By Paul Gover.
Q: I keep hearing the Ford Ranger only has provision for two ISO restrained children’s’ seats.
Is this correct?
I would have thought a big vehicle like that would have three, and I need three.
Lester
A: Two locations are virtually universal across all makes and models because of the way the ISOfix mounts are anchored to the car’s chassis structure. It’s not like the old-fashioned and less safe and stable designed which are only held by the adult seatbelt. You will not find any pick-up with more than two.
Q: I am toying with the idea of buying a 2019 BMW M340i for around the $85-90,000 mark.
But can the M340i run OK on 95-octane unleaded, with maybe every second top up with 98?
This would help greatly with the overall running costs.
John A
A: Cutting corners is not a good idea for any performance car and not when you’re spending that much money and then trying to skimp at the bowser. The official line from BMW Australia is this: “Our vehicle powertrains are calibrated to operate at a specific octane level in order to deliver stated power figures while meeting rated emission figures. Running the vehicle at a lower octane level could result in a power output reduction and a slight increase in the vehicle’s overall emissions. Therefore, we recommend that the customer runs the vehicle at the recommended 98 RON”.
Q: I have heard recent praise of MG, but which model was it or do you think all of them have improved?
I am a pensioner and will be doing about 5000 kilometres a year.
Having never owned a new car, at 68 I figure it should out-last me.
I am presently driving a 2009 VW Golf Wagon, it has had the timing chain, dual clutches replaced and the engine rebuilt due to failed number one cylinder, all at VW cost, so couldn’t ask for more.
But I think it’s time to replace before another major happens and they won’t cover the cost.
Bill B
A: Some MG models are OK, but definitely not stars, and the ZST is the only one to recommend if you are not buying purely on price. If you’re only doing short hauls and you want to go for a real price fighter then look at the Kia Picanto as a new car with a long warranty for less than $20,000. An MG will definitely be a step down from a Golf.
Q: I have a 2017 Subaru Liberty Sedan purchased in January 2018 with 50,000 kilometres on it.
I hear they are not going to import the sedan into Australia any more, but is this is true what effect will it have on the resale and trade-in value in the future?
Nole M
A: It looks like the Liberty is another victim of the rising tide of SUVs. Subaru Australia says: “Liberty is no longer part of our model line-up. Customer preferences have moved on to other vehicles in our range. For those customers still seeking a Subaru sedan, we remind them that current generation Impreza closely mimics the physical size of third-generation Liberty sedan”.
Q: Is it possible to have a reverse camera wired into the dashboard screen of a Hyundai MD3 SE auto Elantra?
I was considering selling it but it has very low mileage and feels comfortable, roomy, and in excellent condition.
To replace it, I don’t think I could get a good enough trade-in price just for that add on, or buy a car/SUV for similar low cost just to get that feature.
I would like to add that a friend, who has a top-of-the-range convertible Mercedes, was most surprised at the quality and ride of my car. Sometimes I think people just go for status.
Diane Q
A: Bad news unfortunately from Hyundai Australia: “The MD was the 2010-2015 Elantra, which is basically three generations old now so unlikely to be backward compatible to accept a reversing camera. On Elantra and i30 Sedan the reversing camera became standard from 2016 onwards and a reversing camera is now standard across our entire Hyundai range of vehicles”.
Q: Three months ago my 2016 Honda HR-V was written-off following a collision with a driver who failed to give way.
I am unsure about what to replace it with but think that purchasing new is better in the current climate.
I am 71 years old so this is probably the last car I will purchase.
I loved, loved, loved my HR-V – size, the safety features, the boot and especially the higher driver position – but there were also some things I was not so impressed with.
Other small-medium models I have considered are Volkswagen T-Roc or Tiguan, or a Golf 8, Skoda something, or Toyota RAV4.
I drive mostly around Melbourne, with occasional trips to NSW to visit my daughter, budget around $40,000 to $50,000 maximum.
Trish R
A: An SUV is likely to work better for you with access in coming years and there are some great choices, although you don’t need to go as large as a Tiguan or spend as much as $50,000. Test drive the Skoda Kamiq, from the Volkswagen family and better value, as well as the Kia Seltos. Both of those should give you the things you like about the HR-V but with more safety and comfort.
Q: Could you give me advice on the suitability of a Kia Sorrento 2021 diesel for towing a caravan which is 1500 kilos loaded, with 150-kilo ball weight, that meets specifications of Sorrento.
I have had two Hyundai Santa Fe from 2007 to 2014 and both vehicles have been around Australia towing this van with no problems. They were fantastic.
My concern with the Kia is an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, as DCTs do not get good reviews.
Reliability is the main concern when you are back and beyond.
Gary T
A: There have been zero reports of problems with the Kia-Hyundai DCT gearboxes. The generally poor history of the design comes because of major dramas, well in the past, with Volkswagen and Ford vehicles but even they are now trouble-free in my experience.
Q: I’m looking for a car for my mum who is driving an oldish Toyota Corolla.
My opinion is that she drives too fast so safety is high on the list.
The old man wants to buy her something new. They have no idea but they seem to be jumping between a Toyota RAV4 and some Chinese brand.
Can you please provide me two options?
Wayne H
A: If she is coming from a Corolla, the obvious affordable choices are the Kia Cerato and Hyundai i30, both with Australian suspension tuning for good driving safety. If she is getting on a bit and would appreciate an SUV, then the Kia Stonic is great and good value with a long warranty. But not a Chinese car, and only a RAV4 if she is doing lots of short hops and would benefit from the economy of a hybrid – but beware of the long waiting list.
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