By Paul Gover.
Q: We purchased a new Hyundai i30 in 2018 and now the MIL light has come on and the lane-assist light went from green to white and the engine is running rough.
We called the Hyundai assist people and they put the computer lead on and informed us the number-one cylinder was malfunctioning.
Should we have any concern about the motor or should we insist on a new motor to be installed as we have done 12,000 kilometres in 18 months.
Ross B
A: It’s impossible to diagnose your problem over the interwebs. Get it straight to the dealership, and also log a customer complaint with Hyundai Headquarters in Sydney to get a Case File Number that will also apply to the dealership.
Q: I was looking at a used 2009-2014 Toyota LandCruiser Prado diesel with approximately 200,000 kilometres on the odometer, priced at around $30,000.
Not going to be doing any towing.
What’s your thoughts on this used car or do you recommend anything else maybe?
Chaim
A: The Prado is the baby of the ‘Cruiser family but still just-about unbreakable. It is a top choice and gets The Tick from me.
Q: I have two sons who are looking at getting cars in the next couple of months, with both booked-in to do a defensive driving course before they make a purchase.
One is 195 centimetres tall and will be driving around 20 kilometres a day, for something along the lines of an SUV.
The other is 190 centimetres, has just completed his first year of a carpentry apprenticeship, and can do anything from 30 to 150 kilometres a day. His budgte is $20-30,00 and he likes the LDV T60.
Important factory for both cars are safety, reliability, value and comfort.
Sharon S
A: Firstly, it’s great that you’re getting them proper driver training. For Son 1, an SUV does not necessarily mean more cabin space as most are just jacked-up station wagons, but since he’s doing short trips it would be best to get something like a Hyundai Venue. The LDV for Son 2 has a solid reputation but it’s a Chinese brand still getting established in Australia so don’t expect great re-sales.
Q: I am looking at a compact or small SUV and thinking about a Hyundai Kona Highlander.
But, before I start, what is the difference between a SUV, 4WD, or AWD?
Any, also, idea roughly how much and what my Mercedes-Benz C200 convertible would be worth.
Glenda
A: The Kona gets The Tick from me and the best way to value your Benz is to look for similar cars on www.carsales.com.au and see what their owners want. An SUV is the generic term for the big-box wagons, which are usually front-wheel drive at the cheap end; 4WD means off-road low gears and AWD is a Subaru-coined term but means all-wheel drive for on-road use.
Q: I’m looking to buy a Honda CRV VTI S AWD, which I can get for around $36,500.
What’s your opinion on the 2WD model, which would be $2500 cheaper?
And other recommendations or is the CRV a good car?
Ron H
A: You don’t need all-wheel drive unless you drive on sand or other loose surfaces, so save the money. The CR-V is pretty good, but also take a test drive in the VW Tiguan which is my benchmark in the class.
Q: I’ve heard you say the Honda HR-V is not a good choice.
Why not, as we are considering one?
Fred B
A: The HR-V is based on the Honda Jazz, not the Civic as many people think, which means it is very small, not particularly refined and expensive when a Jazz is more than $6000 cheaper. Far better to look at the latest Hyundai Kona in that class, which is based on the i30.
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