By Paul Gover.
Q: I have a 2002 Hyundai Accent and changed the timing belt in 2009 at 36,000 kilometres, even though I only do about 5000 a year.
I have now done 39,000 more kays since the belt was changed 10 years ago, and Hyundai recommends 90,000 kilometres or six years, so when should I change it?
Michael S
A: Now. Time is as dangerous as kilometres to a car’s health, and prevention is better than costly repairs. Just do it.
Q: Will the Genesis GV80 be available in Australia and what price range?
Have you driven this car and is it a good thing?
Randal Y
A: The first Genesis SUV is expected in the second half of this year and no-one has driven it yet. Based on the G70 sedan it should be good but pricing is unknown, although it should be in the $75,000-ish range.
Q: I have a 1996 306XT Peugeot which, due to mechanical failure, will be sold to the wreckers.
This was my fourth Peugeot and I am not sure if I should be looking at another.
I only drive locally now and need a small car, but I liked the comfortable seats and the size of the 306.
I was thinking of something around $10-15,000 price-wise and possibly 4-6 yrs old.
Nola S
A: It sounds like only a Peugeot will do the job for you, since nothing else in the small-car class will match the ride comfort and seats of the French brand. There should be plenty in your price range at www.carsales.com.au. For comparison, look at a Hyundai i30.
Q: I have recently retired and intend travelling around Australia so would appreciate your opinion on the Toyota Prado.
Also, I was wondering if there is a new model coming soon.
David H
A: There is nothing bad to say about the Prado, except that there is no new model in 2020. It gets The Tick from me as the best outback explorer alongside it’s bigger brother, the LandCruiser.
Q: We currently have an old BMW X5 which is dying – if not dead – except for its motor which lives on very well.
We want to replace it with a smaller secondhand late-model SUV, for carrying young grandchildren and their paraphernalia plus normal activities.
We have been recommended a Toyota RAV4, and wonder what else you could suggest that is about that size? Reliability is important.
Fiona A
A: There are a vast number of cars that would work for you. The RAV is far-and-away better as a hybrid, yet still not my pick and costly, as the Kia Seltos is better value and, if you need more space, the Mazda CX-5 would be better.
Q:If you were going to buy a car before the end of June, and hold it for 10 years, would you go for a Jaguar E-Pace or F-Pace, or an electric car?
Jac W
A: I cannot recommend a Jaguar as a 10-year car. Same story with the more-affordable Tesla Model 3. So that leaves either a Hyundai Kona or a BMW i3, which are both electric cars and get The Tick from me.
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