Used Family Cars Less Than $20,000

The Age

Friday June 20, 2008

Andrew Heasley

FORD BA FALCON FUTURA (2002-2005)

How much? $13,500-$18,500.

Engine: 4.0-litre, six cylinder.

Transmission: Four-speed automatic/five speed manual.

Fuel economy: 11.5/7.2 L/100 km.

Safety: Dual front airbags, ABS, belt pre-tensioners.

Crash rating: 4/5

What's it got? Air-conditioning, alloy wheels, cruise control, remote locking, trip computer, power windows, mirrors and driver's seat.

For: Great combination of comfort and space; big boot; classic Aussie family wheels; sophisticated engine; excellent reliability; all-day interstater.

Against: A little thirstier than some of the competition; steering lacks some feel; now a generation older.

Our score: 4/5

MAZDA6 CLASSIC (2002-2003)

How much? $16,500-$20,000.

Engine: 2.3-litre, four-cylinder.

Transmission: Five-speed manual/four speed automatic.

Fuel economy: 10.0/7/6 L/100 km (automatic); 9.5/7.0 L/100 km (manual).

Safety: Two airbags, ABS, brake-force distribution, belt pre-tensioners.

Crash rating: 4/5

What's it got? Climate-control air-conditioning, alloy wheels, cruise control, CD stacker, remote locking, immobiliser, trip computer, power windows and mirrors.

For: Classy and well built, the 6 is one of the best mid-sizers around; great chassis that also rides well.

Against: No five-speed automatic until 2006 model.

Our score: 4/5

SUBARU LIBERTY OUTBACK (1997-2000)

How much? $13,000-$16,000.

Engine: 2.5-litre, four-cylinder.

Transmission: Five-speed manual/four speed automatic.

Fuel economy: 10.0/8.0 L/100 km (automatic and manual).

Safety: Four airbags, ABS, belt pre-tensioners.

Crash rating: 4/5

What's it got? Air-conditioning, cruise control, CD, remote locking, trip computer, power mirrors and windows.

For: Good build quality, ergonomics and standard equipment; all-wheel-drive grip; tough-looking package.

Against: Body kit is vulnerable on bigger rocks and bumps; all-wheel-drive increases fuel consumption.

Our score: 4/5

FORD FAIRLANE GHIA (1999-2001)

How much? $13,800-$18,500.

Engine: 4.0-litre, six-cylinder/5.0-litre V8.

Transmission: Four-speed automatic.

Fuel economy: 14.0/9.0 L/100 km (V8); 13.0/8.5 L/100 km (six-cylinder).

Safety: Two airbags, ABS, traction control.

Crash rating: 4/5

What's it got? Climate control, alloy wheels, cruise control, CD, remote locking, immobiliser, leather, trip computer, power windows, mirrors and driver's seat.

For: A bargain through depreciation; V8 is smooth but six-cylinder is more frugal; comfortable ride and roomy.

Against: A funeral-home mourning car. Watch for gearbox at 160,000 km and head gaskets on sixes.

Our score: 3/5.5

HOLDEN VY COMMODORE ACCLAIM (2002-2004)

How much? $15,000-$19,500.

Engine: 3.8-litre, V6.

Transmission: Four-speed automatic/five-speed manual.

Fuel economy: 11.0/6.6 L/100 km.

Safety: Four airbags, ABS, belt pre-tensioners, traction control.

Crash rating: 4/5

What's it got? Air-conditioning, alloy wheels, cruise control, remote locking, trip computer, power windows, mirrors and driver's seat.

For: Later Commodores are terrific value for money; fuel economy can be very good; VY has fresher styling.

Against: Engine can feel harsh when worked hard; automatic lacks shift quality and predictability.

Our score: 3/5.5

VOLVO V70 XC (1998-2000)

How much? $16,500-$20,000.

Engine: 2.5-litre, turbocharged five-cylinder.

Transmission: Five-speed manual/four-speed automatic.

Fuel economy: 11.5/7.4 L/100 km (automatic); 10.5/6.6 L/100 km (manual).

Safety: Four airbags, ABS, traction control.

Crash rating: 4/5

What's it got? Climate-control, alloy wheels, cruise control, CD stacker, remote locking, leather, roof racks, trip computer, power mirrors and windows.

For: All-wheel-drive grip; interiors wear well; engine seems bulletproof despite turbocharger.

Against: Silly, niggling problems have plagued some early cars; insurance and repairs can be expensive.

Our score: 3/5.5

MITSUBISHI MAGNA VRX (2000-2004)

How much? $10,000-$20,000.

Engine: 3.5-litre, V6.

Transmission: Five-speed automatic/five speed manual.

Fuel economy: 11.0/7.2 L/100 km (automatic); 10.0/7.2 L/100 km (manual).

Safety: Two airbags, ABS.

Crash rating: 4/5

What's it got? Air-conditioning, alloy wheels, cruise control, remote locking, trip computer power windows and mirrors.

For: V6 engine is flexible and smooth; automatic with manual-shift mode works well; great value.

Against: Trade reputation tarnished by previous models; frontal styling doesn't match the rest of the car.

Our score: 4/5

CHRYSLER VOYAGER (1998-2001)

How much? $17,000-$21,000.

Engine: 3.3-litre, V6.

Transmission: Four-speed automatic.

Fuel economy: 13.0/9.5 L/100 km.

Safety: Four airbags, ABS, belt pre-tensioners.

Crash rating: 4/5

What's it got? Zoned air-conditioning, alloy wheels, cruise control, remote locking, CD stacker, immobiliser, trip computer; power windows, mirrors and driver's seat.

For: The way people-movers should be; bigger V6 engine makes performance relaxed even when fully loaded; big sliding side doors give great access; huge inside; handles well for what it is.

Against: Build quality trails Japanese rivals; expensive.

Our score: 3/5.5

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