r/NZcarfix Mar 12 '25

What to buy? The NZcarfix Tyre Megathread

31 Upvotes

WIP - but some general tyre recommendations as below.

Premium UHP (ultra high performance) tyres:

  • Michelin Pilot Sport 5
  • Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S
  • Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
  • Continental SportContact 7
  • Pirelli P Zero PZ5
  • Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo

Mid-range UHP tyres:

  • Hankook Ventus Evo
  • Hankook Ventus S1 Evo3
  • Falken Azenis FK510/FK520
  • BFGoodrich G-Force Phenom

Premium Touring tyres:

  • Michelin Primacy 5
  • Continental PremiumContact 7
  • Pirelli Cintuarto 3
  • Bridgestone Turanza 6

Mid-range Touring tyres:

  • Hankook Ventus Prime 3/4
  • Falken Ziex ZE310

Eco/EV-focused Touring tyres:

  • Bridgestone Ecopia EP300
  • Continental EcoContact 6
  • Michelin e.Primacy
  • Hankook Ventus iON

SUV Premium:

  • Michelin Primacy SUV
  • Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV
  • Pirelli Scorpion Verde
  • Goodyear EfficientGrip 2 SUV

SUV Mid-range:

  • Yokohama Geolander G058
  • Hankook Dynapro HP
  • Hankook Ventus Prime 3/4
  • Maxxis VS5 Victra
  • Falken CT60AS

SUV Value:

  • BFGoodrich Advantage Control
  • Rovelo Instinct

Off Road Premium:

  • BFGoodrich KO3
  • Mickey Thompson Baja Boss

Off Road Mid-range:

  • Falken AT3/4W
  • Maxxis Razr AT811/MT772
  • Cooper AT range
  • Yokohama Geolander G003

More road friendly AT options:

  • Michelin LTX Trail
  • Yokohama Geolander G015
  • Maxxis Razr AT781

"Not shit":

  • GT Radial Adventuro AT3

For more tailored recommendations, chuck a comment and I'm sure people will help out. Thanks for /u/Former_Task8098 for some of these recco's, particularly SUV/off-road!


r/NZcarfix Mar 11 '25

The NZcarfix community have put their heads together and come up with a list of vehicles to avoid. Check out this post before you buy, it could save you thousands

345 Upvotes

The title is poorly worded so I would like to clarify something. Not all vehicles/engines on the list are so bad that you should never own one (except the Mazda diesel, stay well away). This list is to give you an idea of what might go wrong should you choose to buy something on our list.

This is a community sourced list and the quotes are from our users.

If you're unsure if the vehicle you're considering has one of the engines listed below, you can use Carjam to find out for free, just enter the cars registration plate number.

CarComplaints is a US site that may or may not be useful to you, depending on what you own.

Audi A4 1.8 and 2.0 CDNC Petrol engine. "motor burns oil, Quattro transmission is garbage, all expensive to repair. I’ve worked for Audi as a tech for 14years. The engine code has somehow vanished from my brain, aftermarket warranty places won’t cover them anymore as it’s well known issue, factory fix under warranty was new pistons…."

Audi/VW 2016 and earlier, anything with a 1.4l. "The gearbox on these is shocking, recalls never truly fixed it. And on top of this, 1.4l twin charged is horrible. Then there's about 2009 to 2012ish Audi/VW group, anything with 2.0l or 1.8l tfsi. Horrible engine, burns ridiculous oil after 100,000km due to piston rings issue, timing chains snap, camshaft issues, turbo issues, the list goes on. I see more and more dealers import these, as they are cheap overseas for a reason, then poor customers come in with issues once they've gone out of their purchase warranty."

Audi 3L V6 TDI "they're well known to sling timing chains. The V8 TDI is the same sort of architecture but don't seem to have that issue"

BMWs 4 cylinder NA N46 engine - Valvetronic issues, oil leaks, stretched timing chain and tensioner failures, sensor failures, solenoid problems. "Any bmw with a v8 or 4 cylinder. Avoid most diesel bmws apart from the M57. This one is the rare 3.0 turbo diesel that’s actually good."

