Used Car Reviews

It's hard to believe given its strong recent performance that Mazda was struggling to survive in the Australian market just a few years ago. That was before a remarkable rebirth following the launch of a whole new range of models and a catchy "Zoom Zoom" theme.NEWIn the last 10 years or so we have seen the 3 become one of the most popular cars on the local market and other models, such as the 2, also grow in market acceptance. The 2 launched here in 2002 and won over the small car crowd with its style, quality and economy.An upgrade in 2005 added to its appeal, and a new model in 2007 cemented its place on the pop charts. Initially launched as a five-door hatch, a three-door hatch was added in 2008, but that was replaced in 2010 by a four-door sedan. Three models made up the offering, starting with the Neo as the base model, then the sporty Maxx and the range-topping Genki.Mazda optimised the cabin to make it as roomy, and as comfortable as possible given the 2's modest exterior dimensions.  With its upright seating positions and high roofline it could accommodate four adults in acceptable comfort.There was plenty of scope for moving the front seats back and forth to find a comfortable position for the driver and front seat passenger, and the rear seat occupants could also adjust their seat fore and aft as well as being able to adjust the rake. The boot is small, but given the size of the 2 it still holds a reasonable amount of gear.The performance is quite strong across all situations with its 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine showing plenty of pulling power and response across a broad range of engine speeds. Buyers could choose between a four-speed auto and a five-speed manual.The manual was the one to go for if you wanted the best get up and go, but the auto was the best overall choice even if it dulled the performance a little. The 2005 upgrade brought manual shifting to the auto, which made it a much more attractive option.On the road the 2 was highly rated for its ride and handling. Its roadholding and cornering were exemplary and the ride was firm but comfortable. The new model in 2007 brought bolder lines that made the 2 more appealing, the only downside being the slightly restricted rear vision with the revised beltline.NOWThe low complaint rate at Carsguide is an indicator that Mazda has got it pretty right with its new generation models. It's a solidly built car with a sound mechanical package and little seems to go wrong with it, at least of a serious nature.That's a good starting point, but that's all it ism as each cars needs to be thoroughly inspected before any money changes hands. The 2 is still relatively young, the earliest cars have only done 150,000 km or so, and later ones have yet to reach 50,000 km, but it's important to check the service history of any car under consideration.Oil changes are scheduled for every 10,000 km and it's vital that this routine is kept up. For some owners, the reliability of the 2 is an invitation to skip services and rely on the next owner to catch up. It doesn't work that way; only buy a car with a service history that stacks up.SMITHY SAYSIt's a keeper and you can buy with confidence. 4 stars.Mazda 2 2002-2011Price new: $6500 to $20,000Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder, 82 kW/141 NmTransmission: 4-speed auto, 5-speed manual, FWDEconomy: 7.0 L/100 kmBody: 3-door hatch, 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchVariants: Neo, Maxx, GenkiSafety: 4-star ANCAP  

Introduced to Australia in May 1999 about a year after it first created a huge stir in Europe, the Audi TT was a hit from day one. Originally sold as a fixed-roof coupe, a TT roadster was added to the local range just 12 months later, in May 2000.The dome-shaped styling is not only radical on the outside, but also the cabin, with its circular dial and vent theme works very well. It uses a lot of aluminium highlights as Audi is a big fan of this high-tech material.The overall look is great and even those who have no intention of ever driving hard love the sporting ambience created within the TT. Audi TT is great fun to drive but, at least in the front-drive models, feels more like a hot-hatch than a true sports car. Which shouldn’t surprise anyone, because underneath that gorgeous Audi skin there lurks a Volkswagen Golf GTI. While the Golf is a fine little hatch it’s not really a pure-bred sports model. There were several tragic cases of high-speed Audi TT crashes in Europe, principally in Germany, of the earliest models. These were blamed on aerodynamic flaws that were exacerbated by the very short wheelbase of the Audi TT. Later models were modified in their suspension and have a rear wing to push the tail to the road at speed. The wing takes away some of the purity of the original shape of the TT. There had been calls for it to be a lift-up wing in the manner of a Porsche unit. But Audi says this could have been too expensive. The all-new gen-two Audi TT of November 2006 sorted out the problem of the controversial addition of the rear wing, being hidden at lower speeds and raised at moderate speeds - that is at over 120 km/h, which is regarded as a moderate speed in more enlightened countries.This second generation Audi TT had the company’s trademark single-frame grille. A sleeker bonnet line carries into the car’s shoulders and tapers out towards the distinctive rear lights. Naturally, the domed roof, the most prominent feature of the first TT, has been retained. There are some that feel the TT lost its originality in the gen-two model, saying it had become generic rather than radical. Your call...The original Audi TT was offered with 1.8-litre four-cylinder engines, in either light-pressure or high-pressure turbocharged format, the latter coming with the traction advantage of quattro all-wheel drive. The capacity of the