Buyer Guide
Can you tell me if there is any medium size SUV that has the power to tow a small caravan, under 2000kg? I am looking at purchasing a new/near new vehicle. The 2019 RAV4 is definitely one of my favourites.
My Dad has mobility limitations and found the Toyota Yaris (2006) suited him (as a passenger) as the seats were higher which made it easier to get in and out, plus it had a big boot for the wheelchair. He would like to update his car but the sedan is no longer made. Can you advise a car/SUV of any make that is similar to the Yaris with higher seats and big boot? Thank you.
You guys have been great with advice - but I have some specific questions that I am hoping I can get a steer on. I need to be able to haul a horse trailer and large draft-horse - this means 3000kg braked towing minimum. But since whatever I buy has to be my everyday car, it would need to be able to negotiate city driving (Canberra) be parked easily and not be too thirsty. I am not a big woman so I need something that won't kill me to steer and can get in and out of easily.
My ideal would be 3.5-tonne towing capacity with all the whiz-bang towing-assist kit, park-assist in normal non-towing urban conditions and proximity tech. Comfortable for those long trips and good info and audio tech. I don't need seats for kids/family so would be happy with a four-door ute. That said are there any out there that have a powered/hydraulic tailgate?
The front runners at the moment from what I can see are the Ford Rangers (but still confused about the variants and a bit WHOA on the size); Isuzu D-Max and M-UX (but have heard not great things about cabin noise and steering and tech); VW Amarok and Touareg but upfront and servicing costs are bit yikes. Maybe Toyota Fortuner but not sure.
Any advice would be very, very welcome!
I'm thinking of buying a 2016 VW Golf Highline MY16, 110TSI with about 105,000kms, would there be any concerns over reliability, servicing etc? My other alternative would be a 2018 Hyundai i30 Active with about 50,000kms.
Is it worth buying a 2013 Holden Cruze automatic or the 2010 model? I have heard mixed reviews.
There are plenty of Audi A3 and A4 (petrol) cars around 2010 below $15,000; are they reliable? I know the A3 shares some parts with the VW Golf which has DSG problems. Could you help out please?
Today I went to see a Peugeot 2008 and also test drove a 2018 Citroen C3 Aircross which I preferred. Now wondering if I should look at Renault Captur. I am 70, love the new technology and want a smallish SUV. I am now driving Hyundai iX35. My favourite car that I have had was a Mazda MX-5 but, alas, probably too low and small. Any advice?
Considering a 2020 RAV4 GXL, 2.0 petrol, two-wheel-drive automatic. Most reviews seem to be for Hybrid versions. How does the 2.0 petrol CVT auto stack up? Also considering Kia Sportage Sport Plus 2.0 petrol, auto. Your thoughts? Leaning towards RAV4 for big boot (to carry lawn mower, whipper snipper, blower and soon to be baby stroller and equipment). I think Mazda CX-5 is an older version now and ageing a bit, what are your thoughts?
I want to buy a hybrid car. My ideal would be the Lexus UX Hybrid or the new RAV4 Hybrid but both are out of my price range. So I am thinking of the Lexus CT200h from 2017 (which I can pick up around the $30,000-$35,000 mark - borrowing $10,000). Or should I just buy the Toyota Corolla Hybrid and save $10,000 and have no loan (I am a single parent)? Are there any pros/cons of the Toyota Corolla Hybrid or any other vehicles I should consider that are very fuel-efficient/better for the environment that I can afford at $20,000 but still have some luxuries such as reversing camera, Bluetooth etc?