New car time.

[plod]

Well it won't be new, time to give up commuting on the bike.
Currently looking at the Toyota Mark-x , Nissan teana or maxima and the honda legend, Fuel economy is not an issue as my weekly commute is light. In saying that I was car sitting a mates Fairmount and that was on the thirsty side. Anyone had experience with these cars? Looking at 2007 models and later

[Mirddes]

gryocopter.

[Nick G]

What's the budget?

[plod]

What's the budget?

5-10k

[dugimodo]

I like the Idea of the mark-x, considering one for my next car myself. The Camry is a good alternative though and far more common in NZ so parts etc are probably cheaper and easier to obtain should you need them. I was looking at maximas & camrys and a mazda 6 last time round, the maxima was a lot less commonly available for sale and had a reputation for being a bit gas hungry, the mazda was more of a drivers car and more sporty, but I bought the camry as it was easier to find one in my price range and it was a big comfortable cruiser.

10k is a low budget for a car that size, if you go smaller you'll get a better car for your money.

[inphinity]

Given you are looking at large sedans, I presume you have some requirement other than a single-person commuter vehicle?

[plod]

Given you are looking at large sedans, I presume you have some requirement other than a single-person commuter vehicle?

Have always had small cars,been a one car family for about 5 years. Kids almost gone. So thinking of myself Instead of family for a change. Purely selfish reasons

[inphinity]

Have always had small cars,been a one car family for about 5 years. Kids almost gone. So thinking of myself Instead of family for a change. Purely selfish reasons

I'm even more confused now, lol.

What criteria are you looking for in a car? From the examples you've given, it comes across as "practicality of space" and not much else. Is that correct, you just want a car that can fit 5 adults in the cabin plus some luggage in the boot?

[dugimodo]

Perhaps plod just prefers large cars. I am a single person commuter myself and I own a V6 Camry because I want to. I might go back to a smaller car for fuel economy and convenience next time but I really like the space and comfort of the camry personally. Also I'm 6'6" and a lot of cars are not comfortable for me.

It's worth checking into fuel economy for anything you are considering though, it can surprise you. For example although current models are much better my 2002 3.0L V6 camry is less fuel efficient than a same year 4.0L v6 falcon (unless you drive with a lead foot). Mainly down to the 3 stage auto in the toyota.

[inphinity]

Quite possibly just a preference for larger cars, but understanding the 'requirements' helps make good recommendations - if it's a preference for large cars, then I wouldn't recommend a Mazda2 for example, even if it's a great commuter car. Likewise if someone wants to tow the boat occasionally, that has to be considered too. Just like determining the criteria for a new PC/laptop/tablet, understanding helps make a better recommendation