Toyota RAV4 Reviews

Sales of little soft-roaders have grown faster than any new vehicle segment in our overcrowded new-car market.Last year there were just over 60,000 small SUVs sold, up 53 per cent on 2011. The category parameters have changed and now some models previously considered compact are classified as medium. But sales of the smallest SUVs have increased for the past three consecutive years.The appeal lies in several attributes, not the least of which is in looking more adventurous than domesticated. There's the draw of fuel economy, though the reality is that certain of these models do not perform much better than the big cars they've supplanted.Then there is the versatility of the interior, the elevated driving position and the visibility it affords, and the perception of being unassailable by other road users.The three brands on this page argue about who started the soft-roader craze. Each has a worthy case.Toyota is synonymous with off-road passenger machinery that has a reputation for reliability and capability. The RAV4 introduced a suburban level of versatility to the Japanese brand when it lobbed here in 1996 (there was the Tercel and AWD Tarago before it, but let's not go there).The RAV had the look and lineage to carry off the compact SUV concept. With a new model not far from the showrooms there are bargains to be had in the outgoing vintage.Subaru's all-terrain wagon heritage harks back to the 1970s, when 1600cc (and, later, 1800cc) wagons with transfer cases and raised bellies showed you didn't need a big burly 4WD to get seriously off the beaten track. The Forester might not have retained the forebears' dual-range lever within the transmission console but the spirit remains.Another company with four decades of history in the realm of small, lightweight off-roaders is Suzuki. The original Jimny and Sierra lightweight 4WD wagons were tiny, nimble and bulletproof machines and the modern descendant the Grand Vitara has retained much of the off-road ability without succumbing to the soft-roader sookery.(Search for hundreds more choices) 2011 Toyota RAV4Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 4-speed automaticThirst: 9.6L/100 CARSGUIDE SAYSThe dependable Toyota reputation offsets any styling shortfall. While not a rock-hopper like its LandCruiser big brother, it doesn't mind getting its wheels dirty. Dual airbags, descent and stability control, Bluetooth and USB connection are among the features.2009 Subaru Forester XS PremiumEngine: 2.5-litre 4-cyl boxer petrolTransmission: 4-speed automaticThirst: 9.6L/100km CARSGUIDE SAYSThe Forester has been a segment leader on sales volume and is one of the more versatile of the all-terrain brigade -- some models still have low range. The XS Premium has leather trim, sunroof, stability control, climate control, six airbags and rally-bred heritage.2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara WagonEngine: 2.4-litre 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 5-speed manualThirst: 8.9L/100km  CARSGUIDE SAYSThe brand builds bikes as well as being responsible for the original small off-roader. The Suzuki Grand Vitara has old-school 4WD and genuine off-road ability. Anything but a soft-roader, it's light and nimble off the beaten track and useful around town too.

Never underestimate a cat -- they're surefooted, sleek and agile. The words come from Makoto Arimoto, charismatic chief engineer of the totally restyled Toyota RAV4. And he should know, he has 18 cats.So it's no surprise that the compact SUV has more than a touch of feline in its looks and performance. The fourth generation of the super-popular RAV4 has just launched with two four-cylinder petrol engines: a 2.0 and a 2.5-litre, and its first diesel a 2.2 litre.VALUEDespite big improvements throughout, most models are at the same level, or less than the outgoing version. The GX 2.0-litre 2WD manual is $28,490 ($500 less), the all-wheel-drives are from $31,990 (same as superseded models) and the top of the pops Cruiser AWD automatic is $48,990 (a saving of $1000). There are 16 models, three up from 2012. Gone are the three-door and the V6.All models get Bluetooth phone and music connectivity, a 60/40 split-fold reclining rear seat, roof rails, rear spoiler, cargo net and tonneau cover. Here's another thing about Makoto Arimoto: he was once a guitarist and vocalist in a Tokyo rock band, so the Rav4's six-speaker audio system