That 1 1/2 star rating was unfortunately pretty standard for early 90s designs, the E36 3-series, Lancer, Sentra, Accent were all the same
thejazzpianoma,
Jan 2, 8:11am
Still doesn't get it. *facepalm*
peternz,
Jan 2, 8:12am
Yes have looked at these . do not need a 7 seater, just front and back seats.
vtecintegra,
Jan 2, 8:12am
Also the Escort is only very marginally safer according to NCAP and that may come down to the fact it was tested with an airbag
thejazzpianoma,
Jan 2, 8:13am
I think the key thing here is that for the OP's budget they could be into a 3 1/2 - 4 star NCAP car, so quite a lot safer.
vtecintegra,
Jan 2, 8:17am
Like what! Assuming the same size vehicle there isn't much around for under $3k
thejazzpianoma,
Jan 2, 8:20am
Fiat Marea Volvo V40 Honda Accord VW Golf VW Passat Citroen Peugeot Ford Mondeo
Quite right, not a lot around in that bracket in a wagon. But if you cast a wide net and with a little patience you can usually get something really good.
My 1999 Marea Wagon with 4 new tires and 120K on the clock cost me about $1200.
Edit. just be aware with that list that there are certain caveat's with some of those vehicles. i.e some you would only want to own in manual or with good transmission service history.
vtecintegra,
Jan 2, 8:22am
The Marea being a Brava wagon correct! That's a 2 star car.
lazzo,
Jan 2, 8:23am
And Joe NZ public with any common sense is going to look at most of them at that end of the market!. Your dreeeeeeaming!
thejazzpianoma,
Jan 2, 8:28am
That's the point really. The best bargains are the properly good cars that the non-thinkers flap their arms and do a dance about (without ever owning one or having any understanding) putting the average non-savy NZ car buyer off.
That's how I have bought my cheapy's for myself and others for years. Works a treat.
thejazzpianoma,
Jan 2, 8:32am
Only sort of. The Marea comes with a boot as well. Chassis is probably similar but given the Marea tends to be high spec (at least in NZ) it comes with ABS, Dual Airbags, Pre-tensioners etc (not usually found on a Brava) which I would expect would push the rating up, can't remember who tested them but I would say at least a 3 star NCAP. but that is just a guess.
Edit, also Marea's tend to be later (still made until quite recently in the likes of Brazil) so likely had chassis improvements as well.
In fairness the Marea is probably around the least safe of those I posted (but still well ahead of the Suzuki), the likes of the VW's and Volvo's score really well (if I remember rightly) so may be more attractive if the most safety for the dollar is a priority.
neville48,
Jan 2, 8:53am
I have recently had a 96 manual and was a great s/w. went like a cut cat, just loved to be driven hard and oh so economical, smooth on the road, handled well and had 2 airbags. I replaced all 4 shocks at 147kms, chain drive is good. This price is okay, what else do you buy with 133kms for 2700, make an offer of 2k and go from there.Good car.
peacebird15,
Jan 3, 6:28am
Loved our 1.8 Baleno, did over 200,000k's in it and it was INSANELY economical. did over 15kms/ltr if being nice on long trips. Great car, no probs. Sold it because of an extra child on the way, got an Honda odd.
peternz,
Jan 3, 6:40am
thanks 4 all the input . peter.
kazbanz,
Jan 3, 6:50am
peternz-the same size as an oddity is pretty darn big. That lil suzuki would be only 3/4 the same size. If you are looking for better fuel economy there are a range of vehicles available to you
peternz,
Jan 3, 6:31pm
Hi, going smaller in size is ok, less cc is ok, less gas even better, Only me and wife will use it . no passangers .
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