By Paul Gover.
Q: I have a Peugeot 508 that is 10 years old, which I love, but now need to downsize.
I am thinking of something two-door and sporty, and I like the look of Toyota 86 GT Coupe.
What do you think of this car?
I love the way the 508 drives so I need at least that, also leather seats, auto park brake, keyless entry, auto wipers and lights.
Virginia P
A: You will have lots of fun in an 86, but wait for the new model which has plenty of improvements. Don’t expect an automatic handbrake, but it will have the rest of your needs. Also look at the Subaru BRZ, which is the same under the skin and might feel a bit more luxurious for you.
Q: I ordered a new Kia Sorento GT in January at the Springvale dealer in Melbourne.
I understand that there are supply problems with semi-conductors and have been shipping issues from Korea and I expect a 12-month delay in delivery.
The frustration is trying to get honest answers from Kia.
I have only noticed two new Kia Sorento’s on the road since January.
Peter S
A: Kia Australia cannot give you a delivery date because they do not know. There are huge production backlogs and delays in South Korea, particularly on upscale models like your Sorento GT, because of the global short supply of computer chips Kia is doing all it can, but has to wait for information from Kia on when cars are going down the production line. Until they are being built there is no way to track them, even for Kia
Q: I have the current model BMW X3 and I’d like to update to a new one in case it de-values considerably when the new model comes out.
When it comes to replacing it, I’m not sure what to do.
I’d generally only do about 12,000 kilometres a year before COVID, even less now, and I have a 40-kilo dog who likes to go to the beach on the weekend.
The only vehicles that come to mind to replace it are a Toyota Prado or a HiLux twin cab. But it’s illogical because I will hardly ever get out of town and the concept of owning a diesel vehicle doesn’t make sense due to low kilometres, and they seem to be a bit on the nose in general.
Kevin B
A: The dual-cab will be awful after the X3. Prado? Good luck getting one of those with giant waiting lists. The X3 is good and was only renewed about 3 years ago, so there is no all-new model on the horizon. If you like it, I’d stick with it.
Q: I have just recently retired and now looking at purchasing a mid-sized SUV, perhaps a Renault Koleos, Nissan X-Trial, Mazda C-X5 GT, Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Tucson Elite or Kia Sportage GT.
At the moment we drive a 2010 Toyota Yaris, which has been a great car, and a 2010 Nissan Navara which is also great.
There are several items that I need to consider as my wife and I have some age-related issues – ease of getting in and out of the vehicle, no foot brake as my wife has knee issues, room for three grandchildren, and running costs – particularly servicing.
I do like the looks of the Koleos, my first pick, next the CX-5 GT.
I have looked at the Tucson and Sportage and found them easy to get in and out of, but not the looks
Ivan B
A: You are spoiled for choice in this category as it’s a strong battlefield for all the brands. Our best midsize SUV award gave the win to the Hyundai Tucson so, by definition, that would be our recommendation. But availability, due to global semi-conductor (computer chip) shortages, means many vehicles are in limited supply or, in some cases, on lengthy back order. The Koleos is a little larger and has an emphasis on comfort, is reasonable value for money, and may also have the advantage of availability right now. Overall, it’s the the Tucson or, with supply in mind, the Mazda CX-5.
Q: I’m currently driving an old Hyundai i30 and intend upgrading.
I was hoping for something a little taller that could also still accommodate my Engel-type car fridge.
The Kia Stonic fits the bill but not the engines, the Hyundai Kona does no suit on size.
I prefer Hyundai because my 10-year-old i30 at 46,000 kilometres has had no problems.
Gordon M
Hyundai and Kia are the same company, so you can expect the same trouble-free run but Kia has a longer warranty. The 1.4-litre turbo will be fine in the Stonic but you should try a test drive. Otherwise, the Hyundai equivalent to the Stonic is the Venue and also very good.
Q: What do you think of the Volvo XC60?
Shane P
A: A very good family-sized family SUV, often overlooked by people who just want an Audi, BMW or Benz badge. It gets a big tick from me.
Q: I have a 2015 Toyota LandCruiser Sahara and the GPS map is out of date doesn’t show GPS speed.
I have complained before but they don’t do anything.
How do I update the map and is there any way of getting GPS speed as the lower models have it but not the top-of-the-range.
Tony K
A: Toyota cannot give you what they do not have, and all factory GPS systems are notoriously slow on updates or improvements. It’s quite likely that your infotainment system is completely out of date and no longer a priority for Toyota. Best for you would be to find a way to use an App called Waze, which gives super up-to-date maps, real-time traffic information from other drivers, and a GPS speedometer.
Q: I am looking to upgrade my 2009 Ford Territory dual-fuel to a diesel to tow a 21500kg van around Australia.
The ford has no trouble towing the van but heavy on fuel at around 21 litres/100km.
I’m looking at Range Rover Discovery Sport, Volkswagen Touareg, Ford Territory diesel or early Ford Ranger, all around the 2010 mark.
Dio A
A: The trade-off is capability versus comfort. The Touareg and Territory will be the most comfortable as they are passenger-car based. The Ranger will give you substantially more towing potential and payload and has the added benefit of true off-road ability.
