By Paul Gover.
Q: Can you recommend a great hybrid SUV or hybrid small car?
I don’t want full electric – would love the Mini but it is only good for around the city.
I will be travelling 140 kilometres a day of freeway driving.
I thought a hybrid would reduce costs on fuel.
Lucy V
A: A hybrid will be no good for you, as once you get to freeway speeds it runs entirely on the combustion engine and it sounds like most of your driving is on freeways. There are plenty of very fuel-efficient small cars and SUVs in showrooms, so perhaps the Ford Puma will give you the style you want with good economy. If you insist on a hybrid – and you can check all the economy and emissions numbers at https://www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au/ – then perhaps a Toyota Yaris or the slightly-more SUV-styled Yaris Cross.
Q: We are considering buying what will possibly be our last new car and would like to consider a hybrid. Perhaps a Toyota RAV4 or Camry?
Our driving is mostly around our home in the Melbourne Eastern suburbs. We might do a run to Warrnambool, a round trip of 600 kilometres, perhaps twice a year.
So should we consider a hybrid or stick with a conventional four-cylinder petrol car?
Carol and Tony G
A: Your driving is ideal for a hybrid and the RAV will probably be more practical if you’re getting older. The only catch is the price and a long waiting list, so best to take a comparison test drive and see if the Camry would also work for you.
Q: My son is turning 18 soon and is thinking of a Mitsubishi 380.
I’m thinking maybe a Holden Cruze.
He’s a big lad, about 190 centimetres tall, and wanting to spend $5000-7000.
Stu N
A: The 380 is under-appreciated and a very good car for its time, with plenty of space for a big fella. Based on space it sits ahead of the Cruze, provided you can get one in tip-top condition.
Q: My diesel Nissan Dualis is fitted with 17-inch wheels, the spare however is a full size 16-inch wheel.
If I buy another correct 16-inch wheel, can I fit them as a pair so as to get some use of the ‘spare wheel’?.
I don’t wish to compromise safety or damage the car in any way so your thoughts would be appreciated.
Tony M
A: We wouldn’t advise that approach. The rolling diameter of the different set-ups may still be different enough to cause issues with stability control and other systems.
Q: I have a Mercedes C250 Avantgarde from 2011 with 170,000 kilometres.
I quite enjoy it, as it rides and goes very nicely, but it’s time to change for something newer and I have approximately $35,000 to spend.
I would like something a little bigger, newer and with lower kilometres.
I looked online at some 2013-2015 E300 and E400 models and noticed they are comparably priced to C250s of the same year. Any thoughts on them?
John B
A: The mid-sized Benzes were not as popular and have been overtaken by SUVs in popularity so that probably explains the pricing. They are definitely good cars and will give you the extra space you’re chasing.
Q: I am keen on the BMW X5 M50i with the V8 engine.
But I’ve read a number of blogs and forums and it seems the BMW V8 is not as reliable as the 3.0-litre diesel (X5 30D) or 3.0-litre turbo (X5 M40i).
Vinh
A: Early BMW V8s did have some variable cam timing issues but the later-model turbo V8s have a good reputation. Look for a solid service history and where possible, a vehicle that has had regular (even shorter than recommended) oil changes. The M50i models are plenty powerful and a great drive.
Q: Our 31-year-old daughter has saved $30,000 to buy a new car and would like an SUV.
She is currently driving a Ford Focus, but it’s now 12 years old.
Lynne J
A: If she likes the Focus, and the Ford brand, she should take a look at the baby Puma. It’s a cross between a hatch and an SUV, with the better sides of both, and should work with her budget.
Q: My wife has a Nissan Dualis and I am thinking of getting another, but I have also been looking at the Range Rover Evoque, about 2014 with low mileage.
I am now in two minds as some friends have bought the new MG. I have taken one for a test drive and it was smooth, but that was on a straight road with no hills.
I am in two minds as I like the Range Rover but the MG would be a new vehicle.
Alex H
A: An MG is not anywhere close to the Range Rover in style or substance, but the price is good and so is the long warranty. If you crave the Evoque then reward yourself, but something from 2014 is seriously secondhand and you need to ensure you buy smart on mileage and condition.
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