Ask an expert: Buying or selling

Re: vw cambelt driven motoe

Cade — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 10:13:25 +1200

Hi there,
It looks like out of the 14 models of Mk 5 golf, half are belt driven, and some are both belt and chain.
1.4 16v is belt, 1.6 and 1.6 Flex fuel is belt.
The basic models and diesels are belt driven, 2.0ltr FSi, GTi 30 are belt with the cams being chain driven. All the GTi 2.0 FSi engines are chain, except the CAWB engine with is chain driven.

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vw cambelt driven motoe

mitch96 — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 08:33:43 +1200

Please ignore spelling mistake in title...stupid phone wont let me change it

I just wanted to know what engines vw made around the 2005-2008 era (mk5 era), that were cambelt driven. I want to avoid costly camchain issues related with engines such as the 1.4tsi. Happy to go diesel but like the,sound of turbo petrol aswell
Cheers
Mitchell

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Re: F30/31 BMW 318D

Cade — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 09:17:27 +1200

Hi there, a lot of manufacturers have made a change to smaller engines and added a turbo to give large engine power while benefitting from small engine fuel economy.
It does look like the engines are physically identical, with the 318d being a slightly de tuned version. If you like power, you may still prefer the 320d over 318d.

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F30/31 BMW 318D

martin_chisholm — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 08:27:44 +1200

Historically we have avoided the lower range engines in the BMW in favour of the 6 cylinder ones. Looking at the F30/31 they have moved more to 4 cylinder engines which seem to be the same but with lower engines detuned. I have heard good reviews about the 320d engine, but is the 318D engine just as good just with reduced power?

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Re: Sell my car and buying new one soon

Cade — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 14:47:01 +1200

Hi there, you can inform the NZTA you have sold a vehicle instantly online: https://transact.nzta.govt.nz/transactions/NoticeOfDisposal/entry
AA membership is to do with you not the car, so I don't think you need to do anything further.
AA insurance you can call 0800 08 08 05, or online: https://www.aainsurance.co.nz/car-insurance/

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Sell my car and buying new one soon

gurpreetmk — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 14:33:36 +1200

HI there,

I want to sell my current car to someone :-
What are the procedures for it?
Is there any paper work or can i do it over the phone?
How long the whole process takes. The nearest AA branch where I live is in manukau city.
Then I am also plans on buying a new car soon after , how I can transfer my AA insurance and AA membership as well to the new car?

Aprat from above is there anything else I should do.

Thanks
Gurpreet
( 0210304248 )

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Re: Toyota Wish...fuel 91 or 95

Cade — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 09:33:31 +1200

Hi there,
I'm unable to fins fuel specs for this vehicles specifically. However most modern non-turbo vehicles can run on 91 octane fuel. If the vehicle "pinks" or is noticeably low on power, then switch back to 95.

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Toyota Wish...fuel 91 or 95

victorcy — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 23:56:09 +1200

I recently got a new car after the old Ipsum I have got into an accident. It has serve me well and even after the the accident it has been very reliable in providing me trip from Mt Wellington to Takapuna almost every working day with quite good mileage using fuel 91. But recently I got myself into the new car Toyota Wish which I got to get use to two things that is the leg parking break instead of hand break and then the cost of using fuel 95 as oppose to 91 which the car dealer recommend. I was wondering is it true that by using 91 my new Toyota Wish engine might be less reliable and that it will perform less better then using 95. I found so costly to use 95 and the difference even near by from one pump to the other is about 9 cents from 91 to 95 and then you got Caltex charging up to 26 cents different. Like in Sylvia park Caltex 91 is 1.73 and 95 is 1.99 and then Z is 91 is 1.73 and 95 is 1.82. So much different and cost more for 95. I try using my fuel saver but since I started using 95 my pocket is so much costly to run.