BMWs N43 engine - injector issues, oil pump issues, coil packs.

BMW First gen N63 "has to be one of the worst engines of modern times. Fine when it’s running but has numerous catastrophic failure points."

Chrysler Unless it's a Viper or a Valiant, just say no

Dodge Only buy if you, really, really, really, want a Dodge

DPF Diesel Particulate Filter equipped vehicles: If you do most of your driving in the city, you probably want to avoid anything with a DPF system. You can Google for details, but essentially, city driving will end up costing north of $10k in repairs, guaranteed.

English Cars and SUVs. Most of us here do not like them, but if you're an enthusiast, go for it, especially if it's an old school Mini.

Ford BA, BF, FG Falcon, all variants: "They eat brake pads, wheel bearings, tie rod ends, centre diff bearing, diff bushes (expensive, lots of labour involved), headliners, they rust, they tend to have Body Control Module problems and when the powersteering fluid leaks it falls into the alternator, frying that. Sometimes, oil and coolant can mix due to a design fault in the coolant pipe routing , that's bad. Only buy one if you're an enthusiast."

Ford Ecoboost engines 1.0L and 1.5L Dragon Series "are notorious for their wet timing belts failing and clogging the oil pickup, thus killing the engine." "known head gasket failure due to design flaw"

Ford Explorer, "not known as the Exploder for nothing, shit economy, shit leather, shit gearbox. Random total failure shutdowns while doing 100kmh on the motorway. Turn ignition off and on and it would go again. Piece of crap."

Ford Focus (2012-2016). "All autos had the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) which caused huge issues. Apparently the manual version is fine. Personally owned one which I got cheap from my old boss and it also had lots of electrical issues and a leaking sunroof." "These (autos) were replaced under warranty and recall, but even then, took us 3 times ( and 6 months ) to get one that was smooth." "Many Volvos of the same rough era also had those powershift transmissions and issues.

Any Ford with DPS6 Transmission "Anything with a Ford Powershift transmission or its derivatives, including several 4 cylinder early 2010's Volvo models, the SST on Mitsubishi Evolution X and Galant Ralliart, etc

Ford Ranger 3.2 litre (PX1-PX3) "Injectors need replacing at 200km EGR coolers fail (currently subject to a recall) Valve bodies in the autos fail semi regularly. "Heads (not just gaskets) turning into a banana and failing, EGR valve leaking coolant into exhaust. Transmissions shitting the bed." "New auto fitted for 12k. Eeeek!" "Rangers continue to surprise us with new and unusual failures. E.g. PX2-3 torque converter falls off the flex plate randomly. Manual transmissions so bad they stopped making them. Injector issues. Engine failures. Had one with an EGR cooler failure that melted the plastic intake manifold. You name it , we see it." "Have also seen egr cooler failure melt little holes in the plastic manifold, injector washer leak torch a hole through the head, crazy bcm lighting failures etc" "Warranty Extension 24N06 - one time repair covered by ford for 10 years / 250,000km from new vehicle warranty start date to replace the EGR cooler (not the valve). Unsure of the VIN range covered, but will only be done if there is an actual fault" (May only cover '17-'20 models)

Holden Captiva. Just don't, they are moneypits.

Holden Commodore VE with the V6 engine "all ticking timebombs with engine timing issues"

Hyundai/Kia's 2.0 & 2.4L Theta II engines - G4KA, G4KD, G4KF, G4KH, and G4KL."Manufacturing issues leading to oil flow issues, knocking, bearing issues and complete seizing."

Isuzu 4JX1 "commonly found in the isuzu Mu / Wizard. Has sensor issues, oiling issues, and fuel rail issues. Fuel rails work on oil pressure they are 100% lemons. Worked at a 4x4 wrecker and we never sold them even if they ran fine, we didn't even sell parts off the engines. We couldn't guarantee them at all, let alone the second hand engine parts."

