By Paul Gover.
Q: I know I shouldn’t, but I love Range Rovers.
I really want one and I’m hoping for a little guidance, assurance, comfort from you.
But let me say that you are not responsible for my decision or action.
Steven Z
A: A Range Rover is a wonderful thing but they have never been entirely trouble-free in Australia, and a 2010 model is getting into the ’trouble zone’. Every SUV is currently selling at a premium price but you could find a relative bargain given the reputation of the Range Rover. But a petrol V8 at a time of super-high fuel prices? Even so, if you love it then you should reward yourself.
Q: I’m starting a new job that doesn’t include a vehicle so unfortunately it’s goodbye to my Ford Ranger.
I plan to buy an older used twin-cab ute to help carry our two kids around but am wanting to stick to about a $15,000 budget.
My question is how many kilometres is too many on a used vehicle?
I’m trying to get something well under 200,000 but, with current prices, it’s really difficult.
I have found few nice Nissan Navaras with 150,000 but they are around $17-18,000. Are they a good vehicle and worth the extra money?
I am hesitant to buy anything with over 200,000km on the clock in fear of mechanical failure. Should I be, or can you recommend any certain makes that will likely last longer?
Bernard R
A: You should definitely shop with less than 200,000, and closer to 100,000, but also consider the calendar age of the vehicle and the safety equipment for a family car. The Navara is fine and has always been a value pick, not in the same class as the Ford Ranger or Toyota HiLux, so definitely a good choice.
Q: I have been hearing about diesel vehicles being scaled back, but what are the grey nomads and tradies going to use to tow their vans and trailers that have sufficient torque and economy?
Electric cars have good take-off torque but what about towing?
Rodney G
A: Diesel is dying around the world, so it’s not just a specific problem for Australia. Electric vehicles promise massive torque, even for towing but there is no short-term replacement for the pick-ups that dominate sales in Australia. There are lots of questions but no answers at the moment, which means people who need to tow and carry heavy loads will be sticking with diesels for at least the medium-term future.
Q: I have been a massive Kia Carnival fan for nearly 10 years but my kids are now 14, 12, and 9-year-old twins so the convenience of the sliding doors is still my favourite feature.
I am currently driving the top-of-the-range 2017 Carnival and 12 months ago I ordered a new one with the view to trade my current vehicle in.
I have been told it is still not in production with no timeline given.
My dealership did suggest if I swapped to diesel that I could potentially have my Carnival in six months.
But, like many Carnival drivers, the car is largely used to ferry kids and rarely does long-haul trips so I’m seeking your advice on diesel versus unleaded.
Amy H
A: Unleaded is definitely best for you, but Kia and Hyundai are pushing diesels because of the global backlog. It’s worth considering if there is a big drop in the waiting time, but talk to Customer Service at Kia Australia and do not rely on the dealership. Also look at downgrading from the flagship model, as it requires the most computer chips and that’s also a prime cause for delays.
Q: I’m looking for a car for my daughter who is turning 18.
Secondhand is fine, new if possible but not a necessity.
Preferably low $30,000s price range, will go up to $40,000 max if required.
Obviously safety is priority.
I’m a badge tragic but Ill value your opinion greatly.
Vincent B
A: If badge is important, then go for a Mazda3. Supply is far better than many brands, because the Mazda following outside Australia is much less than it is here and so there is less global pressure for supply of new cars. A Mazda3 is also a good choice as a used car but, disregarding the brand, there is better value in the Hyundai i30 and Kia Cerato.
Q: I was looking to pick up an investment older car in the $20-30,000 range, something that can be ‘club registered’, but still a bit of fun to drive on occasion.
I have kept the 1990 Ford Capri convertible we purchased new which is now slowly going up as it is pretty-well showroom still and only 80,000 kilometres on the clock.
After some research I am considering a Nissan 300ZX Z32 and would appreciate your advice as to the likelihood of it increasing in value.
I have been watching classic and older car prices rising for a long time and now wish I still had my old 240Z which I bought for $4000 and would now be worth into the hundreds of thousands.
My research consistently puts the 300ZX Z32 in the top ten vehicles to look at for investment and growth over the next number of years.
Jim H
A: You should never buy a car as an investment. The 240Z was always something extra-special, from day one, but who would have thought the Australian-made Capri would have been collectible when it had rubbish quality and was completely overshadowed by the Mazda MX-5. If you like the 300 ZX as a car, that’s great, but as all the financial advertisements emphasise ‘Past performance is no guarantee of future results’ and the car world is in turmoil at the moment on many fronts including electrification.
Q: I have a Hyundai 2020 Santa Fe Highlander and my wife has a 2021 Subaru Impreza, but I also have a 2003 VY Holden Commodore Berlina wagon.
I don’t really need the Commodore any more and am considering selling it.
However, I asked my mechanic to perform a roadworthy test on it and he said that it needed to have the rear main seal replaced at a cost of approximately $1200.
I’m not sure how much more the car is worth and would like your advice as to what I should do.
I know it’s an old car that has high mileage, over 575,000 kilometres, but just wanted to know whether it is worth getting the roadworthy done.
Dennis P
A: Someone will want your Commodore if it’s not a complete beater, so do the research and make an informed decision. It’s likely to return more than $1200, but probably not a lot more with such a high mileage.
Q: I put a deposit on a Toyota LandCruiser 300 in early February and, at the time of purchase, I was not 100 per cent sure about the colour.
At the time I was told there was a 12-18 month wait, although it’s been reported in the media recently that the wait has reduced somewhere between 8-12 months.
I was told by the salesman and the sales manager that I could change the colour choice any time prior to the car being allocated a production number.
I was speaking to a friend last weekend who had placed an order a few months ago on a LandCruiser 76, a different model, with a different dealer and he was advised that a colour change would result in him going to the back of the wait list.
I was never advised a stock number or order number and there is no transparency as to where customers are on the wait list or the wait time.
On the Toyota Australia website they advise customers to talk to their dealer who would be best placed to advise them. When you talk to the dealer they shrug their shoulders and say they don’t know and, in reality don’t really care about the sale, given the long lead time to delivery.
I can understand that it’s difficult times in the industry but it is totally unconscionable that a colour change should result in a new order some 12 months prior to the vehicle’s production.
It is also unconscionable that Toyota are advertising cars on TV that they cannot supply in a reasonable time frame.
Toyota should be called out on treating their customers with disdain.
Lou C
A: These are truly extraordinary times, but it’s a sellers’ market and we’re hearing lots of complaints about dealers who tell people what they want to hear. As for advertising, when Toyota pushes the LandCruiser its sales of all models go up, a situation that’s been the same for more than 20 years. You frustration is obvious and you are not alone.
If you have a question for the Car Doctor, send an email to [email protected]
