By Paul Gover.
Q: I have an 18-month-old Mercedes-Benz GLA 180 and I cannot hear the indicators.
I feel it can be quite dangerous given I am often driving for some distance unaware that the indicators are still operating.
I would appreciate this problem being fixed.
Fiona Y
A: We have contacted Mercedes-Benz Australia and it believes the quiet indicators are a plus for most owners as it works to create calmer and quieter cabins for its latest models.
Q: I am hoping to replace my Hyundai ix35 with the MG HS Essence.
So I’m hoping for a bit of advice on the MG brand.
I see China own them now – I assume they were a British brand originally – and I also assume they haven’t been in Australia long since I haven’t heard much about them.
My ix35 is a 2-litre and the MG I am looking at is a 1.5-litre turbo inline so do you think I would notice any difference in performance with the smaller engine capacity?
Also, the deal they have at the moment is for their 2021 models – is that a negative – buying last year’s model?
Carolyn D
A: If you like the HS then it’s an OK car and good value. The smaller engine should give better performance with a turbo boost. MG is Chinese with a traditional British badge, which helps – with a long warranty – to build a following. Lots of people have traditionally bought a ‘last year’ car during stock clearances to save money, but almost every other brand is so short of stock there are no ’superseded’ deals in 2022.
Q: Which car would you buy from my three?
It’s Kia Seltos GT Line, Volvo XC40 or Volkswagen Tiguan.
A big price difference.
Teresa S
A: Our pick is the XC40 but they are so different that you need to experience them. They will be vastly different in everything from the look and feel of the cabin to the ride comfort and the perceived value.
Q: Can you please give me your advice on the Isuzu D-Max and other 4×4 utes.
What would you recommend in this area?
I’m also thinking of an alternative and that is the Subaru Outback, so what are your thoughts on the Subaru and what other options would you recommend?
Ruben J
A: It’s impossible to compare pick-ups with passenger cars without taking a test drive. The D-Max is right at the top of its class, but it is completely different in every way from the Outback, which is an SUV based on a passenger car. The Subaru will be massively more relaxing, fuel efficient and easier to park, but does not have the tough looks that have made utes the country’s best sellers.
Q: I have owned Hondas all my life but would like to change and need a car with headroom as children are tall.
I would like to change to a Skoda Kodiaq.
Have you driven one and will I be disappointed?
A short drive satisfies but you may know things I am not aware of …
Rex W
A: Take the kids, put them in the car, and then go for the longest drive you can negotiate. They will surprise you with what they find and, potentially, what they don’t like. The Kodiaq is very good but you need to tick all your boxes.
Q: We bought a 2020 Kia Sportage SX but have only done 5000 kilometres, thanks mainly to Covid.
My wife is particularly unhappy with the hard ride as am I. The suspension seems to find every irregular road surface and seems shock absorbers are non-existent. Dealer says that is same for all models of Sportage.
Which are the best two brands of similar-sized SUV that can give us at least as good a ride (preferably better) as my old Holden Commodore International 2009 with 210,000 kilometres on the clock, without any modifications or suspension/shocks replaced.
We would also prefer auto tailgate lift which was only available on dearer Kias.
Neil W
A: The test drive should come before the purchase and a good drive would have highlighted your feelings about the ride. Kia prides itself on having a sporty feel to its vehicles, something that obviously does not work for you. Take a drive in the Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape to give yourself some comparison points.
Q: My wife and I were recently rear-ended in our 2016 Kia Sorento by a young bloke on his phone doing about 60km/while we were stationary in traffic.
Subsequently we have had a call from the panel shop saying it is very close to being a write-off.
Reading between the lines I think he was sounding us out as to if we wanted the car back or not.
We have decided that, even if we do get the car back, we will sell it privately and upgrade.
I was very impressed with the safety and how well the Sorento handled the impact. We had a boot full of groceries and nothing was damaged, not even a cracked egg.
We are looking to downsize slightly and have come to a decision between either the Hyundai Tucson or the Kia Sportage, top-of-the-range in both and after your opinion as to which is the better vehicle and why?
My priority is safety and reliability, my wife’s is the gadgets and extras.
Peter H
A: These South Koreans are twins under the skin, so you need to decide which one you enjoy more – from first impressions in the cabin to ride comfort at highway speeds – before you pick. Also consider the longer warranty of the Kia, but also availability as there are giant waiting lists for top selling SUVs from all brand.
Q: I own a 1990 SAAB 900 Aero turbo manual, probably 70 per cent from new condition.
It requires some rust removal work which is not structure related and a fresh coat of paint. The interior is very tidy and original as is the whole of the car.
Good service history.
I purchased the car relatively cheap, only $2000, from a retired gentleman and I did not haggle on price.
Do you think by me investing a little to respray and some minor work, at around $8000, is it a worthwhile investment?
I have many people offering me up to $10,000 for it as-is, but should I do the work and watch it appreciate or am I only dreaming?
Bill T
A: You’re dreaming. It’s highly unlikely that you will make any serious money. No-one should buy a car as an investment – unless you can afford a Ferrari. If you love the Saab, then keep it and give it a ‘birthday’ for more years of enjoyment.
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