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Re: replacement car

Cade — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 13:56:18 +1200

Hi there,
There are quite a lot of possibilities around this price range.
Here are a few I found that will tow around 1500-2000kg.
2007 Nissan X-trail, Diesel 1350kg, Petrol 2000kg.
2007 Mitsubishi Outlander 1500kg
Subaru forester 2008 Petrol 1400kg
Toyota Rav4 2008 Diesel 2000kg
Mazda Atenza/ Mazda6 2009-2012 1500kg
2010 Subaru Legacy 1800kg petrol, 1500kg Diesel
It all depends of SUV vs Sedan or wagon. All are around the 15k mark.

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Re: Hyundai 2012 i30

Cade — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 08:42:44 +1200

Hi there,
I think they are a great vehicle, I have fiends with one and they love it. I'm not aware of any common faults to mention. Current overall running costs are not much different to a petrol vehicle if you travel around the 14k a year, you just get more distance from a tank of diesel fuel.

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Re: moving overseas

Cade — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 08:32:39 +1200

Hi there,
There is always the Sells Itself or U-Sell car yard options. They are a car yard where you take your own car to sell for what you want.

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Hyundai 2012 i30

payne.rosie — Sun, 19 Jun 2016 21:10:22 +1200

Hi,

I'm interested in the following vehicle and wondering whether there are any known maintenance issues with these cars that I should look out for. Also, how are the running costs and would they be good for short trips around the city?
Hyundai i30 Elite CRDI Auto Diesel

Thanks

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moving overseas

marinajulien2 — Sun, 19 Jun 2016 14:19:16 +1200

Hi,
I am moving overseas on July 1st and would like to sell my car as close to this date as possible (or even better: after I'm gone).
It is a 2004 Peugeot 307CC with leather seats, new tires and low mileage (typical price on trademe: $8,000).
A car wholesaler is offering me $4,000. I know it is not the best time of the year to sell a car, especially a convertible. Would decrease the price to $6,500 which is already a pretty good price. What other alternatives are there, besides trademe, autotrader and someone who will try to rip me off completely?
Thanks!

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replacement car

istuart — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 20:01:57 +1200

Can you recommend a replacement for my Volvo S60 2002? We have had a really good run with it, but think it is time to replace as the mileage & age are increasing, as are ours. It needs to be able to tow a 4.5m fibreglass boat, be reasonably economical & have good comfort on a trip (we don't do many long trips tho'). Probably 2litre minimum, or diesel. I am thinking of spending maybe $15,000. Thanks

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Re: Towing Double horse float

Cade — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 12:23:06 +1200

Yes, call a transmission specialist and talk about this type of vehicle first, because if it known to be troublesome and expensive to repair then you may not want to pursue further.

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Re: Towing Double horse float

bushlover — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 12:11:22 +1200

Thanks yet again Cade, just one more question - whatever vehicle I find I intend to get an AA inspection, would I need the transmission specialist advice in addition to that? Cheers

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Re: Towing Double horse float

Cade — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 09:11:34 +1200

Yes for every vehicle there are good and bad experiences. The thing to consider is, you want to make sure the transmission can handle what you want it to do. So I recommend speaking to a transmission specialist about any vehicle and see how strong the trans is, as it can often cost moonbeams to repair. If the vehicle is in good condition with a regular service history, then it may have a head start.

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Re: Towing Double horse float

bushlover — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 08:52:28 +1200

Thanks Cade, no plans on going off-road unless absolutely necessary. Must say the review is not good, but alternately I have found some good reviews on line as well. It's all a bit confusing! The vehicle in question is a diesel auto import,150k and reasonable fuel consumption (compared with the Mitsi Diamante SW 3.5 that I currently drive). Just thought it might be a good option as towing will be a small percentage of its use. Cheers

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Re: Towing Double horse float

Cade — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 08:33:46 +1200

Hi there,
Land Rovers are a bit of a niche market, unfortunately not really considered a very good off-road towing vehicle.
http://www.drive.com.au/used-car-reviews/used-car-review-land-rover-freelander-200407-20110713-1hejn.html

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Re: Towing Double horse float

bushlover — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 20:32:14 +1200

Thanks again Cade. Another question - According to the towing specs the Land Rover Freelander Td4 (2006) has a towing weight of 2000kg which should do the job. I haven't seen that vehicle mentioned anywhere before - what is your opinion as to its suitability? Thanks

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Re: Looking at buying 2008 Volkswagen GTi FSI 2.0 turbo

Bowzer55 — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 18:43:33 +1200

Thanks for that.

