By Paul Gover.
Q: Could you please tell me about a Volkswagen Tiguan.
It’s a 2011 model, diesel and auto.
Is a mileage of 214,000 kilometres a problem?
Arthur S
A: Generally not although it’s getting up there. But it depends entirely on what you’re paying and what it has done and where it has been over that distance. It’s a risk, but if it’s cheap it should be ok. But also remember that it’s NINE years old, so it will be a long way behind in technology and safety equipment.
Q: I have one of the last model V8 Holden Commodores.
It’s a black sedan with about 120,000 kilometres on it and in good condition.
I am thinking of getting a Ford Mustang, or a Kia Stinger, Toyota Supra or a Chevrolet Camaro.
Do I sell my car or trade it in and which car is the best to buy?
I am the only one in the car most of the time and just love the power.
Clare D
A: What a lovely predicament. One of my best friends faced a similar situation recently and I steered him into the Mustang. He loves it and has kept his V8 Holden to give him a unique combination in the garage. My advice is the same to you, as the Stinger is relatively unknown, the Supra is really a BMW in a Japanese kimono and the Camaro is too expensive. If you love the Commodore, and can afford it, keep it.
Q: We drive a Land Rover Discovery 4, approximately 10 years old with 225,000 kilometres.
It’s all going well but we don’t need a vehicle of that size or four-wheel drive capability as we are about to retire.
l live in the country approximately hour hours from Melbourne and we intend to do road trips and tow a Jayco Swan camper-van for small trips.
We don’t want a Toyota Prado which everybody drives up here because it rides like a truck and has too much four-wheel drive capability.
We have looked at the a Volkswagen Tiguan and wondering your thoughts or any other suggestion,
My plan B is to have the Disco totally checked over to see if it will go another three years or so and then find just a nice touring car and no towing.
David H
A: The latest Tiguan is excellent, and one of the more car-like SUVs. It would be fine for your future needs and, given the age of the Discovery and their patchy record for reliability – as well as improving your personal safety – a new car would be an excellent celebration of retirement.
Q: We Currently drive a 2009 Toyota Corolla which has travelled 160,000 kilometres.
We live in Melbourne and plan to travel in our retirement.
We prefer a serious car and are considering the Volkswagen Golf, or better, and a small BMW also appeals to us.
Your thoughts?
Wayne and Debbie H
A:If I was driving off into retirement I would enjoy a Golf, as the lesser BMWs are no better to drive and cost more with only the badge to compensate. But also test drive a Skoda Octavia wagon, as it’s a clone of the Golf with the added practicality of a wagon tail.
Q: I’ve recently bought a petrol Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 shooting brake wagon with 130,000 kilometres on it. I paid $26,000 for it and it has a good service history.
I bought it after having had many other cars which have had many build quality issues and after speaking to workshops that repair Mercedes who recommend the 350 petrol as the “bullet proof” model to get.
I do plan on shopping online in the USA for parts when I do need them as I have received heavy criticism for buying Mercedes as everyone says they are too dear to fix.
For the same money I could have got something Japanese or local with less kilometres and alleged reliability, but I have done that six times and they all seem to fail in some manner.
I am a basic wage earner but always service my cars regularly and make the service book the main thing I look at when buying a car.
Is it unfair for people to make this criticism? I find there aren’t the squeaks and rattling you get with other cars I’ve had, and the safety features are amazing.
There’s a real feeling of solidness and comfy cruiser to it.
I was disappointed when my local mechanic passionately disliked Mercedes and told me it was a poor choice
Neal E
A: I own a 1980s Benz, so far older than yours and in dodgy cosmetic condition, but it is fantastic to drive and I love it. Yes, Benzes can be costly but that’s the same for any prestige Euro brand. Most people just criticise without knowing, so don’t listen and get on with your enjoyment of the three-pointed star and that practical wagon tail.
Q: My daughter is looking for her first car and I was wondering what you would suggest.
She was looking for a car similar to a Mazda3 or a Toyota Corolla, secondhand, and I would be interested in your thoughts.
Gab B
A: She will pay more for the reputation of the Mazda and Toyota, but the better value by far is a Kia Cerato or Hyundai i30. Depending on budget, she can probably get one that still has some of the factory warranty. Also consider, and test drive, the Suzuki Swift as it’s a good looking baby car that is good value and nice to drive. And, as I always say, the best gift for any new driver is a safe driving course with a company like Murcotts.
If you have a question for the Car Doctor, send an email to [email protected]
