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Hi, I'm in the market for a new family friendly vehicle, budget 10-15k for 2 adults and 2 young kids. Ideally a station wagon or SUV (the wife has an aversion to sedans)
Other important factors are safety, practicality, readability and running costs.
Below are a list of possibles, are there any I should add or remove from this list and what would be your pick?
- Mazda Atenza / 6 - 2.5L
- Skoda Octavia or superb - diesel
- Kia Sportage
- Ford Mondeo - diesel

I do like the idea of the diesel options (except with the Mazda) because of the fuel savings, but I'm wandering if this is a bit of a false economy once servicing etc is allowed for?

Cheers

Hi there,
Some good picks in there.
I recommend buying NZ new where possible, just because information and safety specs/ratings are easier to identify and obtain or the domestic Japanese spec vehicles.
The yearly running costs between a petrol and diesel are actually very similar when broken down in to cents per km. The good thing with diesel is the ability to travel further on a full tank of fuel and they tend to have a bit more torque (pulling power) so are great for travel and towing.
The vehicle I would be a bit wary of is the Mondeo (April 2011 onwards), if it has a Powershift transmission, they have a greater possibility for troubles- (same type as used in the Focus and Fiesta) however we have not received many complaints compared to the later two vehicles.
The 2.5ltr Mazda is a great engine and would be a good choice for a petrol option and is also available in the CX5, but could be a bit more pricey.