should not to be underestimated.The entry GX grade is pretty well spec'd with 17-inch steel wheels, projector headlights, a CD thingo and fabric seat coverings. The GXL has alloy wheels, reversing camera, display audio, sports seats, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, keyless smart entry and push-button ignition and Cruisers add Satnav, a blind-spot monitor, power cargo door, high-intensity discharge headlights, eight-way power driver's seat and a glass sunroof.Most also get a sport button, which sharpens torque distribution and steering and auto transmission response.TECHNOLOGYThe petrol engines are a 2.0-litre 107kW/187Nm and a 2.5-litre 132kW/233Nm, while the debut turbo-diesel is a common-rail 2.2-litre unit producing 110kW/340Nm. All three come standard with new six-speed manual transmissions. Interestingly, the GX 2WD has the option of a seven-step CVT, said to be best for economy, but AWD models get a six-speed auto. Difference is 7.4 litres/100km with the CVT, 8.4 with the auto.The diesel is rated at 5.6 manual and 6.5 with the self-shifter. There's new suspension too, Macstruts up front and a sophisticated double-wishbone set-up at the rear. Oddly, the high-torque diesel has the poorest tow capacity: 550kg as opposed to the GX's 800kg and the AWD 2.5's 1500kg.How so? It's new and we'd rather be conservative, was the unconvincing answer.DESIGNThe car has a dynamic look, which Toyota calls the `strong athlete'. But with its bright, narrow, slanted eyes and flared nostrils, it looks rather like a cat about to pounce. It has a rearward-sloping roof and a character line, and the top-hinged tailgate and 17-inch wheels, alloys on all but GX - which add to the action image.DRIVINGThe new RAV4 has a stiffer frame that, with the new suspension, helps in the handling section. The car, slightly bigger inside than before and a smidgen smaller outside, has 577 litres of cargo capacity. It is a pleasure on the road, and can also handle a fair degree of offroad action.Yes, the AWD did display surefootedness and agility on the twisty ups and downs of the Sapphire Coastal roads. Looked jolly good too, with its LED daytime lights aglow and with a gentle purr from its diesel motor. The windscreen pillars are thinner, the bonnet edges a bit higher, which make for better forward vision and more precise parking.The RAV4 has the latest in stability control and the safety package includes traction control, ABS, hill start assist and the rest of the electronic aid alphabet.VERDICTThe cat's whiskers of the compact SUV class.

Toyota has been fiddling around with its RAV4 for years, but has finally hit on a design that seems certain to be a big winner. The RAV4 began its life 20 years ago as a small, cheeky two-door runabout for the young and young at heart. But over the years it not only grew in size, it also decreased in cheekiness until the fun factor had disappeared completely.Indeed, the just superseded RAV4 was definitely on the mundane side in appearance. In typical Toyota fashion that worked well and appealed to those looking for a no-nonsense people mover with a reputation for reliability and build quality. But we don’t know of anyone who bought it for its styling…That’s all changed and the all-new RAV4 leans strongly in the sporting direction. At least it’s sporty as far as appearance is concerned, though it’s nothing special in its dynamics. On the road we found it capable enough in its handling, and certainly safe, but the word sporting no longer applies. Which is exactly what many buyers are searching for.VALUETalking of the spare tyre, Toyota has been sensible in specifying a space saver. But as some Aussies seem to like large spare wheels there’s the $300 option of a full-size wheel-tyre. This results in an ugly hump in the load area and the loss of about 70 litres of load volume. Your call, but unless we were buying a RAV4 to go into genuine off-road areas I don’t think the large spare makes sense.TECHNOLOGYFor the first time the Toyota RAV4 is offered with a turbo-diesel engine, a 2.2-litre unit producing up to 110 kW of power. Torque is a big feature of any diesel engine and the Toyota unit has 340 Nm between 2000 and 2800 revs. On paper that’s not a huge torque spread from a turbo engine, but our road testing proved it’s still pretty strong below and above these numbers. It’s only fitted in RAV4s with all-wheel-drive (AWD).Two petrol engines are