My apologies for going off Vanagon for a moment but my 20yr old son escaped from Alaska to Victoria University in Wellington New Zealand this winter and has asked me for advice on acquiring a used car while there.  As I  understand it from him and others, used cars in New Zealand are abundant and cheap.  If anyone has knowledge of the brands/models that are available with proven reliabilty records please advise.  He is currently considering Toyota Starlets which I am not familiar with but as they are Toyotas expect that one that has been reasonably maintained should be reliable.
TIA
Mark in AK  - wishing I was 20 and off in New Zealand at school