By Paul Gover.
Q: It’s been a long time since I have bought a new car as our previous car was a 2003 Holden Commodore and recently was laid to rest.
Now on the hunt and the way we are approaching this is if I see something I like I investigate.
I love the thought of a small SUV but a hatch is OK too, looking to pay $25,000 – $28,000 (everything is negotiable).
Since the first time I saw the commercial of the Volkswagen T-Cross I fell in love, I have driven it and like it a lot.
I have driven the Hyundai i35 Hatch Active which is quite a nice car and for its model it offers a lot and I like it too.
I also drove the Mazda Sports Maxx and I was taken with it but now not sure, I think it doesn’t present as a $30,000 car and it sounded a little tinny.
Also loving the look of the Ford Puma but haven’t driven it yet, what are your thoughts?
Anastasia A
A: If you love the T-Cross and it fits your budget, there is no reason – apart from finding one with delays on new arrivals and high prices for near-new cars – not to push ahead. The Puma is fun and combines SUV with baby hatch looks and driving feel, and worth a test drive before you commit to the Volkswagen.
Q: What are your thoughts on the LDV G10 Executive people mover fully-optioned, for a family of five with three children under 10?
We’re looking for a people mover as boot space is required and we sometimes take next-door kids to sport and school.
The budget is $40,000, so looking at the G10 fully-optioned for $37,000 or a secondhand 2019 petrol Kia Carnival around $38,000 or a 2016 diesel for $38,000.
We will occasionally do large country trips but most is around town and the wife wants practicability and likes the auto door and boot features of the LDV as she always has hands full.
Mark B
A: If your budget is tight then the LDV will do the job and has some nice trinkets as well as a long warranty. It’s not the same quality or driving experience as the Kia but, most importantly, it only comes with a 3-star ANCAP safety rating and the Carnival gets 5 stars.
Q: I am after some advice in regards to small SUVs.
The car would be for my wife who wants everything for safety as well as self-parking etc.
I have looked at Mitsubishi, Hyundai and Kia at this stage, but have not test driven due to Covid.
I am prepared to spend $50-60,000.
Michael C
A: If you’re looking for something good, not just with a long warranty, then Kia and Hyundai make some very classy SUVs and their latest Tucson and Sportage – mechanical twins – are the first stop for a test drive, and likely the best choice.
Q: I recently had an oil leak spring up from the gasket between the front differential and the housing on my Toyota LandCruiser.
I took it in to the local dealership to be fixed during a scheduled service but, when I collected the vehicle, there was oil still pooling on the pavement.
I was told that there is an issue with the diff housing and Toyota had been contacted to provide assistance.
It turns out that I am to pay half of the housing cost and all of the labour required to complete the task.
Is this correct or, if there is an issue with the design, shouldn’t Toyota be responsible for the entire job?
Best regards Chris C
A: If the differential has a manufacturing fault, which you would need to prove as I’ve never heard of this problem in the past, then Toyota Australia should be paying. But if the vehicle is outside the warranty period, and it is a wear-and-tear problem, then you have been offered a fairly standard support package.
Q: I’m in the market for a medium-sized car to accomodate a dog in the back and tall teenage son soon to sot his his L plates.
I’m looking to spend around $50-$80,000.
Any recommendations?
Paula M
A: Look first at the Skoda Octavia, which is an excellent car that will tick your boxes. It’s refined and great value, and Skoda is part of the Volkswagen Group but under-appreciated in Australia. You don’t need to spend big on an Audi or BMW badge to get a properly classy new car.
Q: I am considering buying a BMW X6, I was just wondering what your thoughts are on them in terms of reliability and things to watch out for.
Looking at somewhere between 2010-2013 with 150,000 kilometres.
Nothing serious in terms of what driving I do, with two children in seats, no off-road, potentially towing a small caravan at some point.
James P
A: The X6 is an X5 for people who want a bit more style, and has been a solid seller despite initial resistance to an SUV coupe. There have been no bad reports, just as the X5 is highly rated by owners.
Q: I found a very nice looking 2017 Hyundai Tucson Active X manual from a private seller.
Asking price is $26,000, but it’s done 106,200 kilometres and my wife is concerned that it’s too much.
I reckon it sounds fine and we wouldn’t be keeping up those sorts of kays as new owners.
James M
A: That seems a bit steep for the age and kilometres, so go to www.carsales.com.au and compare with similar vehicles that are listed. Generally speaking, 106,000 is not horrible, but it also needs to have a full factory service history at Hyundai dealerships.
Q: I currently drive a 2015 Mitsubishi ASX and would like to upgrade to either a:
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross – Aspire, or
Kia Santos – Sports plus
Can you provide me with your opinion as to which way I should go, and what price
I should be prepared to pay.
I definitely want a GPS (Sat Nav) incorporated. From my research the only Mitsubishi which has a Sat Nav included is the Exceed.
Geoff C
A: Kia Seltos every time. The ASX is affordable and has a long warranty, but the Kia is a significantly newer and better car.
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