A Tesla is a strong contender when it comes to all-electric, medium-size options. Photo: James Coleman.
Q: I just wanted to get your opinion on a Mercedes-Benz C200 petrol, 2-litre sedan. The 2020 model looks good. I was looking to pay around $45-$50,000 if you recommend them or another particular model in this class. I have a 2008 dual-fuel Ford FG Falcon that’s done 198,000 kilometres and it’s been a fantastic vehicle over 14 years, so a Mercedes C200 will be vastly different to drive, I assume.
My son is also looking at buying a Volvo 2008 XC70 model that’s done 200,000 kilometres at around $5000. Are these Volvos normally reliable?
Brendan Dearsley
A: A Benz C-Class is an excellent choice, but will require massive adjustment to the size, lightness and feel. You should enjoy it. As for the XC70, they have a great reputation but be careful to balance kilometres and condition against price, as anything with more than 200,000 kilometres – even a Volvo – is a potential risk.
Q: For several years now I have been very keen to purchase an all-electric, medium-size SUV. What do you recommend?
My driving habits are mainly day to day around the city with a couple of popular country or interstate longer drives.
Frank
A: Tesla. That’s being honest, and I’m no fan. But they are futuristic in the cabin, do all the electric stuff well, and have a great network on Tesla-only charging stations. Second place would be Polestar. But drive them both, and ask all your questions, before you commit.
Q: My wife bought a new EQA Mercedes-Benz just over 12 months ago. So far so good, we are happy with it – except one thing. The vehicle was bought new in Adelaide and delivered to a Mercedes dealer in Melbourne and we had to wait almost 12 months to get it after placing the order.
The problem is the radio does not work in regional Victoria. We live at Woodend, 70 kilometres from Melbourne, so most of the driving is in regional Victoria. The dealer advises that it is a DAB issue, and that Mercedes is aware of the problem.
Can you please advise what angle we should take in an endeavour to fix the matter? Surely Mercedes have some responsibility to provide a vehicle whose radio works? Thanking you.
Daryl Brown
A: The problem is not with Benz, but the radio network. Instead of fighting a losing battle, do this: use your phone, pair with CarPlay (or Android Auto) and use the radio apps for your favourite stations. It’s been a problem in the transition away from AM radio and now DAB stations have very limited range.
Q: I own a low-kilometre (2300) Holden VF Director with factory-fitted MRC suspension that has an intermittent knocking noise in the left-hand front of the car. The car had a new strut mount kit fitted that did not resolve the problem. I was informed that the MRC struts are worn out internally (through lack of use) and will have to be replaced. This item has to be shipped from GM in America as they are not stocked in Australia.
The communication between GMSV/Holden customer care and the dealer has been poor and it is difficult to get an estimate as to when the parts will arrive. Is this the normal timeframe for shipping parts from overseas or am I just being given the run-around? I get the impression that just because Holden isn’t around in an official capacity anymore, no-one really cares.
Cam Leggett
A: Anything that needs to come on a ship will take too much time. GM Specialty Vehicles provided this response: “We remain committed to achieving the best outcomes for our loyal Holden customers. We have occasional disruptions in the parts supply chain due to unforeseen challenges but always work to rectify these as quickly as possible. Customers can reach out to our Customer Care team anytime to escalate an issue. Our Customer Care team can be reached by submitting an online enquiry at Holden.com.au or call us at 1800 GM Holden.”
Q: My daughter has an i30 Hyundai, which was involved in being hit in the front end. No major damage other than the bumper bar. The airbags were never deployed. Since the accident, though, there is an airbag light that remains on every time you drive the car. When I took the car to get repaired through AAMI Insurance, I pointed this out and they said that this was not caused by the accident. Not sure I believe them and was hoping to get your opinion.
Ross
A: Don’t rely on a crash repairer. Take it to a Hyundai dealership and get them to check and clear any fault. It might cost you money, but that’s far better to know there is not some ongoing problem in the system.
Q: We have a 2018 Kia Carnival and with two big dogs the rear cargo space is excellent. In the model we have, the second-row seats fold up to the front row. I have looked at getting the new model but the second-row seats in it only move forward and fold down, not freeing up as much cargo space. Looking online, it appears the Kia Carnivals in the USA have second-row seats that come out completely, which again would free up all the cargo space. Is there any news that the new-model Carnival may have this?
Mick Wunderly
A: Kia Australia replies: “Confirming that the tumble-style second-row folding feature was only present in the previous generation of Carnival, YP, and was not carried over into KA4 or the recently launched KA4 PE. Only the second row centre seat can be removed or installed backwards in the current generation Carnival.”
Q: I purchased a Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 in 2022 and for the past year I have been noticing an annoying squeaking noise in the front brakes, predominantly at speeds under 20 km/h. When I raised this issue with the dealer, I was told that this is a very common issue with heavy SUVs and that I should slam on the brakes harder in order to avoid this noise. How bizarre. I have never had anyone tell me that before. Apparently, I shouldn’t be gentle with the brakes.
When I asked them if this could be due to faulty brakes and they should be replaced given the car is still under its five-year warranty, I was told that the part is not faulty, it is working just fine and making an annoying noise doesn’t classify it as a ”faulty part”. Just wanted to ask, is all of this true and am I being given the right information?
Ashwin Sharma
A: Squeaky brakes just are. Squeaky, that is. The squeak comes when they are cold, and you have a big heavy truck with a big engine. So it needs relatively ‘’hard’’ pads for stopping power, which is what leads to the squeaking. You could request a change to a ”softer’’ pad material, which likely would help, but it would be at your cost. It is not a vehicle fault, so you have no claim under warranty.
Q: My partner and I are looking at spending $40-$45,000 on a new car/SUV or maybe second-hand with low kilometres. We live just outside Melbourne and travel there once maybe every two weeks, a 90-minute trip. We’re looking for comfort and maybe being able to tow to the tip with a trailer on occasions. Also, to settle an argument, which is better to buy: hybrid or plug-in hybrid.
Andrew T
A: Right now, a hybrid is the better choice as there are very few plug-in hybrids in showrooms. That will change, and they are great because the increased battery range – as much as 80-100 kilometres – means most people could do their daily commute with fully electric. On the hybrid front, test-drive the Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Kona as one of them should suit your needs and budget.
Q: I’m going to buy a 2022 Toyota Kluger shortly. Can you please advise me whether to get the 3.5 petrol or 2.5 Hybrid? We mainly commute locally, with country trips every now and then.
Dallas Beach
A: For local commuting, the Hybrid makes more sense and will save on your fuel bills. Most of the time, you will never miss the punch of the 3.5-litre V6, unless you tow. And the Hybrid will also help to future-proof you at resale time.
Q: I have a mate who wanted to buy a Porsche Cayenne, so he arranged a test drive. When he arrived for the test drive, he could not get served. So he bought a Mercedes-Benz instead. The Porsche person called the next day to apologise, and said a new customer was picking up a car and her hubby was a comedian and so they were just having a fun jokey session.
Mick
A: Another example of a dealership not doing the right job for their brand. Porsche has launched an investigation and there will be consequences when head office finds the culprit.
