By Paul Gover.
Q: Our 2008 Toyota Prado Grande is showing some age, so would appreciate your thoughts and suggestions on the pick of the bunch with a budget around $55,000.
Ok with new or up to four years old.
Purpose is a few trips to the high country each year and to tow a 2200kg van around Oz for three months most years.
Richard P
A: Prado is still the best choice. If you’re happy with what you have, then just get a newer and better one. Particularly with towing.
Q: I need a new work ute for a fencing business.
Tray must be at least 2.4 metres long, just a basic ute only to carry max 800 kilograms locally about 5000 kilometres a year.
I am trying to decide between the Mitsubishi Triton and Isuzu D-Max.
Barry C
A: I would go for the D-Max. It has a great reputation with people who need a genuine, simple workhorse.
Q: My wife is looking for a new SUV so can you please suggest what are the best options for around the $25,000 to $30,000 price range?
The car will be mainly used around town.
Shane G
A: Either Kia Seltos or Hyundai Kona will do the job and give you great value. She should test drive both and pick the one she likes.
Q: We are wanting to buy a new vehicle for the first time as our main family car.
At this stage we have narrowed it down to the Volvo XC40 R-Design T5, although we haven’t actually driven one yet.
I am thinking 19″ wheels rather than the optional 20″ wheels with a view to a better ride. Extras wanted are the Comfort Pack and probably the Technology Pack.
Graeme S
A: A great choice, but only invest in things you really want and avoid the hard-riding big wheels. If you can get a good price on something in stock, even if it is fully loaded, that is the best idea.
Q: I am looking to buy a secondhand car and and I love hiking, camping and the outdoor.
I’m considering the Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi ASX and Toyota RAV4.
Caroline de S
A: Anything but the ASX. You will pay extra for the RAV just because it’s a Toyota. So it’s the Forester with a clear margin and it gets The Tick from me.
Q: We are after a small car or hatch as we find it too difficult to get in and out of our seven- year-old Mazda3 hatch.
Our priorities are fully electric seats and a 2.4-litre engine, with a cost around $30,000.
Ross and Val M
A: A compact SUV will be best for you and there is an upscale model in most line-ups with electric seats. You don’t need a 2.4 engine to match the performance of the Mazda3. Look at the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Kona and choose the one that you like to match your budget.
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