By Paul Gover.
Q: My son is looking for a new family car.
He has three primary school-aged children and the family like to go camping during the holidays.
My question is whether a new Haval worth looking at. The seven-year unlimited-kilometre warranty is appealing, but I don’t know anything about the car.
Joan A
A: I cannot recommend a Haval, which is a cheap Chinese brand, despite the warranty which is matched anyway by Kia.
Q: So, Kia Cerato GT or Hyundai i30 N Line.
Do you have a preference or can you suggest something along the same lines that we should look at?
Anna P
A: Kia and Hyundai are one company, so I like both cars. Pushed to choose I’d probably go Kia for the value advantage.
Q: My daughter is after a seven-seater car for the children and she wants to spend $15-20,000.
What would you recommend she look at?
Paul J
A: If she really needs a seven-seater for a big family then get a Kia Carnival, but if she is only after an SUV then go for the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Q: I am thinking of buying a new car in the next 12-18 months that is capable of towing a small caravan like a Jayco pop-top that only sleeps two.
I am a single mum so on a bit of a budget and car also needs to have a very good safety rating.
My brother tells me that a Subaru Outback would be a good car, but thought you may also have an idea.
Kellie W
A: Your brother is right, the Outback is a ripper thing and also has a very good safety rating.
Q: I have to go away for work for seven weeks, so will it be okay to leave my car in the garage not driven for this length of time?
Should I use a trickle feed battery charger or is that too long?
I’d prefer not to lend the car to anyone as it’s quite new.
Maureen B
A: A charger is a good idea, but make sure you get a good one like the CTek that I have for my 1967 Volkswagen Beetle.
Q: I’m looking at buying either the Mercedes-Benz GLA180 or Hyundai Kona, a new 2019 model.
Am I silly paying an extra odd $10,000 for the Mercedes name?
And since the Merc model is no longer being made will it be harder for parts/resale down the track?
Julie L
A: You are silly paying so much more, but if the car makes you feel good and you can afford the extra then why not?
The Benz is a lovely little car, and considerably better than a Kona. Parts and resale will not be a problem as the GLA is being renewed this year and the model will continue in the lineup.
If you have a question for the Car Doctor, send an email to [email protected]
