Toyota Corolla Problems

The best times to buy are usually the end of the financial year, or at model run-out times, that's when the specials are on. The CVT and dual-clutch autos are both still unknowns in terms of long-term reliability, but either should be ok over the five years you plan to keep the car. Any of the cars you list, and the list is a long one, would be ok. It really comes down to what you like.

If you want a cheap and reliable small car go for something like a Hyundai i30, Kia Rio, Toyota Corolla, or Mitsubishi Lancer.

As a front-wheel drive passenger car designed for urban roads, the Corolla can be driven in very light snow conditions so long as the driver takes precautions, like lowering their speed and watching for ice. However, the Corolla isn't really the ideal car for regular trips to the snow, or for driving in deep snow. While Toyota's all-wheel-drive RAV4 model is more at home in snow, the best model for regular snow driving is the heavy duty Prado or LandCruiser models which have proper 4x4 drivetrains and all-terrain tyres better suited to slippery snow conditions.

The Mazda3 and Holden Astra are both good alternative choices, but you could also consider a Toyota Corolla or Kia Rio or Cerato.

I would consider the best Corolla to be the one with the most amount of features as it will - arguably - make driving a more enjoyable, easier experience. To this end, the extra features found in the ZR model over the Ascent and SX trims will mean not only will you enjoy driving the car, but your passengers will find themselves in a nicer space.

Don’t buy a Focus, they are plagued with automatic transmission troubles, don’t buy a Holden Cruze either, as they also have problems with their automatic transmission. The Lancer is fine; you could also look at a Mazda 3 or Toyota Corolla.

Ford changed from the LW model to the LZ in 2015. The LW had a dual-clutch automatic, which was very problematic and should be avoided; the later LZ had a regular automatic transmission and has none of the problems that beset the LW. In short the LZ is worth buying, and can be compared to the Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla for reliability.

For starters you should tell her not to drive into floodwaters. I would suggest a small hatch, something like a Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, or Hyundai i30. All are reliable, economical, safe, and within your budget.

Toyota rates their latest Corolla's fuel efficiency at 6L per-100km, which is impressive given the 126lW 2.0-litre motor in the new model.