offered, a 2.0-litre unit used only in the front-wheel-drive entry level model and a 2.5-litre in the AWD variants. Power and torque outputs are 107 kW / 187 Nm and 132 kW / 233 Nm respectively. The V6 engine was never popular and has been discontinued.DESIGNPresident Akio Toyoda, the head of the giant Japanese auto maker, has certainly turned things upside down. The Toyota 86 is a revelation, the all-new Corolla that came out at the end of 2012 looks brilliant. Now the RAV4 has received exactly the right treatment.Not only is Toyota RAV4 a huge improvement in style it is larger inside than before, particularly in the back seats, yet is smaller on the outside. The spare tyre is no longer mounted on the rear door, but is now under the boot floor, thus making it much easier to open the door and load the boot. The tailgate is a top-hinged unit.DRIVINGTalking about off-road driving, Toyota found us a section of rough bush on the south coast of NSW where we were able to put the RAV4 through its paces. It has good ground clearance and angles and the large wheels play their part as well. It thrived in the work we asked it to do although only a tiny number of owners will ever punish their vehicle like this.As in all recent Toyota models, the engineers have done an excellent job in noise and vibration suppression in the new RAV4. On smooth sealed roads it travels in near silence. Rough sealed and gravel roads do see an increase in noise intrusion, but the RAV4 is still pretty impressive.Coarse-chip surfaces, often a problem for imported vehicles, didn’t cause undue hassles in the medium Toyota SUV. Thus demonstrating the amount of work put into the design during Australian testing in early days.VERDICTLooks great and works hard, the all-new Toyota RAV4 is brilliant.

Pressure from cost-conscious mums and dads has forced the hybrid car company to go diesel with its new RAV4. Toyota has sold a diesel-driven RAV in other countries for more than five years and finally bows to showroom pressure this week as part of the arrival of a solid fourth-generation update of its top selling

The new Holden Commodore is the most important new car of 2013. The upcoming VF, and the VF alone, points to the future of motoring in Australia.

Canny motorists are facing a shopping bonanza as car makers start slashing prices to make way for new models. But it's not only outgoing models going cheap - look out for end-of-year sales as well.Any time a carmaker trumpets a new model, these shoppers are there ready to make a financial killing by buying up the old model. Look for sales at particular times of the year. June is traditionally a strong month for squeezing extra savings out of a dealer though, with a buoyant car market and fierce competition, anytime towards the end of any month can deliver a bonus.End of year sales are popular. Dealers always want to sell but the months of November and December provide a chance to discount cars built in the current year. Fighting this are car buyers who want a car built in the new year to preserve resale value. Here's some deals but be prepared for more as the calendar year draws to a close.HOLDENDeep Purple is no longer a rock band - it's Holden's new colour that is available on a range of cut-price “Z-Series” Commodore sedans, utes and wagons. The new colour is the same as Holden's iconic show car, the Efijy. Different models in the Z-Series line-up get different equipment levels but, as an example, the base Omega automatic is $41,990 but the Z-Series edition costs $39,990.The bonus is that the Z includes a heap of extras within that price, including leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels, rear camera and sensors, leather steering wheel and chrome door frames. The SV6 ute adds 19-inch alloys, carpet mats and leather seats for $38,490, down $1000 on the plane-Jane SV6.The discounts on the VE Holden Commodore range precede the launch early next year of the VF Commodore models. Holden is also running out the Barina five-door manual hatch at $16,490, a saving of $500.TOYOTAYou'll have to do some legwork here. The new Corolla is on sale and some dealers still have stocks of the old model. Officially, there's no discount on the outgoing model though some dealers - predominantly NSW and Victoria - have extra stock and have advertised a $18,990 price, $1000 off the list price. Note that the cheapest 2013 Corolla is also $19,990. Toyota WA says