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Re: Looking at buying 2008 Volkswagen GTi FSI 2.0 turbo

Cade — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 12:33:19 +1200

Hi there,
I have heard good things about these cars, the only note is the DSG transmission can be expensive if you ever need to get it repaired. But on a whole they seem sought after and pretty reliable.

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Looking at buying 2008 Volkswagen GTi FSI 2.0 turbo

Bowzer55 — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 12:22:08 +1200

Is there anything I need to be aware of with this make and model? It is a Jap import new to NZ with 82ks on the clock. Any info greatly appreciated. Thanx

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Re: Towing Double horse float

Cade — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 09:33:12 +1200

Information is a little hard to find for older vehicles, but here is a link to what we have put together over the years. http://www.aa.co.nz/cars/maintenance/towing/towing-weights/

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Re: Towing Double horse float

bushlover — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 09:17:00 +1200

Thanks again Cade, have been checking out the Mitsi Pajero as well. Where is the best place to find out the max braked tow recommendation for vehicles?

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Re: Towing Double horse float

Cade — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 08:40:45 +1200

The Prado has a max braked tow recommendation of 2500kg, so should tow what you need.
I recommend the lowest km's you can get, if it will be your main transport vehicle you may want to look under 150k. But the vehicle range you are looking at are in high demand and attract top dollar for old high mileage vehicles.

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Re: Towing Double horse float

bushlover — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 17:34:44 +1200

Thanks Cade, I take it a Toyota Landcruiser Prado be OK? Would rather have something a little smaller in size if possible and they appear to be a bit shorter than the standard landcruiser.What is your recommended reliable motoring kms?

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Re: Towing Double horse float

Cade — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 17:00:29 +1200

Hi there,
A few ideal options would be a Mitsubishi Pajero, Totota Landcruiser, or Nissan Safari/ Patrol.
However for one newer than 2000 and around 10k is likely to have 300-400km on the clock. They will do the job, but well past the our recommended reliable motoring km's.

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Towing Double horse float

bushlover — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 16:00:51 +1200

Hi, I would like some advice on what vehicle would be suitable to safely tow a double horse float, occasionally with 2 horses, more often with loads of hay (up to 40 bales) and sometimes furniture. There may also be a requirement for 4WD in some situations. Of course, I would also like it to be as economical to run as possible as it would be my only vehicle and used far more without the float, than with it. Would prefer year 2000 or newer and the price to be less than $10,000 if that is realistically feasible. Any advice greatly appreciated. Thanks

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Re: Buying a car

leeannebuck — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 15:37:10 +1200

Thanks for information. I got a history report and that was good.
I also got a AA vehicle inspection revealing the car needed a new rear tyre, which they are replacing. I have purchased the car. Thank you for your advise.

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Re: Buying a car

Cade — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 10:16:49 +1200

Hi there,
It must be a good price!
I recommend buying a history report if the vehicle is not a fresh import. This will tell you if there is any finance registered against it, and if it was potentially a stat write-off ect.
Also get a pre purchase inspection, to give a full indication into the vehicles condition.

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Buying a car

leeannebuck — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 21:16:24 +1200

I am looking at buying a 2013 Mazda CX-5 in Whangarei. I live in Invercargill. Is this a good idea.

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Re: Toyota Wish - CVT

Cade — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 15:10:52 +1200

Tiptronic is an electronic method of changing gears, usually extra levers or buttons on the steering wheel or an extra function of the automatic gear lever. A fancy manual gear shift control of an automatic transmission.