Jeep There are so many better vehicles available for the same money. Enthusiasts only

Mazda 2.2 Diesel CX-5 "(production year 2011) 2012 - present, though mostly the 2012 - 2015." The Mazda 3/Axela, and Mazda 6/Atenza also had that engine as an option. "The design of the engine and the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) system can lead to fuel finding its way into the oil. When that happens, and it will, it's uneconomic to repair. The CX-8 apparently does not suffer the same issues." Link to Mazda horror story https://www.reddit.com/r/NZcarfix/s/GDxxWRVdA1

Mazda RX8/Mazda Rotary engines. "These are cars and engines for enthusiasts only. Not recommended as a daily driver. Worn engine Apex seals and fuel inefficiency are the main highlights."

Mercedes-Benz from 1991-1996 also Mk ll Ford Mondeos "which all used a biodegradable wiring harness? If it hasn't been replaced with an aftermarket one it's guaranteed to brick the car at some point."

Mini Cooper R56 w/ N12 or N14 engines. "Notorious direct port carbon build up, variable valve timing issues and it's a BMW but I believe this model has a Peugeot engine in it." "it's the Prince engine. The timing chain issues are solvable but there's no permanent fix for the HPFP, other than bolting new ones on when they break." "supercharged models between 2003 to 2004. The first gen NA coopers with CVT are to be avoided as well." "2001-2006 CVT Mini Coopers had premature transmission failure. 2006-2013 Mini Coopers had a host of issues - from google: Mini Coopers from 2006 to 2013 are commonly known to have issues with power steering failures, coolant leaks, clutch problems, electrical glitches, timing chain tensioner issues, water pump and thermostat housing leaks, and potential problems with the automatic transmission; with many complaints centering around the electric power steering system, particularly in the 2006 models

Mitsubishis with GDi Engines "High pressure fuel pump problems, injector driver faults, ignition coil tower failures, clogged intake manifolds"

Nissan 370z and later 350z models 2009-2012 "They are pretty notorious for oil gallery gaskets failing causing oil pressure to drop to catastrophic levels"

Nissan CVT Jatco Transmission: Think carefully. We have mixed reports from users but generally speaking they're not much loved.

Nissan D40 Navaras and the equivalent Pathfinders. "Broken cranks, ball joints every 30k, timing chain stretch, egr faults aplenty. Many oil leaks. Earth issues from new. The NP300 Navara seems to age a lot better even with the Renault 2.3."

Nissan Fuga Y51/Infinity M series, Skyline G models/Infinity G models "All variants equipped with 4WAS (4 wheel active steering) rear steering rack system has a catastrophic fault even Nissan could not properly identify. but they noticed enough to sell the rack as a part only… so you must buy a whole rack no parts for it exist. Hybrid variant has gearbox issues with the switch that jumps between petrol and electric the cost of which basically writes the car off."

Nissan Hybrid Infiniti Skyline (HV37). "The suspension feels like it’s about to roll over under sharp turns, typical expensive CVT fixes, High-voltage battery issues… oh and the ignition system and majority of the accessories are ran off of the high voltage battery, not the 12v! So if you fry the battery, it’s either pay about $20k for a new one or you have a very expensive lawn ornament."

Nissan Juke F16. "Seen 2 in the last week come in randomly in limp mode, the DCT is super jumpy from factory, prone to needing clutch relearns, clutch packs were known for getting moisture in them after awhile and making shifting disgusting. Had one on less then 50,000kms come in to work with low compression in cylinder 3 and all the valves in the cylinder were burnt and chipped/cracked around the edges."

Nissan Leaf. Just be wary of remaining battery range in older generations. They won't be suitable for everyone, especially first Gen Leafs.

Nissan QD32 engine "All around hand grenade. Lots of issues with engine components and overheating"

Nissan ZD30 3.0L DI/CR Engines , designed by Renault. Known for overboosting and melting pistons. Commonly found in Patrols and Navaras. "You can add Serena, X-Trail and Pathfinder to this list as well. Transmissions are terrible."

