By Paul Gover.
Q: I’m looking at a 2020 Holden Colorado 4×4 dual cab as I’ll be towing a Jaco Swan caravan for family holidays.
Is the Colorado a good vehicle?
I’ll be using it to-and-from work, 20 minutes drive from home, so should I buy diesel or petrol.
Craig J
A: The Colorado is good and will never be cheaper. If you’re mostly driving short trips you should go with petrol power.
Q: My 20-year-old niece is looking for a new small car and wants to spend about $13,000.
What would you suggest, or should she spend more to get a new car?
Michelle B
A: The Suzuki Swift is my first pick, quite stylish and great value, or a Hyundai i30 if she wants something a bit more substantial, with a near-new purchase in either case to give the best value.
Q: I, like a lot of people, am considering a more-fuel efficient option.
I have looked at hybrid Corollas and hybrid RAV4 but I did notice the Mercedes C Class C350 e auto. I have seen them with around 44,000 on the clock and priced around $48,000.
I know they would be beautiful to drive but what are they like from a review perspective? And why are they relatively cheap considering they would have been a $100k a few years ago.
Brad E
A: The C Class has been the benchmark in its class in recent years, but the 350 was never very popular model. That explains some of the hit on resale, which is good for you.
Q: I’m looking for a price for my car, a Holden Commodore VF 2017. It’s the GTS Walkinshaw W557, the first one ever built and custom-made inside and out only done 40,000 kilometres
Zane K
A: Best way to get a value on something like your car, which is a collector’s item, is to contact Shannons auctions. You could also get a feel from prices for similar cars at www.carsales.com.au
Q: My car is a 2013 Audi A4 1.8T which has been serviced in accordance with the schedule.
The car has now driven 96,000 kilometres and I would like to know at what point these vehicles may begin to need additional repairs and replacement of expensive part.
I may consider replacing it and am wondering if the equivalent BMW or a new Audi A4 would be the best choice.
Noel Z
A: The turning point began at 100,000 miles, or 160,000 kilometres, but that was before modern electrics. That’s the real danger, as well as the lack of small replacement parts in favour of expensive larger components. If you’re feeling worried, that probably signals that you need to be doing something for peach of mind. The BMW 3 Series is the current class leader.
Q: I have ordered a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van and wanted LED headlights.
But I’m told I cannot have them because I have ordered the four-wheel drive model.
John S
A: Mercedes-Benz says it’s because the four-wheel drive Sprinter’s headlights are too high, under the Australian Design Rules. Sounds stupid to me and another case when ADRs over-ride common sense.
If you have a question for the Car Doctor, send an email to [email protected]
