Ask the Expert: should I sell my Mercedes before 100,000km, is the Mahindra any good and which Mustang should I buy?

Ask the Expert with Paul Gover

Q: I’m a 76-year-old retired male with a Mercedes-Benz C300, AMG optioned, which has done 95,000 kilometres. I love the car, and service it regularly, but I’m wondering whether I should sell it before 100,000. I do low mileage and would keep it if you think it’s a good option.
Lindsay
A: There is no real need for you to be changing from your faithful retainer. There is plenty of time left for your Benz and, in any case, one of the newfangled models will likely cause you huge annoyance with the ‘driver assist’ systems. And you will also be saving money. As I often say, if it makes you smile then it’s a keeper.

Q: Last April I purchased an almost-new Kia Picanto demonstrator with only a couple of hundred kilometres and then  had the first complimentary service in November. My kilometres now show almost 8000 and the service was due in March (or) 15,000. I am retired and it will take some time to get to 15,000, so will I lose the warranty if I wait until 15,000? I don’t want to be constantly contacted by Kia reminding me I am overdue for the service.
Kerry Jordan

A: Yes, you are in trouble and the dealership is trying to help. Warranty terms are very specific: it’s time or distance, whichever comes first. So you need to get the service done. If you go over the time, regardless of distance covered, that potentially voids your warranty.

Q: I understand that you are not a huge fan of Chinese cars apart from BYD and GWM. I have never heard anyone ask about an Indian brand. I have seen a Mahindra small SUV, the XUV 3XO. Would you mind giving me your opinion please? I currently drive a 1995 Toyota RAV4 five-door, which I love. I like its small size compared to the newer SUV models, I like that it’s very basic, and I like the hand-wind windows. But as an older single female I need a car that is very reliable, primarily.
Karen Leyhdes
A: The Mahindra is surprisingly un-bad. Not a great car, but excellent value, likely to be solid and reliable and a decent match for your old RAV. Last year I travelled to India with Mahindra and learned many positive things about the company, its people, and their work. I would recommend the 3XO, for sure. It gets The Tick.

Q: I am a 72-year-old male and in years gone by I have followed your articles in the Herald Sun newspaper and, in recent times, on the radio. I have previously owned a number of what I consider ‘petrol head’ cars including two Porsches, three SS Commodores, an SL Mercedes and a VE HSV GTS – which I have regretted selling. Currently I own a 2012 Series 2 VE SS ute, a 2002 CV8 manual Monaro, a very low mileage 2012 350 Benz and a 2012 ML350 Benz. I have been looking at purchasing another manual V8 and have looked at the VF Holden Special Vehicles ClubSport which are highly priced. I keep thinking about the Ford Mustang and would greatly appreciate your opinion of a FN series GT manual. I have concerns as to its build quality – being American made and the media reports as to its safety rating. I would greatly welcome your advice as to whether the Mustang is a viable option – even the FO Series – or should I focus on the hunt for a good ClubSport.

Frank Bertucci

A: Now you have a new and important place to find me. On car choice, there are two things in play– driving enjoyment and investment potential. Right now, we’re reaching ‘peak pricing’ for collector cars in the Ford and Holden history, which means prices are high. Those cars, including anything from Holden Special Vehicles, are still highly emotive for people of ‘a certain age’. But that will change and prices will fall. So, for you, the best advice is to get a car you enjoy driving, which is solid and reliable, and not going to break the bank. My best advice is simple – get the most recent Mustang you can afford, drive it and enjoy.

Q: I have about $25,000 to spend on a car for a family of four and very open to options. I have been looking at low-kilometre C-Class Mercedes wagons as they seem to give you pretty good bang for buck. But they could be expensive to service. Could you recommend some options ?
Ben Goad

A: It’s great to hear from someone who is not falling into the SUV trap. Too many people go SUV because they want to ’sit up high’, or think they have superior carrying capacity. An old-school station wagon is often bigger in the boot and easier to load, while the plague of SUVs means almost everyone gets to ’sit up high’ with no advantage. The C-Class is a long-term favourite and a great family wagon, but my first pick is the Skoda Superb – silly name but great car – or the slightly smaller Octavia. They are good value, have great rear-seat space and a huge luggage area. Skoda is part of the Volkswagen Group so the quality and reliability are good, and you save money over an equivalent Passat wagon.

Q: I have a question regarding a GPS Speed limiter. I have an ADHD son who is a magnet to speed cameras due to his lack of concentration, especially when driving at night when his medication has worn off. Can you please advise where I can purchase one and also which cars are sold in Australia with them installed? I fear this is the only way my son is going to be able to keep his license.
Janita
A: Sadly, what you want, and need, does not exist. There are plenty of devices and cars that will warn about going over the speed limit, but they are passive and not active. And it means buying a new car to get one that is able to ‘read’ the speed signs. Something with GPS cannot do the job because there will be things like roadwork limits that change thins. On the new-car front, there are ‘active’ cruise controls that hold a pre-set speed, but then you’re relying on him to activate the system. Best advice is to get something with CarPlay and Android Auto, then use the WAZE App which takes real-time information from other drivers ahead of you on the road about things like hazards and speed cameras.