By Paul Gover.
Q: My work car is due to be replaced soon and I have had four Holden Commodores in a row, loving them all but especially a VF Series II.
Work says no more Holdens and I have around $43,000 to spend and love a bit of power.
What are your thoughts on a Toyota Camry V6 or Kia Optima GT?
Sean Q
A: The Camry will do the job and is an excellent car, but if you want more fun and you have the budget then go for a Kia Stinger.
Q: I purchased a Hyundai in 2013 and was told there were three map upgrades included in my 5-year warranty, starting with one at the first service.
At the 2014, 2015 and 2016 services I was told there were no updates and I accepted this.
When it came to the 2017 service the map update was done but was dated 2015, then when I had the 2018 service I was told there was no further map update.
I am very disillusioned about the whole deal. So what can I do to get up-to-date maps for this car?
Robyn K
A: Nav mapping is only updated every 2-3 years because car companies buy from a third-party supplier and then have to adapt it for their systems. It’s a common complaint but you have not been dudded. If you want better satnav them go for a Navman or Garmin, but I use Google Maps through Apple CarPlay and it is excellent.
Q: My daughter purchased a Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet almost six months ago from a dealer and is now out of the three-month warranty period.
Now the automatic transmission has blown up, with a quoted price to replace the transmission of approximately $7000.
Gary H
A: There are Golfs with faulty transmissions and Volkswagen Australia has a policy to replace them free-of-charge. They know the serial numbers of affected vehicles, and the type of auto involved, so go to Customer Relations at VW Australia in Sydney to see if yours is one of those involved.
Q: I am considering is a 2016 Ford Territory TS SZ MK11 auto with 104,000 kilometres on the clock.
The asking price is $22,000, so could you possibly give me your opinion on the good, bad and indifferent on this particular vehicle.
Jill W
A: The Territory is a good beastie and I like it. Check that it has had the updates to front and rear suspension, which were an early drama. Otherwise, check pricing against similar vehicles at www.carsales.com.au and make sure you get a pre-purchase inspection from someone like NRMA or RACV.
Q: Would appreciate your views for a replacement for my 2004 Holden Commodore Acclaim, which now has 300,000 on the clock with a few problems.
I’d prefer a sedan and have been recommended a Toyota Camry Sx6 am I on the right track?
Alan M
A: A Camry will do the job and be sensible and reliable. But also look at the Kia Stinger, which is roomy like the Commodore and also has more Commodore-like personality than the Toyota.
Q:I’m looking for a car that’s preferably new and mid teens in price. Safety is a big factor.
I am considering the MG3 core that has six airbags but want to know if this is enough and what you thought about the car in general.
Do you have any other suggestions for a car which my son will drive too as he is a new driver.
Marie A
A: Six airbags does not mean a good car. Did you know that the MG is a Chinese car and brand? Not one I would recommend. Far better to go for a Suzuki for value and a solid reputation.
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