"For the enthusiasts, any old turbo Nissan SR20 or RB engine equipped car unless you have deep pockets"

Mid 2000s diesel 4x4 "when they all changed to the new style common rail they all had EGR cooler issues along with many other issues. Toyotas were grenading at 120ish kms for example." "Anything diesel with EGR, really best to avoid diesel altogether or have all the emissions/adblue stuff coded out of the ECU."

Peugeot. Our community have no love for Peugeot. They're just not great cars for the money

Singapore Imports "plastics and wire insulation crumbles to pieces. The climate in Singapore is humid and hot resulting in deterioration of plastics"

Suzuki Swift Sport Auto/CVT (2012-2017) "are prone to Jatco CVT problems and are an expensive fix so I'd avoid. Manual's are a great car though"

Toyota 1KZ engine. "Insufficient cooling in terms of intercooler and radiator. Lots of cold climate versions imported. Very common to crack the head at the rear cylinder" Mod note: Generally reliable but can be fairly expensive to repair. Well maintained examples can go forever so ask for service history

Toyota 1KD engine: "Known to melt pistons and have injector issues. Few turbo issues too" Mod Note: Generally reliable but can be fairly expensive to repair. Well maintained examples can go forever so ask for service history.

The Pope Mobile… every pope who has ridden in it has either died or become unwell. One pope was shot in it. ( but recovered to die later) - credit goes to u/DaveNZ for the history lesson. Vatican, take note: we warned you.


r/NZcarfix 12h ago

How is this for a GREAT CAR?!

21 Upvotes

In 2003 when my wife was pregnant and out of our city I thought we should get a stationwagon. I found a silver '96 Libero wagon, 1500 manual (we still hate autos and have manuals) at Turners. It had 55k kms. I got it for $5500

My wife liked it. It had some minor electrical fault that I had sorted. I bought some mag wheels from Trademe for it, a Momo steering wheel and sporty gear knob. I had the tyres that were on it changed to the mags.

Years later a woman at Playcentre backed into it and damaged the door and sill a bit. We had those fixed but the co. didn't do a great job.

A guy did a U turn in front of me. I hit the picks but hit him as well. He knew a man...and had the front of the bonnet and guard fixed - again not well.

My wife reversed into a post at the mall and dented the front guard. I replaced that and repainted it.

Someone came on our property and broke it to it. I replaced the window. There were probably a few other things that happened to it.

I replaced the cam belt at about 100k kms. I replaced the water pump and cam belt at a bit over 200k kms. I would do the oil / filter about once a year (10k kms?). I got it down to about 15mins to do the job. The bush at the bottom of the gear stick wore away. I tried to get one but couldn't (nor anything generic) so I ended up wrapping tape around it.

The shock tops needed replacing (a known fault) so I had my mechanic do them.

Tyres - you guys will say this is unsafe etc but two of the tyres lasted most of the way to 200k kms (both had good tread but punctured and couldn't be repaired) and one of the tyres was still on it when I sold it with a new WOF.

It was a little down on power and I was going to be driving in the country more in the future.

I sold it after 15 1/2 years and the ks were at about 220k kms. I got $1550 for it.


r/NZcarfix 12h ago

Help! Portable Jump starter bank

2 Upvotes

Has anyone used the cordtech jump starter with power bank & led torch?

I brought one for my 2007 blue bird Nissan and I’m trying to start my car but I’m having trouble with it ( I don’t know what I am doing lol). Once the battery bank stopped flashing red and green (staying green) I tried turning the ignition. It lit up my dash but didn’t fully start. Not sure what I’m doing wrong. Trying to figure it out so I can get it to a mechanic tomorrow. The battery is good I think it’s my ac draining it.

Can anyone offer advice?


r/NZcarfix 18h ago

What do I do? Should I scrap or sell my car?

4 Upvotes

(Also posted in r/TheTron)

I’m needing some outside thoughts on this as I’m not sure what to do in this situation.

I have a 2007 Toyota Auris where the transmission is failing. It still goes, but based on how it drove home from the mechanics, I’m not sure for how much longer. I replaced the front suspension in January, and the rear suspension needs doing again next January. All up, the repairs over a 12 month period were estimated to cost $5,500, and the car was only insured for about that much. The upholstery in the front drivers seat is also starting to tear.