four-cylinder unit was increased to 2.0 litres using a turbocharged with the second generation TT.In December 2004, a 3.2-litre V6 was shoehorned under the bonnet of the Audi TT coupe, but not the roadster. With all the torque that entailed, the TT 3.2 has also needed Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive. A five-cylinder 2.5-litre RS engine with quattro was added to the range just in time for Christmas 2009.Straight-line performance is pretty good in even the smaller engined models due to the TT’s relatively light weight, so don’t automatically go for the higher powered units unless you are a full-on revhead. A six-speed was used in TT quattros from their introduction in October 1999. Front-drive cars had five-speed manual gearboxes until August 2005, when a six-speed manual was introduced.Because Audi saw the TT as being a pure sports car no automatic transmission was offered until March 2003, when a six-speed torque-converter auto was offered with the low-pressure engines. Good as it was this transmission has been somewhat upstaged in the technology stakes by the six-speed double-clutch - tagged the S tronic - used in the Audi TT 3.2 quattro.The automated double-clutch automated-manual transmission has all the labour-saving advantages of a conventional automatic, and none of the disadvantages of power loss and higher fuel consumption. However, its characteristics at very low speeds can be variable and irritating at times. Test drive one to see what you think.These are complex cars that should really only be worked on by professionals. However, good amateurs can tackle some of the routine maintenance work should they be so inclined. Spare parts prices aren't cheap, but are in keeping with others in this class. It’s much the same story with the cost of servicing and repairs.Check on insurance premiums before falling too deeply in love with one of these stunningly styled German cars as premiums vary quite a bit. Your local Audi dealer may be able to offer advice. WHAT TO LOOK FORLook for signs of previous crash repairs. A ripply finish in any of the panels, or a mismatch in paint colour from one section to the other are fairly easy to spot. If there's the slightest concern over crash repairs either get a full professional inspection, or skip that car and try to find another one.Look at the floor of a roadster for signs of water entry. If there's the slightest cause for concern get permission from the seller to lift the carpets. Check the roadster’s roof seals correctly when it is closed and that it doesn’t have any tears or cuts, especially around the stitching.Make sure the engine starts promptly, even when it’s stone cold. If there are any doubts try to arrange to come back first thing in the morning to have it completely cold. Gear changes should be reasonably light, but remember the gearbox is a long way from the shift lever, with a multitude of links connecting the two. This can give it a slightly spongy feel.CAR BUYING TIPWe hear of too many people buying used cars without even going for a test drive. Crazy if you ask us, but it’s their choice... 

NEW - It was way back in the 1970s that the Golf GTi took over the hot-  hatch mantle from the Mini Cooper S, but VW has been able to do what   the Brits couldn't; keep it alive and thriving. Today's GTi is the hottest yet in a long line of hot hatches from the   German company. By any measure it's sizzling hot, and for many it's   the benchmark against which all others are measured.There can be no underestimating the fun of driving a GTi, and the   great thing is that it can be enjoyed day in and day out, on any   road, in any weather. Most people agree that there's no end to the   fun to be had with VW's great little hottie. For some the new model that lobbed here in 2005 was a case of   evolution rather than revolution, but why would you radically change   something that has worked so well.The GTi was readily distinguished from its more mundane brethren by   its lower stance, sportier front bumper, front foglights, distinct   grille, GTi badges and rear diffuser. When added up it comes to a   tough looking car. It came as a three-door and a five-door. In its three-door guise the   doors are a little longer and heavier, which means there's a bit of a   stretch back to the seat belt, but it also means easier access to the   rear seat.The engine is a bit of a fire-breather, a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-  cylinder unit that delivers all the grunt you could want when presented with an open road free of other traffic, yet at the same time it's docile enough the handle the daily trundle to work without complaint. The gearbox choices were a six-speed manual and the much maligned,   but improved, DSG six-speeder that was offered up as a fun-filled auto.A new diff lock was fitted to the new GTi, which was designed to   improve traction and battle understeer, two things that tend to bring   hot front-drivers back to Earth.NOWMost GTi owners swear by their cars, they usually say they'd never   switch. But like any car they can give trouble. With any hot hatch it's important to search for signs of hard use,   look at the tyres, the brakes and anything else that could come under   extreme pressure when worked hard.Same with the turbo engine, lift the oil filler cap and inspect for   sludge, and check the service book for records of regular oil changes. Thoroughly test drive the DSG gearbox, put it to the sword under all   sorts of driving conditions, observing for any miss-shifts, rough   shifts, shuddering etc. The funky gearbox can be fun to drive, but it   can be a nightmare if its goes wrong and there are plenty of stories   of things going wrong.For most owners the thrill-a-minute driving experience is enough to   forgive any issues that crop up. One owner we spoke to had had a 2005 model for six years and covered   130,000 km without any trouble to speak of, even with the DSG.He felt the DSG was a bit slow on the uptake in city driving when in   Drive and found that driving in manual was smoother. Another owner we spoke to is on his third GTi and so far all is going swimmingly. The DSG in his previous car had a problem with shuddering, but that was sorted out under warranty. Service costs, he told us, are higher than some cars, but then so are all European cars!SMITHY SAYSA great driver sometimes brought undone by its technology.Volkswagen Golf GTi 2005-2010Price new: $40,790 to $42,990Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo, 147 kW/280 NmTransmission: 6-speed manual, 6-speed DSG, FWDEconomy: 8.1 L/100 km, PremiumBody: 3-door hatch, 5-door hatchVariants: GTiSafety: 5-star ANCAP  

