Ask the Expert: don’t ditch your one-year-old Kia, the Lexus horn mystery and why Paul Gover won’t recommend an electric ute — yet

Ask the Expert with Paul Gover

Q: I am looking at getting an electric or hybrid car and was wondering what you think. I am driving a Kia Stonic 2025 and like that size of car.
Can you please let me know?
Mel

A: Please don’t do it. Why? Because your Stonic is only one year old and you will take a disastrous hit on resale value. Wait at least two years on resale and, by then, the fuel situation will have normalised and you can make an informed decision on what you need for your future motoring needs. Keep calm and carry on for now. In a couple of years there will be all sorts of new EV and hybrid choices.

Q: At the moment, I drive a 2019 Hyundai i30 Elite, which I bought new in July 2020, and I’ve just clocked over 60,000 kilometres. Although I’ve really enjoyed the i30, now that I’m 68 I’m finding the idea of a Small SUV of comparable size more appealing as it would likely offer easier access as I get older. My needs are pretty simple, as I don’t have grandchildren and won’t be towing anything. I’m not interested in an electric vehicle, but I would consider a hybrid, provided it doesn’t require plugging in to charge. The vehicles that I have looked at are the Mazda CX-3,  Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona and Subaru Crosstrek. Additionally, could you provide a rough estimate of the trade-in value for my i30?  It has a complete service history, new tyres fitted at 58,000 kilometres, and is in excellent condition.
Heather
A: Last things first, so go to www.carsales.com.au and search for cars like yours to get up-to-date values. From your list, Kia Seltos will be the best pick for quality, value and service back-up. The Crosstrek is underwhelming to drive, the CX-3 is teeny, and Hyundai does cars which are twins to Kia but usually a little more costly.

Q: I drive (and love) a 2006 Lexus SC430 that has just ticked over 150,000 kilometres.  Recently the horn stopped working and after having Lexus check it out they advised that Lexus no longer makes/sells the part and set me on my way.  Obviously the vehicle is now unroadworthy so I contacted Lexus Australia who basically fobbed me off.  Can you let me know if the manufacturer has any obligations in this instance. I find it incomprehensible that a prestige product is not supported at 20 years old.  I’m having trouble accessing a used part, or a third party product with any confidence. Is there a stand-alone horn that could be legally retrofitted if I’m unable to solve my problem?
Maurie Shakespeare
A: That horn is likely to be shared by something in the world of Toyota. It won’t be a unique part. So head to a ‘dismantler’ with the horn, or a picture, and have some fun with a search. As for Lexus back-up, the requirement is for factory support for 10 years and you’re way outside that timeframe. And it’s very, very unusual for a horn to fail on any car.

Q: I bought a Skoda Kodiaq four years ago and have had a great run with it through 65,000 kilometres. I’m just a bit concerned about their ongoing presence in Australia in the coming years. I was thinking of selling it over the next coming months. So can you suggest a similar vehicle with a roomy interior, say two years old, maybe of Korean or Japanese origin.
Rob Stevens
A: There is no reason to worry about Skoda. It is part of the Volkswagen group and they are not leaving Australia, even if recent sales results have been underwhelming. Your Kodiaq is not likely to need replacement just yet, and beware of the ‘bings and bongs’ of the driver-assistance systems in the latest cars. If you want a ’safe’ choice, then head to Kia and pick the one that you like.

Q: Just wanted to get your opinion on the BYD Shark. Is there another EV Ute would you recommend what’s in a similar price range.
David
A: Right now, there is no fully electric ute I would recommend. EV technology does not provide the grunt or towing power many people expect from a workhorse, without severely compromising the range. If you want it as a show pony, that’s fine. But if you intend to use it as a tool-of-trade then it will have significant shortcomings. That said, I have driven the Shark and it is very nice.

Q: I am starting a new job that requires me to commute from Ringwood to Tullamarine airport in Victoria every day. As part of the job I have access to an EV.
Regarding the many makers that are available, and not sure of who offers the best ongoing service, what options would you recommend? I was considering something smallish to mid-range that could accommodate some space for a couple of adults if I have international visitors.
Andrew Burridge
A: My favourite affordable EV right now is the Kia EV3. It suits your size, has good range, is nice drive, and comes from a proven brand. It gets The Tick from me.

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