By Paul Gover.
Q: I have a 2004 Mercedes Benz SL 350 convertible and I’m wondering if I should sell it.
The reason is that I’m planning on a trip around Australia and, although I love the SL, it’s impractical for what we want to do.
Will the SL increase in value any time soon, or am I selling a gem?
Michael B
A: No-one can predict future values, but SLs have been collectibles for decades. If you still love it, then keep it. Otherwise, you will get a wonderful trip with the proceeds.
Q: I have a spotless 2013 Holden Commodore SS-V wagon.
If you put new tyres on it you would think it was just off the assembly line
It’s been serviced every 5000 kilometres, overkill maybe, but cheap insurance, and is stock-standard apart from electric brakes.
Question is – sell or keep?
Love the car but cash is king.
Damian M
A: Will you miss it when it’s gone, and what would you spend the cash on buying? Prices are getting very high for cars like yours, but also think of the people who sold a classic Holden Torana XU-1 or Ford Falcon GTHO and now regret it. Cars are not always about the cash.
Q: I have a 2017 Holden Magnum Ute V8, the last of the series and one of 250.
I’ve been driving it as a daily and travelled 52,000 kilometres.
Prices seem to vary from $100,000 for vehicles with high kilometres $200,000 for zero kilometres.
My dilemma is should I stop driving it and keep it long-term or sell it?
Sam R
A: Lots of people are obviously facing the same dilemma. The kilometres are low, so perhaps keep it as a social car for the right days and occasions. No-one will be building anything like your ute in the future.
Q: I have been told you think old Fords are rubbish cars compared to modern cars because they don’t have power windows or air conditioning.
I wanted to tell you that I own a Valiant Charger and absolutely love and enjoying driving it. I love her more than my husband, ha-hah.
It doesn’t have power steering nor the mod cons of a modern car, which adds to the appeal of the car.
I enjoy driving my Charger more than my everyday car as it feels like I am driving a car.
It puts a smile on my face each time I drive it and take it to car shows.
Valiants were not appreciated back in the day but are now quite sought-after.
Elise E
A: All old cars, not just Fords or Valiants, suffer when compared to modern ones. You should try a 1967 Beetle. Nothing from the sixties or seventies has the safety, or comfort, or reliability of a modern transport module. But they have the personality that is missing from the vast majority of new cars and they force you to drive. You are right to cherish your Charger, as it’s an Aussie classic.
Q: Just wondering if you could tell me if you think that a 2002 Toyota Corolla Ascent four-door manual five-speed hatch will be worth anything in the coming years?
I have owned the car since it was brand new and it is in very good condition.
Just wondering whether I should hold onto it or not?
Joanne A
A: It’s not a collectible, and it’s not remotely as safe as a modern car, so it’s probably time for it to go. But it will probably feel like selling a member of the family.
Q: I’m looking for a good first car for my kids, a boy and a girl, who will be turning 18 in November.
The brother of one of their friends was killed recently in a car accident (not driving his own car) and so we are feeling anxious about making sure they are driving something safe, as well as reliable and reasonably economical to run.
The cars on our list are the Mazda3, Mazda CX-3 and Volkswagen T-Cross and I was wondering if you would recommend any of these over the others,
We will likely need to buy second hand, with a budget of around $15- 25,000.
My son is quite keen on getting a BMW or Porsche from the early 2000s as he can see them cheaply, but Is it safe to say these won’t have modern safety features (or be cheap to run or reliable?!).
Pip M
A: With that budget and your needs, the Mazda3 is the obvious choice. But also look at the Hyundai i30, which is a close competitor with better value. A BMW or Porsche would be a mistake in every way, from safety to maintenance costs. Since the biggest danger is in the first years of driving, the time to get a sports car is long after the mistakes and mishaps that come at the beginning.
Q: I would very much appreciate your advice and opinion about purchasing a secondhand car or ex demo.
I currently own a 2009 Renault Grand Scenic and it’s started to play up.
What is your opinion on the Mitsubishi ASX? Or can you recommend another similar-sized vehicle?
Matilda S
A: The ASX would not be my first or second choice. Instead, look at a Hyundai Tucson or, my preference, a Kia Sportage.
Q: My daughter rives a Mazda2, however it works very hard on her daily drive up and down the Calder Freeway from Melbourne to Central Victoria.
We have been looking for a new vehicle with her, considering the Mazda CX-3 Touring or the Hyundai Kona Active.
What would be the best of this range of vehicles, around this price to consider taking everything into account from delivery time to warranty to finance.
My main thoughts are the best safety features in the range for the cost, more so than whether it has leather heated seats or not.
Michael T
A: The Kona is a better choice than the smaller CX-3, but also look at the Kia Seltos. It’s a twin to the Kona but comes with a longer warranty and you might also get a better deal.
If you have a question for the Car Doctor, send an email to [email protected]