customers should discuss pricing direct with their dealer.It's not only the Corolla that may offer savings. The RAV4 gets updated early next year and though there's no official price, dealers will consider offers. On top of that, Toyota has zero per cent finance on Camry, Camry Hybrid and Aurion until the end of the year.HYUNDAIThere's a lot of previous-model stock available from Hyundai and buyers can make big savings if they're not chasing the latest car. These include old-stock i30 hatchbacks with $2000 off the normal price and previous Santa Fe SUVs for up to $3000 off.But there are also current models. The big one is the $13,990 drive-away price on the i20 three door which saves $2500. A similar discount is on the five-door i20. The i40 wagon is now from $29,990 driveaway, a saving of about $3000, and the sedan model with automatic transmission is also from $29,990, saving about $2500.Hyundai's popular baby SUV, the ix35, is now from $27,990 driveaway for the Active version, a saving of $1120, while other ix35 variants have been reduced by $500.MITSUBISHIThe new Outlander SUV arrives November 18 so Mitsubishi is sweeping out current stock. The "Enhancement Pack" model is an LS version with leather seats, heated front seats and an electric-adjust driver's seat. It has Bluetooth, 18-inch alloys with a full-size alloy spare, six airbags for the front-wheel drive version (up from two) and a cabin styling pack with bright trim to the door handles, console panel and rear door trim.Prices start at $28,990 drive away for the LS front-wheel drive model with five-speed manual transmission. The normal price is $29,340 plus on-road costs so the saving is about $4500. But for buyers who want the new model, register on Mitsubishi's website and there's the chance to win a $1000 Westfield shopping voucher and 15 per cent off accessories for the new Outlander. If that's not tempting, Mitsubishi also has 0.9 per cent finance until the end of this month.SUBARUThe 2012 run out has just started for Subaru which has chopped up to $5000 off three models. It replaces its Liberty and Outback in early 2013 as a mid-life makeover that includes upgrades to trim specifications. There is an all-new Forester also due about February. So the deals are now on the table.The Outback 2.5i manual is usually $37,490 plus on-road costs (say, $5000) but is being rolled out the showroom door for $35,990 including all on-road costs. The same axe has lobbed on the Forester X which is now $32,990 drive-away including leather-faced seats, alloy wheels and fog lights.The normal retail price is $30,990 without the extras and without on-road costs. Subaru is selling the Liberty 2.5i sedan manual for $31,990 drive away with leather seats, electric driver's seat and reverse camera. The car normally sells for $32,990 plus on-road costs.FORDKuga Trend $35,490 drive away (normally $38,990 plus on-road costs) and the upmarket Titanium is now $41,490 drive away, previously $44,990 plus all on the road charges. The Kuga is to be replaced with a new model in early 2013.Focus Ambiente hatch now $19,990 drive away (normally $20,290 plus costs). The Mondeo Zetec hatch is $33,990 with all costs (usually $37,740 plus on-road fees) and Falcon's XR6 Turbo is down from $46,235 plus costs, to $43,490 drive away.KIAThere's a new Sorento SUV so the outgoing model has a $2000 gift voucher attached to its normal retail price.VOLKSWAGENIs running out stocks of the current Golf VI to make way for the Golf VII due early next year. Volkswagen Australia has set the price of the current Golf 77TSI manual at $20,990 including metallic paint and all drive-away costs. This is a saving of about $5000.The Golf Wagon 90TSI with DSG auto, metallic paint and all drive-away costs is now $29,990, saving about $3500. Note that for small-car wagon buyers, Volkswagen has not confirmed a wagon version of the new Golf. If you want this shape, this could be your last chance.VOLVOThe Swede is clearing out its 2012 stock by adding value rather than chopping the price tag. The S60 and V60 entry-level models now come with the upmarket Teknik pack valued at about $4500. But if you specify the Teknik model, Volvo will automatically give you the R-Design pack (valued at $3000) for free.The same deal applies to the XC60 SUV. There's also a deal on S60 or V60 from the dealer's existing stock. Volvo will include free scheduled servicing for three years or 100,000km.

