By Paul Gover.
Q: I feel I am ready to move away from a combustion engine.
But I don’t believe that the current crop of EVs on the market truly meet my needs, or aren’t likely to be available any time soon.
My current 2012 Kia Rio is in a state of ‘terminal decline’ and is fast becoming no longer fit for our purpose – a daily 15-kilometre each-way commute to work and, up to twice a week, a 100-kilometre each-way stop-start trip from the Gold Coast to Brisbane with the requirement to ferry two young kids still in capsules/seats when needed.
I feel my current options are to nurse my Kia through until a suitable EV SUV is on the market, upgrade to an EV that is at market and near enough to what I want, move to a hybrid that is more in keeping with what I think I need, or stick with the combustion engine and purchase something that suits until the right EV is apparent.
Fast-charge infrastructure is nearby and on my way to work; we have solar panels and would add a home charge point; budget is around $80,000 but would always prefer to spend less.
Lynton H
A: For the foreseeable future, petrol-engined cars will still be the focus of 90 per cent of new car buyers which will keep prices strong. The potential switch over to EV and the pace of the change will very much depend on where the Federal Government heads with incentives, as this will be significant impetus to carmakers increasing the number of models (and volume) that come to Australia. As it stands, there a couple of new EVs that will suit your purpose, the Kia EV6 and Hyundai IONIQ 5, and both have 400 kilometre-plus of range, plenty of room for your needs, 800-volt fast charging and are great to drive. If you look at plug-in hybrids, Volvo has a growing number and the new-generation Mitsubishi Outlander should be a step forward.
Q: I am very interested in the Toyota Yaris Hybrid and Ford Puma Hybrid.
I’m currently driving a 2012 Ford Focus Titanium which sucks petrol and my goal is to save fuel.
Also, what is the current situation when buying a vehicle, are we still able to barter or is that out. I thought I would get $10,000 for trade in.
Angela D
A: The Yaris will be best for you, although it’s not cheap at more than $32,000. The official economy is 3.3 litres/100km, considerably better than the mild-hybrid Puma, without any fully-electric driving ability, at 5.3 litres/100km.
Q: We are looking for a SUV that can tow a 3.5-tonne caravan.
At the moment we have a Holden Colorado ute which does the job. But it sways a lot, probably because it’s a ute and not much weight in the back.
We’re interested in the Nissan Patrol or Toyota LandCruiser and leaning towards Patrol as it’s cheaper.
Stephen T
A: A lot of people are taking another look at the Patrol after the arrival of the 300-Series ‘Cruiser, even though its petrol V8 engine means it can be thirsty – and especially when towing. The Nissan was over-priced and focussed on left-hand drive, for the Middle East, in the early days but is now coming into its own. It is great value and, with such a long waiting list for the Toyota, is definitely a smart choice.
Q: We need a big vehicle so looking at a 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL63 AMG priced at $70,000.
It has 139,000kms on it, so is this amount of kilometres ok for this engine?
We need to tow a horse float occasionally too.
Di O
A: The GL63 is a high-performance AMG model, so you need to investigate its history and check that it has a proper factory service record. The kilometres are not excessive but beware that it is getting up in age and there are lots of complicated systems – and even tyres – that will be costly if something goes wrong.
Q: I am considering waiting for the release of the Toyota GR86 and wonder if you would you consider this a good everyday drive?
Gerhard K
A: The GR86 will be as reliable and practical as any Toyota, but it is still a sports car so that will mean compromises in space, comfort and noise. If you’re looking for an affordable sports car it will definitely tick the box.
Q: I recently sold my 2011 Mercedes-Benz C250, which was a lovely car to drive apart from the smallish boot and the limited leg room for rear passengers.
I do make several longer distance drives each year and enjoyed the comfort of the C250 for these trips. In fact it was nice to drive anywhere.
Now looking for a replacement with about $30,000 to $35,000 to spend, hoping for a very late model with a bit under 100,000 kilometres
I am considering the Audi A6 and Volvo S60 but wondering about alternatives.
John B
A: The Volvo will give you the extra space you crave and is also likely to be better value, and an all-round good pick.
Q: I want to buy a small SUV to replace an older Volvo XC60.
I’m looking at the XC40 Momentum and your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
I know there are some of these coming in January that are not sold.
Trish H
A: Go for it. The XC40 is a classy compact SUV and gets The Tick. If you can get a confirmed delivery date that’s a big bonus, but check that it is fully equipped as we have heard of some XC40s arriving without the electric tailgate as Volvo prioritises safety systems with the shortage of computer chips.
Q: Just wondering if you know anything about the recall on the Hyundai Kona, as I was notified a few months ago about a recall relating to the car’s piston rings.
After many enquiries to a few dealers and Hyundai Australia, nobody seemed to know anything abut the problem.
Serge M
A: Hyundai Australia confirms there is a recall for 9776 OS Konas and 176 JS Velosters, built between 2019 and 2021 all equipped with the 2.0-litre Nu MPI engine, because of piston oil ring issue. Dealers will contact owners for a test to check for excessive noise and, if it is over a certain threshold, the engine will be replaced. The official word from Hyundai is: “The safety of our customers is our number one priority. The piston oil rings in some of these vehicles may have had an incorrect heat treatment applied. This can cause internal damage to the engine, resulting in excessive noise. A damaged engine may result in the vehicle stalling or oil leaking, increasing the risk of accident or fire. Globally there have been no known instances of engine failure leading to a crash or fire because of this issue”.
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