By Paul Gover.
Q: No surprise that I am in the market for a small SUV and I’m clueless as to where to start, so could you give me some guidance?
What do you think of the Nissan Qashqai as I like the roof? What year and model should I focus on; a newer model with more kilometres or a 2015-2016 with low kilometres?
Or are there any others that I should consider as they are all beginning to look the same?
Vivienne W
A: If you like the look of the Qashqai there is no reason not to buy one. It’s a solid car and good value. There are plenty around so go to www.carsales.com.au and punch in your budget. I would go for a newer model, as there have been regular updates to the Qashqai – even a name change from Dualis – and newer cars often have extra safety equipment.
Q: My grandson is turning 18 in August and we were thinking of getting him an advanced driving course for his birthday.
I wanted to know which one you would recommend as he lives on the Mornington Peninsula outside Melbourne, but I think he would be prepared to travel if necessary.
That is when, of course, we are allowed.
Kerry S
A: That is absolutely the best possible 18th present. My choice is Murcotts Driving Excellence, who concentrate training safe drivers and not trying to find Bathurst racers.
Q: I am interested in the near future purchasing either a Lincoln Continental or Cadillac Eldorado as I have a fascination for large American cars.
Which one of these do you think is the better, or are they basically the same?
Peter H
A: They are similar but very different, both from the bigger-is-better era in the USA. I would go for the Cadillac, as they were usually better cars, although the Lincoln with the suicide doors is an all-time personal favourite.
Q: I have three vehicles on my shortlist and wonder which you would choose.
They are the Mercedes C300, Kia Stinger GT and Jaguar XE.
Brian T
A: I’d go for the Benz, every time. The Stinger is brisk but a class down in quality, Jaguar XE has been a failure so poor on resale although a nice car. The C300 is classy and enjoyable to drive.
Q: My son is looking for a used car and has his heart set on a Toyota HiLux 2016 onwards.
His price limit is $25,000 but they seem very hard to find, especially with low kilometres.
Do you recommend another car brand that can tow a small tinny boat and is a four-door vehicle?
Kath van T
A: All those dual-cab utes will do what he wants, but you pay extra just for the Toyota badge. Best in the class is the Ford Ranger, but both the Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi Triton will be do the job and suit his budget.
Q: We would be interested to know your opinion on the Kia Sportage SX and Mitsubishi ASX LS two-wheel drive.
We do regular runs to the coast as well as some city driving so we are looking for a car which has quiet cabin noise when on the highway.
We would value any other advice you can give us about these two cars or any suggestions of other vehicles we should consider?
Alan and Helene L
A: I would put the Kia well ahead of the ASL. It’s more comfortable and refined. The ASX sells strongly because of its price, not because it’s a great car.
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