Toyota’s RAV4 has long been a major player in the Australian market, with tens of thousands having been sold over the years. Though it began life as a cheeky little vehicle for the young at heart it has grown in size in the current generation and is nowadays a family wagon rather than a toy.Toyota Australia has released a special edition of its popular RAV4 compact SUV with what it describes comes with over $3500 worth of extra-value features.The recommended retail price for the special edition Toyota RAV4 Altitude with a manual gearbox and two-wheel drive is $29,990. This is an increase of just $1000 on the RAV4 CV on which it is based. Features beyond the standard CV model grade include satellite navigation and 17-inch alloy wheels (in lieu of steel wheels). Note that the spare wheel is also an alloy unit, something that’s not always the case. Exterior features also include silver roof rails, front fog lamps, rear-quarter, rear-door and rear privacy glass, and an 'Altitude' exterior badge.Inside, the RAV4 Altitude SE also has a premium steering wheel and premium gear-shift knob, 6.1-inch LCD touch-screen audio unit, satellite navigation with 3-D display and Suna traffic warnings, as well as voice recognition for audio controls, Bluetooth phone control and navigation control.The 40-Watt audio head unit includes a single CD player, an SD Card slot, rear camera input capability, USB connectivity, iPod control, and Bluetooth audio-streaming.The RAV4 'Altitude' Special Edition is based on the 2WD and AWD RAV4 four-cylinder CV models, but at this stage at lease, there is no V6 variant in this format. Toyota won’t confirm or deny speculation that the big power V6 will also be introduced as a special edition.All RAV4 models, irrespective of their grade have electric power-assisted steering to trim fuel consumption. It is offered in 2WD with manual or automatic transmission, but the all-wheel-drive (AWD) comes only with the automatic. Automatic transmission models have the additional feature of Downhill Assist Control.Safety features include vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes and Hill-start Assist Control as standard equipment. Toyota RAV4 Altitude also has the added security of two reverse parking sonar sensors.With Toyota’s expertise in 4WDs behind it the RAV4 is much more competent off-road than most owners realise. In 4WD format it can go well into the bush or onto beaches and even tackle pretty severe rocky slopes in the hand of a competent driver. Even the 2WD versions of the RAV4 can do a fair bit of all-road work thanks to their good ground clearance and reasonably long suspension travel.Only 2000 of this special edition RAV4 will be built for Australia, so get in touch with a dealer soon as this market is booming and supplies may not last.

When launched in October 1994, the Toyota RAV4 was a cute and cheeky 4WD. Over the years it expanded in size and from the latest model in February 2006 has become positively staid – sounds like the typical human life cycle doesn’t it!In the ‘teenage’ years of its life cycle, the funkiest of all RAV4s arrived in January 1998, but barely lasted two years on the market. Though called Cabriolet by Toyota, it is in fact an old-style soft-top. The roof is reasonably easy to pull down and erect, but we still recommend a bit of practice at home before you set out on a topless trip on a cloudy dayThe great majority of Toyota RAV4s have a two or four-door station wagon body. The former is on a shorter wheelbase than the latter, so misses out on both rear-seat space and luggage carrying capacity.The RAV4 isn't designed to conquer the great Aussie outback, Toyota has plenty of other 4WDs and SUVs capable of dong just that, but it is a lot more competent than you might expect. Good ground clearance, big wheels and handy approach, departure and ramp angles mean it can take on rocks, ruts and rough stuff with plenty of verve. The short-wheelbase is, naturally, better than the LWB if you want to get serious off-road.These little Toyota SUVs use what are virtually car tyres and don’t have a low-range transfer case. Better tyres can make it just perfect on the beach.The RAV4’s first engine was a modern 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit that gives better than average performance for its class. The engine was extensively modified at the beginning of 1998 to give it a broader spread of torque. The four-cylinder engine was increased in size to 2.4 litres in 2003.From October 2007 a V6 engine option with the capacity of 3.5 litres joined the fray. It goes without saying the V6 has plenty of grunt, but it can be on the thirsty side at times.You have a choice between a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission in most models. The V6 comes only with a five-speed auto. The four-speed automatic is a modern unit that works well and doesn’t take