The BMW Z3 and Z4 are genuine roadsters, not simply convertibles. The difference being that roadsters are strictly two-seaters and the seats are set well back, almost to the rear axle. The resulting very long nose and a stubby tail mean the BMW Z-cars have a no-nonsense purposeful appearance.The BMW Z3 was launched in Australia way back in January 1997. It was BMW’s answer to the astonishing success of the Mazda MX-5, a car that reinvented the open-top car many thought had gone forever. Despite its different name, the BMW Z4 is really the second-generation Z3, it was given the new title to match the new naming system which sees the sporty variants getting even numbers.The Z series models were initially designed for the USA so in the early editions are rather American in their makeup for keen Aussie drivers. In particular, their handling was softer than usual for a BMW, though far from soft in absolute terms. When the Z3 also became a hit in many other countries, including Australia, the handling became full-on sport with the introduction of the Z4.The first Australian imports of the BMW Z4 reached us downunder in July 2003. Handling of the Z4 is exceptionally good with excellent chassis balance thanks to the setback position of the engine. Naturally rear wheel drive gives you proper throttle control. Some may feel the ride is on the firm side, but true drivers will be more than willing to overlooks this.Perhaps take along your regular passenger and get their feelings for the car on roughish roads. Though the little BMW began life with a 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine, the German marque is famed for its six-cylinder engines and these were soon squeezed under the long bonnet and almost immediately became the powerplant of choice in almost all cars.In June 1999 imports of the 1.9-litre four had ceased in Australia and all used a sweet little 2.0-litre straight-six. The big gun engine in the Z3 is the 3.0-litre six-cylinder. Performance from the smaller engines is nothing to get excited about, but the free-revving nature, and great exhaust note, makes them feel faster than they really are – and isn’t that what counts?BMW Z4s have a 2.5 or 3.0-litre straight-six from their 2003 introduction until the company started to get into the small-capacity turbocharged field with blown four-cylinder engines. Some sixes remained alongside the turbo-petrol fours until 2012, when they were replaced by big-boost turbo fours. Some miss the demise of the straight-six turbo engines – ourselves included – so if you really love them it might be time to invest in the last of the line.A special engine is used in the Z4 33i models. A 3.0-litre twin-turbo six, it gives huge amounts of forward thrust and is a delight for the revheads to punt along. Manual and automatic transmission are offered in most cars and the auto isn’t as slow and irritating as in some sports models. Our choice is still the DIY shifter, though.Manuals have six gear ratios. The autos increased in the number of gears, beginning with just four speeds in 1997 and advancing to no fewer than eight in 2012, with five and six speeds being sold along the timeline. The BMW dealer network is well established in Australia and is known for its high quality of technical training.Electronic diagnosis of problems is highly refined as BMW was a leader in this field. The technician plugs in your car and it is then connected to a large computer in Germany where it is quizzed not only on current problems but even in intermittent troubles that aren’t actually present in the car at the time it was driven into the workshop. Clever stuff.This high-tech diagnoses and servicing is just one reason it makes a lot of sense to buy a used Z3 or Z4 that has always been serviced by an official BMW dealer. Spare parts aren't outrageously expensive for a car in this class, but may prove to be a factor in your decision as to whether to buy an older Z4 rather than a cheaper convertible from a lower-cost maker.Insurance may be expensive if the driver is young and/or inexperienced. Surprisingly there is seldom a big increase in premiums for the high-performance models.WHAT TO LOOK FORCarry out your own pre-purchase inspection to the best of your ability. Once it has passed your tests call your BMW dealer, or at least a qualified mechanic with knowledge of the marque. Lift the carpets for signs of dampness or even rust if the car has been caught out in the rain in a big way. It’s best to ask permission from the seller before doing this as technically it’s dismantling the car and that is often frowned upon.Check for previous crash repairs by looking for signs of paint overspray, panels with a slight waviness in their finish and for colours that don't match exactly from one panel to the next. Make sure the engine starts virtually instantly, idles smoothly within a second or so of startup and pulls without hesitation even when completely cold.CAR BUYING TIPSome sports cars are ‘fanged’ on a daily basis, others never get past the mid-range marks on the tacho. No marks for guessing which is the better bet as a used car. 

