By Paul Gover.
Q: I was wondering your thoughts on the Mustang R-Spec developed by Ford Australia and Herrod Motorsport.
I’m looking at the value as a package, as well as its performance.
Ian M
A: The R-Spec is a belter. I drove it at The Bend racetrack in South Australia and it was quick, responsive and fun on the track. Also well built and it’s a balanced package, not just a big engine with the rest trailing far behind. Best of all, it’s built in Australia at the old Broadmeadows factory that was the home of the Falcon.
Q: Do you have any information on the Genesis GV80?
I’m interested in their first SUV and wondered also if there is a date for their arrival in Australia.
Keith W
A: Things are changeable under COVID-19, not just for Genesis but all car companies. The latest information from Genesis, which is the upscale spin-off brand at Hyundai, is that the GV80 will land late in the third quarter or early in the fourth. So that’s September-October, but no hint on the price yet.
Q: I’m after a second-hand car to replace my 2006 Ford Territory all-wheel drive and have approximately $20,000 to spend.
I have two kids, two dogs and tow a horse float a few times a month, so would need a tow capacity of at least 2100kg.
Do I go a 2016 Territory or what do you suggest?
Our other car is a 2014 Holden Calais V wagon which I love.
Jakki B
A: Yes, definitely go for a newer Territory. Nothing is better unless you can afford a Mitsubishi Pajero or Toyota Prado, and the Mitsu doesn’t have as much space inside as the Ford. Nice choice with the Calais V, one of my all-time favourite Aussie cars.
Q: Just wondering on your advice for a small five-seater car to drive around Melbourne.
We are looking at the Toyota Corolla hatch, so would you recommend them?
Sharon N
A: Please don’t buy a Corolla. It was once the benchmark in its class, but now isn’t the best or the best value. I’d recommend the Kia Cerato and Hyundai i30 well ahead of the Corolla these days.
Q: What do you think of the Mitsubishi Pajero or the Pajero Sport.
Wanting for towing.
Linda F
A: The full-fat, family-sized Pajero is an excellent choice for towing. It’s second only to the Toyota LandCruiser and Prado in my rankings.
Q: We are looking into buying a car that will tow a caravan up to 3 tonne.
We have looked into the Toyota Prado but have been told that if we want to get a diesel model we really need to get a 2017 model at the earliest and the 2017 2.8L GXL turbodiesel has been recommended.
The prices range from $48,000-58,000 and I wonder if this sounds right or if there anything else you would recommend.
We currently have a diesel Hyundai highlander and for the last seven years it has been great but we realise it is not suitable to tow a bigger van.
We are retiring and want to be able to travel and get the right car to safely do the job.
Jo and Stuart K
A: The Prado is absolutely the best choice and gets The Tick from me. You need to mine through www.carsales.com.au to find the best vehicle for the best price. But Prados are very popular and prices stay high.
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