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Hi there,

Im looking at buying a new car with a budget of $5000-$8000. I have heard about reliability issues with CTV transmissions and the cost of fixing them. However with this budget and my girlfriend unable to drive a manual it limits my options. Currently I've looked at a 2005 Toyota Vitz, a 2007 Mazda Demio, 2005 Honda Fit, the 2008 Honda Fit and the 2005 Mitsubishi Colt plus ralliart. After investigation to my surprise I found that all of them have CTV transmissions (even swifts however we are adamant we arent getting a swift) as I didn't realize they were that popular. Are any of these cars CTV's reliable? are there any other models you could suggest within my price range? We are looking for as new as possible (for safety and reliability) however this kind of period was the start of CTV and with new technology comes teething problems.

Hi there,
The only vehicle from this list that has any issue that I have heard, is the Honda Fit. They have need know to develop a shudder, which is said to be fixed with a fluid change and additive. However if anything other than this requires repair it can be expensive.
With any transmission choice, it is good to get it checked out or talk to a transmission specialist with regards to specific transmission issues/ or common faults to watch out for. You have pick the choices of vehicles that I would have looked for in this price range, with my picks being the Vitz or Demio.