Ask the Expert: A step in the right direction

Ask the Expert with Paul Gover

Got a question for Paul? Email him at [email protected]

Q: I have a Toyota Prado and have just had a bilateral knee replacements and finding it difficult to get into the car. I am hoping you can send me information on the availability of step up which are available please.

Grace Hough

A: Don’t just focus on a step, as there are plenty of other ways to get help. Toyota has just launched what it calls ‘Assisted Mobility Solutions’, which are factory accessories, for the estimated 5.5 million Aussies who identify with a disability. Get to the www.toyota.com.au website and check the choices, as there should be something that’s right for you which you can order through the nearest dealership.

Q: I would greatly welcome your opinion and preference in regard to choosing between two cars. They are an FN Ford Mustang or a VF SeriesII SS Commodore? I would appreciate your expert advice.

Frank Bertucci.

A: Assuming – dangerously – that you don’t have an historic tribal alliance to one of the brands, the Mustang is going to be the better choice. Even the oldest of the FN ’stangs were built after the Commodore had gone out of production. It’s also getting hard to find an unmolested SS which doesn’t have a huge price-tag because someone believes it is a long-term investment as a collector’s car.

Q: I was wanting your opinion on the 2026 LDV D90 executive. For our family, the seven seats, towing capacity and price point works but I am worried that a lot of dealers are dropping the brand. We currently have a  2022 Mazda CX-9.

Travis Durrington

A: The LDV would be a considerable step down from your Mazda and the brand has big problems. It’s a cheapie Chinese contender, which can be fine, but there are rust problems in vehicles and that’s a massive red flag. Rust in a new car in 2026 should never happen, and the LDV response from China has been underwhelming. In a word – No.

Q: You’ve probably been asked 100 times but what’s your thoughts on a Hyundai i30 hybrid? A good or bad thing?

Matt Childs

A: As a car, the i30 is very good, basically equal to a Toyota Corolla, but better value. Even so, it’s not a ‘proper’ hybrid with the fuel economy benefits of the Toyota. It’s a standard parallel hybrid so it’s not fully electric at any time. Its small 1.32 kWh battery only powers the electric motor for short bursts, moving off the line, or coasting to assist the 1.6-litre petrol engine.

Q: With a budget of $30,000, what is the best value EV for a suburban run-around. I’m looking new or used. Just got solar battery and looking to make use of the system. Also what do I stay clear from as there are a few cheap ones out there

Dave

A: I’d get s secondhand Tesla with that budget. There should be plenty around, although prices have jumped up since the problem in the Middle East. Make sure to get a proper pre-purchase inspection and don’t just rely on a roadworthy certificate.

Q: I have a 2020 RAV4 Hybrid Cruiser which has done 85,000 kilometres. The car is in great condition, and I am wondering should I move it before it hits 100,000, or just keep it for another 50,000. I have been very pleased with the vehicle, but am not sure whether the resale value will fall greatly as the car gets older.

Martin Ring

A:  The RAV4 is a gold-plated star in the secondhand world and some extra kilometres will do it no harm. Lots of youngsters want them for P-plating so it will hold its value, and 100,000 is no barrier to enjoyment.

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