Got a motoring question? Ask Paul by emailing [email protected]
Q: I would really appreciate your unbiased advice for a ‘senior’ lady who is considering the Volvo EX30.
It could be electric or not, and not necessarily new.
Julie Reith
A: The EX30 is compact and easy to handle, has a classy design, good quality and Volvo badge. If you’re only doing short runs, and/or have solar at home, the EV could be the trick. Be aware there has been a safety recall on the battery system in the EX30, so do proper research first and get a guarantee the problem is fixed before you commit. Otherwise, a good car that gets The Tick of approval.
Q: I recently purchased a Honda ZR-V hybrid, which I know you have endorsed, and I am very pleased with it.
Great fuel economy and has most of the bells and whistles.
The only problem is that is doesn’t have a spare wheel.
A friend of mine also has the same car and hit a pothole and split the tyre and had to be towed to a nearby tyre place where she was ripped off.
I was thinking of buying a spare wheel and keeping it in the small boot.
Graeme Taylor
A: Your Honda is not alone. Lots and lots of hybrids have lost their spare because the space is sacrificed for the onboard battery pack. Even Subaru shoppers, who often choose a Forester or Outback for gravel roads, are badly affected. Did you know that more than 50 per cent of people now cannot change a flat tyre, as a breakdown is now about ‘roadside assist’. Make sure you have a secure fitting if you buy a spare.
Q: I have a question on the Mini Cooper C and Cooper S.
The Cooper has 115 kiloWatts of power and 6.3L/100km consumption and the Cooper S is 150kW and 6.5 consumption.
I am looking at the favoured package for both models and the prices are $55,729 and $60,939 respectively.
I am not considering the JWC Sport option at all.
The question is whether the Cooper S is that far more superior than the Cooper C due the power and if you have test driven both?
Meni Kalligas
A: The best advice is just to drive both cars. At least an hour, city and country. You’ll work out pretty quickly if you get enough punch from the basic Cooper. Me? I enjoy driving so I’d always go for the S – provided I had the cash,
Q: My mother-in-law is approximately 80 years old and currently drives a Volvo C40 T4 that she has had since new.
But it’s started to cost some money to maintain and it’s time to move on.
I’m looking to suggest a vehicle of similar size. Not electric, but hybrid would work. She also doesn’t want an SUV.
I’m not keen to recommend a Euro car for reasons of price, servicing and parts costs.
The first cars that came to mind were hybrid Kia Sportage or Hyundai Kona, but she doesn’t want a SUV.
What do you recommend? Do we need to get her to change her thinking about a SUV given just about everything is SUV like.
Stephen Frost
A: Best for her is likely to be a Toyota Corolla. I don’t usually recommend the Corolla because it is costly for what it delivers, but it’s an old-school small hatchback with hybrid drive.
Q: I am looking at buying a Lexus NX-h but l have seen a Zeekr SUV and loved it.
But l know nothing about the brand and l am not sure about an electric car.
The car will be used mostly for city driving. Which car should l buy?
Ray Lanarus
A: Don’t take this the wrong way, but … If your situation is “I know nothing about the brand”, then why would you even consider it? Don’t be dazzled by the ‘bells and whistles’ in Chinese cars. Go for the Lexus and be happy.
Q: It’s Rod Bell here, a mid 70’s retired mechanic.
I purchased a used Falcon 2015 XR8 in 2017, that has now done 31,000 kilometres but sits in my garage now to keep kilometres lower and value higher.
So great to drive and it’s the only car that has increased in value while I have still owned it. Woo-hoo.
I am thinking about selling though and finding a relatively low-mileage 2011 Mercedes E63 AMG that I will be prepared to use more frequently and enjoy the driving experience and ambience.
I don’t see the XR increasing much, if any, in my future driving life, and I realise the Merc will devalue some with use, but still be collectible and Mercedes are amazing vehicles.
Rod Bell.
A: Your XR8 is getting older and the pool of people who would want a car like yours is getting smaller. It’s probably a smart time to cash-in and an E63 will be a belter of an upgrade.
Q: I am looking to purchase my first-ever used luxury vehicle and looking to spend around $45,000.
I currently drive a Mazda CX-9 however no longer need seven seats nor such a big car.
I do like being higher in the car rather than lower in a sedan and will need to fit two older teenagers in the back seat comfortably.
I was looking at the 2019 BMW X4. Your thoughts or any other recommendations?
Donna Lauder
A: My advice is always to get a car that makes you smile. An X4 should be a good choice but definitely get a pre-purchase inspection, usually available through your state motor club, and check for a full service history.
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