By Paul Gover.
Q: Can give your recommendations for a small SVU?
We really want to put our bum on a seat soon.
The ones that appeal to us are the Mazda CX-3, Kia Seltos or the Hyundai Kona.
If you can give us your thoughts on them or something else, it would be great.
We are in our sixties, so not considering kids or the like, it’s just that we want something with a bit more room than our current Mazda3.
Charlie & Miriam Z
A: The CX-3 is tiny, over-priced and very old. It’s based on the Mazda2, not the Mazda3 as you would expect. Kona and Seltos are the same under the skin as Hyundai-Kia is one company, so go for the one you prefer on design and pricing.
Q: I have a 1989 Ford Maverick which has done 415,000 kilometres.
I am thinking about updating to a 1-2 year-old Toyota LandCruiser Safari or a Jeep Trackhawk.
We do a bit of towing.
Keith F
A: Definitely a ‘Cruiser. They are the gold standard, especially for long distances and towing. The Jeep is, well, still a potential source of trouble and the Trackhawk is all about going fast and making a lot of V8 engine noise.
Q: I have a Nissan Pulsar that was given to me and I would like to update it.
I am looking at a Jeep Wrangler or Mini Coupe, but I am told they are poorly made.
This is a second car that is driven on weekends only and my daughter is about to get a licence.
I kind of don’t have a budget but can spend $20-24,000 but would like your thoughts as I don’t want to see something depreciate at about $500 per km for something that is not driven too much.
My daughter will use the car and she is considering whatever appeals to her that I pay for.
I have a Q3 Audi which my wife drives and children have suggested an A2. Any thoughts, as I understand there are good deals around at the moment?
I like second hand cars as it’s a great deflationary or wealth destroying strategy to buy a new car.
Tim R
A: The Wrangler is plain awful unless you do a LOT of off-road work. A Mini is lots of fun, and the later ones are fine for quality. The Audi A2 is another waste of time; over-priced and not that good. Personally, I would go for a Mini. And the daughter will love it.
Q: I have a 2011 KXR 7-seater Toyota Kluger I need to upgrade.
I have been offered a 2019 version but wonder if a 2020-2021 version is worth waiting for.
Also I prefer six-cylinder petrol power as it’s comfortable to drive long distances. I am retired and want to travel.
Is there a better option at around $40-50,000, and I do not want the indicator on the wrong side.
One issue is I am 6ft 2in tall with a crook back so I need a car to easily get into.
Trevor M
A: To be brutally honest, the Kluger is nowhere near the class leader these days. Forget Toyota and go straight to the latest Kia Sorento; it’s a belter and a solid contender for Car of the Year in 2020. It only comes with a diesel, but that is fine with great pulling power and excellent economy on those upcoming trips.
Q: I want your opinion between a 2019 Toyota RAV4 and 2019 Subaru XV and Mazda CX-55 2019
It’s for everyday driving, so which one rates better?
Joao P
A: For everyday use, for a family, the CX-5 is best. But it’s not cheap and it’s big, but it is better than the superseded RAV and the XV is mightily under-powered.
Q: We currently drive a 2010 Toyota Prado Kakadu and tow an off-road caravan, just under maximum weight.
Thinking of buying a LandCruiser VX or Sahara.
Not sure if we can afford a new one , so what year would you suggest and are there any other vehicles you would suggest we look at?
Jake
A: Perhaps surprisingly, you should look at the Nissan Patrol. It’s only a petrol V8, but it’s been hugely reduced on pricing and a very good device. I would recommend a test drive, for sure. But, of course, any of the 200 Series ‘cruisers will do the job for you.
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