NISSAN MAXIMA 4D SEDAN (1990-1993)
THE conservative looking Nissan Maxima M is powered by a smooth 3.0-litre, 122kW V6 coupled to a four-speed automatic. Ride quality is good with typical front-wheel drive handling. Standard features include air-conditioning, alloy wheels, cruise control, central locking and power windows

MAZDA 929 4D HARDTOP (1990-1991)
THE rear-drive Mazda 929 is ultra-conservative but well-equipped and has comfortable accommodation for five. The 119kW 3.0-litre V6 with four-speed automatic transmission is adequately powerful and quite refined. All independent suspension rides well, while the standard kit levels are high.

HOLDEN STATESMAN 4D SEDAN (1991-1994)
THE Commodore-based Statesman is similar to Fairlane in size and equipment. Independent rear suspension has good ride and handling characteristics. The 127kW 3.8 V6 is rough and crude, as is the four-speed automatic, so go for the classic 5.0 V8 instead. Standard features include cruise control.

TOYOTA CRESSIDA 4D SEDAN (1988-1993)
ORDINARY looks haven't aged too badly, and they drape an excellent package that includes a gutsy 142kW 3.0-litre straight-six engine, four-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive for better all-round performance than most of its contemporaries. Owners love them, and feel Toyota never adequately replaced it.