too much edge off the performance, but many computers now provide five or six forward ratios.Toyota has been number one in the Australian automotive market for a number of years. So it has dealers in almost all areas of Australia, even those which are ignored by other big players in our market. So getting spares and repairs isn't likely to be a hassle.Dealers in the most remote zones are more likely to carry spare parts for LandCruisers than for the RAV4s. Nonetheless, you aren’t likely to have to wait for more than a few days for parts to be shipped to the bush from one of the major cities.Insurance is generally in the low to moderate range and there doesn't seem to be a huge variance in premium prices between them.WHAT TO LOOK FORThe Toyota RAV4 is built to a high standard but it’s still wise to have a full inspection after doing your own check up. Most RAV4s never go off road, but look closely for panel and underbody damage, just in case.Scratches in the paint and and/or the door sills and lower body corners are tell-tale signs a RAV4 has come into contact with solid objects, perhaps only bushes and similar shrubbery. But it all costs money to have rectified.If you come across sand in the underbody, try it for a salty taste. RAV4s appear to be well rust proofed but salt water really rips into steel if it gets half a chance. Check the condition of the trim, especially in a soft-top as the latter may have been caught out in the rain or even driven in the surf - again check for that salty smell or taste.Listen and feel for loose components in the transmission system that have been abused in off-road driving. The engine should start first time every time, and idle smoothly even when completely cold. If there is smoke from the exhaust under hard acceleration the engine may be in a bad way.If a manual gearbox is reluctant to go down from third to second when the change is hurried, trouble could be brewing. Automatic transmissions which have had a hard life may be reluctant to change and could be slow at engaging a drive gear from Neutral or Park.CAR BUYING TIPSilly as it may sound, beware the 4WD that has been off-road. So few do any real work these days that it’s easy to find one that’s never been off sealed surfaces.

The 2WD addition to the Toyota RAV4 line up is $3000 cheaper than its all-wheel-drive brother. This fact alone should prick some ears, but with the promise of an identical feature list, it becomes a very attractive option.EngineThe RAV4 CV is powered by a 2.4 litre, in-line four-cylinder petrol engine that puts out 125kW at 6000rpm and 224Nm at 4000rpm. A four-speed automatic transmission gets power to the two front wheels. The combined fuel economy figure is 9.1l/100km and it emits 218g/km of C02.ExteriorBody coloured bumpers, exterior door handles and power mirrors, and tinted UV cut glass are all standard on the CV. You also get 17-in alloy wheels, rear mudflaps and a body-coloured rear spoiler at no extra cost.InteriorThe spacious interior features a clutter free and intuitive dash with cruise control, optitron instrumentation and steering wheel mounted audio controls.The 60/40 rear seats fold flat and there is plenty of storage including a storage box in the centre console, a sunglasses holder, drink holders, map pockets and cargo area under-floor storage.SafetyAs well as a comprehensive airbag package, the RAV4 CV includes anti-lock brakes, brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, Toyota Safe-T-Cell, traction control, vehicle stability control, hill-start assist and down hill assist control.DrivingThere is an immediate feeling of space in the new 4 x 2 RAV. The dash is shallow and particularly in the passenger seat it feels very light and spacious. The dash features are few and simple, enhancing the airy feel.The comfortable driving position gave good vision all round and the seats were comfortable and relatively supportive. The back seats crammed in three medium sized men but it was only a short trip and there would have been a few numb limbs had it been any longer.Driving the new front-wheel RAV4 is a different experience to the 4x4. There is the typical understeer but you seem to get more out of the pokey 2.4-litre engine. And it feels more nimble too.There was a little bit of throttle lag but nothing to worry too much about, and when it was up and running the ride was smooth and gear transition was silky and appropriate.City driving was comfortable and jerk-free much like a hatch. On long trips the RAV had a little wind woosh off the exterior mirrors and tyre noise up through the floor was negligible. Small pot holes and ruts were taken car of with no trouble.The RAV4 exterior has improved a lot over the years, particularly since it got a little bigger. It looks a lot stronger and the lines and curves are bolder and sportier. Certainly one to watch in the mid-size SUV sector.

