Car Thoughts

[coboltmarine]

So my current thoughts for car are as follows:

Criteria/Car
Mazda 323 / Ford Lazer 1998-2003
Toyota Corolla
Mazda 626 / Ford Telstar 1997-2002
Toyota Camry

Price
Red Book|Mazda ($3,700 - $5,300) Ford ($3,400 - $5,000)|TD&LG $6,000 - $15,000
Red Book|$4,300 - $6,000| TD&LG $7000-$10,000
$3,200 - $4,800|TD&LG $4500-$10,000
$2,300 - $3,800|TD&LG $4000-$11,000

Engine
1.8L 122 hp (91 kW) 11.0L/100km
1.8L 120 hp (89 kW) 8.0L/100km
2.0L 125 hp (93 kW) 9.5L/100km
2.2L 133 hp (99 kW) 10.0L/100km

Weight
1250kg
1100kg
1300kg
1350kg

NCAP Safety
2.5/4
3/4
4/4
2/4

Rough availability according to Carsales.com
1300 cumulatively
5000
400
4200

So current thoughts are probably the Toyotas over the Mazdas, as the reliability is slightly better for Toyotas, as well as the Toyotas were picked as a fleet car so they are much more prevalent. This is important for repairs, spare parts as well as the general knowledge of mechanics.

So as it currently stands, it is the choice between the Camry and the Corolla, some of the advantages of the corolla over the Camry

• Uses a timing Chain, instead of a timing belt, means it will not need expensive replacements, as they are intended to last the life of the engine.
• Lower fuel consumption
• Avaliable as a hatchback
• Lighter, means less fuel wasted, as well as a better power to weight ratio.
• Smaller, easier to park

Camry over Corolla

• Cheaper initially
• Slightly larger
• Slightly more of them more parts ect

So it does seem the obvious choice for a car would Corolla, but it really depends what is availiable at the time.