Rav's etc

Can I please get help to put me on the right track from those who know more than me about cars-well thats most people-I am wanting to get a wee 4wd type vehicle mainly due to being able to get in and out easily as I have buggered my back.
So what are the better breed of 4wd's - I dont want anything hugely expensive just a reliable make because I cant sink my limited funds into a car thats got a bad rep and is going to crap out on me.

Just one more thing, don't be tempted by popular options like the Rav just because they are popular. Unfortunately most people are like yourself and don't really know whats available, they go to the car yards and get sold what is easy for the owner to import rather than whats best for the job.

NZ's entire secondhand car market is really strange in that it is made up almost entirely of used Japanese imports. Thats a key reason why cars like the RAV get used instead of much better options for people in your position.

Its not to say that all Japanese cars are unsuitable, some will suit reasonably well. Just don't get sucked into paying Golf Plus money for a much lesser car, I see that happen time and again on here (there is often a lot of pressure to buy only Japanese from car dealer types on these forums) and its a real shame.

Incidentally, I think you might find VW's "park assist" system on some of the Golf Plus's (not sure which year etc) this may be a big help if you are having trouble with your neck as well. What happens is if you want to parallel park the car you just select the car park you want from the on screen display. Then you can let go of the steering wheel and just use the accelerator while the car parks itself. Its MUCH easier than craning your neck around to see while parking.

Best of luck with your search.

I don't think I've seen a Golf Plus before. Good concept and that one has extra sensory perception to boot.

Its funny sometimes there are a heap of them on here and other times nearlynone. They are hard to spot in a crowd as they are not "Golf Shaped" its easy to think its just another Mazda or such like.

Yes the rav is a good wee car. Good reliability and good resale. They are not a race car so no good people spouting on about handling. They will go round a corner just like most of the cars with sensible drivers in them.
Economy won't be quite as good as a small car but not bad either. I know someone who has had a honda crv for 5 years and they just love it. each to there own. Go and drive a few and see what you like. At the end of the day you must be happy with your choice. Good luck.

Try a Toyota Funcargo, plenty of head room, easy entrycheap on gas

My wife drives a 1994 Rav and compared to other 4wds out there (apart from a Honda CRV) its a great car.The only drawback is they use as much fuel as a mid size car (about 11 litres per 100 around town and about 9 litres per 100 on the open road.)Its so easy to get in and out out of (much easier than my 1997 Honda Accord lol).Road handling on the Rav is firm but its much like a car and it does not wallow like the bigger trucks.Reliabilty has been great its a Toyota after all.

Rav4s are good basic cars. More like a car with high suspension than an off-roader. You need to manage your expectations about fuel consumption a bit though, the engines are 2 litres or 2.4 litres so they are not small cars.

You might want to try climbing in and out of one a few times though, to convince yourself that climbing up INTO a little suv really is better than climbing up OUT OF a car.!

Have a look at a Honda CR-V too - quite a few of these come as a regular 2 wheel-drive (like a car) which saves a bit of gas and eliminates the 4wd machinery. The newer shape post-2002 ones with "I-VTEC" rather than just "VTEC" written on top of the engine are the newer K-Series Honda engine which has a cam chain rather than a belt (saves you a $1,000 trip to the garage for belt replacement every 100,000km!)

(I'm sure that VW thing is a good car, Jazzpman knows his stuff.
But It's amazing how the Toyota/Honda haters start to sound very similar to the Euro haters who they despise, once they get going! )

Car City on the corner of Ferry Road / Moorhouse ave have a bunch of RAV4s and CRVs.Why not check some out!Then you can buy privately if you have cash and save some $$$$ :)

Get a later model 5 door RAV 4 with a chain drive motor and front wheel drive. Fantastic car.

If it is the seat height you are looking for, and not the 4wd capabilty may I suggest the Toyota Nadia. Nice high seating which is much kinder on the back and knees, I know cause I have few issues with back, and knees. Very comfortable, roomy and economical.

Thanks guys for all the ideas and points of view you have all helped me heaps! -I know from passengering in my mothersWee helly hansen that a 4WD type vehicle is alot easier to get in and out of plus I now know I need an automatic to take the strain off my leg and back as I cannot sit in gear at a set of lights without it being painful and jolly uncomfortable - after driving from cashmere to avonside tonight I was knackered when I finally got home and all I wanted to do was crawl into bed - which easier said than done with teenagers in the house! At least my lads schoolhas finally returned to their campass - YAY