Comparing Car Brands: Pros & Cons

Toyota is the most well-known and trusted car brand here in New Zealand. Nearly one in five cars is a Toyota, and it is the best selling car make on the new car market.   

Browse Toyota listings or check out Toyota Dealers in NZ on Trade Me Motors.

Reliability & Durability - Toyota vehicles are known for their longevity and overall have fewer mechanical issues. Which is why Toyota has a strong brand loyalty.  

Strong Resale Value – this is linked to their reliability and Toyota’s tend to hold their value for longer.  

Many hybrid models - Toyota has lots of hybrid models to choose from, with small and medium hatchbacks, larger sedans, people movers and a few SUVs as well. These are good for those putting fuel efficiency at the top of their want list. 

Model diversity - Toyota offers the widest range of vehicles on the market with everything from small hatches to big 4x4s to sportscars to utes.  

Service network - Toyota covers the entire country and has a massive spare parts supply operation. So when things do go wrong, it’s a quick fix.  

Higher prices on the used market - One possible con is that used prices are higher than other comparable models based on the reputation of solid reliability. Hybrid models also tend to hold a premium on the used market as well. 

Styling - Older models aren’t blessed with the most inspired design, though the latest offerings are better design wise. 

A lack of PHEV and EVs  – Toyota has very few options when it comes to plug-in technology.

Tesla is an innovative electric car maker, and thanks to its CEO, has enjoyed enviable brand recognition in quick time. However, in recent times, its image has taken a turn thanks to certain antics of said CEO.

Browse Tesla listings on Trade Me Motors.

Electric efficiency and range – Tesla vehicles offer some of the longest driving ranges on a single charge thanks to their class leading efficiency. 

Strong performance - Thanks to their all-electric drive and instant torque, Tesla models are quick, often much quicker than comparable ICE machines. 

In-car technology – Tesla’s onboard infotainment system offers many advanced features and excellent connectivity.   

Lower Operating Costs – Electric vehicles tend to require less intensive servicing and lower re-fueling costs when charged off peak. 

Build quality issues – Tesla has faced criticism for inconsistent build quality, including panel gaps, paint imperfections and fit-and-finish issues. Suspension and brake issues are common too. 

Limited service and repair network – Tesla’s service centres and parts availability are limited, leading to long wait times for repairs.  

Autopilot and full self-driving limitations – While Tesla markets its FSD system as a step toward autonomy, it still requires driver supervision and is far from a fully autonomous system.  

The CEO – Elon Musk’s public statements and decisions court controversy, and the brand is being negatively impacted.

There are a wide range of Mitsubishi cars and SUVs available in New Zealand. On the new car market, it is known for its value pricing and big warranty while there are many used Mitsubishis imported from Japan on the second hand market.

Browse Mitsubishi listings check out or Mitsubishi Dealers in NZ on Trade Me Motors.

Affordability – Mitsubishi vehicles are generally priced lower than other Japanese competitors on the new car market, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.  

New car warranty – Mitsubishi has a 5 year / 130,000km new vehicle warranty along with a 10 year / 160,000km powertrain warranty giving buyers peace of mind.  

Good range of SUV models - Buyers like SUVs, and Mitsubishi has many bases covered with a range of small, medium and large SUVs to suit. 

Plug-in hybrids - Mitsubishi has a couple of PHEV Plug-in Hybrid models that offer great fuel-efficiency and lower running costs.  

Dated models – Mitsubishi runs longer model cycles than the industry norm and some of its models are dated, the ASX for instance, which has been constantly updated over the years.

Limited line-up – Mitsubishi has a smaller selection of vehicles compared to major competitors, with no hatches or sedans and no electric options.  

Resale value – Mitsubishi vehicles tend to depreciate faster than brands like Toyota or Honda.  

Lower quality interiors – Some models have lower-quality materials and fit-and-finish issues.  

Mazda is an innovative Japanese carmaker known for producing stylish, fun-to-drive and economical vehicles. It has a good range of cars and SUVs to choose from in New Zealand from small hatches to large family SUVs, and even sports models like the MX-5. There is a good supply of used imported cars from Japan too. 

Browse Mazda listings or check out Mazda Dealers in NZ on Trade Me Motors.

Engaging dynamics – Mazda has a focus on making its cars more engaging with a fun to drive mantra. It follows the "Jinba Ittai" (horse and rider as one) philosophy and even its small hatchbacks are decent drives.

Design – Mazda's Kodo design language lends its vehicles a more premium look and distinguishes them from other Japanese car markers.

Scheduled servicing - Every new Mazda sold in NZ comes with a Mazdacare programme meaning five years worth of scheduled servicing, a five-year warranty and five years of roadside assistance is included in the price.

Quality interiors – Mazda has improved its interior quality and fit out of its models, with premium materials and well-crafted cabins, offering near-luxury refinement.

Efficient petrol engines – Mazda’s Skyactiv engines deliver good ‘real world’ fuel efficiency and don’t rely on overly complex turbocharger systems.

Limited engine options – Mazda has a lack of hybrid vehicle offerings, particularly in the used car market.

Some engines have poor reliability - Some of Mazda’s turbocharged engines have suffered poor reliability, as have some of its newer diesels.  

BMW is a premium German carmaker known for its performance, luxury and in-car technology. It’s very much a luxury brand in the new car market, where models are highly specified. Used import models however can have much lower specifications, making them more affordable. 

Browse BMW listings or check out BMW Dealers in NZ on Trade Me Motors.

Wide range of models – BMW offers a diverse line-up from smaller compact models like the 1 Series and X2 to large SUVs (X5 and X7) and luxury sedans (5 and 7 Series). There are also many electric options and high performance M models.

Advanced safety features and in-car tech– BMW innovations include its iDrive infotainment system, connected services and semi-autonomous driving aids.

Luxury interiors - BMW is a luxury brand with well appointed interiors featuring many luxury items and strong sense of quality. 

Scheduled Servicing - All new BMWs sold in New Zealand come with three years of servicing included in the price, meaning no ongoing service bills for that period.

Expensive to buy and maintain – BMWs have high price tags and maintenance and repairs can be costly once the warranty/scheduled servicing period expires.

Reliability concerns – Some models are plagued with costly failures and electrical issues. These tend to crop up as vehicles age, and are out of warranty coverage.

High depreciation - Because of the above, some models suffer high depreciation as they get older.