Small cars are in, in fashion that is, since downsizing became sensible in this gridlocked world. In the shrinking process they became serious cars for most people rather than cars just for the impoverished.NEWMarketing men threw around words like, refined, sophisticated, funky and safe, words that were once unheard when the conversation turned to mini motors. The Yaris was Toyota's entry in the new small car world, and you guessed it, it was bigger and more refined.The stylish newcomer had broad appeal with the choice of 3-door hatch, 4-door sedan and 5-door hatch body styles, two engines, and the option of 5-star safety. If compared to its predecessor, the Echo, the Yaris comes up trumps for it roominess and comfort. Front seat passengers treated to improved comfort and rear seat occupants given more space.The two engines on offer were a 1.3-litre four-cylinder unit that delivered 63 kW and 121 Nm, and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit that gave a more appealing 80 kW and 141 Nm. With extra power and torque, and only marginally more fuel consumption, the larger engine is clearly the one to go for.It delivers smooth drivability and sits comfortably on the highway speed limit, and only uses a little more fuel than the smaller unit, which has to work harder to get the job done. Yaris buyers could choose between a 5-speed manual gearbox and a four-speed automatic.The auto didn't have a manual mode, but that's nothing to be concerned about, those systems aren't often used in any case. Road testers at the time were high in praise for the Yaris's comfort and build quality, rating it higher than its rivals. Its ride was rated as comfortable, its handling responsive, the only criticism that consistently came to the fore was a jerky throttle.NOWToyota vehicles have a perception of perfection when it comes to quality and reliability, but the reality is that they can break down like any other car. But the Yaris is generally sound and has no serious flaws that would cause potential buyers any concern.The engines are robust and reliable, and the same goes for the transmissions and drivelines. Reports we have received from Yaris owners show that they are happy with the reliability of their cars, and they like the resale value, both laudable attributes in a car.On top of that they praise the roomy cabin, the storage space, the performance and the fuel economy. Their criticisms are that the headlights are inadequate outside the urban area, the seats are small and unsupportive, the throttle is jerky and the front grounds out when crossing drains and gutters.Check for a service record that shows a regular routine of servicing. Like all modern cars the Yaris thrives on fresh oil and clean filters, fail to service them only leads to greater expense long term. Being a small car and often bought by those on a tight budget, servicing can be neglected, with some owners hoping to pass the car on before trouble strikes.SMITHY SAYS If you're a small shopper give the Yaris a go, it's a good little car. 4 starsToyota Yaris 2005-2010Price new: $16,490 to $21,790Engine: 1.3-litre 4-cylinder, 63 kW/121 Nm; 1.5-litre 4-cylinder, 80 kW/141 NmTransmission: 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manualEconomy: 6.0-6.1 L/100 kmBody: 3-door hatch, 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchVariants: YR, YRS, YRXSafety: 4-star ANCAP, 5-star with safety pack 

The new Beetle might look like the original 'People's Car' but in reality there's very little about the new car that can be traced back to the old model.NEW The engine is in the front of the new car, it is in the rear of the old one, the car's engine is water-cooled, the old one uses air for cooling, the new one is front-wheel drive, the old one is rear wheel drive. It goes on.The point is that you shouldn't be swayed by the spin that suggested the new Beetle is the old one reborn. It isn't.By all means buy it if you like the new car's cute looks, but be aware that what you are buying is a rather impractical Golf. When you boil it down the new Beetle is more a cute Golf than a new version of the old classic.It was launched here in 2000 initially as a single model with a 2.0-litre 85 kW engine with a heap of standard features that moved it up the model chain.Since then there has been a lower-spec 1.6-litre model, a turbo model, a diesel and a cabriolet. The 2.0-litre has decent torque giving it good response and driveability, the 1.6-litre is similar, the turbo offers the zing, while the diesel is the mileage buster.With its Golf underpinnings the Beetle is sure-footed and responsive, its ride is firm but comfortable, while it steers nicely and brakes with assurance.It is a thoroughly modern car with a retro look. Two doors necessarily limits a car's practicality when it comes to family use, getting in and out of the rear seats isn't something you want to do every day.And the rear seats are a little cramped. The boot isn't very big either, which just adds to its day-to-day limitations. Buying a 'Bug' of the new sort really comes down to image. If you want to feel funky, buy it, if you have to drive the kids to