Re: - Car Experts- your opinions
VVT - Means that the engine has Variable Valve Timing. It will improve the drivability of the engine a bit (relevant more in a manual than an auto) and cars with it tend to get better fuel economy (in general).
It's not a technology that's specific to any manufacturer although some mention it in the branding and promotion of particular cars, with others it's just buried in the technical details.
If you're looking for reliability and economy over the long term then personally I would be looking at a Japanese brand (not necessarily manufactured in Japan). Toyota, Nissan, Honda etc are all known for pretty decent build quality and overall economy. With Ford and Holden the track record for reliability is patchy to say the least. It depends on where a specific model is actually manufactured and whether it's made by the company itself or is simply some other brand rebadged.
I've had zero problems so far with my almost six year old Nissan Pulsar (apart from the damage from a tree falling across the bonnet whilst travelling at 85km/h). Only thing that's been replaced is normal maintenance items (oil, wiper blades etc) and tyres. It's had a pretty good shake on dodgy gravel / dirt roads and hasn't developed the slightest rattle so no complaints about it. About 6.7 litres / 100km in actual usage (premium unleaded as recommended by the manufacturer).
Certainly don't skimp on air-conditioning. It's generally standard anyway but even in Tassie it's considered necessary in a modern vehicle. Needless to say it makes even more sense in the mainland states. Lack of it will be a problem when it comes to resale and, contrary to popular belief, if you're driving at highway speeds it's more economical to run the air-con than open the window anyway (not so at slow speeds).
Don't forget that air-con needs to be used regularly (at least 10 minutes every couple of weeks) to keep it in good order. This applies even during winter. The seals will dry out and the refrigerant gas will escape if you don't use it regularly.
Be aware that anything "hot" is a target for thieves and unwanted police attention regardless of how you actually drive.
It it's a used car then certainly get the RAC or whatever motoring organisation is in your state to check it out. Worth the $ IMO as it might save buying a lemon.
If you're unsure about what make/model but it's a recent one then I suggest that you rent one for the weekend and go for a drive. Be sure to drive up steep hills etc and at highway speeds to check the car out. Travel on roads you are familiar with so you can compare the car's handling etc with other vehicles you've driven. Having the car for a couple of days is a good way to see if you really like it and if it has any annoying features without having a salesman putting the pressure on during a test drive.