By Paul Gover.
Q: We have a Mercedes 430 AMG and when you have to turn the wheel into a full lock it shudders and makes a horrible sound.
The car has been sent to Mercedes twice and they claim it’s normal.
My private mechanic changed the tires but it hasn’t fixed anything.
It’s a beautiful car to drive until you have turn sharply.
Any ideas?
Joanne G
A: Mercedes-AMG refuses to acknowledge the problem you describe, which is related to the front suspension geometry – set for high-speed stability on German autobahns. Australian owners of AMG cars have been complaining for years without any real success. The only partial solution is to change to tyres which are less ’sticky’, but that can also lower the cornering grip on cars which are tuned to be sporty sedans and coupes. Expect it to be more apparent in winter as the tyres will ’sag’ overnight.
Q: I am comparing the Ford Ranger and an Isuzu D-Max ute.
It will be essentially for road, not four-wheel driving, so comfort in ride is a priority.
Only towing a fairly light trailer.
Interior wise, I am looking for leather seats, with controls that are functional and easy to use.
I am happy to spend up to $75,000, so do you have a preference of one over the other?
Michael P
A: The Ranger wins for you, as it’s newer and more refined and more car-like. It’s comfortably the best in its class. The Isuzu is still the better pick for heavyweight towing, but that’s not you so best to head to a Ford dealer and see what you’ll get for your money.
Q: We are planning to update our Holden Captiva 2012 to a larger SUV.
Probably won’t be towing anytime soon and, at this stage don’t plan to.
But we will be travelling more as we are both 60-ish, so would really like the extra cargo space for luggage.
Your thoughts on Kia Sorento, Isuzu MU-X and Ford Everest?
We live in Regional Victoria so are mostly on country roads all the time.
Mrs Lyn S
A: The Everest and MU-X are based on a pick-up, so less refined in the SUV world. The Sorento wins from your list, but you should also test drive the new Nissan Pathfinder as it has just been completely renewed and is strong in all areas. There should also be a shorter wait than the Sorento, which is on a considerable back-order at Kia.
Q: We have a 2010 Honda CR-V which we love.
But we’re looking to buy a new or used car and would appreciate your opinion on Honda versus Subaru.
Bev
A: These two have always been among the better Japanese brands, but have been run down – and passed – by Kia and Hyundai from South Korea on things like quality and comfort. Subaru still does what it always has, with crossover SUVs that are more like passenger cars, while Honda is on a downward spiral in Australia as it cuts its range dramatically and lifts prices (also dramatically). The new HR-V is excellent but over-priced, and it’s the same for the CR-V, which is now far bigger than your car. So Subaru wins.
Q: It is with great admiration and genuine thanks to you that I am driving my brand new Nissan Qashqai.
I have had it now for a month and have taken it on a road trip up the Sapphire coast into NSW already. It drives a real treat, grips the road fantastic and of course is very comfortable. Well suited to my requirements.
I’m so pleased I listened to your advice through previous emails as you helped me seal my deal.
Well worth my wait of 15 years to obtain a new car again. Driving with confidence. It’s everything I expected and more.
Amanda S
A: That’s fantastic news. The Qashqai is one of the surprise packets of 2023 and more people should be considering it.
Q: I currently own a Renault Koleos which is having a persistent electrical issue (flat battery) which no one can resolve. It is just under 5 years old.
I am looking to replace the Koleos with perhaps a Toyota Kluger or Isuzu MU-X however I believe there are lengthy wait times on these vehicles.
Would you have a suggestion which vehicle brand(s) I should be looking at which have a reduced wait time on new or demo vehicles?
Paul D
A: Go to Nissan. They have a great new range of SUVs, all massively upgraded and updated, that are close to the top of their class. Avoid the Kluger anyway because it is over-priced, and the MU-X is based on a pick-up and not a ‘passenger’ SUV.
Q: I have 2017 Mazda CX-3 touring auto and I have had no trouble with it, although it has only done 23,000 kilometres in almost 6 years.
I have just turned 76 and in excellent health at moment.
My question is whether it make sense to upgrade to a new one later this year or keep the car to last as long as I can drive, for potentially another 10 years.
I’m thinking the same car to buy or do you recommend a similar sized SUV?
Adrienne P
A: Reward yourself with a new car, and get improved safety at the same time. The CX-3 is now a very old car and you should be looking at a Hyundai Venue or Kia Stonic instead, as the South Korean twins will suit your news and are an impressive pair of little SUVs.
Q: We are looking at updating our 1999 Toyota Prado on gas at some stage as the gas has worn one of the valves in the engine.
What year would you suggest looking from, maybe not below 2015?
How many kilometre should we still be ok to buy at and what price would you expect to pay?
When we do upgrade do you think petrol or gas is still better to get instead of diesel.
I am on the Prado Facebook page and can’t believe the problems people have with the diesel.
Towing occasionally a van but not often or do we go for a sports Pajero instead. Hubby loves the wagon style with lots of seats we can fold up is handy.
Leanne
A: Gas is a dead fuel in Australia and diesel is on a global decline. So go for unleaded in the engine. A Prado will be a big expense as they are super-hot on the used market, so go for the Mitsubishi Pajero for better value and a solid purchase. Try for newer than 2015 and as close as possible to 160,000 kilometres, working to your budget.
Q: I placed an order for a my 2022 Kia Cerato GT sedan in January last year.
I have now been told by the dealer the delivery date has been pushed out until the end of July or August, if not later.
I have asked the dealer if they know why it keeps being pushed out every month, but they just shrug their shoulders.
Would you please be able to get a realistic answer from Kia on why the delays? It hasn’t even been scheduled for production yet according to the dealer portal.
I know there are problems with chips and the quarantine issues on the vehicles already on boats anchored around the country, but they’re still telling customers only a six-month delay.
Chris P
A: Dealers will tell you what they think you want to hear, and to keep the deal alive. Your choice of a GT model means it takes more computer chips, which is part of the delay, but Kia has been overwhelmed with all of its popular models on back-order. That’s the message direct from Kia headquarters, and why it has set up a portal so owners can track cars. Don’t expect any relief, unfortunately, and there is also a backlog of around 10,000 cars for quarantine cleaning – many of them from South Korea.
Q: We have the E-Force Nissan X-Trail Ti-L on order and have not been able to obtain any idea of current lead time into Melbourne or if any have been delivered in the past month or so.
We are trying to be patient but as we are quite senior time is important.
If you have any up-to-date information it would be truly appreciated
Marie & Robert T
A: Supplies of the hybrid X-Trail are only just arriving at dealerships so you should not have to wait too long. Your choice is a smart one as I’ve recently driven the same model and definitely give it The Tick.
