By Paul Gover.
Q: I am contacting you regarding the faulty headlights on my 2011 Mazda that I purchased about 12 months ago.
I tried to replace one headlight by sourcing a secondhand one for about $250.
After fitting it, my auto electrician said that it too was damaged internally, potentially from the heat damaging the internal mount for the globe.
I had asked him to fit new LED globes as low beam lights face in the wrong directions, not on the road in front of me.
I live in the Macedon Ranges north of Melbourne in kangaroo country and see dead kangaroos every day as I go to and from work.
Is this a common problem with Mazdas? I got a quote from my closest Mazda dealer of over $1000 each for new headlights?
Do I have any possible recourse from Mazda to help reduce this price as I would think that faulty light design is a safety issue.
John E
A: Your car is 12 years old and would have complied with the relevant Australian Design Rules at that time, although you do not indicate the exact model. It’s not a faulty design, or it would never have been approved for sale. If there is internal damage to the lights it’s likely someone fitted very powerful replacement globes that overheated. Many Japanese cars have headlights which are sub-optimal for Australia, and definitely on high beam. If you’re in an area with dangerous wildlife the best idea would to fit a supplementary LED light bar to boost the high beam, as these are extremely good and don’t have to take up much space on the front of a vehicle.
Q: I believe the headlights on my Hyundai Tucson are too dim for country driving, although OK at slower speeds such as 60km/h.
We find ourselves driving on high beams most of the time with many cars not flashing their lights at us as they believe we are on low beam already.
I have my car serviced at a Hyundai dealership and have asked about improving the globes in the lights and they have indicated that is not possible.
I also asked at SuperCheap Auto and they have indicated the lights are too hard to get too for any changes to occur.
Jason M
A: Lots of people are complaining about headlights on Korean and Japanese cars. The reason? They don’t have our driving conditions and have no idea what’s required in Australia. The best you can do is push for upgraded globes for the low beam, then fit an LED light bar – relatively cheap, easy to fit and wire – to solve the high-beam failings of your Hyundai.
Q: I would appreciate some advice regarding a car that I have inherited.
It is a 2015 V8 Holden Calais with low kilometres and in immaculate condition.
I have been told that because it is one of the last V8s to be produced in Australia the car may be considered collectable.
Do you have an opinion on this and any idea of the value?
Andrea B
A: Without bursting your bubble, lots of people think any V8 Commodore is collectible. The best idea is to get in touch with an expert on the sale of collectible cars, with lots of Commodore expertise, and one of the best is Shannons Auctions, who can be contacted on 1300 078 500.
Q: I need some information regarding in-tank fuel injection cleaner.
Is it over rated?
What brand do you recommend and how often do you need to use?
Do you put it in a full tank and nearly let the tank run out before you refill?
I’m running a 2022 2 litre petrol Hyundai Tucson Highlander N-Line.
Gavin B
A: Additives are over-rated and often used as a profit item for car dealerships. Provided you refuel from a higher-volume site, you should have no trouble. If you want belt-and-braces protection, all of the quality additives from reputable companies – such as Valvoline – will be fine. Or you could just run an occasional tank of the top-quality BP or Shell 98-octane fuels, even though you Hyundai only needs 91, since they have the right additives to keep the engine running well.
Q: I have just had the 45,000-kilometre service for my Ford Mustang and the report card showed that the front brakes were in need of immediate attention, which I agreed to have done.
The rear brakes were also repaired, although the report card showed them to be OK, and the total cost was $2038.85 plus GST.
Prior to purchasing the Mustang, I had owned Falcon XR6s since 1968 and the brakes on none those cars had required any repairs or replacements. The lower-than-usual odometer reading on the Mustang is due to Covid restrictions.
I know that brakes are not covered by the Ford warranty, but I also know that I have rights under consumer law. To require replacement at such an extraordinarily-low odometer reading shows that the components were not fit for purpose.
I am by no means a ‘lead-foot’ driver and, in 55 years or driving, I have never had a speeding fine.
I never have my left foot on the brake pedal. I do not carry passengers. The trunk does not carry heavy loads.
I request reimbursement for the charge of $2038.85 plus GST on the grounds that the original components were not fit for purpose, and were not of a quality that could reasonably be expected.
Kel Y
A: Brakes have changed – a lot – since the introduction of ABS anti-skid systems and electronic stability control. Both the pads and discs are now far softer than in the past, so the systems react quickly with maximum stopping power in all conditions. But that also means they wear more rapidly, which is what you’re experiencing. You cannot compare the braking system of a current Mustang with anything previously fitted to the Falcon.
Q: We have a 2018 Kia Sportage GT-line and would have bought another one but they are not taking orders as the wait is about two years.
Looks like we can sell ours for about $35,000 as it’s only done 53,000 kilometres.
A friend has the MG ZST.
So, what’s your opinion? We can probably come out with cash in our pockets.
We need a mid-sized SUV, we have five grand-children, car seats etc.
We are retired and love the Sportage – our other car is a mini convertible.
Lisa A
A: The MG will be a massive step down from the Sportage, except for the price. And you know what they say about ’too good to be true’ deals. In your case, to avoid a long wait and get a car as good as anything in the class, head to a Nissan dealership and test drive the Qashqai. You will find it’s way, way better than the MG.
Q: I have a 2015 Mazda CX-3 and thinking about updating, but not electric.
I would like to know what do you recommend, as my husband and I are in our 70s so not a lot of driving years to come.
Or do we keep driving the Mazda into the ground.
Robyn
A: You should definitely update, if only for safety if you think it will be your last car. There are plenty of better choices than the CX-3 – which is actually based on the Mazda2 baby car. Test drive the Nissan Qashqai, which should suit on size, but wait for the hybrid model as it will save you money with good fuel economy for your short trips. To confirm your choice, also test drive the Kia Stonic as it’s one of the best in the baby SUV class but will still have more space than your Mazda.
Q: I’m thinking of purchasing a new Skoda Superb.
I’m interested in your thoughts on that car.
Chris T
A: The first time I heard the Superb name in Australia it seemed like bragging – although it has a very long history in Europe – but then I drove the full-sized Skoda and it’s a belter. It has the cabin space of a VE Commodore, the refinement and class of an Audi, and the quirky design tweaks – an umbrella in the door for one – which set the brand apart. It is a fantastic car, hugely under-rated in Australia, and also very good value. It definitely gets The Tick.
Q: Do you have an idea as to when supply will be back to more normal supply levels?
And do you think it will put any downward pressure on pricing?
I’m looking for a twin-cab or SUV with 3.5-tonne towing.
Steven D
A: Supply won’t be back anywhere close until the third quarter of this year, and even then there will still be long waits for popular models. The best twin-cab pick-ups – Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max and Toyota HiLux – will still be tight until 2024. So don’t expect any downward moves on prices, although there might be run-out ’specials’ from time-to-time, although likely only for slow sellers.
Q: Which one should I buy: Mazda CX-30 or Hyundai Kona?
I feel the cabin in the Mazda CX-30 feels more premium.
What would be your choice?
Chris K
R: It sounds like you want the go-ahead for the Mazda. Since it’s a good car, and there will be a shorter waiting list for the CX-30 than the Kona, there is no reason not to go for it.
If you have a question for the Car Doctor, send an email to [email protected]