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Re: Toyota Wish - CVT

Michelle102 — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 14:07:08 +1200

Thank you so much for confirming what we were thinking :). Do you know much about Tiptronic transmissions?

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Re: Toyota Wish - CVT

Michelle102 — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 14:07:04 +1200

Thank you so much for confirming what we were thinking :). Do you know much about Tiptronic transmissions?

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Re: Toyota Wish - CVT

Cade — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 10:41:06 +1200

Hi there,
You are 100% those Nissan and Audi ones were a bit of trouble!.
However Toyota have not proven to be very problematic with their CVT's, however I may still prefer the 1.8L which didn't have a cvt till 2009. It is hard to know with Japanese imports as they could include a cvt in anything.
As far as I'm aware these vehicles are a great buy.

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Toyota Wish - CVT

Michelle102 — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 20:19:27 +1200

We are looking at upgrading our vehicle and have been checking out the Toyota Wish vehicles. After reading a previous post, I understand that it is best to stay away from the 2.0L because of the D4 engine. In the past we have had problems with the CVT gearbox in a 1998 Nissan Primera SW and also a 2003 Audi (twice). I understand that the CVT gearboxes are a lot better now, but I am unsure as to whether there are any known problems with the Toyota Wish and were hoping you could shed some light. I suspect from my investigations (which may not be correct) that the 2005 1.8L is a standard automatic transmission, whereas the 2006 and up are CVT. To CVT or not, that is the question? :). We would appreciate any other information about the Toyota Wish you can offer as well. Thanking you in advance.

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Re: Laser Intrigue v Peugeot 307

malua477 — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 20:59:48 +1200

Very many thanks.

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Re: 2nd hand car - advice please

malua477 — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 20:57:41 +1200

Thank you - very much appreciated.

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Re: Ex-rental 2002 Nissan Sunny

Cade — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 12:11:12 +1200

Hi there,
I think ex-rental cars are not too bad to buy, but you need to do your homework and get it checked out before purchase. It would be more likely to have had a few paint and panel touch-ups, and you may find at 180km there are likely to be a few components wearing out. These vehicles as a whole are not bad, and I haven't heard of any major failings with them. A regular service history is also a very important factor, and will make buying a high mileage car more attractive. Also I later model car should have more safety components than an older lower mileage one of the same price range.

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Ex-rental 2002 Nissan Sunny

Michele4 — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 11:17:38 +1200

TM has a 2002 Nissan Sunny with 180k on the clock for $2800. My son wants a reliable car for less than $3k.

I have never owned a Nissan so don't know anything about them. Do you know if Nissan Sunnys are known to have any problems?

What is your opinion on buying ex-rental cars? I know they all tend to have high mileage when sold and it is believed that they get thrashed to death by renters. However, the one plus is that they are normally serviced every 10k and there is a service history available. This one falls within our budget, but in your opinion is it worth the risk buying it?

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Re: Honda Mobilio and Toyota Porte

Michele4 — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 11:06:43 +1200

Thanks. I thought parts may be an issue because they are relatively new to the NZ market. I have been doing research and there are so many complaints about the Honda CVT in all different Honda models, so I am staying well away from them. I think I will stick with our all round favourite Mazda Demio. They are so popular now that it is difficult to buy one as they are snapped up so quickly. Cheers

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Re: Honda Mobilio and Toyota Porte

Cade — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 10:54:40 +1200

Hi there,
These cars are a little unknown and not something we have had the opportunity to test out. Specs for imports can be a little tricky to obtain, as for parts I imagine they would be ex Japan or used on the off chance there has been any wrecked in NZ.
The Porte is based on a Toyota Vitz, doesn't seem to have a cvt transmission and would be my pick of the two (imports can vary so check the transmission type). The Honda has a CVT transmission and could potentially be problematic like the Honda Fit of the same years.

