The Rav4 between these years are great also. The later ones with a cvt transmission seem to be a bit problematic.
I am looking at purchasing a RAV4 and just came across this comment. I am looking at a 2012 nz new 75000k ex rental. And two imports 2006 33000k and 2007 62000k. I note your comment regarding the cvt transmission. Which of these would you recommend.
Hi there.
I would always prefer NZ new over import. 2012 is the facelift version and I think the better one.
Both the imports are pretty much the same, I would get the one with the lower km's over the year anyday. From what I can see the imports have a cvt transmission and the NZ new don't seem to.
Thank you. One more question. How do you go about carrying bikes on the back with the spare tyre there?
Good question, I have the same issue with my Rav.Either take the tyre off and put it inside the car or just put the bike in the back.