I'm looking to replace my Zafira B with a more reliable and economical motor for between 3 - 4k. After plenty of research both on here and on Reliabilty Index, I've pretty much narrowed down to either a Corolla, an Avensis or an Accord with the Mazda 6 as possibly a wild card.
Until I move house, it will be doing around 500 miles per week, but after that will be pretty much limited to short journeys with only 1 or 2 longer 'thrashes' a month, which possibly rules out a diesel, (unless anyone can advise otherwise?)
One issue that's cropped up appears to be the Avensis and it's thirst for oil - anyone got any other advice before I finally make a decision. (And yes, I've asked the long haired general about looking at Skoda's but can't budge her.)
Thanks All.
Mazda 6 petrol would be a suitable choice - reliable and reasonably economical. I ran a 2005 one for just over 2 years, doing about 400-450 miles per week with the occasional longer thrash. Took it to the Highlands and back with all my family in it and it was very comfy- no luggage between feet either! I chose it because it was a good motorway cruiser with enough poke, for a low insurance premium. It cost me a sniff under £4k and I took it up to about 105k miles on the clock.
However, many would consider this to be diesel territory and diesel 6's should be avoided in the £3-4k price bracket due to a catalogue of issues well documented on here. I didn't buy a diesel because any in my price band were too old or decrepit. I couldn't stretch to an equivalent one to my petrol money-wise. Nice looking car too and I geniunely never needed anything more than a headlight bulb and, when I got over 104k on the clock, some new wheel bearings.
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