By Paul Gover.
Q: My wife and I are in our late fifties and currently drive a Holden Calais VS.
As you can tell, I hold on to cars for a long time but now it is time to update.
I have been looking at the Mazda6 and the Subaru Liberty 2.5 or 3.6R.
Grant L
A: Both are very good cars so the best way to split them is a test drive. But do not take the Subaru 3.6 as the six-cylinder engine is not a great performer and it’s thirsty. In the same class, you should also test drive a Skoda Octavia.
Q: I’m about to take delivery of a new Range Rover Evoque.
The dealership has asked if I would like to add paint protection, at a cost of $895.
The dealership says it comes with 20-year warranty.
Fran
A: I hear good things about this sort of product, but … If you keep your cars clean with regular hand washing, don’t park under trees or bats, it’s not really necessary.
Q: Your thoughts please on a new 2019 Hyundai Tucson Active X diesel wagon?
Ian M
A: It’s a good thing, but there is no need for a diesel unless you drive more than 30,000km a year as the economics don’t work on the extra cost of the engine and fuel.
Q: I am shopping for a small SUV and need some help as I’m interested in a Nissan Qashqai or a Kia Seltos.
Out of the two, which one would you advise me to get? Or if there is anything better?
I always have bought a Toyota but the RAV4 is big so don’t want to get one.
Sunita D
A: The Seltos is newer and nicer, but you need to do the sums as the Qashqai is great value.
Q: I currently drive a 2009 VE Berlina Commodore, my first car, and I’m currently considering options for an upgrade.
I bought the car secondhand and have had it for about 6 years with only a few minor issues, the main one being that I had a new computer put in – trouble with the central locking system as well as the engine not starting.
I love Holden cars and would ideally want to purchase an SSV Redline or SV6 type model, although not sure if this is a good move given Holden’s future. Preferably I would want to purchase a 2017 SV6 Series 2.
Do you have any recommendations for medium/large sedan cars?
Emily L
A: If you crave the Commodore then get an SS-V now, before the values rise too much and the high-mileage cars have dramas. But, if you are serious about trying other options, the Skoda Superb is a great car and will have similar space to the Commodore. Alternatively, although it’s boring, the latest Toyota Camry is surprisingly good as a family-sized sedan.
Q: I am shopping for a replacement for my 2013 Audi A4 1.8T which has served me well.
I will be switching to Japanese manufacture which I believe offer better value than European cars.
I am interested in your recommendation of some choices based on a budget of $50k-$60k.
I would consider a size car down to say Merc GLA
Noel Z
A: There are precious few Japanese prestige cars, basically only Lexus. And nothing to recommend there. If you seriously want to get away from European prestige cars, get a Genesis G70. It’s a fantastic car, great to drive with impressive class in all areas, and it’s Korean from the house of Hyundai.
If you have a question for the Car Doctor, send an email to [email protected]
