By Paul Gover.
Q: My five-year old Mazda3 has low seats and is bad for my back.
Can you suggest something better – perhaps a small SUV, maybe a VW?
It‘s just for me, mainly suburban traffic – budget about $30,000.
Sue S
A: An SUV will help, but low seats are likely not the only problem and you should also consider the shape and support. With your budget, coming from a Mazda3, the Kia Stonic is an ideal choice, cheaper than a Volkswagen, and one of the best baby SUVs today.
Q: We have purchased a Snowy River SR19 caravan and are looking to purchase a suitable vehicle to pull it.
We have been looking at the Ford Everest but I have also heard about the Nissan Patrol.
We did look at the Ford Ranger but decided we want a family vehicle rather than the ute.
I would be grateful if you can advise what vehicle would be best.
Angela J
A: The Patrol is several steps up from the Everest in refinement and comfort, and remember the basics of the Everest still come from the working-class Ranger. The only major downside for the Patrol is a petrol V8 engine which will be thirsty when towing.
Q: I bought my wife a Dodge Journey R/T brand-new in 2010 but we have had a few issues with it and also the dealership in Melbourne where I bought it.
My wife loves the car, but it’s time to move on.
So, is Chrysler doing any seven-seater SUVs and why did they stop the journey?
What do you recommend as an alternative purchase in seven-seater?
Steve E
A: The current benchmark by far in proper seven-seaters, not just an SUV with a third row for kids, is the Kia Carnival. It should be your first, and likely only, stop. Chrysler was early into family vans but couldn’t make a business case to continue with them in Australia.
Q: My daughter is a sales rep whose area is the east half of Victoria, including Albury/Wodonga.
She currently travels around 25,000 to 30,000 kilometres a year and is looking at buying a new SUV.
She currently drives an Audi Q3 1.4 turbo petrol and loves the way it drives and the economy. Her Audi is 5 years old and has done 120,000 kilometres.
She has recently driven a Hyundai Tucson Highlander with both 1.6 turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel.
She liked the drive of both cars and is not sure about the petrol versus diesel decision and would like your advice.
Jane C
A: The latest turbo petrol engines are fantastically efficient and more responsive than a diesel. Also, diesel is becoming very unpopular because of emissions. I’d go petrol in the Tucson, for sure, but expect a delay because there is a waiting list for all popular Hyundai and Kia models because demand exceeds supply and there is a global shortage of computer chips for car making.
Q: I currently drive a Toyota Kluger, about eight years old.
Looking to change over to either a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or a Volvo XC40.
I like an SUV and sitting bit higher on road and I like a car to be quick on acceleration.
Susan A
A: The XC40 is a cut above the RAV4 and there is a giant waiting list for the Toyota. Volvo has a plug-in hybrid version and, even though you will pay more, it’s a better car.
Q: My 80-year-old mother has recently moved into a small unit with an equally small garage.
Unfortunately, as her dexterity diminishes her ability to reverse her beloved 14-year-old Toyota Camry into the tight space has resulted in her collecting the odd brick scrap on either side of the vehicle.
We would like your thoughts on an alternative narrower vehicle, remembering she is a towering 5-feet-tall.
She has had her heart set on a Hyundai Kona however I think she would have trouble stepping into a vehicle of this height.
John E
A: Steer her to the Kia Stonic. It’s smaller than the Kona, still higher-riding for easy access, but easier to handle and much much easier for parking. Kia also comes with a longer warranty and sharper pricing than the equivalent Hyundai, which is the Venue.
Q: Just after your thoughts on the Hyundai Palisade please.
And the petrol or diesel model?
I’m a mum of three and the car would be mainly used for kinder drop-off and pick-ups, errands and running kids around locally, as well trips to our holiday house which is 2.5 hours away.
Brooke M
A: The Palisade is a ripper thing and gets a high recommendation from me. If you’re mostly around town then the petrol engine would be the better choice.
Q: I have paid a $1000 preliminary deposit to my local Toyota Dealer in Sale in Victoria on a 300 Series ZX Sahara.
I have seen a few articles floating about regarding the likely delay on 300 series deliveries.
Im finding it hard to get firm information out of the dealer, but I don’t blame them as they are probably not sure as well.
Just wondering what you might know (if anything) about the realistic likely timeframe for 300 series deliveries?
Darren H
A: It’s not just the delays on building the LandCruisers in Japan, but also the extensive waiting list in Australia. So it’s a double drama and you should push the dealer to at least confirm you have a place in the waiting list. Otherwise it could easily be the second half of next year before you get a 300 Series.
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