Suzuki Problems

The kilometres are less than the average for a 2010 model, and based on your description of the condition and the way it drives, you could ask $9000-$10,000.

The Jumbuck only got a two-star safety rating from ANCAP and the Mighty Boy was regularly rated in the bottom 10 cars sold in Australia for safety. You should not consider either but get something like a pre-loved Nissan Navara.

The starting price of the CX-3 is cheaper than its rivals at $19,990, so it should not be as expensive as you think. Of your other three, the S-Cross is boring but the only one I would remotely recommend.

Fuel consumption can be difficult to predict because there are so many factors that can affect it, and many of them are related to your driving conditions and style. But based on the official figures for each of the cars you are considering the Fiat Panda is the most economical by a small margin. All could be expected to average less than 5.0L/100 km. As far as maintenance goes the Mitsubishi is the winner, and would be my choice.

The Alto generally has a surprising amount of punch and should be fine for driving on the freeway, but if you're concerned about it you should test-drive one and decide for yourself if it has the power you need for the sort of driving you do.

As much as I don't like to recommend that you don't service your car I think in this case you could extend the time between services, but don't let it go beyond 12 months.

My calculations are that $120 would be payable by the purchaser on transfer of the ownership.

I would not buy a Golf in the second-hand $10,000 range. The Mazda3 is the best car but he'll probably get better value in a Swift, as it's a size smaller. Buying private will mean better value, but ensure he gets an independent mechanical check.

The Swift is good but the Honda Jazz is better and my recommendation.