ASK THE EXPERT
By Paul Gover
Q: I have been looking at the Skoda Kamiq Monte Carlo but just saw an article that there has been a facelift on the 2024 model due into Australia early next year.
Would it be worthwhile to wait for this as it does seem to look smarter, but unsure if the price would be much different? – Maria Agrotis
A: The upcoming Kamiq is what’s called a ‘mid-life update’, so a significant change which will affect some of the external styling and a bunch of features. So expect it to be better equipped but – no surprise – also with a higher price.
Q: Could you please advise me on whether the Seltos GT-Line 2023 is a good car?
I took your advice and bought a Mazda3 in 2010, it has now done 310,000 kilometres and is a fantastic car and I will be sad to trade it in.
I’m looking to the SUV as it is easier to get in and out and would appreciate your help with this choice. – Betty Cooper
A: The Seltos is one of the best in the compact SUV class, but going to the GT-Line means a longer weight as it’s ‘fully loaded’ with equipment and that means a longer delay for production. If you slide down a model grade it cuts the number of computer chips and should mean an earlier delivery date. Also consider the Nissan Qashqai, as the wait is far less, but the servicing costs are higher than the Kia.
Q: I have a 2019 Kia Sportage Si, front-wheel drive, and we have bought a small camper-van with a tare weight around 750kgs but fully loaded maybe add 400kgs. I’ve been told that a front wheel drive is not ideal or safe to tow even though it is rate for 750 kgs unbraked and 1500kgs braked. I want it to be perfectly safe even though we are not doing off road or 4WD. Our camper is braked. I’m willing to swap my car for something about the same price and have been looking at Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorrento or Mitsubishi Outlander. – Lyn Wisdom
A: A front-wheel vehicle is fine, as Kia would have done all the towing tests to make sure it is legal and safe. My only concern would be making sure the vehicle-and-trailer combo is properly balanced when everything is fully loaded. Keep the Sportage and enjoy your travel.
Q: What is your opinion of the new second generation Hyundai Kona?
I am currently driving a 2016 Mazda3, which has been great, but I am finding it increasingly difficult to get in an out due to a dodgy hip. I also have two small grandchildren, and getting them in and out of their child seats is also difficult due to the low ceiling height. – Robyn Disney
A: An excellent vehicle, despite the waiting list, and it gets The Tick from me.
Q: My 24-year-old daughter is looking for a small-medium SUV, 10-12 years old, budget up to approximately $15,000 with a bit of flexibility. She likes camping, hiking, so she’d prefer a 4×4, but that’s not a deal breaker. Her front-runners are Mitsubishi ASX, Renault Koleos and Nissan Dualis. What do you think? – Brian Wiener
A: With her list and budget, she will be probably by best served by the ASX. It’s rugged and has a good reputation, although not as plush as the Koleos. But also get her to consider the Subaru Forester, which gets all-wheel drive and a nicer drive than more hard-edged SUVs when she is not in the bush.
Q: just had to put a new battery in my 2 and half year old St Ford Escape, I know there are a lot of electronics but I did not expect to have to purchase a battery so soon. Ford would not replace, I am wondering what your thoughts are. I buy new cars every three years and never had battery problems before. – Kerry Beam
A: Sadly, your experience is not remotely unusual. Many people are reporting two-year lifespans and it’s a direct result of the extra pressure on electrical systems – not just starting – in modern cars. All the technology makes bigger drains for more of the time. Also, there is pressure to reduce weight and size of batteries as cars become crammed with other ’stuff’.
Q: I’m looking to buy a hybrid – definitely not electric – small car, preferably a hatchback. Small SUV -higher car needed to transport an elderly parent front seat passenger with knee/hip issues. Ideally camera front and back, legroom and boot space don’t need to be big as the back and boot are rarely used. Will be mostly driven around metro areas, around 10,000-15,000 kilometres per annum with a very occasional country trip. Want to buy new and understand it could be a long wait. Budget is $35,000 -$45,000. – Hame
A: There are three to compare. First is the Toyota RAV4, the benchmark for hybrid SUVs but with a huge, huge, huge waiting list and premium price. Then there is the Subaru Forester, which is sold out until the 2024 model, which should be here at the end of the year. Finally, the Nissan Qashqai, also on the incoming list. Test drive when you can, but my pick would be the Qashqai based on the petrol model I’ve driven recently.
Q: My elderly mother can no longer drive and wishes to sell her car. It is a 2019 BMW 4 Series 440i with only about 6000kms on the clock. I am not really sure what to sell it for – would you have any ideas? Or can you point me in the right direction to find out? – Christine Kollwitz
A: Best idea is to go to the www.carsales.com.au website and compare the prices of similar vehicles – age, condition etc – to get a handle on the price for yours. You could approach a wholesaler (websites) if you don’t want to deal with time-wasters and dramas, but they will ‘low ball’ you on price.
Q: What do you think of the Skoda Karoq? I just looked at it and I love it. Thoughts? – Pauline Shaw
A: It’s an excellent choice, good value and great engineering. Even better if you love it, because good cars are more than just transport appliances. It gets The Tick from me.
Q: I am looking for a small SUV and looked at the Kia Seltos, but felt the interior was a bit plasticky if that’s a word. So wanted to know your thoughts on the Skoda or if you have any other thoughts for me. Also, couldn’t believe the Seltos Sports+ didn’t have LED headlights. – Maria Agrotis
A: Skoda does some great SUVs, as good as Volkswagen for quality and comfort, but with unique Czech design touches. The Kamiq is a very good car and gets ’The Tick’ from me. The LED headlights are reserved for the GT-Line models of the Seltos, which is typical of the ‘walk-up’ across all brands and models to get people to spend more on their new car.
