Got a question for motoring expert Paul Gover. Write to him at community@startsat60.com
Q: I have a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe seven-seater diesel that has done about 235,000 kilometres and I now drive around 120,000 kms per year. I am considering converting it to LPG in light of the current availability and the cost of diesel. Do you think this is a good idea? Do you know the cost of conversion and any possible downside – and savings in running costs?
Tony Wilson
A: The days of LPG conversions are done. They were great when the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon ruled our roads, with engines which were relatively low-tech and well suited to autogas operation – and with plenty of boot space for a tank. Ford even had a dedicated LPG model in the Falcon range. But modern engines have different requirements in their combustion and valve-train lubrication that do not work for LPG. And the number of LPG outlets is falling rapidly. You might find a conversion company, but it’s unlikely and the negatives will outweigh the positives.
Q: I was told by my service centre that I need to fill up with 95 or 98 petrol, not 91, in my 2019 Toyota RAV4. I had to take it to them as an alert came up and I have to pay $900 for clearing some clogging. Is this right or should I question this?
Annie Bosak
A: Use the fuel grade on the sticker inside the fuel filler cap. No need for anything else. If you’re been asked for ‘clearing’ during a service, this is a common up-sell and usually not remotely needed. From my experience with the RAV4, 91 fuel is fine and there should be nothing to clog. Go somewhere for a second opinion.
Q: I am currently driving a 2017 Honda Jazz with 299,000 kilometres. It is running well but I would prefer to have a car with more updated safety packages.
I am an older age driver who does mostly metro and freeway driving with the occasional short country trip. I do not want a larger car but appreciate the size of the interior and boot space (and the spare tyre!) I am currently looking at a petrol car but not quite sure what new models to prioritise.
Dianne Macfarlane
A: Since you’re already in the Honda family, provided the budget works, then I would recommend the HR-V hybrid. Future proofs you, good access and carrying capacity. If it’s too expensive then go for a Hyundai Venue, a small SUV for less than $30,000
Q: My husband and I run a refrigeration and air conditioning business and employee our 19-year-old son as an apprentice. We have told him we will buy him a work ute of his own when he qualifies as a tradesman later this year. We have a Ford Wildtrack and a Ford BF ute and were expecting to get him a Ford Ranger or newer ute but he has his heart set on a Nissan Patrol so he can use it to go camping as well. My husband is a bit worried that a Nissan Patrol may not be as reliable as a Ford, and is trying to talk him out of it. So can you tell me if you know of any particular issue that Nissan Patrols have that we should be aware of and whether you would recommend one? We’d be looking at spending $20,000- 30,000 and my son thinks the models between 2007-2015 are OK. It would be diesel and possibly manual as he drives manual all the time in an old 1992 Ford Capri.
Victoria Da Vinci
A: The Patrol is an excellent vehicle with a hugely positive reputation. It’s second only to the Toyota LandCruiser in Japanese models at the top of the four-wheel drive world. There is no reason at all to pick a Ranger over a Patrol.
Q: Looking to buy my wife a Nissan Qashqai top-of-the-range e-Power hybrid. She only does roughly 10,000 kilometres a year tops. What’s your thoughts?
We would like to spend around the $50,000 mark.
Bryan Williams
A: I’m a big fan of the e-Power system and the Qashqai is muchly improved in recent times. It gets The Tick from me.
Q: What’s your opinion of Mini Aceman JCW Electric 2025 model please?
Lucy Vassallo
A: Provided you’ve ticked all the charging boxes, and the range on the Mini works for you – remember it will be considerably lower on a straight freeway run with no regenerative braking than stop-start around town– then it will be a fun choice. A tasty thing for running around the ‘burbs and the JCW package makes it look and feel a bit special.