I’m gutted that it’s having all these issues as it’s been a great little car for the 10 years that I’ve had it. Other than the issues above, the car is still in great condition.

My mum & MIL have suggested I sell the car “as is where is” now that I’ve bought a new car, but my partner reckons I’ll have issues selling it and should scrap it instead. ChatGPT reckons I could get $2,500 for it if I tried to sell it on TradeMe, but I think that’s incredibly unrealistic.

So, redditors, what would you do in this situation?


r/NZcarfix 21h ago

Rust repair

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5 Upvotes

Hi all, I have this spot of rust by the windscreen under under the side rubber trim.
I’ve attempted a DIY repair about a year ago with sanding, rust converter, prime, paint and clear coat, but it has since reappeared and been noted during a service.
Any ideas why the rust has returned or suggestions/tips on a longer term repair? Short of taking it to a pro. But may have to, if that’s the only solution.
Appreciate any advice. Thanks!


r/NZcarfix 22h ago

Help! WOF failed - Honda Accord 07 corrosion under radiator support

4 Upvotes

Had the splash shield on here up until a few months ago as it was dragging on the ground - previous owner had reinstalled it with zip ties lol. I'm guessing this had gone unnoticed by my mechanic before as it was covered by the shield

Can anyone give advice on what can be done about this? Can I just recoat the metal or is this going to be a welding job?


r/NZcarfix 1d ago

What to buy? Looking for cool car suggestions under 12k

12 Upvotes

After selling my trusty 2009 Honda accord wagon 6 months ago, Im looking for its replacement and open to ideas.

Loose criteria-

I only live in NZ 6 months a year and the car goes into storage when Im not home. I drive maybe 4000km during that time, almost exclusively long distance as I generally ride a bike around town.

Fuel efficiency isn't a big deal

Nothing older than 2005ish

Low maintenance, or unlikely to explode in the next 10,000 km (which is probably the time frame ill keep the car)

No partner, no kids, no pets, Im usually traveling with a bike.

Cars Im kinda considering already- Honda CRV, Jazz/Fit, another accord/civic, Toyota Rav4/harrier/fielder, Suzuki swift/vitara/escudo etc, little Daihatsu nuggets, Subaru wagons/foresters/XV/hatch impreza. Ford escape maybe? Also not against the idea of a Honda odyssey or Mazda pregnancy

And the irresponsible part of me wants to roll the dice on something like a BMW x5 or a golf/polo. Or a shitty convertible.

After writing this out I realise what I might consider to be a cool car may not be considered cool by the masses...


r/NZcarfix 21h ago

Bit of advice would be great thank you

2 Upvotes

Car labour/ mechanic

Have been to vtnz to get a wof for my new car that I've brought last week from a licensed mechanic

Toyota avensis

He said there was nothing wrong with it at all, I asked about everything under the sun so I knew it was a god purchase.

Vtnz failed the wof because of a left wheel bearing and shock absorber!

How much roughly like a ball park figure would it cost to get it fixed and passed for my next wof when I re sit it

Cheers thank you


r/NZcarfix 1d ago

RAV4 Used Pricing

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27 Upvotes

Anyone else notice that rav4 used and ex rental are selling for the same price when new? What’s going on with this and why are people paying the retail price?


r/NZcarfix 1d ago

Tire shine driveway

2 Upvotes

Yup I’m an idiot doing it in my driveway, any sure fire way to remove the half moon stains on my driveway? Tried degreasing and pressure washing and it’s only marginally better if at all


r/NZcarfix 2d ago

Panel and Paint Recommended detailer in Auckland for removing really bad water spot stains

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7 Upvotes

Bought a second hand 2022 Tesla Model Y from Turners a month ago. I remember when we picked it up, it had water spots all over the glass and paint work, just like a shower. I didn't think much of it, as I figured I just need to "wash" it off, haha oh how naive.