school go for something more practical.NOWBeing based on the Golf the Beetle suffers similar issues as its corporate cousin. The engines it used are sound and give little trouble, but take a look for oil leaks that might need addressing in the near term. Plastic engine fittings tend to get brittle and crumble over time.When it comes to transmissions, the Beetle didn't use the troublesome DSG gearbox, which means there aren't the same concerns as with other models in the VW range. Nevertheless thoroughly test-drive the automatic transmission and ensure it shifts smoothly and without hesitation. Early Beetles are now up around the 150,000 km mark on average and that's getting into   auto trouble territory. Like all European cars the brakes tend to wear quite quickly, so be prepared to replace pads and discs regularly. Faulty electronics are a regular complaint on all cars today, which makes it worth checking every system in the car to ensure they're operating as they should.SMITHY SAYS Oldtime looks make it stand out from the crowd, but under the skin it's all modern, if a little impractical for some.VW Beetle - 2000-2010Price new: $36,790 to $39,990Engines: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder, 75 kW/148 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 85kW/172Nm; 1.8-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder, 110kW/210Nm; 1.9-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 77kW/250NmTransmissions: 5-speed manual, 4-speed auto, 6-speed auto, FWDThirst: 8.2 L/100 km (1.6); 8.8 L/100 km (2.0), 8.2 L/100 km (1.8T); 5.5 L/100 km (TD)Body: 2-door hatch, 2-door cabrioletVariants: Base, Ikon, Miami, TDi, TurboSafety: 4-star ANCAPCOMING UPDo you own a VW Golf GTi? If so tell us what you think of it by sending your comments to Graham Smith at grah.smith@bigpond.com or Carsguide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW, 2010.

...and what to watch for when you are buying it.Lexus cars are about comfort and refinement and the Lexus RX SUV leans very much in that direction and well away from the rugged off-road nature of its big brother the LandCruiser-based Lexus LX Series.The Lexus RX350 has significantly less ground clearance than the typical crossover. Which gives it road holding almost on par with that of a sedan or station wagon. While the Lexus RX350 does have all-wheel drive and can travel on dirt roads, forest trails and the like, taking it to the beach could leave it beached on its belly.Interior room is good for two adults and three junior travellers, but three adults in the back seats starts to stretch their friendship. It goes without saying that the choice of materials and the quality of fit and finish of cabin is immaculate in all models, and has been taken to even higher levels over the years. Boot space is reasonable considering the steep slope of the rear window, but most SUVs of this size give you more versatility when it comes to carrying boxy items. The rear seat has a handy 40/20/40 split to give you loading options.Australian buyers weren’t offered the chance to buy the first-generation Lexus RX300 as it was only sold in the USA. The second generation went on sale in this country in April 2003 as the RX330 (the numbers refer to the engine size in decilitres in most models, more about that later) and was a hit pretty well from the start.The third generation Lexus was introduced in February 2009 and, with a moderate facelift and the introduction of several new variants remains on sale today. The gen-three was virtually all-new, being longer and wider in the body than its predecessors and sitting on a longer wheelbase and wider track. The new model was designed to provide more interior space and even higher levels of interior comfort than before. It truly is a luxury wagon and the great majority of buyers use it that way.The twin-cam petrol engine V6 has a capacity of 3.0 litres in the 330 and 3.5 litres in the RX350. The third generation cars have noticeably lower fuel consumption without any loss of performance. The petrol engine was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission until the arrival of the all-new 2009 model saw it lifted to six-speed unit, which partly explains its lower fuel use.An interesting model is the petrol-electric hybrid RX. Sold since October 2006, it uses a 3.3-litre engine and an electric motor in combination. The hybrid’s model name breaks with convention by being tagged RX400h, that’s because Lexus reckons it has the performance that would be offered by a 4.0-litre petrol engine.A mid-life upgrade in July 2012 saw the introduction of an RX 2WD, four-cylinder model badged RX 270. Until then all RXs used 4WD and a V6 engine. The lighter weight of the 2WD model (which drives through the front wheels) means there is less loss in performance than you might expect. Naturally, it’s still a rarity on the used market but if you never plan any unsealed road driving its lower price may make it worth a wait.Lexus dealers are mainly in metropolitan areas of capital cities and major regional and country locations. Should you need work done in other areas some top Toyota mechanics