By Paul Gover.
Q: I am looking at buying my son a secondhand car.
It will be his first car and he is yet to get his licence.
He is tall at around 195 centimetres and I’m thinking of spending about $15,000
Would you mind giving me your recommendations as to which make and model we should be looking, with safety features being a priority.
Carmela D
A: A late-model Hyundai i30 or Kia Cerato will do the job but it’s important that he has a ’test sit’ to make sure he fits, because even people of the same height have arms and legs that are different lengths. Even more importantly, on the safety front, is to get him straight into a safe driving course with a company like Murcotts Driving Excellence.
Q: My grand-daughter is turning 18 in September and planning on getting a car.
She is wanting to go four-wheel driving a lot and was considering a Nissan Patrol or Toyota LandCruiser.
She wants something that’s big and can fit all her camping gear.
Could you give her some advice about these cars and what’s the best for her?
Grandmother Robyn
A: A brand-new driver should definitely not be getting into a Patrol or LandCruiser. They are big and tough to handle, not to mention heavy on fuel and running costs. She will be surprised how much she can actually fit into something as compact as a Suzuki Grand Vitara, which is very good in camping conditions.
Q: Seeking your advice on a first car for my first of three daughters.
I want secondhand with safety and connectivity as key – to keep their eyes on the road and off phones.
The budget is in the $10-20,000 range and I love Kia for the service periods, but have also heard good things about Hyundai, Mazda and Suzuki.
I’m thinking a small hatch or SUV.
Emma M
A: A car will be better for a new driver than an SUV and the Suzuki Swift is great value and should tick all the boxes, with a bit of fun factor for your daughter.
Q: I am reaching out to you for assistance in selection of a small SUV for our daughter.
She has an approximate budget of $23,000 and I’m think secondhand and less than five years old.
We would I like to know which is mechanically most reliable and smooth driving as I purchased a Fiat 500x and love the look of the car but it’s terrible drive so we do not want to make the same mistake for our daughter .
We like the size of the MG ZS but are not sure of the mechanics and engine size. She could afford one, so perhaps your advice on MG particularly,
Wanda D
A: She would be far better in a Kia Seltos, which beats the MG on everything but value, so do a back-to-back comparison test drive.
Q: My daughter has to sell her Range Rover Sport HSE Dynamic 2019 MY20 after a marriage break-up.
Even though she knows it’s a luxury most cannot afford, she is devastated as it’s almost the only thing from her marriage/previous life that hasn’t yet been taken away from her.
But it has to be sold as she can’t afford to keep it on her own.
Wondering what brand of used vehicle, spending about $100,000 might give her a similar sense of comfort, and similar technologies, as her Range Rover.
Louise
A: The obvious answer is the Range Rover Evoque, from the same brand but in a smaller size with a smaller price tag.
Q: Our daughter, a single mum, has two children aged 11 and 9.
They live in Queensland and she is researching replacing her vehicle.
She is looking to spend between $50,000 and $60,000 dollars and plans to use it for camping, trips to the tip, etc.
Any suggestions you could make would be appreciated.
Elaine M
A: The first suggestion is to avoid a dual-cab ute, no matter how practical they first look. There are many SUVs in her price range that will work handily for a small family, perhaps a Kia Sportage is she spends most time around home or a Suzuki Grand Vitara if she wants to go seriously into the bush but have a nice daily driver.
Q: My 39-year-old daughter, a single mum with an 8-year-old son, has out-grown her 2009 Golf and is looking to move up to a slightly larger new vehicle.
She prefers a station wagon and her budget will stretch to $35,000 at a pinch.
Today we test drove a Skoda Octavia and we were both impressed. Unfortunately the local dealer has no stock as they are waiting on an upgrade due to arrive within the next 6-10 weeks.
The pricing will be slightly more than the current $33,000 drive-away price but should still make the sub-$35,000 so she is prepared to wait.
I know you’re a big fan of the Skoda range but, as she has a few months to wait, what else to you recommend she looks at as wagons in this price range are few and far between it seems.
John P
A: Wait. That’s the best answer, as the Octavia is a rare gem and the update should be even better.
Q: In the past you advised us on a Mazda CX-9 for my family of six.
Anyway, four kids are now 19 to 24 and it’s time to update so I’m seeking your thoughts on a 2015-ish BMW X5 3.0L diesel.
We have recently purchased a caravan so need to tow this, but looking for an SUV rather than a large four-wheel drive.
We are in our early 50s and the car will be primarily used as run-around and for towing once a month on short trips.
We will look again at updating on retirement (60+).
We have also given thought to a similar year Volvo XC90 or Jaguar F Pace.
Michael P
A: The XC60 is best for you, and you will be surprised by the all-round quality, space and comfortable drive. The X3 is good but has a more sporty focus, while the F Pace is best left alone.
Q: I’m looking to update my 7-year-old Mitsubishi ASX and my husband says just get another ASX because of the 10-year capped service and guarantee.
I am 69 years old and fancy a Subaru XV because of its rugged good looks. I also want something that isn’t too thirsty.
If I go either of these two which model do I choose?
Gayle D
A: Reward yourself with the Subaru, don’t buy just on price. The XV is a nice package, a cut above the ASX in comfort and quality, and good value. Ensure you get an XV with the classy Eyesight safety package.
Q: I am currently driving a 2015 Mitsubishi ASX and am thinking of upgrading it to either a Kia Seltos, possibly the Sports Plus, or a Mitsubishi Exceed.
Geoff C
A: Definitely the Seltos. It is new and very good, also great value, while everything from Mitsubishi is getting old and tired and sells mostly on price.
If you have a question for the Car Doctor, send an email to [email protected]
