By Paul Gover.
Q: I purchased a 2019 Hyundai Accent Sports recently.
Driving it over a bump it felt very bumpy and harsh.
It’s a new car so I’m not sure why the ride is so bumpy over the bumps, and I’m just wondering whether it is due to the shock absorbers or the suspensions are not functioning properly.
My older car and other cars I have driven didn’t have this issue and was smooth over the bumps.
Aalisha A
A: You bought the Sports model and now you’re paying the price of bigger wheels and low-profile tyres. Sports means more grip and sportier suspension, but the major downside is a harsher ride. I believe it is working exactly as intended, but not the way you wanted.
Q: My wife purchased a 2020 MG3 Excite a couple of weeks ago and I noticed something strange.
There is no internal plastic cover at the front of the rear wheel. I have checked others in the yard and they are the same.
Is this normal and can this cause issues with mud water and rust in future?
Glenn
A: It’s a cheap Chinese car and cheap brands cut corners to save money. Old cars got by without this sort of protection so it should be fine, but MG in 2020 is not the British brand that many people remember.
Q: I am wanting to trade in my late 2014 Honda Civic hatch with 134,000 kilometres on the clock and I’m not sure of trade in price
My question do I stick with Honda? This would be my third Honda if I buy a new one.
Should I look at Honda HR-V or Hyundai/Kia?
Colette L
A: Definitely not a new HR-V, because it is smaller than you think, over-priced and getting very old. Go first to the Hyundai Venue as it sounds like what you need.
Q: We have a 2003 Honda Civic that has done 147,600 kilometres, but has been garaged for the last four years and driven intermittently.
Prior to the car being garaged it was serviced on a regular basis.
Our daughter, who had driven the car prior to moving to the USA, is now back in Australia and needs a car, but we are wondering is it worth keeping.
Trish H
A: The Civic should be fine, at least in the short term, but get a FULL service and check-up. Hondas usually go and go, so there is no reason it will not do the job.
Take special car with the tyres, battery and little things like the lights (front and rear).
Q: We are in our early sixties so opting to replace sedan with a medium-sized SUV which we will use for city driving and some long distance road trips.
We have driven and number of cars and need some help.
The Hyundai Tucson Highlander has plenty of creature comforts but uncomfortable door arm rests, non-integrated screen and ‘ugly’ front grill.
The Mazda CX-5 Akera is nice drive but non-integrated and small screen which is also not as user friendly.
The VW Tiguan Highline worries us with the cost of add-ons.
The Kia Sonata has a lovely body and interior, but seemed to be a lot of engine/road noise. Possibly better in the diesel which we also drove.
We intend to also look at Toyota RAV4.
Peter & Nanette K
A: Forget all the others and go straight for a Mazda CX-30. It’s new, classy and my pick.
Q: I have a BMW 2013 i30 Tourer and I would like to buy a small SUV.
I have looked at the Toyota C-HR, Mazda CX-3 and the Hyundai Kona, but which do you suggest?
With the Mazda I’m concerned the service costs are almost twice as much as the others.
I don’t do many kilometres and I’m a fit and active 71 year old.
Joan H
A: CX-3 is too small. Toyota is too expensive. Hyundai Kona is my pick, but you might find you like the smaller Venue even better.
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