have been trained in Lexus work. Service and repair costs are about average for an SUV in this upmarket class and we have heard of no real complaints about cost or availability of routine spare parts. Insurance charges don’t seem to vary significantly between major companies, but it may be worth shopping around.WHAT TO LOOK FORVery high build quality means that troubles are rare, but these are relatively complex machines and we highly recommend a professional inspection after you've completed yours to the best of your ability. If you find body damage indicating off-road use, a rarity, it’s most likely to be on the bumper corners, under the sill panels and in the form of scratches on the doors. Unless the price is right we suggest going for another RX instead.Look for a smoking exhaust on a high-mileage engine. It will be at its worst when the engine is worked hard. Check the automatic transmission is all but unnoticed in its actions unless you’re accelerating hard. Look over the interior and boot carefully because the RX is popular in the Mums’ taxi cohort.CAR BUYING TIPFaded paint on any vehicle, particularly those with strong colours, is likely to indicate it hasn’t been garaged very often. This can be hard on the interior as well as the body. 

...and what to watch for when you are buying it.NEW - The Fiesta was Ford's attempt to win over small car buyers who shunned recent offerings from the Blue oval brand.The company made a big song and dance about appealing to young women with the Fiesta, but added that the sporting model in the range would appeal to young men. If it was having a bob each way there was no doubt the Fiesta was conceived to bring young women to the brand. The Fiesta looked funky, had a funky interior and was packed with all the funky features a young woman on the move could wish for.There were two body styles on offer, a three-door hatch and a five-door hatch, and three models, the price leading CL, the LX and the sporty Zetec. The mid range LX was only available as a five-door; the others could be had with three or five doors. Three engines were offered, two of them petrol and one a diesel.The petrol engines were a 1.4-litre and a 1.6-litre, but the diesel was the big noise with a claimed consumption of 3.7 L/100 km. There was also the choice of manual and automatic transmissions with the final drive being through the front wheels. On the road the Fiesta was poised when cornering, had a compliant ride, and its engines were smooth and flexible. Inside, it was quiet and refined, the seats were comfortable and there were plenty of nifty features like voice-controlled Bluetooth and a USB slot for an MP3 player.NOWFew complaints have been received at Carsguide, suggesting that Fiesta owners are generally happy with their purchase. The most common complaint relates to engine pinging, and despite dealer recommendations to switch to higher octane fuel it doesn't seem to go away. Fuel economy is also a concern for some owners, particularly with the 1.6-litre engine, which doesn't come close to the official Ford figure. Anyone buying for fuel economy should strongly consider the diesel, which does deliver very good economy.We have also had the odd report of the engine cutting out for no apparent reason, and dealers have not been able to find the cause of the problem. Random failures of this sort are quite common on today's cars with all their electronics. It only takes a poor connection somewhere, or a sensor that misbehaves occasionally and you have a car that does things that are difficult to explain.The performance of the air-conditioning has been called into question by a number of owners who say it blows cool rather than cold on hot summer days. Rattles are also the subject of complaint, which would appear to be the result of variable build quality. Like all modern cars servicing the Fiesta is vitally important to ensuring a long and reliable life, so check that the car you want to buy has been serviced regularly and according to the book.SMITHY SAYSA smart looking, great driving and fun-filled little hatch that's packed with character.Ford Fiesta 2009-2010Price new: $16,450 to $24,990Engine: 1.4-litre 4-cylinder, 71 kW/125 Nm; 1.6-litre 4-cylinder, 88 kW/151 Nm; 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 66 kW/200 Nm.Transmission: 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual, FWDThirst: 5.7 L/100 km (1.4), 5.8 L/100 km (1.6), 3.7 L/100 km (TD)Body: 3-door hatch, 5-door hatch Variants: CL, LX, Econetic, ZetecSafety: 5-star ANCAP

