By Paul Gover.
Q: I bought a brand-new 2017 Holden Commodore VF SS Series II Black Edition ute when it was released and have been getting servicing done by the Holder dealer where I bought it.
Is the resale value of my ute, if I decide to sell it one day, going to be affected if I continue to get it serviced by Holden?
I can get it serviced for less by getting it serviced elsewhere, but I don’t want to lessen the resale value.
Teemu C
A: Provided the car is serviced ‘by the book’ with Holden factory standard parts there is no impact on the car’s history and, given the way the Holden withdrawal has gone with loss of dealers, there should also be no hit on your resale.
Q: I have had a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4Matic since new and it’s has been regularly serviced at the dealership.
It’s out of warranty, and was last serviced in October 2020.
In the past year I’d have been lucky to do 5000kms.
What is your advice this year?
Michelle S
A: All service recommendations are by time and distance, so typically one year and 20,000 kilometres. Less for some vehicles. You should definitely get an annual service as many items, including brake fluid, deteriorate even if the car is parked. It’s also important to have a complete service history at resale or trade-in time.
Q: I’m in Melbourne and bought a 2017 Kia Sorento Platinum last year with approximately 45,000 kilometres on the odometer.
Now it’s on about 50,000 and I had a full service carried out not long after I bought it.
As we have been in lockdown for a large part of the year, I haven’t been able to drive very far or long especially since latest lockdown.
I’m concerned that the DPF may get blocked and unsure what I can do about it given restrictions on traveling too far.
A friend advised I could achieve the heat required to clear the filter by driving the car in second gear. I have not tried this.
At the moment all I have done is add fuel additive/cleaner every second or third fill up but I’m not sure if this is of any benefit.
Yusuf
A: Short trips are a problem with build-up in the Diesel Particulate Filter because the exhaust temperature does not get hot enough to ‘light off’ the burning of any build-up. If you’re really concerned, the dealership can run a program that will burn any deposits but you should definitely not try the second-gear advice on your own.
Q: I have a 2014 Audi Q7 Sportline fitted with properly-rated tyres and suspension for towing a 21-foot caravan with dual axles.
It is about to hit 200,000 and is serviced every 10,000 kilometres, gives me 8.5 litres/100 kilometres and around 14 towing the van.
It tows like a dream no matter the weather or road.
So why do I not see other Q7 towing vans? Do I need to look out for any upcoming issues? Should I upgrade to an Isuzu MU-X or Ford Everest?
Ian P
A: Almost all Q7s are bought as luxury family cars, not for towing. You will find an MU-X or Everest, which are based on pick-ups, are nowhere near as refined as your Audi, so perhaps move to something newer but still in the Q7 family.
Q: My wife and I are planning to retire in five years or so and hope to spend the winter months along the Queensland coast.
We live in Melbourne and would drive up with bikes, kayaks and other toys perhaps.
We don’t plan on towing anything other than maybe a one-off trip around WA.
I have enjoyed driving Volkswagen Jettas for the last few years and assumed a Touareg might be what we need, but friends are shaking their heads and saying to get a Toyota Prado.
I plan on spending around $65,000 in two years time on a low-kilometre secondhand SUV, so can I be cheeky and ask your opinion?
Paul C
A: Unless you plan to tow, or go off-road, there is zero need for a Prado. The Touareg is roomy, refined and comfortable and under-appreciated in Australia because, unlike the Prado, it’s not part of the Toyota LandCruiser family.
Q: Could you please recommend a good small car with a bit more luxury for me to buy.
I currently drive a Toyota Corolla 2010 base model which is great and have had no problems with it, but I was thinking maybe a Volkswagen Golf or another new Toyota but more upgraded models.
Would love a bit more power but want economy.
Nicky W
A: Definitely go for the Golf, as the latest eighth-generation model is refined and a huge step up from your old Corolla. It’s also more luxurious than the current Corolla. Even the basic engine will be more perky than your current car.
Q: I recently put in an order for a new Volvo XC40 which included the package for electric adjustable seats and a power-operated tailgate.
I had a call from the dealership to say that, due to the impact of Covid-19, they are unable to obtain the computer chip that is needed to install the power operated tailgate.
Would that be correct that they would be unable to get the required chip?
They have offered a refund of $650 for not being able to install the power functionality OR $1000 to go into future servicing, but does that seem reasonable?
I am disappointed, having finally been able to purchase this vehicle and then have this happened. I do, however, appreciate that this is a first-world problem but it has left me feeling a little flat.
Alison L
A: It’s true that computer chips are in short supply to the car industry and Volvo Australia says its parent company is prioritising their use in safety systems. So, for the moment, the power-operated tailgate is not a priority. Unfortunately, the tailgate cannot be retro-fitted once you have the car, which explains the compensation choices. Volvo values the system at $650 and says there is a three-year service plan at $1500, if you want to top-up the service coverage.
Q: I’m seriously looking at buying a new Volvo XC40 with lifestyle pack and was quoted approximately $55,391.
What are your thoughts?
Dominic A
A: The XC40 is an excellent choice as a premium compact SUV and I give it The Tick. But think twice about ticking the box for the power-operated tailgate.
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