Ask the Expert with Paul Gover

Got a question for Paul? Email him at community@startsat60.com

Q: I am coming up to 86 years old  and have been a loyal customer with my comprehensive insurance company for 61 years. They have always looked after me with a reasonable discount. I can’t remember how many claims I have had over 60 years, maybe three  at the most. My car is a 2012 Mazda3 Neo which I have had since new and it is in good condition. I don’t drive at night and only drive to the supermarket or the doctor, and my car has always been serviced regularly. My insurance this year was $991.27 with a claim-free credit of $175.45.  However, with a $750 excess they can only give me $58.34 discount on my $991.27 policy which reduces the total to $932.93. I am on a single pension and try very hard to keep my head above water. I sit in the dark of a night to watch television to save a bit of electricity, I am aware if I were to choose a higher excess it could bring the price down, but then should something unfortunate happen I have to find $950 on top of already paying the premium.

Judith Butcher

A: Insurance companies take advantage of loyalty: yours, mine and everybody’s. If you stay loyal they gradually ramp up the premium without giving any benefit. Change companies and do it now. A couple of phone calls to rivals to your insurer will give you a clear picture on the savings, and they are likely to have some sort of ’sign-on bonus’ as well for making the change. 

Q: I am considering buying a Kia Tasman to replace my Isuzu MU-X 2022 that now has done 160,000 and is out of warranty. I do approximately 35,000 kilometres a year, mainly commuting from Ocean Grove to Essendon Airport and regular runs to Traralgon and Warrnambool in Victoria. I am looking to return to a ute from an SUV for lifestyle convenience. My main question is do I commit now or wait to see what sounds like a good package later this year in the Chery Stockman?  Do I need to go hybrid? I plan to keep whatever I buy for the duration of the seven-year warranty.

Wayne Gardam

A: The Tasman is second only to the Ford Ranger in pick-up land, and hugely good value with recent price cuts. No-one knows what the Chery will be like, and the brand is nowhere near as polished or as reliable as Kia. You won’t be disappointed by the Tasman.

Q: I am a 65-year-old and looking at a small-to-medium sized SUV, mainly for highway driving. I don’t need much boot space as I am widowed and it is only me, no dogs etc. My budget is around $60,000 and I’m looking at the Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos, Subaru Crosstrek, or the Hyundai Kona N-line. I would like a hybrid to save on fuel.

James Common

A: You’re missing the best choice – Toyota Yaris Cross hybrid. You don’t need the extra space in the Corolla, which has grown a lot bigger in recent years, and the Yaris is a thrifty and comfortable drive.

Q: I am 71 and will soon buy a new car – my final one. I take public transport or walk where necessary and only drive locally and generally do not do any long trips anymore. Maybe 100-200 kilometres per week. I have owned three new cars from a Holden HD automatic to my current 2010 Mazda3 hatchback. I have briefly compared some models from Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Kia but are yet to drive any of them. My price range is between $35-40,000 as I am a backpacker and love my travels. I do want the bells and whistles for safety matters – 360 degree view, maybe the paddle option. Your thoughts on Mazda range CX30 Evolve with Vision T or CX30 Touring Vision T? I have noted the back seating area not spacious but I don’t have family. But I do need to be able to get in and out of car comfortably.

Jan Mariani

A: Mazda has gone off the boil and you will get a better car and better value, too, in a Hyundai or Kia. Best to test drive a Hyundai Tucson, which should easily do the job and future-proof you.

Q: I’m in the market for a comfortable large station wagon to be our second car. I want to go on country driving trips and to transport furniture and hardware from Bunnings. I was hoping to get something second hand in the $20-25,000 mark and looking at: Volkswagen Passat wagon, Subaru Outback, Skoda Super, Peugeot 508 and Ford Mondeo. I’ve heard different feedback on the quality of VW customer service, and I’m also worried about Ford transmissions. I was also worried about cars being just out or warranty?

Anthony Brinkley

A: Your question is a complete no-brainer – the winner is the Superb from Skoda. A wonderful car, hugely roomy in the back seat, and the carrying capacity is best in class. Volkswagen is sub-par for customer service, based on my owner feedback, but Skoda seems to be doing a better job. Just do it. As for VW service, find a good independent workshop.

Q: I recently purchased a 2.5-litre  Subaru Outback “No Turbo” and I love the vehicle. The sales person recommended using 91 octane fuel, but for every third or fourth tank to fill up with 95 octane to help it run better. My question, is there any technical reason to support this.

Eddy Williamson

A: What a waste of money. If Subaru says the car only needs 91 then that’s what you should give it. But, check the fuel information in the owner’s manual and if it is fine for E10 – it refers to the use of ethanol – then you could be saving some money and also getting 95 octane. But remember the E10 component means it will be slightly thirstier at the pump.