Not only becoming the biggest selling roadster of all time, but also nudging many other car makers into building open-top cars, something that had previously seemed to be impossible due to ever tightening safety regulations.The Mazda sportscar is a delight to drive, with pin-sharp steering, excellent road grip, near-neutral balance and the ability to change direction mid corner at the merest hint through the wheel that it’s needed. Many owners love to take them for a quick blast along their favourite stretch of road on a sunny Sunday morn.They usually drive with the top down of course, even if the weather is threatening. That’s because the soft-top only takes seconds to send down and pack up again. You can do it when stopped at a red light, though it does require you to have a supple body, because a fair bit of upper body twisting and shoulder strength is needed.A folding hardtop roof made things much simpler when introduced in September 2006. It not only works neatly, but has added a minimum of weight to the car and takes little away from luggage carrying capacity. So popular did the folding hardtop become in Australia that imports of the soft-top slowed to a crawl and in the latest model, introduced in November 2012, the hardtop became the only unit offered in Australia. You may be able to get one on special order by speaking to your Mazda dealer.The Mazda MX-5 was launched in Australia in October 1989 and remained almost unchanged in its body until March 1998, when a near-new car was introduced. The original model had pop-up lights, the latter one fixed units. At the same time, an increase in boot space made the MX-5 a more practical car, one that could be used as a daily driver by a couple.A facelift in October 2000 saw the rounded grille replaced by what Mazda calls a five-point grille to bring it into line with the styling of the rest of the Mazda family. An all-new MX-5 arrived in October 2005. It was slightly larger than before, though weight rises were kept to a minimum.Engine power isn't quite as impressive as the chassis dynamics; the original MX-5 only had 1.6 litres. That was lifted to 1.8 litres in November 1993 in a new engine that was slightly modified but, surprisingly, wasn’t as happy to rev as in its previous incarnation although torque was fattened out.The 1998 model change kept the engine at the same size but gave it a little more punch, although still not quite enough. In October 2000, the engine received a new variable valve timing system to improve power and torque. Response was significantly improved with that latest engine but is still nothing to get excited about.A 2.0-litre engine was introduced in the new 2005 model and is arguably the best yet. Changes to the 2.0-litre engine in 2009 and 2012 saw it able to rev to higher numbers, yet it was improved in the low down grunt department at the same time.Anyway, half the fun of driving a little roadster like this is rowing it along on the gearbox, going for the right gear at the right time to make the best of the engine’s limited power. The gearchange on the original Mazda MX-5 is one of the sweetest units you will ever meet, with short positive changes that not only work well but feel great at the same time. So the relative lack of engine power is actually a bonus in the minds of some owners.Earlier gearboxes were five-speed manual units. A six-speed was used in the 10th Anniversary limited edition of 1999, and became standard in the October 2000 model. The six-speed is a close-ratio unit, having a similar ratio in top gear in both boxes. To our way of thinking the six-speed isn't quite as pleasant in its feel as the latter five-speed, but it’s still an excellent unit.An automatic transmission with six forward ratios became an option in 2005. Believe it or not, it's almost as nice to sit behind as a manual because of the very-sporty programming of its electronics. Good design and high build quality mean the MX-5 is reliable. It’s fairly easy for a good amateur mechanic to work on and spare parts are normally reasonably priced. The Mazda dealer network isn't huge but works effectively and we have heard of no real complaints about availability.Insurance can be expensive, particularly for young and/or inexperienced drivers so it’s worth shopping around to get the best deal. As always, make sure you understand what you are getting for your premium dollar.WHAT TO LOOK FORIn early models look for stitching that's worn or even broken in the soft-tops and for discolouration in the plastic rear window in early models. A glass rear window was used in the new model of 1998. Check under the carpets for dampness as the car may have been caught with its top down in the rain. It's best to ask the owner of the car for permission before pulling up the carpets.It's probably best to keep clear of MX-5s that have been used in lap dashes at race tracks or in rallies. These can often be recognised by tyre scrubbing (if they haven't just been renewed to hide the fact) and by the fitment of a rollcage, fire extinguisher or extra instruments. Also look for heavy deposits of brake dust on the callipers and the inside of the wheels.Check that the Mazda's engine starts easily, idles reasonably smoothly and doesn't blow smoke from the exhaust under hard acceleration. The gearbox should be light and positive in its change action and not baulk or crunch even on the fastest of changes. The third-second change is usually the first one to show up any troubles.Look for crash damage that's been repaired, indeed it may be very wise to call in a professional if you are in any way suspicious.CAR BUYING TIPBeware the sports car that has actually been used as a car in sport - these are comparatively rare and may be in need of expensive repairs.