Cut back to now, I'm trying to remove them, doing lots of research, and realising now they've probably been etched into the paint for months. I suspect it's going to ned a proper polish to remove?

Any recommended detailers in Auckland to clean this all up? I don't want to give cut/polish a try myself, as I worry I'll fuck it up. I've heard about products like "Chemical Guys Water Spot Remover", but I worry I'll also mess up my car with it and/or it just won't work. I don't care too much about the stains in the paint, but it's very noticeable on the glass when it's dry.

ALSO, our car is permanently parked outside our townhouse, facing east. Does that mean rain/moisture will always cause these in the future? Or only hard water?


r/NZcarfix 1d ago

WOF?

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0 Upvotes

Could this pass a WOF? Dent in quarter panel(?).

How much would this roughly cost to fix?


r/NZcarfix 1d ago

Hybrid vehicle recommendations

1 Upvotes

I’m after some real-world recommendations for a new (or near-new) hybrid SUV.
I do two days a week commuting, with each work trip being around 300 km return, and I live rurally, so even a trip into town is around 100 km return. Because of that, I’m much more interested in highway efficiency, reliability and long-term ownership costs than short urban EV range.
My wishlist is:
Hybrid (not necessarily plug-in)
SUV
Leather or faux leather interior (I have a dog, so cloth is a pain)
Good resale value
Good value for money without spending a fortune
Decent boot space
For context:
I previously owned a petrol Kia Sportage and loved the size, features and practicality. Unfortunately, after a recall for a known engine issue which Kia clearer my car of having, the engine still failed six months later from that same fault and Kia wouldn’t cover it. Needless to say the hybrid Sportage I was eyeing up as its replacement, has moved to the ‘will never buy again’ list.
I’ve looked at the Nissan X-Trail e-Power, but came away feeling it wasn’t particularly well specced for the money.
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is on my shortlist because of its reputation and resale value, although I haven’t driven one yet.
I’m not overly keen on a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Like its specs and drove often as fleet car in previous role, but don’t think the plug-in aspect really suits how I drive, and I’m a little concerned about long-term battery depreciation and resale.
I haven’t looked much at BYD, Havel, MG etc yet, mainly because I’m unsure how they’ll stack up for battery health & resale over the next 5–10 years.
I’m leaning towards buying new, but I’d also consider a one- or two-year-old vehicle with low kilometres if it represented significantly better value.
For those who’ve owned or driven these (or something else I should be looking at), what would you recommend, and why? I’m particularly interested in reliability, real-world fuel economy on long highway trips, comfort, and how they’ve held their value.


r/NZcarfix 2d ago

WoF Q WOF - would this tail light being sold by jdm pass? 'Foggy'

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6 Upvotes

For context, my tail lights have the same issue. Looking at potential replacements just in case (obv not these).

Seems to be a recurring issue with these, it's some sort of sediment on the inside. It's also sealed, so it can't be cleaned.


r/NZcarfix 2d ago

Prepurchase inspection

2 Upvotes

Looking at my auto shop. They offer a few extras. Any of these worth adding in

Computer diagnostic (+$50)
Relative compression (+$50)
CO2 head gasket (+$40)

Basic price is $229

Car is 2018 euro, 100k kms ish

Thanks


r/NZcarfix 2d ago

Honda Odyssey airbag light

2 Upvotes

2005 Honda Odyssey why would the airbag like not flash when turning on my car, as it just failed it's wof for this reason and I would like to try fix it myself before taking it to the mechanic ❤️


r/NZcarfix 2d ago

What do I do? Change of ownership papers

0 Upvotes

Do I need to fill out a change of ownership paper on the spot when picking up a new secondhand car? I went under an alias on marketplace and kinda fucked up only realising what this would mean come time to do paperwork…


r/NZcarfix 2d ago

Safe to drive with Front bushes starting to split??

