By Paul Gover.
Q: I’m currently driving a two-door cab/tray Toyota HiLux and looking to replace it with a full electric vehicle.
Is any manufacturer making this configuration? If so who?
Andrew T
A: Not yet. And there are no confirmed plans in the next five years for any in the popular one-tonner class that leads sales in Australia. There are electric workhorses coming in the USA, like the Tesla Cybertruck, but they are much bigger and similar in size to the Chevrolet Silverado currently available here after a right-hand drive conversion.
Q: Just wanted to ask about the automotive industry in general.
Our son is in Year 10 and loves cars, like all boys at this age, and would love to work for a Formula 1 team ( wouldn’t we all).
He enjoys the behind-the-scenes stuff that happens in F1 teams and what the engineers are looking for to make the cars better.
Australia doesn’t have much of an automotive industry now but do you think this might change?
Do you think the electric vehicle industry would be something where future jobs would be needed in and how can our son find out more about this industry or anything else you think would be a future job prospects in the automotive industry?
We are in Melbourne and he had organised to do work experience at Nissan HQ but our lockdown canceled it so he will try and organise for later in the year.
Tas S
A: You are wrong to think there is nothing happening in the auto industry in Australia, as Ford has more than 1500 people at its Broadmeadows campus and a variety of other companies including Premcar in Melbourne are doing some mighty work. Your son should definitely push ahead with Nissan and make a direct approach to Ford Australia for work experience.
Q: I currently drive a 3-year-old Audi SQ5, which I enjoy driving, but it is nearly time to change over.
Could you please give me some suggestions as to what I should consider, and would a Genesis sedan be a good replacement?
Bob J
A: The Genesis G70 is a ripper sports sedan, drives like a taut BMW sedan and is considerably better value. It gets The Tick from me.
Q: I took your car advice once before and purchased a Subaru Outback 2.5-litre Premium wagon.
It’s been the best car, with no big problems only normal wear-and-tear.
But as I’m now 71-years-old I thought I might buy a new car to enjoy, as I’m sure it will be the last car I buy. That sounds a bit glum, but truthful.
Im happy to buy the latest Outback but, as you gave me great advice last time, I would be appreciative of any ideas.
Merrill H
A: Never consider a car as the last, as 71 is not particularly old in 2021. The Outback is still a great car, but I would recommend downsizing to the Forester. All cars have become bigger over the years so the Forester should be fine for your enjoyment.
Q: It is nearing time to update my beloved 2002 Nissan Maxima SV6, as the duco is fading badly even though it drives well.
I am looking at a mid-size sedan rather than an SUV for $35k-40,000 drive-away.
I have looked at the Skoda Octavia sedan and wagon but a little concerned about the extra cost of RON 95 fuel.
Another alternative is the Toyota Camry Ascent, but when you look to upgrade to the Ascent Sport you have to have a hybrid engine which I am not interested in as we will travel mostly highway kilometres.
Can you offer any suggestions? Additionally, I would like additional tech like blind spot monitoring.
John M
A: Have you test driven the Mazda6? It’s in the same class and very classy, does not require premium unleaded and most of the safety systems are standard across the range.
Q: I don’t own a car but now have a little boy so need to buy.
My top priorities are reliability, visibility, and heads pace. I’d like a heavier car too.
I’m looking to spend $8-12,000 and considering these secondhand cars: Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute, Ford Territory, Mitsubishi Magna wagon, Subaru Liberty wagon or Skoda Octavia wagon
What would you say is the best car to go with?
Phil B
A: The Subaru Liberty is best but don’t expect too much with that budget. If you want a bigger vehicle you cannot go past the Territory.
Q: I am currently the owner of an Audi A3 convertible 2015 which is about to clock 125,000 kilometres and before this I had another A3, again convertible, from 2011-2105.
I am in the market for a new car and am stuck deciding as I would also love a manual transmission.
The choice for other convertibles is small as the A5 is too big and BMW no longer do a smaller convertible.
Changing to SUVs, I have looked at the Audi Q3 and the Volkswagen Tiguan, both with exceptionally large sunroofs to apparently compensate for the convertibles. I’m impressed with both, really, but do I need such a largish car?
I am a single woman with two adult sons, and ageing mother, whom I occasionally drive around and not yet a grandmother!
Back in the 80s was also an Alfa driver with an Alfasud, don’t judge me please, and the Giulia is looking very attractive.
Nadia B
A: It seems you’ve overlooked the Mini convertible. If you want a droptop from a prestige brand, take one for a test drive. It will be bigger than you think, compared to the A3, and there are three models from the basic Cooper through to the John Cooper Works with pricing from $49,005 drive-away.
Q: My husband thinks it is time to replace my dear 2005 Mazda2 Genki hatchback manual, but I am very reluctant.
The Genki has been very reliable with great steering, excellent power, firm seats, a great size for parking, light on fuel etc.
The latest Volkswagen Golf or Polo is a consideration, but I do not feel it can beat my Genki.
What is your opinion? Stay with Genki or go with Volkswagen Golf/Polo?
Germaine V
A: Cars have improved in every area since your Mazda2 was new and you should definitely be looking to update and upgrade. The Golf, although truly excellent, will probably seem quite big after all those years with the Mazda, so take a test drive in the Polo. And also consider how much extra safety now comes standard compared to a car that is 16 years old.
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