By Paul Gover.
Q: I purchased a used Volkswagen Polo from a large dealer in Brisbane and its tyres were some no-named Chinese brands which, when driving in the rain, lost traction and slid at a number of locations.
I have also changed the tyres as I didn’t feel safe, especially with the family in the car.
I contacted the salesperson followed by the dealership a week later but, to date, I have had no correspondence from either.
What rights do I have as a consumer? And what responsibility does the dealership have in addressing customer concerns relating to the tyres?
Anthony S
A: This is a difficult one. The law requires the dealer to supply a vehicle in a roadworthy condition and that means, in the case of the tyres, that they have enough tread and that they are of the correct load and speed rating. Alas, it does prescribe the quality of the tyres in terms of their grip level or durability. You could perhaps argue they were not fit for purpose. If you do not hear back from the sales person then direct your enquiry to the dealer principal.
Q: I have purchased a new Subaru Outback Touring model but, before deciding on this one, I was looking at the Sport model because of the black wheels that come standard on it. Very sexy.
Anyway, I asked if I could get the black wheels instead of the chrome wheels they said it would cost $3000 to change it over.
So, when they build a car why don’t they have a room with chrome wheels and another with black wheel and just add the ones the customer wants?
I mean, after all, you need to still put wheels on it, don’t you? Maybe you could explain to me why a business like Subaru would charge you more for putting black wheels in a higher value car from a lower model. It doesn’t make sense to me.
Jennifer W
A: Carmakers have decided that black wheels are sporty and chrome wheels are luxury, and most buyers agree. The dealer should have no trouble getting a Sport buyer to swap into your wheels, provided they have not done much distance on the tyres, providing an upgrade for the other buyer and the wheels you want. Ask them, and push. You could even advertise a straight swap yourself.
Q: We have recently just signed up for a 2021 Hyundai Pallisade.
We would like a towbar, and the salesman has said if we get the tow bar as part of the deal there is a lifetime warranty.
However we do not want to put that much extra onto the final sales figure.
So the salesman said that if we get the towbar fitted later it will only have a 12 month warranty!
Is this correct? What can go wrong with a tow bar?
Regards
Ian and Karlene W
A: Hyundai says it’s about aligning the warranty with its 5-year coverage from purchase, instead of treating it as an accessory with a one-year coverage. But it makes no sense at all. What about paying cash for the towbar at the time of delivery so it is not part of your finance package?
Q: I’m writing to you on behalf of my father, who is 81 and owns a 2015 VF Holden Commodore SS-V Redline wagon.
He has owned this car since new and absolutely loves it, it only has 55,000 kilometres and it was due for its yearly service at the dealership, where he has taken it since new as he believes in loyalty to the brand and has never had a service cost over $300.
However, today he was taken by surprise when the service department wanted him to pay $650 up-front. My father questioned the situation and as told that’s the price and that’s it.
He didn’t have his car serviced and I’m hoping you can give me some advice on this.
Frank P
A: Holden says this is definitely not company policy and is investigating the situation.
Q: I was going to look at a 2012 Audi Q5 TDI that has done 28,000 kilometres
With the low mileage for a diesel is this a good thing or bad thing?
Kate R
A: That is a tiny mileage for a diesel engine so it should be no drama. But remember the car is still nine years old, so ensure it has a full service record at the right times and distances. I would also get a pre-purchase inspection from a motor club, like the RACV.
Q: I’m looking at a new Subaru Outback and I have a Jayco Swan caravan that weighs around 1200 to 1500 kilos with electric brakes.
Would it be ok for towing?
Matt C
A: The new Outback is impressive, much more modern in the cabin with a Tesla-style central display and still a good drive. Put the Swan over a weigh-bridge for an exact number when fully loaded, and check that against the office 2-tonne tow rating for the Outback. If it’s as light as you say it should be fine, and a great drive when you’re not towing.
Q: We are in the market for a large family SUV which can tow my boat which weighs in around 1600 kilos.
Budget is around $75,000 and I love the Mazda CX-9 but I think it will tow enough.
So I’m looking at everything from the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace to the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Anthony M
A: If you want a seven-seater then it’s an easy choice – either Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe. They are new models in both cases, since they are twins from the same umbrella company, and have your towing capacity. Go for the one that gives you the best deal, but I would lean to Sorento for a longer warranty.
Q: Can you please suggest a mid-size SUV for around $40,000 for a 23-year-old woman who is wanting all the technology available and a sporty look.
I’ll just be using it around the suburbs and the occasional road trip and wanting it to last through a few life stages.
I’ve looked at the Mazda CX-5 and a friend has the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Many thanks.
Di F
A: The CX-5 and Tiguan are both very good, but at the premium end of the business with a price to match. If you’re chasing a good-value long-termer then perhaps best to go with the Kia Sportage for the seven-year warranty. Drive all three to compare before you commit.
Q: We have a 2011 Jeep Cherokee that has done 120,000 kilometres but now the wife has decided she wants a sedan because we aren’t towing anything.
She likes the BMW 3 Series but I’m not sure.
Looking to spend around $50 to $60,000 on a secondhand or demo that has low kilometres.
Jason K
A: A BMW sedan will be way, way better than a Cherokee of that age as a daily driver. The 3 Series has become the class leader since 2019, but if you’re buying older than that then go for the Benz C-Class.
Q: Wanting your advice on a Peugeot 3008 GT SUV.
I am a sales representative and have had three Subaru Outbacks over the last nine years and would like a change.
I do approximately 40,000 kilometres a year.
Joe
A: There is nothing wrong with the 3008, but if you only want a change then go to a Skoda showroom. It’s a better brand in Australia, and they have some ripper SUVs at good prices but you might be really surprised by an Octavia or Superb wagon..
If you have a question for the Car Doctor, send an email to [email protected]
