By Paul Gover.
Q: Could you give us your choice on the following two cars we are looking at purchasing?
They are the Lexus NX300 2WD and the Volvo XC40 T4 2WD.
Or would you recommend any other car of this type in the mid $50,000 range?
Ashley T
A: That’s an easy one for me. It’s the XC40 by a very wide margin. It’s a better car, quieter and more refined, and has excellent Swedish design work in the cabin.
Q: I am currently looking for a used SUV for under $20,000 and was wondering what you’d recommend?
Chantel T
A: Based on my experience, and reports from owners, I would go for a Kia Sportage. If you need something bigger, with that budget, I’d recommend the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Q: I’m considering the Mercedes-Benz X250 ute and have been told there is a shortage in the market by the dealers.
They say there are only 10 of these cars left to sell all over Australia.
Are they in short supply because they are a crap car or do you know of other reasons?
Victor W
A: The X-class is a barely disguised Nissan Navara. So not a real Benz. It has been a huge sales flop and is not being replaced, so the shortage of stock is only because they are trying to sell the last remaining orphans from an unsuccessful ute program.
Q: Could you advise me on why you recommend petrol over diesel for towing and what vehicle you would recommend for towing up to 2000 kilograms, please?
Sally D
A: The old days when diesel was the only choice for towing are over, as turbo-petrol engines now also make great torque for pulling power. It’s impossible to advise on a tow vehicle without knowing more, including what you drive now and a budget, but if you want an SUV I would go for either Hyundai or Kia and in a ute it would be a Ford Ranger.
Q: I currently have a 2015 Audi A6 Slimline which I’ve have had since new.
It’s my third A6 diesel, I love the cars and have had no problems.
My current car has done 90,000 kilometres and, at 70 years of age, I don’t intend spending $100,000 on another car.
So do you think I should keep the car, if it is likely to deteriorate and cost big money, or should I trade for a good second-hand car with low mileage?
Lindsay H
A: In your case, based on the relatively new age of the car and its condition, I would hang onto it. It’s not likely to be costing too much for a while yet, provided you keep on top of the scheduled maintenance . And you love it, which counts for a lot.
Q: My wife has a 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK which has done 130,000 kilometres and runs beautifully, but because we live by the coast the salt air has caused lots of rust to get into it so it’s beyond repair.
As she is retired and does very few kilometres, and it’s a second car, we were thinking about a Mazda MX-5 for up to $20,000.
She loves the hood-down feeling and the sea air when appropriate.
Kelvin M
A: The MX-5 will be a great choice. It should also survive a little better than the Benz, as they are a very simple car. Top-down driving cannot be beaten as we move into the warmer months.
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