By Paul Gover.
Q: I have a 2016 Toyota LandCruiser Sahara with 100,000 kilometres on the clock.
I need a 4×4 as we’re active campers with a light camper trailer and we’re a family of five.
Given the current market, I am wondering if I should sell it now while they’re fetching such good money and buy something like the Toyota Prado, or similar, which will come with a new-car warranty.
The LC200 is obviously bullet-proof and will truck on for years to come so the option is to not get caught up in the hype and just keep it, but I’m also worried that used car prices will fall of a cliff soon.
Peter C
A: Prices for secondhand ‘Cruisers should stay strong until after the arrival of the 300-Series, which Toyota Australia refuses to discuss but will be sometime later this year. Remember that the Prado is part of the LandCruiser family so it’s not going to be a bargain and you’re still likely to face a waiting list.
Q: What is the best way to sell our 200-Series LandCruiser.
It’s in excellent condition, leather seats, sunroof, tow bar and bull-bar with 210,000 kilometres.
We’ve owned it since new and regularly serviced, but have had it advertised on Gumtree and Facebook but only one enquiry.
What are we doing wrong?
Jo R
A: You should have come to Carsales in the first place. It’s the biggest marketplace in Australia and the one-stop shop for people chasing a ‘Cruiser.
Q: I hope this is not weird but I was hoping to ask about car valuations as I’m considering selling my Holden Commodore V8 to a mate’s dad.
The values from Carsguide and Red Book differ pretty significantly from how much they are are on Carsales.
Nick H
A: Always go with our Carsales valuations. They are much more ‘real world’ and up-to-date. Commodore V8s are hot at the moment and values are changing quickly.
Q: My husband and I, with our 1.5-year-old, are looking for a slightly bigger car than our current 2002 Toyota Corolla.
We were hoping for something just a little longer, like a wagon, but they don’t seem to exist according to dealers.
Everything is higher in SUV-style cars. But what is the reason for cars being higher? Do you think it is simple fashion?
If you have any suggestions for makes and models that would be great.
Jacqui S
A: What rubbish you’ve been fed. There are lots of great wagons around, but the whole world is in love with SUVs because people think they are safer, or bigger, or because they are older people who don’t want to bend down to get into a car. Get to a Skoda dealership and test drive a Octavia wagon. It’s brilliant, well priced, and from the VW group so no dramas.
Q: I am very keen on the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC 300.
I currently drive a 2017-model X3 diesel and looking at a new car this year.
Which would you recommend?
Sula T
A: The X3, by a fairly big margin. When the new model came out in 2019 it jumped to the top of the class and is still there.
Q: I heard that the Mercedes-Benz ute is a high-end Nissan Navara with Benz badging and I wondered if a similar thing is true for the new GLA models.
I just bought a GLA 200 and love it but it looks worryingly similar to one of the Nissan models.
I’m hoping that is mere coincidence, so please put my mind at rest.
Simon N
A: The GLA has zero connection to Nissan. But lots of SUVs look similar. The X-Class was a one-off experiment that failed and will not be repeated.
Q: Can you recommend a car as I drive 700 kilometres a week.
Not a small car as I currently drive an old Commodore.
Annie D
A: Get a Toyota Camry. It’s a good size, bulletproof and cheaper to run than the Commodore, and will be comfy for lots of travel.
Q: I would appreciate your advice on a replacement for a 2016 Hyundai Tucson Highlander which is now too big for our needs.
My wife and I like the high seat position of SUVs so have listed Skoda Kamiq, Ford Puma, Kia Seltos and a Yaris Cross options to test drive.
Budget is up to $40,000 and we live down on the Mornington peninsula and drive up to Melbourne quit often.
Greg M
A: From your list I would go with the Kamiq, which is a ripper little thing and good value.
Q: I own a Mercedes Benz GLC 43 and, as you’d be well aware, this vehicle has a known issue, known as ‘crabbing’ with the front tyres.
I have raised this issue with the service team at my local Mercedes Benz dealership, however they have disregarded the issue and been completely unhelpful.
I am of the understanding that this crabbing issue can actually be fixed, with parts and labor cost approximately $6000.
Are you able to provide some advice on what my next steps should be?
John H
A: Benz refuses to acknowledge any problem, although it will point you to ‘less grippy’ tyres to minimise the effect. From what I understand, and I’ve talked to non-Benz engineers, the front suspension problem is geometry set for high-speed stability in Europe and the choice of sticky tyres on cars like the AMG models. But there is no plan to change and it affects lots of models – as I know from test driving – through the SUV range.
Q: What do you prefer out of new petrol Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage?
I’m not towing anything.
Larry B
A: It’s the same car under the skin, as Hyundai owns Kia. The differences are the styling, slight changes in local suspension tuning, and the value package, with more people leaning toward the Kia because of its price and warranty.
If you have a question for the Car Doctor, send an email to [email protected]
