Offering a combination of value and ability, the Mitsubishi Triton is a strong contender as the best buy in the super-competitive ute market. Photo: Supplied.
Q: I’m looking to buy a new car in the $40-50,000 range and definitely a hatchback. Driving is around the metro area daily, with rarely any significant distance. Safety and good vision are very important, with reliability and rear camera/sensors also important, but space in the boot or back seat is not. The Toyota Corolla hatch (wait time notwithstanding) is a great size for me and I think the Yaris is just a little too small. All new builds of Corolla, according to Toyota, will now be hybrid only. I’m happy with hybrid but, in your view, has Toyota’s hybrid Corolla hatch been around long enough to know if they’re as reliable and cost-effective as petrol? If for any reason Toyota Corolla is not suitable or there’s an extremely long wait time, I’m thinking Hyundai Venue is OK too, with the i30 new but not available until the end of this year.
Reece
A: Hybrids have been around for more than 30 years and the reliability of Toyota models is outstanding. No reason not to commit, except Brand T is costly with big wait times. Hyundai i30 is also going hybrid, which explains the delay until the end of this year, and even the latest Suzuki Swift is a mild hybrid. The Hyundai Venue is excellent but not a hybrid, if that helps.
Q: I was just after some advice on which large SUV you recommend. We are considering a 2023 Ford Everest Platinum or Sport, a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE400, a 2024 Isuzu MU-X flagship or 2024 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport flagship. Your input would be greatly appreciated.
Dwayne Wilsher
A: The Everest and MU-X are both based on pick-up trucks, the Benz is big and not cheap, and the Pajero Sport is like a Toyota LandCruiser but cheaper and slightly smaller. For value, including the long warranty, the Mitsubishi should be the one to use as your benchmark. But remember to drive them all.
Q: I had my 2017 Hyundai i30 serviced at a Hyundai dealer but noticed the car wasn’t sounding right, so I checked the oil and the dipstick showed no oil. I average about 400 kilometres a week driving and there has been no evidence of oil leaking in the driveway. Is it normal to ‘’run out” of oil in a five-month period? I’ve never had to top up my oil between services.
Vanessa
A: Cars will not run for a year, between annual servicing, without checking all sorts of things – tyre pressures, window-washing fluid, radiator level, and oil level. If you’re doing a lot of distance, as you are, then you should be checking the oil level at least monthly. Many cars, not just Hyundai, are considered normal if they use a litre of oil every 1000 kilometres. Preventive maintenance is essential for all cars, even in 2024.
Q: I drive a 2019 Kia Stinger GT, a great car, but my wife won’t drive it. I previously had a 2016 Hyundai Tucson Highlander 1.6-litre petrol turbo, a lovely car with no issues, but the Stinger came along. I’m thinking of selling the Stinger for the new Hyundai Tucson Premium N Line and I’m torn between the new hybrid and the 1.6L turbo petrol. I’ll say I’m not a fan of electric or battery-type vehicles but would like to get your thoughts or opinion on the petrol and hybrid versions of the Hyundai.
Kimon Thermos
A: Having driven the new Tucson, it is very good. It’s a lovely family car, and your wife will drive it. The advantage of the hybrid is lower fuel costs, and it will also be better for future resale as lots of Aussies are moving to hybrids. But, if you enjoy driving, then the turbo petrol will be nicer for you. Best to test-drive both to make an informed decision.
Q: I have an Isuzu MU-X 2016 model and the GPS was reprogrammed in 2018 by the dealer. It is now apparently out of date and I was told to use NaviTrax, but it costs a fortune when you are on a pension. Is there some way I can get it updated at a reasonable cost, and where?
John Westbury
A: Inbuilt GPS systems are now dinosaurs. You need a smartphone App called Waze. It’s brilliant and I use it all the time, and it even has a built-in GPS speedometer. The only problem is that it will need a ‘’head’’ unit in the dash that works with Apple CarPlay or Android auto (depending on your phone), but they are relatively cheap from somewhere like Supercheap Auto and will future-proof you.
Q: I am in the market for a new car, and am currently driving a 2023 Toyota Prado Kakadu. I’m thinking of downgrading to save some money, so what are your thoughts about the SsangYong Rexton and other Chinese brand GWM?
Pradeep Singh
A: Definitely not the Rexton, which is well below Toyota quality and from a brand with long-term ownership dramas. GWM is probably best of the Chinese at the moment, but don’t expect a Prado.
Q: My daughter is looking at buying a used Mazda CX-5 and can spend around $23,000. What years and models would you recommend, and is it better to buy through a dealer or private?
Jo-Anne Robinson
A: Best to concentrate more on mileage and condition than a specific year. Newer is obviously better, definitely for safety equipment, and a full service history is essential. Best to buy from a dealer to give you confidence, which also helps massively if you have no mechanical knowledge. But get a ‘’pre-purchase inspection’’ from your state’s motor club as it will identify any and all faults. Finally, the CX-5 is a good choice.
Q: I’m looking to purchase a used four-door ute with a canopy around the $25,000-$29,000 price range. Your thoughts on petrol versus diesel, as use will be short trips but thinking more kilometres per tank out of a diesel? The Toyota HiLux Workmate is ideal but they hold their value and other brands tend to be newer models for the same price range. So, HiLux, Holden Colorado, Mitsubishi Triton, Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Amarok or Mazda BT-50?
Anthony McKenzie
A: Do not fall for the HiLux trap, as they are more costly and other brands are nearly as good with better value. Stick with rear-wheel drive to save money, go petrol because the economy bonus of diesel does not match the price hike and you’re never going to run the tank dry. The Ford Ranger is the class benchmark, the Volkswagen Amarok is also very good and most car-like to drive, but the Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi Triton are the best combination of value and ability. Drive a Ranger to calibrate your shopping, then try both the Nissan and the Mitsubishi.