Nissan Pathfinder is a reasonably tough off-road station wagon that has gained a lot of respect amongst Australian buyers in the 25 years it has been on the local market. Pathfinder is chiefly aimed at the suburban user, though you will find a fair number in the bush.Whereas the first models had a separate chassis, the full-wagon variant of the Nissan Pathfinder used a monocoque body. Just to cause further confusion, the latest one, from July 2005, has reverted to a full chassis for added toughness and is again virtually a Navara with extra seats. Though this time there is a fair bit of work in the passenger comfort field as well.Pathfinder began its Australian career in December 1986 as a two-door wagon. Following the sales success of the then-new concept, in October 1992 it became a four-door. These older models may be near their use-by date, though we still see some good ones on the road. November 1995 saw the introduction of a virtually all-new Pathfinder that was aimed more at the passenger market than the ute-with-more-seats buyer.We have experienced some body movement on rough roads in the second-generation models, the ones with the monocoque body. This can get worse as the vehicle ages, especially if it has led a hard life. This probably explains the decision to go back to the separate chassis in 2005 Pathfinders. So it’s probably best to regard the 1995 to 2005 models as soft-roaders rather than off-roaders.The earlier Nissan Pathfinders had good ride comfort for their class and era and have a reasonably spacious interior. There is less headroom than you might expect in the pre-2005 models, and legroom in the back could be better, though it’s certainly not cramped.The 2005 Nissan Pathfinder is significantly larger than the previous ones and has seating that’s good for four adults, five without too much leg rubbing. Headroom is good and the front seats are well shaped. The rear bench seat is reasonably comfortable. Boot space is large and easy to load.Most older Pathfinder models have a petrol engine with a capacity of 2.4 litres. A smooth 3.0-litre V6 was added to the lineup in 1993, it is a punchy unit, though the revs do have to be kept up to get the best from it. The V6’s capacity went up to 3.3 litres with the 1995 model change. The 2005 Pathfinder uses a big 4.0-litre V6 that has plenty of grunt.Diesel engines, though common in the Nissan Navara, were not offered in Pathfinders until the introduction of the new 2005 model. The unit in this Pathfinder is a healthy 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo that punches out more that 400 Newton metres. As its introduction coincided with the start of fuel price rises in Australia it’s no surprise that many buyers have opted for this oil burning option and it’s already being sought out on the used-car market.Pathfinders with four-cylinder petrol engines have a five-speed manual gearbox. The 3.0-litre V6 can be ordered as a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. The 3.3 engine comes only with a four-speed automatic as does the 4.0-litre petrol. The turbo-diesel again wins out, having a choice between a nice six-speed manual  and a modern five-speed auto.Early Pathfinders used an old style 4WD system, but from the 1999 Pathfinder it came with a sophisticated all-wheel drive system with the title of All-Mode. This 4WD layout offers the driver numerous choices: everything from rear-wheel-only drive for easy on-road use, to four-low for seriously tackling tough off-road terrain. The Auto setting juggles the amount of drive needed to each end of the Pathfinder according to conditions under the wheels.On-road the later Pathfinders are almost car-like in their refinement and general feel. There is more wind noise than you would get in a passenger car of the time in the 1995 to 2005 models. Handling is reasonable in all models, but the centre of gravity is relatively high so you can’t drive a Pathfinder as though it’s a car.Nissan's dealer network is widespread with spare parts, repairs and servicing available in most areas, even in some pretty remote locations. Insurance isn’t usually over expensive as befits a vehicle that is seldom driven hard.WHAT TO LOOK FORRust can get into the lower corners of the door and the tailgate but is not common in vehicles that have been correctly driven and maintained. Check also for rust in the chassis rails, especially if you suspect it has been subjected to beach use.Look for damage to the protection plates, the sill panels and the underneath of the bumper-bar corners, all items that suggest rigorous off-road driving. Four-cylinder engines can sound harsh even when they have a fair bit of life left in them. Worn engines tend to be slow at picking up oil when started stone cold, resulting in low pressure. So listen for bearing rattle and watch for an oil-pressure warning light that’s slow to go off.Check for an engine that smokes from the exhaust. It is usually at its worst when the engine is accelerated hard after it has been idling for a minute or so.  Severe engine wear is the most likely cause.Gearboxes are generally tough, but try some fast gearchanges from third to second and feel and listen for worn synchros. Automatic transmissions should be smooth and quiet in operation and not have too long a delay when going into Drive from Neutral.If driven hard in tough off-road situations Pathfinders may suffer from suspension mounting or chassis cracks. Get an expert to do an inspection as these can be expensive items to repair.CAR BUYING TIPFour-wheel-drive purists scoff at those who never take their 4WDs off-road – that is until they come to buy a secondhand model for themselves. Then they opt for used vehicles that have never been taken off road…