As a woman on her own I find the thought of buying a new car quite daunting. At present I have a Nissan Pulsar Hatch which I have had from new and enjoyed trouble free motoring . I recently drove a vehicle which although was not a 4X4 , was considerably higher to enter and with a crook back and hip I just found that getting in and out of it was easier and more comfortable for me than my present car is . It was the only thing about this other vehicle that I did like, so I would not rush to buy one for that reason alone - it was a Mitsibushi . The Daihatsu Terios has taken my eye as a possible alternative, but I know nothing about cars, and even less about this particular make. Does anyone here have one, who could tell me a bit about their performance and economy etc, or can anyone suggest any other althernative that I could be looking at also. Unfortunately, Nissan do not seem to have anything in the small car range , which has a higher entry level . I would grateful your comments or suggestions.

Hi Mavourneen,
For what its worth my wife and I had a Daihatsu Pyzar, which we toured the South Island with. Averaging under 7litres/100kms (40-45mpg) a 1500cc manual. She found it very easy to drive and get in and out of. We got agood run out of it, so would imagine the Terrios should be reliable, but not quite as economical. possibly 8litres/100kms

Hello Kiwiwun. Thank you for your response. I had not heard of the Pyzar before, so this has given me another option to look into. It sounds as though it has a similar cc rating and petrol consumption to my Pulsar, and I would be quite happy with that.
Good of you to answer, thanks again.

Hi I have owned a toyota RAV4 for about 5 years now .It is used for just about everything and goes any where i want .They can be a bit thirsty for a 2.0L but being a perminent 4WD that is what happens .Liveing in Dunedin it is great in the winter on ice and snow etc (good tyres are a must have ) and it is suppriseing how far off the seal it will go if required .The added bonus is the Toyota reliability .Try a few before you buy.

Has anyone got a RAV4 2wheel 3 door for sale, Im too polite and keep missing out on trade me, so I'd like to hear from anyone with a decent Rav upto $6000 .
Jojo
0273791964

My Best Vehicle is a 1999 NZ New Nissan Pathfinder 3.0 liter diesel. After getting it for a good price 2.5 years ago. It had a full service history, so I spent $2500 getting new injectors, and the turbo overhauled. I had every other function tested and it now runs perfectly. I have fitted KYB from shocks and Koni to the rear. Also a new set of Goodyear tires. It is used to tow a horse float up some very steep hills. It does this well. I have taken it on some long trips and it is very smooth and comfortable. about 10 liters/100km. Still cheap to run with diesel being 60 cents per liter cheaper than petrol. the RUC adds about 4 cents per KM.
If You want the most economical motoring try a European small diesel 1.6 liter motors can return about 6 liters per 100kms.

I found the latest model CRV too light in the steering. That is fine around town but I prefer heavyer more stable steering when on the open rd. I have
a 2002 2dr RAV4 and I drive it down to Queenstown once a year no problem
although I would idealy like a 3L motor for that. The cost of gas is not a major problem as I ride a motorbike when its fine around town. I bought the RAV after being an inocent victim in a head on collision in my small car.