On a tight budget, you had four options: unsafe cars, unreliable cars, really boring cars or cars that combined all three characteristics.  In the past decade, though, it's become easier to find a tidy, safe, cheap used car, for several reasons.Firstly, used cars don't hold their value like they once did. New cars have become cheaper in real terms, and sales have boomed, so there's a lot more used cars on the market.Cars are also much safer than they used to be. Government legislation and independent crash test programmes like NCAP, (which publicises the results of its tests, much to the annoyance of the industry) have forced car makers to improve safety. A 2005 car, no matter what make it is, will be safer than a 1995 car. At the minimum, you want two front airbags and anti-lock (ABS) brakes.Unless it's French or Italian, in which case a weekly dummy spit is part of the "ownership experience," most cars from the last 10 years will be pretty reliable, as long as servicing has been done by the book.We are talking about ordinary, everyday cars here, that haven't been thrashed. If you're looking at some dude's slammed, chipped Subaru WRX and the price seems too good to be true, chances are it will self-destruct before you make it home. You pay your money and you take your chances.Immaculate, low kilometre cars owned by little old ladies do exist, and they are gold. So is a complete service record, especially if it's from the dealer who sold the car new.  Let's see if we can find a few to recommend. Bottom dollar in our search is $5000.There's not much joy at this money, but the last of the Mitsubishi Magnas, from 2004-2005, are great value and reasonably plentiful. Many will be ex-renters. That's not necessarily a bad thing, because serving will have been done to schedule. The 3.5-litre V6-four speed auto ES has four airbags and ABS.Another Mitsubishi, the Lancer, is the best small car we can find at this price. Toyota Corollas are fine too, though they're more expensive.  The Lancer's as sexy as a can of baked beans and completely bulletproof. Pay about $7000-$8000 or so for a 2005 model. Find one with optional ABS and six airbags.If you've got around $10,000 to spend, you have much more choice.  In 2004, Mazda made six airbags and ABS available across its entire range, as options or standard, so any Mazda2 or Mazda3 from 2004 on will be worth checking out. Mazda does blue chip quality, and if you find a good one, with a service book, buy it. You'll pick up a 2 for less than $10,000; a 3 will be $10,000-$12,000.If you need something bigger, this sort of money will also get you into a 2004-2005 Subaru Liberty, another top car from Japan's A league. All wheel drive, excellent handling and Subaru's class leading NCAP scores are pluses. The 2.0-litre four won't rip your arms off, but it will do the job. Wagons cost a little more.You might prefer a small SUV wagon instead, so look for a 2004-2005 Subaru Forester, or Toyota RAV4, at $12,000-$15,000.  If you need a big car for a big country, the Aussie six is hard to go past.You'll pay $10,000-$13,000 for the first of the VE Commodores from 2006. The 3.6-litre V6 sounds like 1000 leaf blowers on maximum thrust, however it's durable enough. Holden got serious about safety with VE, so you get stability control as standard.  It might take a while to find the right car, but in the end, it pays to be fussy. Second hand doesn't have to mean second best.WHERE TO BUY?DealerPros: On cars under 10 years old, most states require a warranty, typically 3 months or 5000 kilometres. You also get guaranteed title. Franchised dealers (ie those who also sell new cars) usually have the best selection of used cars; the trade-ins they don't want are unloaded to non franchised dealers or auctions.Cons: Can be more expensive than a similar car bought privately. Beware of non-franchised dealers selling flood damaged or rebirthed (ie cars written off by insurance companies but then repaired) from Queensland.PrivatePros: The best way to find a bargain.Cons: You have to do plenty of legwork, and finding the right car, in a place that's close to where you live, can be a time consuming process. There's no guarantee of title or provenance, and no comebacks if it drops its guts on the way home. Buyer beware.AuctionsPros: Ex-government or fleet cars, usually properly serviced, with low kilometres. Guaranteed title. Many dealers buy cars at auction, take them to their car yard, and jack the price up by thousands of dollars. Buy it yourself, and pocket the difference.Cons: You can't test drive the car before you bid. It's also easy for an amateur to pay too much, so go to a couple before you buy to get an idea of prices and how it all works.