By Paul Gover.
Q: My wife has a Mercedes-Benz C200, but it is time to move it on with 240,000 kilometres.
We have just built a new home, with solar on the roof and a Tesla battery, and are producing a lot of excess power which goes to the grid at 6 cents/kiloWatt hour.
We would like to invest in a Tesla or maybe Mercedes EQ A or EQ C and will install a charger in our garage.
Could you please provide a comment on which may be the best to buy?
Daryl and Vera B
A: Get a Tesla Model 3. It’s most like your C200, relatively affordable and won the Carsales contest for electric cars (https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/best-electric-car-2021-131864/). The Benzes are coming, but not cheap and Mercedes is focussed on SUVs.
Q: I am looking to buy a second hand medium SUV, nothing later than 2018 with a budget up to $40,000.
I live in country Victoria and often drive to the city.
I really want good connectivity with my iPhone and I like sitting up with good visibility.
Budget would be up to $40, 000.
Leonie K
A: That’s a decent budget if you steer clear of prestige brands like BMW. You are spoiled for choice and a test drive will be essential to set your preferences, but the Subaru Forester is very car-like and refined, while the Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson would all fall into that area and are all popular and decent choices. The Mazda CX-5 is another vehicle that would be worth looking at.
Q: I’m thinking about a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4×4 turbodiesel
Wanting your opinion on a low-kilometres car, say 2017 model, for towing a 20-foot dual-axle van.
I’m not wanting to flog it in four-wheel driving, but maybe go driving only on beaches and the occasional rough road.
Ian P
A: Jeep got a very bad rap for a time, mostly because of poor back-up from headquarters and de-motivated dealers. But things have changed and the Grand Cherokee has always been a good thing, so if the price is right then it should be a good choice.
Q: We’re a family of five with three kids and we’re contemplating getting something, not so much for towing, but with a utility on the back to do odd tasks here and there.
I’m thinking tip runs from gardening, luggage transport etc. etc.
We currently have a VW Touareg which we love, so what is the best balance between luxury and utility out the VW Amarok, Ford Ranger Raptor, and Toyota HiLux ?
James P
A: Compared to your Touareg, there is no luxury in any of those pick-ups. They are small trucks, dressed up, so the basics come from hauling not cruising. Why not keep the Touareg, or get the excellent latest model, then go old-school with a tow-bar and a trailer. If you insist, the Amarok is the most car-like, or should that be least truck-like.
Q: I have just turned 75 years and drive a 2007 Holden Berlina that has served us well over nearly 200,000 kilometres but now needs replacement.
My ideal next car, which may be my last, would be a 2022 Holden Calais but that now seems to be unavailable.
Have you a recommendation for a vehicle that would serve as a suitable alternative?
Tony C
A: You should look very closely at the Kia Stinger, which is similar in size and style to the now-dead Calais. You don’t even need the turbocharged V6 engine to get the classy feel and driving comfort you crave.
Q: A quick recommendation please between the 2022 Kia Sportage and the 2021 Hyundai Tucson.
The Sportage is coming soon and the Tucson is available in stock.
I’m downsizing from a 2014 Kia Sorento.
Gabby R
A: If you can get a Hyundai then grab it, because there are giant waiting lists for everything at Kia and people have already pre-booked for the new Sportage.
Q: We have a 2007 Subaru Outback which has been a dream but we are handing it to our 20-year-old son sometime this year.
We’re ready for a smaller car now and given our good experience with the Subaru wonder about the Impreza hatch.
My son suggests the VW Golf, so we’re really keen to hear your thoughts of options in that small to mid-size hatch?
Sally C
A: The Impreza is not special, won’t match the classy of the Outback in its day, while the Golf is easily my best in the class, not cheap but worth the money. Second place for me is the Mazda3.
Q: I have a 2013 Mazda3 SP25 Astina hatch with 80,000 kms which I bought new and have had it serviced at dealership on time.
I have never had any problems with it, I am the sole driver and rarely have any passengers, so my car is in excellent condition.
I am a lady in my mid 70s and would like something higher and easier get in and out of in coming years.
Clare M
A: It sounds like you need a Kia Stonic, a compact city-focussed SUV that will deliver the same positives as the old Mazda and won’t break the bank.
If you have a question for the Car Doctor, send an email to [email protected]
