By Paul Gover.
Q: I’m finding the seven-year warranty on Kia cars confusing as I look to update my present car.
It sounds very good but when you actually look in more detail is very misleading to me.
Does the seven-year warranty apply to the whole car fully and with unlimited kilometres.
Albert
A: Kia has a standard warranty, yes for seven years and for unlimited kilometres. But, like every new-car warranty, there are exclusions for what are called ‘wear-and-tear’ items including tyres, brakes and clutch which are affected by the way the vehicle is driven. There can also be shorter periods for batteries, and there will likely be charges if you need updates to systems like the satellite navigation.
Q: Is there an off-road vehicle that runs on petrol that can tow a caravan weighing 2750 kilograms?
We currently have a Mitsubishi MQ Triton GLS 2016 diesel but, after hearing recent comments my wife is a bit concerned with the possible diesel problems.
We have a Kia Cerato as a run-around car but it’s an added cost we could do without.
Ian C
A: The Nissan Patrol will do the job, but be warned that its petrol V8 engine can be thirsty.
Q: My 30-year-old daughter has a Holden Barina about five years old and has taken a liking to a Holden Trax.
She wants something a bit bigger than the Barina, money is a consideration, and with Holden struggling there may be some bargains to be made.
Peter L
A: The Trax is nothing special, the latest Hyundai Venue is a far better vehicle and ticks your other boxes. Buying a cheap Holden now will rebound on you at resale or trade-in time.
Q: In 2014 I purchased a Holden Commodore VF Storm Sportswagon six cylinder and I’m wondering what sort of kilometres I can expect to get before I change to another Holden.
My current odometer reading is 101,000 and its going very well at the moment due to me getting it serviced quite regularly every 10,000 kilometres.
I am always prepared to pay approximately $40,000 for a new car every 5-10 years or so.
Ian Gainey
A: You will probably get 200,000 without major dramas. But I would avoid a new Holden next time as the brand is really struggling and the latest Commodore, a re-badged Opel, might even be dead by your next change-over date.
Q: I would like to buy my adult son, who is tall at about 200 centimetres a secondhand car soon.
He loves his current car, an old Holden Calais which is coming to its end of life.
What similar car do you suggest for around $15,000? Is the Calais still around for about that price?
Bill H
A: Get what he likes and you should find something to suit in a Commodore with that budget.
Q: We are a family of five looking at spending $45-45,000 on a new or second-hand car.
It has to tow 2-3 tonnes and it doesn’t mater if petrol or diesel.
I was looking at a 2017 TRD Toyota Hilux which has only done 35,000 kilometres.
Robert J
A: All those four-door utes will be a horrible family car, with a cramped cabin for five people and a rough ride. You would be far better to look at something like a Mitsubishi Pajero.
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