Mazda 2 Problems

I couldn’t recommend the Cruze; there are too many problems with its auto transmission, as we have reported here at CarsGuide. Look at the Mazda2 or Mazda3, Toyota Yaris or Corolla, which are generally trouble free.

The Mazda2 is rated to tow 500kg unbraked or 900kg braked, which would seem sufficient to handle your box trailer, but it depends on the weight of the trailer. Other cars of a similar size are similarly rated, so if you want to tow more than the Mazda2 is rated for you would need a larger car.

The car world has changed a lot since your Pulsar Q was a top-drawer choice and these days I would recommend the Mazda2, which gets The Tick and should be similar money but slightly easier to handle.

There are still baby cars with five-star safety and, given few trips and tight parking, I would recommend a Mazda2.

I’m surprised that you were offered an exchange or your money back; I’m even more amazed that you got your money back. That does say something about the paint quality of the Mazda2, and it should serve as a warning to other intending buyers to take the time to inspect the paint of any car they buy - and preferably before they drive it away from the dealership.

You've chosen a good brand in Mazda, and good models in the 2 and 3. Both are good cars and give little trouble, so you can't go far wrong with either one. There are other brands as well, but I would recommend that you stick with Japanese brands and not be tempted by European cars, which can be expensive to service and repair. Look for a car in good condition and well presented both inside and out, a car that drives smoothly, and doesn't have any odd noises or vibrations. Don't take any notice of the salesmen trying to sell you a car; they're just trying to relieve you of your money and some will tell you anything to make that happen. If you can't take a trusted friend along to help you assess a car, consider getting the NRMA to check it for you.

If safety is important you should order it and be prepared to wait because it is worthwhile. Don't let the dealer try to get you to buy something in stock instead.

Mazda2, from a classy brand and great against its size and price rivals; Hyundai i20, great value and probably still with some of the factory warranty; Volkswagen Polo, not necessarily to buy but to provide a quality benchmark for the others.

It sounds as if you are Yaris fans but the Mazda2 gets The Tick and is best in the class. The i20 will give you better value and, with a five-year factory warranty, it's holding its value well on the second-hand scene.