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The time has come to update one of our cars. Our budget is around $10000-$12000. We will only need a small car for DP to drive to work and back but it will need to be able to fit 2 children in car seats in it.
It would need to have an excellent safety rating, be reasonable to service and be super reliable.
We are leaning towards a Toyota but will look at other makes too.
I'd love to hear ideas and recommendations please.
TIA.
Also have a look at Mazda. We have a 323 protege and it fits 2 seats. It is a breeze to drive, was my Mum's and now mine.
Our other car is a Toyota and we have found then good. Also like Nissan
We have a corolla bought new in 2007, have not had a single issue with it - get two car seats in back ok, and can get a adult squeezed in the middle if necessary. Never had a problem with boot room for normal use (camping is a bit of a squish) - is our only car and don't do massive kilometers - about 74000 since bought, but have been to Sydney and back and a few other trips.
Suzuki Swift and Mitsubishi Colt. Both great cars. Colt I think is a bit better for carseats and leg room, as the back seat can move back, you just lost a bit of boot space.
Swift, better to drive, but Colt had much better fuel economy.
Toyota corolla or honda jazz would be my pick for small reliable cars.
My dad loves his toyota corollas and they are relatively cheap to maintain too
I had a 2009/10 Barina and I loved it, very good fuel economy and much bigger than they look! I kinda miss that car actually, but my 2yo cruze is very good also.
Thanks folks. The mechanic got the old car going so we have time now to look around.
Get a Corolla or a Mazda 3.
Yes Tinks, we will probably test drive a Corolla this weekend.
I have a Mazda 3 and love it. We have 2 car seats in back ( no room for a 3rd person as ours are wide).
We recently drove from brisbane to sydney with luggage for 2 weeks away and it didn't feel cramped and filled up twice, so not too bad on fuel either..
I've had my Toyota Yaris since I got my license (5+ years). It is brilliant.
Do they still make Nissan Pulsars? Mine was perfect!
That was our budget. We did our research and found that the Barina is the safest car on the market for that size/price range. Ours is a 2013 and is fantastic. Fits two car seats in the back, plenty of boot space, perfect for zipping around and running errands. We love it. Great on fuel too.