By Paul Gover.
Q: Can I have your opinion please on which is the better buy?
I’m thinking Nissan Leaf or Toyota Yaris Cross hybrid.
I have a 2018 Prius C in tip-top condition that I will be trading.
Ursula
A: If you’re ready for full electric, and only driving short distances with a solid budget, the Leaf will be great. But also consider the Tesla Model 3 as its great value and a very good car that leads – by a long way – electric sales in Australia. You should get a great result for the Prius C with so many people looking to hybrids.
Q: I am really interested in buying the Toyota C-HR Hybrid.
What are your thoughts on this car?
Is this the best small compact hybrid SUV?
Nicky W
A: Toyota has led from the start on hybrids and the C-HR is good. But the petrol-electric hybrid package is only available on the GR Sport model, and that means spending more than $40,000. If you can live with something smaller, the Yaris Cross will save you $5000 as a hybrid and still be fine unless you have big kids.
Q: My daughter is looking at purchasing a new car and she likes the Hyundai Kona, the Toyota Yaris Cross hybrid, the Toyota hybrid C-HR and the Kia Niro.
Which of these cars would you suggest and are the hybrids worth the extra money?
How does servicing and general maintenance and resale value compare with a non hybrid car?
Mick K
A: Last thing first, hybrids are generally no cheaper on service because they still have a combustion engine. From your list, the Yaris Cross is the most affordable and a smart pick.
Q: I’d like to buy an SUV-4WD, preferably a seven-seater, with a budget around $125,000.
Would like a 4WD to be able to take it on the classic ‘driving holiday’, and to fit stuff in the boot, and recently saw an article on the Mercedes EQB 350 hybrid.
Currently drive an Audi A4 Avant, was happy with it, but ideally would like to stay away from diesel and like the idea of a hybrid or electric vehicle.
Also need a second vehicle for my husband, preferably European and a sedan/small SUV, with a budget around $60-80,000.
Natalie S
A: Benz has a growing range of classy hybrid SUVs but most seven-seater SUVs are still relying on diesel power. The Model 3 from Tesla would be great for a weekday runabout.
Q: I can get a new 2022 Kia Sportage SX diesel auto, ready to deliver right now, for $46,000.
My dilemma is I actually want the petrol version but would have to wait for 7-10 months. And my budget is around $40,000.
I’m prepared to pay the extra dollars and do the deal right now to get the diesel one which I could then turn over in a year and then buy the petrol version when they become available.
I’ve test driven the diesel and found it’s a bit sluggish at take-off, there’s just that second delay before acceleration. Otherwise it’s a fabulous car.
Gabrielle R
A: Wait if you can. The dealer looks to be trying an ‘up-sell’ on you and it’s well over your budget. Demand for diesel power is dropping fast and that’s why you can get a Sportage now but not a petrol model; so you will take a hit on resale and even basic depreciation could make the sums hard if you try a swap next year.
Q: My partner is looking at buying a Hyundai Tucson and likes power in her car.
The dealer suggested that diesel was more economical and had more ‘guts’.
As we know nothing about diesel cars, would you suggest diesel over petrol turbo?
Al B
A: Lots of people are moving away from diesel engines, even if they are more economical and have strong torque for pulling power. Diesel only makes economic sense if you drive more than 30,000 kilometres a year and do longer trips, because they cost more and usually come in a four-wheel drive package you don’t need in the suburbs.
Q: I am traveling to Queensland in June by road in a Holden Commodore VF running on dedicated gas.
I have been told that are no LPG servos between Dubbo and Goondiwindi, so is there any way of me finding out which still have gas on that route.
I have travelled up the Newell highway many times in a VE Commodore, but that was dual fuel.
Reg K
A: LPG is dying fast without the gas-powered Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon. But your rumour is wrong and this website – https://www.mylpg.eu/stations/australia/list/ – has plenty of outlets on your planned route.
Q: I have been looking into the Subaru 2022 Outback base model.
I am currently driving a 2013 Toyota Corolla hatch which is coming up to 200,000 kilometres, so should I change over or keep the Corolla?
Also, I’m still going to the Toyota dealership for the servicing but if I stay with the Corolla should I go to another service centre?
Adrian B
A: The Subaru will be vastly better than your old Corolla in every way, from comfort to safety. It’s definitely a good move. On servicing, no need to stay with Toyota if you have a trusted mechanical who charges less and does the work ‘by the book’ on the service schedule.
If you have a question for the Car Doctor, send an email to [email protected]
