By Paul Gover.
Q: I purchased a 2019 Ford Escape with the 1.5 Ecoboost engine and I have heard of a lot of problems with these engines in the USA.
They have had a lot requiring short-block engine replacements due to coolant ingression into the cylinders. They have now a redesigned block which they use as a replacement.
I am just concerned if this problem is showing up in the Australian models.
Knowing Ford’s track record with the power shift transmission, I hope this is not going to be another similar issue.
I would appreciate any light you can shed on this subject.
Con R
A: Why are you worrying about something in the USA when nothing has been reported in Australia? You are panicking with no cause, as I checked with Ford Australia and there is no connection to anything down under.
Q: My daughter is considering purchasing a 2018 Volkswagen Golf Highline wagon 7.5.
She is considering the TDi Diesel but also happy to go with the petrol TSi model.
She likes the idea of the wagon over a small SUV as it appears to have more room but we are are struggling to find any real reviews on the car.
She currently drives a Mitsubishi ASX which she thinks is loud, rattly and very plastic/basic inside.
She Is keen to get something with a bit more room, quieter and a more upmarket interior.
She did drive a Mazda CX-5 which was her first option, but thought that was a little too big for her.
Price range to max say $25,000 but would prefer to be more around the $21,000 mark.
Marie
Q: She is absolutely right about the Mitsubishi. Not a good thing. No need for diesel unless she drives more than 30,000km a year. Golf wagon is a fantastic choice, and far better than an SUV with good space but car-like driving and running costs.
Q: I currently have a 2014-15 Kia Optima Platinum and love this car.
I am looking to update to a newer car and have been looking at the Kia Stinger but want to keep it around $55,000.
I’m hesitating as it is a lot of money and was wondering what you thought of them or could you advise me of another type of vehicle to look at around that range.
Dianne R
A: The Stinger is a ripper thing. You don’t need to get the V6 turbo engine to have fun, although it definitely helps. It gets The Tick from me, every time.
Q: We are looking to purchase a new 4×4 pick-up utility, being a dual-cabin Mitsubishi Triton GSR, Ford Ranger Raptor or a Ram 1500.
We will use it for travelling around Australia, when we can, but not towing.
Which would you recommend as it is very confusing?
Patricia Q
A: Why a ute to drive around Australia? They ride like trucks, are no fun to drive, and can be heavy on fuel. The RAM is absolutely huge, the Raptor is intended for off-road fun in the dunes, the Triton is old and not good. If you insist on a ute, do comparison drives with the latest Isuzu D-Max and the Ford Ranger, and pick the one you like. I would buy a large SUV, like a Hyundai Santa Fe or the good looking new Kia Sorento, and enjoy the drive.
Q: I am writing to you for some advice on what farm vehicle you recommend is suitable for me.
I have a farm in a hilly, rocky, boggy, wet, dry, wombat hole, hazardous environment situated in far-east Victoria.
I’m up to my fifth secondhand vehicle – Toyota HiLux and LandCruiser, Ford ranger, Courier, Ranger, Courier – in 10 years and am still wondering what is best for me if I was to buy something new.
So if you can I’d be grateful to get your advice on this.
And also I’ve recently snapped the chassis on the Ranger after surviving the fires.
Hugh P
A: In the ‘old’ days I would have said a Lada Niva or Land Rover 90, both indestructible. Not sure how you snap the chassis on a Ranger, as they are unibody and not body-over-frame. In any case, if you want a pure work ute then get a Isuzu D-Max, or if you want more of a comfy SUV-style vehicle then a Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Q: Not being car people we need some advice-recommendation for our age group, just 80, about trading-in our 2008 Honda Accord Euro.
Something good, either new or secondhand, slightly smaller and easier to park.
Would you recommend sedan or small SUV and which model or make?
We do still go away, when allowed, so need something reliable and comfortable.
Geoff and Kay T
A: I would definitely recommend a baby SUV, for easy access. Suzuki Swift is a good little city runabout but it’s a small hatch so my choice would be a Hyundai Venue, also small but an SUV-style vehicle and the best car and best value in the baby class.
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