Got a question for Paul? Email him at community@startsat60.com
Q: As I have managed to stay on the bitumen, avoid crashes and speeding fines etc whilst driving for 50-plus years, I am now considering updating from my 2017 Mitsubishi ASX.
Would you be able to advise on a brand and model of car that does not have all of the current ‘safety and advice systems?
I recognise that some could be useful, such as collision avoidance and emergency braking, but most are a nuisance with alarms and beeps going off often. I drove a hire car on holiday recently and got sick of them.
I believe some can be turned off but that the change is not retained between drives.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Don Penrose
A: The best you can do to avoid them is look for a vehicle without ADAS – Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. Which likely means you’ll be shopping for a car with a 3-Star safety rating from ANCAP, not the full 5-Star score it trumpets. A lower score is not necessarily a bad thing since even three stars can give great protection for a vehicle’s occupants. In any case, even basic ‘driver assist’ systems will have lane-keep assist. The good thing is that it can be switched off in most case. But, because of safety regulations, it will re-set to ‘On’ every time you start the vehicle and that will never change because of safety legislation in Europe.
Q: I’m looking for a second-hand car for my 18-year-old granddaughter.
My son-in-law wants to buy her a second-hand electric car, as he says you get some sort of government subsidy.
I sure I’ve heard you warning of second-hand electric cars in the past.
As I will contributing significantly to this car I believe I have some say in what she gets.
Probably have about $25,000 to spend.
Elaine Swain
A: The first question is why electric? The government incentives are for new cars, to stimulate sales toward Canberra’s planned all-electric future on the road. They are fine for short distances and houses with solar charging, but things are changing fast. The good news is that prices for used EVs are very poor, which makes them good buying for a second-hand shopper. The best choice would be a proven vehicle from Tesla.
Q: My predicament is I’m an 82-year-old lady, still active and capable of driving my motor vehicle.
I find my car a Honda Jazz just too low in the seating area, as I need a booster seat and still I feel I should be higher and able to see much clearer over the bonnet.
Another issue I have is that I am shrinking with bone density. My height now is just 148 centimetres.
I truly need your expert advice on a suitable car that sits higher and is comfortable with clearer front and side vision.
I also have another problem that my narrow driveway entrance and single-car garage was built in 1969 therefore does not have a huge width to negotiate a higher, wider vehicle .
My previous car was a Mazda3 and I could manage to get this car in and out of the garage.
Gail Hunt
A: Test drive the Hyundai Venue, as it’s a baby SUV that works for your budget, to check visibility and the camera view. It has a height-adjustable driver’s seat and should fit in your garage. If it works for you, just do it.
Q: We have a Mazda CX-5 but it’s time for something new.
As a 70-year-old couple we will be looking at a new SUV, similar in size to the CX-5.
We’re not sure which car to trade, as we have the 2022 Mazda SP with 105,000 kilometres and a 2019 Mercedes C200 with 35,000 kilometres.
It’s not so much about the money we would get, more about which one is best to keep.
Heather and Bruce Hopcroft
A: If the Benz brings you joy, that’s the one to keep. Because it’s not another SUV and because it’s a very good car, and you won’t be fighting all the new driver assistance systems. On the new-car front, wait to test drive the all-new Toyota RAV4 hybrid as it will set the standard for the mid-sized pack.
Q: A couple of years ago I bought a brand new Lexus ux300h hybrid car. It seemed to be O.K., until I couldn’t drive for 6 weeks ,for medical reasons . By the time I went to drive it again, the battery was flat. This has happened a couple of times since ,the last being eight days not driving, just before Christmas.
While this is a very nice little car to drive , it’s not working for me. I don’t want to go down to my garage and find the battery flat again.
My son has done a bit of research on the problem and finds it is hard to purchase a car now that is suitable for me.
I am 80+ , don’t drive a lot and when I do it’s mainly stop/start stuff.
Lexus have told me not to use the radio, headlights in the day time and not to lock it in the garage. Also, they mentioned a trickle charger.
Angela Westacott
A: You are not remotely the first to ask about this problem. Toyota Australia and your dealership have not explained the hybrid charging system correctly to you. In short trips it prioritises the hybrid battery, not the ‘starter’ battery, and that means the 12-volt battery can become depleted. If you then leave it for a time, and the car is within range of the key there can also be a trickle drain as they continuously ‘communicate’. Best solution is to take it for regular longer drivers, at least 30 kilometres. A trickle charger is the ultimate solution and a brand called C-Tek makes excellent devices for little more than $100 – a lot cheaper than changing cars.
Q: Way back in 2014 you gave me the thumbs-up for the Mercedes-Benz W204 C180 coupe.
I’ve had the car ever since and it’s been fantastic.
But it’s time for an upgrade and I’m looking at the C43 2025 model.
What are your thoughts please?
Chris O’Brien
A: I’m assuming you have around $140,000 in your budget, because the 43 is one of the AMG go-faster Benzes in the C-Class family. If you can afford it, then go for it. It’s quick, luxurious, and should last you at least as long as your 12-year-old C180.