So I'm getting another car, a family car really this time, and I really have no idea what to pick. I live in NZ, and my budget is around 10,000 USD
of course the market is vastly different and such, but I still wish to get a general idea.

The car has to be reliable, as it will be my daily driver for the next 5 years
4 door
Stylish and drives good (Mazda 6....only if it was RWD though)
Low maintenance
After market potential doesn't have to be HUGE, but I'd like a body kit or something
2002 or newer
I'm kinda thinking about Mazda 6, Honda Accord and Nissan Skyline (I think called the infinity G sedan over in USA?)

but my main question is mileage!
what kms should I be looking at so that I don't have to perform major services or run into major problems within the next 5 years? My mum wants something 30,000~40,000 KMs (yes it's my mums money, and thats kilometers, not miles) but I don't see what's wrong with 70,000 KMS?

 

e39 5 series. you can even get them as a very attractive wagon imo.

 

Subraru Legacy is what i would get

 

oo, legacy is a good choice. especially the 2.5gt.

 

I'm on my 4th Subaru. My wife loves them. Current one is a 04 Outback.

 

i would soo get a legacy

 

Wow....feels like the Legacy forum...someone needs to provide me the cameras at the front bumper and the back too...so that technicians don't joy ride in my car...

 

I was going between the new model legacy and the rx8 and I found a bunch of 8's for cheaper... either not many people bought legacy's or not many are reselling them... yet at least. Maybe just my area?

 

An older WRX wagon perhaps? I have seen 2002's between $6-8K. They have some after market support and are good lookin wagons. You can never go wrong with an Accord but they are pretty boring in comparison to an AWD turbo Suby

 

Get something practical and good on gas, like an accord or camry. I highly doubt you need AWD and **** poor gas mileage on your family car.

 

yeah, my mom has an outback. good car.

 

A Proton. They are cool and they own Lotus.

 

You're over in NZ? How about a used Holden Commodore?

 

Yo what about a 2002-2005 Audi a4. KBB puts the 2004 a4 with 100k miles at $7500 private party price...1.8 liter 4-cylinder turbo so gets great gas mileage. Plus all the options to mod it.

Then you could get the rs4 conversion body kit for $2k. It'll look like this.

Or just a different body kit for probably around $1k: here.

 

I like the Subaru 2.5gt. One more vote for that.

 

Is300.