By Paul Gover.
Q: We need help on the Takata airbag recall situation as our son recently bought a 1998 Honda Accord which is affected.
When we contacted Honda Australia we were advised that they are not replacing the faulty airbags, instead offering to buy back registered vehicles.
The car he purchased was from a family member with full service history, low kilometres and in excellent condition, and would have and would have seen him through until he was able to buy a newer vehicle.
Does our son have to take the buy-back?
Andy and Charmaine R
A: He does not have to take the buy-back. But there will come a time when any vehicle that has not had an airbag fix will not be re-registered.
Q: My parents’ BMW is also affected by the Takata situation and were originally offered a buy-back price of $2100 for their 1998 E46 318i.
After playing it cool for a few weeks I went back to BMW with a counter-offer, asking that they purchase the car back for $6000 or offer a loan/ hire car for the 14 -20 months while the car was in quarantine for a replacement.
They agreed to pay the $6000 and they bought another BMW.
Sally G
A: Good news and smart tactics.
Q: I’m wanting your advice on which out of the Holden Trax or Mazda CX-3 is the better option.
Your advice will be gratefully received.
Robyn C
A: I would not buy anything from Holden, given the huge problems it is having at the moment, if only because of the likely impact on resale value. But be wary of the boot capacity in the CX-3, which is tiny.
Q: I’ve currently got a Subaru XV and was thinking of buying a new one in 2020 as I love the size etc.
However I have just seen the Kia Seltos advertised and have looked at the features and they seem pretty good plus they are a similar size to the XV. I’ve had two Kias in the past and they were good cars.
The Kia Seltos Sports Plus comes out at around $27,000 but the GT model is around $42,000 which puts it in the same price range as the Subaru.
Is it really worth spending so much more on the Seltos? I basically drive around the city and do about 10,000 kilometres a year.
Barbara H
A: Go Seltos. It’s newer, better, better value and has a much longer warranty. You definitely do not need the GT model for that much money, just make sure you get all the safety equipment.
Q: I currently drive a 2009 Ford Territory petrol and have had it fitted with upgraded transmission cooler and heavy duty tow-bar.
I have done 150,000 kilometres, most of which has been towing a horse float, but I’m advised now that the rear suspension needs replacing at a cost of about $2500.
I’m in two minds about what to do, either replace the suspension or purchase a new SUV.
I like the SUV because I can sleep in the back when I go to horse competitions, but I’d consider a 4×4 utility diesel such as the Ford Ranger.
Margaret H
A: Get rid of it. Anything from 2009 is a time-bomb, and way behind on safety technology. I would not recommend a ute, because they are a truck and not a more car-like SUV. Take a test drive in the Ford Everest, which keeps you loyal to the brand, is locally developed despite being made in Thailand, and is a much nicer drive than the Ranger.
Q: I have a 2009 SR5 Hilux D4D with 260,000km on the clock. I’m interested in getting another one new.
Does Toyota have any plans for model updates in near future? If so would it be worth holding out or are they just cosmetic changes? What would be a good buying $ on a new one ?
Is it best to purchase end financial year or end fiscal year for best price?
Paul F
A: There is nothing new in the pipeline and if you can buy now there should be some 2019 models for good clearance prices.
If you have a question for the Car Doctor, send an email to [email protected]