5 Upvotes

Hi all,
Sort of guessing not the wisest of questions but I need to make a decision. Took my 2021 Subaru Outback to regular servicing recently and was advised :
- front lower control arm rear bushes both front. Replace soon.
- brake pads around 70% worn re check next service

The car is hardly ever used so I did not prioritise to get these done. I need to drive from Wellington to Taupo and back this coming weekend. The car is under extended warranty so I am locked in with the dealer and they are fully booked this week.

Would you drive the Outback with these issues or rather take the second car (2017 Honda Fit)? The weather is not looking very good and the Fit might not be ideal on the Desert Road.
Would appreciate some comments, thanks in advance.


r/NZcarfix 2d ago

What to buy? Buying an older PHEV vs petrol for family get-around?

2 Upvotes

Currently researching our next family vehicle purchase, and if anyone is willing to give advice I'd appreciate it sincerely. Our 2005 Nissan Tiida's transmission is shot, so we're looking for a vehicle with the following caveats.

  • Current financial situation is not good, trying to run a family off one income at the moment. Budget is approx $20k with a small amount of wiggle room.
  • Our total child quantity has increased both by number and mass (and sass) in the years since we got the Tiida, so we're looking for something in the crossover space.
  • Vehicle's primary functions are a very short commute, weekend errands, and child conveyance. Very little expected long-distance use, at least in the near term. Not looking at more than 40km daily usage at the outside.
  • I expect a fair amount of teenager-based wear and tear on the interior in the coming years so not looking for more than a basic interior.
  • Keeping TCO down would be a plus.

We've driven an Outlander PHEV and an Xtrail (petrol) and both would be fine from a capacity perspective.

Not looking for more CVT trouble so the Xtrail is iffy. I understand that the 2022+ models may have ameliorated that issue to some degree.

Ideally a PHEV would help with fuel costs as we've got about 9kw of solar at home (no battery). I am aware that older PHEVs have significant battery depletion, but I've never owned one so I have no real-world context. The research I've done also seems to indicate there are other increased maintenance costs. I have also read opinions here that PHEVs aren't the panacea that people expect, which is fine, we're just looking to stretch the dollar a reasonable amount.


r/NZcarfix 3d ago

What to buy? Jaecoo J7 - talk me into it, talk me out of it

2 Upvotes

For the price it’s what I’m looking for, need real answers from those that know cars!


r/NZcarfix 3d ago

Need to top up coolant, do i just buy and match the colour of what is in the car reservoir? Subaru 2014 impreza if it matters?

7 Upvotes

r/NZcarfix 3d ago

GardX GX2 Graphene is it worth it?

2 Upvotes

We are buying new BYD Atto3, this is our first new car ever bought.
Dealership is offering $1400 Gardx exterior and interior protection and lifetime warrenty*
is it really worth ?


r/NZcarfix 4d ago

Audi DSG shifting sounds?

5 Upvotes

Hi there,

Is it quite normal for you to hear the gear changing sound? I got a 2018 DL382 ultra quattro, when on D7 to D (coasting) and hit the gas again to D7 you can hear a light knock sound. Also when today downshift from D7 to D3 (full throttle) I can hear the sounds too, anyone got the same experience?

Car only have 60k kms

DSG fuild and filter change a month ago.

Thanks


r/NZcarfix 4d ago

Reliability? Is buying a 2019 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line worth it in New Zealand? Looking for mechanic opinions.

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I'm considering buying a 2019 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line here in New Zealand. I really like the styling, performance, comfort, and all the features it offers. It seems like a lot of car for the money compared to similarly priced German sedans and SUVs.

However, I'm a bit concerned about long-term ownership.

I'd love to hear from:

VW mechanics or independent European specialists

Current or previous Arteon owners

Anyone who has worked on or maintained these cars in NZ

A few questions:

Is the 2019 Arteon R-Line generally reliable?

Are the EA888 engine and DSG gearbox dependable if serviced on time?

Are servicing and repair costs reasonable compared to Audi or BMW?

Are parts readily available in New Zealand?

Would you recommend buying one with around 70,000–100,000 km?

Are there any common issues I should inspect before buying?

I'm planning to keep the car for several years and will stay on top of servicing. I'd appreciate honest experiences—both good and bad.