Toyota Problems

The Camry wins on reliability and fuel consumption, but carries the highest price; the Subaru is the least expensive but has the highest fuel consumption ad the lowest resale, while the Kia sits in the middle. The Kia is good value-for-money. If fuel consumption is your priority go for the Camry, if not go for the Kia.

We've asked Toyota a few times to clarify timing on the new-generation Kluger (Highlander), but they're keeping quiet on when we can expect it.

An insider's guess would be that it should be on sale here mid-2020, but nothing is confirmed just yet. 

Stay tuned to our news section for more info as it comes to hand. 

Try a Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, or a Ford Focus. All would seem to fit the bill.

Unfortunately the C-HR Hybrid isn't yet on sale in Australia, though it is likely to be available here in 2020.

If you can't wait that long, the Corolla Hybrid could be a great option for you. That is, unless you need a big back seat, a big boot or a full size spare wheel... You only get a full size spare on the top-spec ZR, which is beyond the budget, and no Corolla hatch has a big back seat or boot. There is a Corolla sedan coming in November, which will have a big boot and bigger back seat. 

The Camry Hybrid is a much bigger car, and offers a lot more accommodation as a result. It's a big, lovely car - one we'd wholeheartedly recommend. And you should be able to fine one under $30k less than 12 months old. 

Otherwise, check out the Corolla Hybrid (SX would be our recommendation), and you might even be able to get one brand new within your budget.

Test drive them both, and let us know how you go!

Buying for an 18-year-old male is a difficult task. What you think he should drive is probably not what he would like to have. The best approach is to buy the latest model you can afford, because that will be the safest, have the best economy, and be worth the most when you want to sell or trade it. Your budget would suggest a four-cylinder small car of around 2012/13. Something like a 2013 Toyota Corolla would get you 5-star safety, be quite economical, and relatively easy to sell later on.

Check the brake fluid level, it could be a warning for low fluid.

There are lots of cars that would be reliable and within your budget, but none would have a turbo. Turbos are not the thing you want for reliability, and any you might find within your budget are more than likely to be old and to have been thrashed. I would suggest a four-cylinder model from a respected brand such as a Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30, Mazda3 etc.

The best approach is to buy a car from a well-respected brand, and stick with an Asian brand such as Toyota, Mazda, Hyundai or Kia rather than an European one. Models to consider would be a Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Hyundai i30 or Kia Cerato.

Carefully read your insurance policy to see if it specifically covers mechanical failures. They rarely do. Normally you have to take action against the person who supplied with the crook fuel, or the fuel company involved.

If there’s no obvious problem with the way the car is running, it could be that the engine needs a tune-up, new spark plugs, leads, air filter, and a cleaning of the throttle body.