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Re: 2nd hand car - advice please

Cade — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 10:33:24 +1200

Hi there,
The Mazda Demio doesn't seem to list them as having a CVT transmission for around 2005.
Mazda doesn't have a many problems with transmissions in any of their vehicles lately and all seem to be very good, I don't have a problem recommending the Demio.
Cambelt driven engines are not usually big trouble, they just have a periodic replacement schedule generally at 100,000km. All imports get entry compliance inspections, the AA even carries compliance. An AA pre purchase inspection gives you an overview into the overall condition of the vehicle, not just the warrant safety items that are checked at entry compliance.

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Re: Laser Intrigue v Peugeot 307

Cade — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 09:56:05 +1200

Hi there,
From what you mention, I don't recommend the Peugeot for your needs.
As good as the Ford Laser is, a 1994 vehicle Is not worth $5k. If you can haggle the price, it will be a good car with a good chance of not giving many issues.
However you can get a vehicle 10 years newer for that if you hunt around.
Maybe try looking for a Mazda2/ Demio, Toyota Corolla Allex or Runx, also a good choice is Suzuki Swift to name a few.

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Laser Intrigue v Peugeot 307

malua477 — Tue, 31 May 2016 16:19:48 +1200

What do you think about (1) 1994 Laser Intrigue, 45,000km, 1600 automatic, $5000 - apparently only one owner who's now no longer able to drive. What could I expect to go wrong and (2) Peugeot 307, 40,000km, automatic, 2L, $8,,000 - apparently a trade-in for a new car. On internet I see Peugeots can be a bit hit and miss and didn't see anything about Ford Laser Intrigue maybe because it's so old. I need reliability and would not be able to afford expensive repairs but desperately need a car.
Thank you for your help.

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2nd hand car - advice please

malua477 — Tue, 31 May 2016 12:35:36 +1200

I've been reading a lot of the comments on the AA site and want to steer clear of cars with CVT transmission. I need a small reasonably peppy car (Dunedin has a few steep hills). I had a 1995 Mazda Familia Neo and it was great but recently I let someone else drive it and they went over a steep edge and damaged the chassis (repairable but more than the market value so a write-off). Now I'm desperately looking for a cheap replacement but cheap doesn't seem to exist so I'm now looking at Toyota Platz 2005, 1.5 manual, 22,000km for $7,999; Mazda Demio 1998, 105,000km, 1300cc automatic, $3,499, Mazda Demio 2004, 76,000km, 1300cc automatic, $7,995; Mazda Demio 2005, 66km, 1340 automatic $7,999 and Mazda Demio 2005, 1340cc 5-speed, 60,000km, $8,995. Would the 2005 Mazda automatics be CVT? I was told the Toyota is chain driven but didn't ask about the 5-speed Mazda? I think the 2005 Mazda are Japanese imports. My question is which would you recommend and if I went for the 1998 one might I be buying trouble - cam belt etc? Also do you know of any issues with these cars? And do you think the asking prices (all dealers) are reasonable? And why would the 5-speed one with similar mileage and same year be $1,000 more than the automatic? I'm told the imports have been VINZ Compliance checked and that it's very thorough and wonder what extra an AA check would cover? Your advice will be very much appreciated. Thank you.

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Honda Mobilio and Toyota Porte

Michele4 — Tue, 31 May 2016 12:22:06 +1200

I am curious about these vehicles that I am seeing more of these days. I've seen 2002-2004 models of the above on TM but feel the low list price maybe is hiding problems. Can you comment on them please. Visibility, reliability, fuel economy, parts availability etc.

Many thanks.

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Re: Toyota Caldina

Cade — Mon, 30 May 2016 09:37:58 +1200

Hi there, I don't think it would have any bearing on prices, as the vehicle models change so much over time, not many parts would swap over. It would mean that you may need to obtain second-hand Japanese parts for repairs, or new old stock parts ex Japan as there may be no stock here.

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Toyota Caldina

JustinLo94 — Sat, 28 May 2016 22:43:29 +1200

Hi there!
I am currently interested in an '06 1.8L Caldina. I was just wondering because the Caldina series are no longer being manufactured, does that mean parts in general will be more expensive to obtain?

Cheers!

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