The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid could be a better choice than an EV for some rural drivers. Photo: James Coleman.
Q: We have recently installed solar panels, so I am thinking about changing to an electric vehicle. I live in rural NSW, so charging stations may be an issue. Are EVs a good idea when I will be mainly travelling longer distances, with no traffic lights? Can you advise which current EV(s) you would recommend?
Mark Lever
A: The worst possible scenario for any electric vehicle is long distances at highway speeds, without any chance for the regenerative braking used to top up the battery. Even with solar cells, now is not the time for you. But a plug-in hybrid would be good, giving you a more workable electric short range from charging the battery, and combustion for touring. Over the next 18 months, there will be a lot more plug-in hybrids in Australia.
Q: I’ve been around cars for some time and am aware of the shonky stories salespeople can spin. This one takes the cake. Friends I know have had a Toyota Corolla Hybrid on order since October last year. It has now arrived but they were told it had to be prepared and the petrol tank installed as the vehicle comes from Japan without one. Is this really true or is it more stalling BS?
Warren West
A: What rubbish. Of course the fuel tank was installed on the production line in Japan. Your friends should object – strongly – to the treatment from the dealership.
Q: I bought a demonstrator Mercedes E350d sedan, a December 2016 build, about five years ago and would like to know the history of the engine. I’m in my early 70s and have had many cars in my life, but this is the first Merc and it may be my last car. The car has done 120,000 kilometres and I do like it, but I would like your thoughts.
Robert Brown
A: Provided it is serviced regularly and ‘’by the book’’, there should be no major dramas until you are past 200,000 km. So plenty of life yet, and Mercedes-Benz diesels have a great reputation for their longevity.
Q: I have a 2012 Toyota Corolla. It has 115,000 on the clock, the duco is OK and it’s serviced regularly. Do you think, because of the age of the vehicle, that I should update? Do you think I should wait for new fuel-efficient cars coming or look at a Toyota Yaris, Mazda2 or the Suzuki range?
Errol King
A: You should definitely update, if only for the extra safety protection in modern cars. There is no point waiting for a ‘‘silver bullet’’ on efficiency, as all cars and brands are improving all the time. Avoid the Yaris as it is overpriced against its rivals and there are big waiting lists, so start with a Suzuki Swift and go from there as it now comes as a hybrid in Australia.
Q: I recently had my three-year-old Honda HR-V serviced at the Melbourne dealership where I bought it. I am under a fixed service agreement and I chose my Honda because l thought the service costs would not be astronomical; otherwise, I would be driving a Skoda. I took my car for its 30,000-kilometre service and was told it would cost me $600. Then I received a call saying that there were other recommendations and my total cost would be $945. I was absolutely beside myself and said it was ridiculous but if l have to pay for it, I clearly don’t have a choice. Long story short, I want an explanation from Honda as to why they have falsely advertised fixed servicing and why they are charging $945 for a car with no problems.
Cathy Aylmer
A: Dealerships make very little profit from capped-price servicing work. So they find ways to ‘’enhance’’ their billing. Check the invoice and look for things like ‘’fuel system conditioner’’ and ‘’pollen filter replacement’’. There are dozens of possible profit items for the dealership. You must tell them to ONLY do the work listed for the routine service and covered by the capped-price fee.
Q: My wife and I are contemplating purchasing a motorhome with a diesel motor in it but we are concerned about when diesel will stop being produced and whether the purchase is worth it.
Ian and Janet Taylor
A: Diesel is going to be around for a very long time. Do you think big trucks will be running on something else? Diesel is losing popularity in passenger cars and SUVs but is still ideal for towing and long outback runs.
Q: We recently purchased a Mercedes AMG GLA 45s 4-matic SUV. On the paperwork it says the build date is 26/2/2023 and the compliance date is 23/11/2023. We had only done 360 kilometres when the dash lit up to say the 365-day service was due and also it said 70 days till the first service. How does a new vehicle sit so long and maybe where until we purchased it in April? Just seems strange to us how old the vehicle really is.
Gary Nevill
A: The build date is when it left the production line, but last year there were huge shipping delays – including a quarantine backlog with thousands of cars – so it could easily have taken nine months to reach Australia. The compliance date is when it was cleared for sale in Australia, so it was here for five months before you took delivery. You need to ensure the dealership has started the warranty cover from the date of registration, which is the key date for you, and track the service record also from that date.
Q: I have a new Kia Stonic, just 12 months old, and have had to change the battery in the key three times. I keep taking it back to the dealer and they can’t work out what is wrong. They want the car for the day to check it over, but I don’t want to do that.
Robyn
A: It’s quite likely you have one of the latest ”smart’’ keys, which unlock the car on approach. There is no need to hit the button for a ‘’plip’’. If that’s the case, it could be that the car is actively pinging to look for the key, subsequently draining the battery. Move the key well out of range of the car and that could be the simple fix.
Q: My son is seriously considering purchasing a GWM Tank 300 Hybrid. I would appreciate your opinion on the suitability of this car for metro motoring.
Graham White
A: The Tank is one of the better Chinese arrivals in Australia, with styling similar to a Toyota LandCruiser. It’s hardly right for a suburban runabout, but people will buy what they want.
Q: My son wants to buy his first car and is looking at a Jeep Grand Cherokee from about 2014. He’s looking to spend about $15,000. His other thought was a 2014-ish Subaru Outback. I would really appreciate your input.
Mark Hanney
A: Does he want to look tough or have a nice life? Definitely not the Jeep and definitely not one with that age. The Outback is a lovely car, great for reliability and comfort. It will also be much cheaper to run.
