By Paul Gover.
Q: My wife’s Mitsubishi Lancer will be 11 years old soon with 42,000 on the clock.
Normally we have it serviced annually, but it has done less than 4000 since the last service and the oil looks brand-new.
I was thinking about servicing it every 10,000 to reduce our motoring costs as we are now retired.
We now only have one car so the Lancer will be doing more kilometres annually than in the past.
Allan C
A: All servicing is recommended on the basis of time/kilometres and many things deteriorate even if the car is just sitting. It’s rubber seals and hoses, brake fluid and more. How the oil looks is definitely note the way to be judging things. Remember that regular servicing can also be insurance against future major dramas.
Q: I have a 2015 Hyundai i 40 Sedan Petrol 90,000 k
Like To know if I’m looking at huge repair bills in the future.Very happy with car or should i move on.Serviced at Hyundai just out of warranty.
John B
A: There are no guarantees about anything in the car world, but Hyundai has a great reputation for reliability. Just ensure you keep up with the factory servicing requirements.
Q: I purchased a Kia Sorento GT in January and was informed that delivery would be in April.
Then June and then August.
I now have been informed that the Kia Sorento GT manufacture date is unknown, however the Kia Sorento petrol is the only one to go into manufacture in late August 2021.
I cannot understand why Kia Australia and car commentators keep advising the public to purchase a car that is not available until who knows when.
I am extremely frustrated as the Kia Sorento GT is a great SUV and nobody will tell me when we will receive it.
Trevor B
A: It’s not just Kia. Most popular models are on back-order at the moment and Toyota is among the worst, particularly for the upcoming 300-Series LandCruiser. Our job is to recommend the best cars, not just something that is cheap or easy, and the Sorento is currently best in class and worth a wait.
Q: I’m thinking of buying either a Subaru XV or an Audi Q3.
I am leaning towards the Subaru but wanting your thoughts please.
Gail H
A: The XV is a very good choice and far better value than a Q3.
Q: What do you think of the Kia Seltos?
Thinking of the Sports Plus model with the 2-litre engine, or is the 1.6 turbo a better option despite its extra $4000 price tag?
David S
A: Only go for the turbo if you are a keen driver, although the turbo does come with all-wheel drive – which is one reason for the extra cost – would be better if you intend to go on dirt roads or travel to the snowfields.
Q: For medium towing capability, drive comfort, fuel efficiency and service costs, I’m looking at two 2016 models.
They are a Volkswagen Touareg or Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Which would you suggest?
Lindsay B
A: The Grand Cherokee is far better than its reputation in Australia, which was tainted by poor customer service under previous management. Depending on pricing, and if you’re doing a lot of towing, it would be the one.
Q: My son is looking at either a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta or a Mazda3 SP25.
Paul M
A: Definitely the Mazda3 in cars from that time. From memory, the SP25 was a really fun drive back then.
Q: I’ve been hearing about low-profile tyres and their effects on ride comfort.
I have many spinal issues for some time now and when I ride in vehicles such as four-wheel drives with harder suspension my spinal pain is worse.
I drive a Holden Calais V 2017 sedan and also a Calais V wagon and was wondering if I could change the tyres for a softer ride without upsetting the cars’ performance and safety.
I’m not sure I should tamper but I have often driven a Toyota Camry and the ride seems much softer to me
Victor H
A: There is huge variation in tyres, even for V-model Commodores with sports suspension. You could look at something like the Michelin Primacy 4, which provides plenty of grip with comfort and less road noise. Or you could switch to a Camry.
If you have a question for the Car Doctor, send an email to [email protected]
