johna's automotive blog

Nissan Dualis (J10) 2007-2014 Review

2025-07-12T12:00:00+10:00

Attractive styling but the Dualis is a bit cheap and nasty and best avoided.

Nissan CVT transmissions are well known for not lasting long and being expensive to replace. The cost of replacing the CVT could exceed the value of the car.

The manual is not without problems as there are reports of premature clutch failure, some requiring replacement in as little as 30,000km.

Also reports of vibration at certain road speeds and headlights globes constantly failing.

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Mazda3 (BL) 2009-2013 Review

2025-07-07T12:00:00+10:00

Petrol models are generally reliable.

Diesel models can be expensive to maintain and repair and are best avoided.

ABS and TCM (transmission control module) modules can fail and are expensive to replace.

Reports of drivers' seats coming loose.

Dash tops can warp and become sticky and unpleasant.

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Mitsubishi Lancer (CJ) 2007-2015 Review

2024-12-04T12:00:00+10:00

Engine options are 4B11 (2.0-litre), normally-aspirated or turbocharged and 4B12 (2.4-litre) and both are generally reliable. Both use a timing chain that does not require regular replacement.

CVT transmissions are better than some brands but can fail and are expensive to replace. Dual-clutch transmissions are similar.

ABS faults are not uncommon.

Paint damage from sun exposure is commonplace.

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Volkswagen Golf (Mk.5) 2004-2010 Review

2021-03-27T12:00:00+10:00

Many reports of 1.4-litre (TSI) engine failures. This engine has a timing chain but it has been known to stretch so may require replacement.

FSI (1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol) engines are susceptible to build up inside the intake system - effecting performance and oil consumption - which may need to be cleaned.

Aside from the 3.2-litre V6, all other engines use a timing belt which requires regular replacement.

DSG automatic transmissions are frequently complained about and can require expensive replacement. They also require costly servicing every 60,000 km.

Plenty of common problems with electrics, air conditioners and window regulators and wheel bearings and brakes wear quickly.

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Volvo XC90 2002-2014 Review

2021-03-27T12:00:00+10:00

Often suffer frequent minor and some not so minor problems. Can be expensive to maintain and repair.

4-speed automatic transmission fitted to the 2.9-litre model can fail even at relatively low mileages, and is expensive to repair or replace.

Equipped with a space-saver spare wheel and tyre rather than a full-size spare.

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Volvo V70 Cross Country/XC70 1998-2004 Review

2021-03-27T12:00:00+10:00

Generally, fairly reliable but electrical problems are common.

Automatic transmissions can be unreliable and require expensive replacement.

Engine uses a timing belt but replacement intervals are comparatively long.

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Volvo S40 and V40 (X40) 1995-2004 Review

2021-03-27T12:00:00+10:00

Engine mounts are a regular fail item. Turbo models can suffer problems with oil feed to the turbocharger. Some models fitted with variable valve timing that can be problematic.

All engines have a timing belt that needs replacement every 120,000 km or 5 years.

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Toyota Yaris (XP90) 2005-2011 Review

2021-03-27T12:00:00+10:00

The Yaris is a reliable vehicle with no common mechanical problems.

Some owners dislike the electronic throttle as it makes it hard to maintain speed and controls the engine revs at times.

Clear coat paint peel is not uncommon.

Both 1.3 and 1.5-litre engine options use a timing chain that does not require periodic replacement.

Comes with a space-saver spare wheel.

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Toyota Prius (XW20) 2003–2009) Review

2021-03-27T12:00:00+10:00

The Prius and hybrid engine have proven to be reliable but not without problems like any other vehicle.

If something does go wrong it can be expensive to repair. Battery packs generally live beyond their 8-year warranty but are very expensive should you be unlucky enough to need to replace one.

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Toyota Echo (XP10) 1999-2005 Review

2021-03-27T12:00:00+10:00

Like most Toyotas, the Echo has proved to be reliable with no common mechanical problems.

Common owner complaints are only heavy steering and blind spots.

All engine options use a timing chain that does not require periodic replacement.

Comes with a space-saver spare wheel.

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Toyota Corolla (ZZE122R/ZZE123R) 2001-2007 Review

2021-03-27T12:00:00+10:00

Basic but reliable transport.

Engines have a timing chain that does not require regular replacement.

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Suzuki Swift 2005-2010 Review

2021-03-27T12:00:00+10:00

By all reports a very reliable model with no major common problems.

Some reports of brake and gearbox issues, but these are not common.

Engines use timing chains so no regular replacement is required.

1.6-litre Sport model requires 98 octane premium unleaded fuel and does not include a spare wheel and tyre – other models don't require premium unleaded and include a space-saver spare.

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Suzuki Kizashi 2009-2014 Review

2021-03-27T12:00:00+10:00

An under-rated car that most owners seem to love.

Some issues with CVT transmissions with isolated reports of total failure requiring replacement, and also some criticism of the way the CVT drives and the noise it makes (these issues are fairly typical of CVT transmissions).

Reports of manual transmissions being hard to select second and reverse gears.

Fuel economy not great for a car of this size, but reasonable.

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Subaru Impreza (GD, GG) 2000–2007 Review

2021-03-27T12:00:00+10:00

These models have a good reuptation for longevity and reliability.

WRX models may have lead a hard life and have been modified or raced.

Some reports of head gasket failure on 2.5-litre models.

Timing belts need replacing every 100,000 km or five years.

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Peugeot 307 (T6) 2005-2009

2021-03-27T12:00:00+10:00

Build quality can be poor. No shortage of common problems, including electrical problems and general fit and finish.

Automatic transmissions can be problematic.

Parts and servicing can be expensive.

Image credit: Rudolf Stricker, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons