Ask the Expert: Is your new car using too much oil?

Ask the Expert with Paul Gover

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

Q: My son purchased a Mazda CX-60 demo with very little kilometres, effectively sold as a near-new vehicle in October of 2024. Since then it has had a major issue that the low level oil light comes on and the car has been towed on two occasions because of it being dangerously low. The dealership after the first time said they could find nothing, then the second time stated that Mazda had advised them to do something, not sure what, to rectify. At the most recent service he was told the car was again low on oil, so my son refused to take the car as a problem is still there. After a bit of to-and-fro on emails he got a reply from the dealer that Mazda had stated that the loss of oil could be as high as 0.8 litres per 1000 km and that would be within specification. So any advice or help would be greatly appreciated.

Ges Zuccala

A: Cars in 2026 use very ’thin’ oils and are usually driven with zero warm-up, which means it’s not remotely unusual for them to use oil. Because service intervals are now 12 months and 10,000 kilometres, far too many people never check their oil level. They rely on a warning light. Your son is not alone and I have had complaints from owners of Volkswagen, Kia, and Subaru about oil use. Carmakers usually say one litre in 1000 kilometres is within tolerance. Get your son to learn how to check the oil, and the tyre pressures while he is at it.

Q: I’m writing to seek your professional opinion regarding an ongoing issue with our Audi Q5. We purchased the vehicle new from a dealer in October 2024 and it has travelled approximately 24,000 kilometres, serviced in April. Despite its age and relatively low kilometres, the oil level has now dropped to minimum on four separate occasions in less than two years. We are understandably concerned that this is not normal for a near-new vehicle and may indicate an underlying mechanical problem. Most recently, a mechanic added oil to the vehicle and was aghast when I explained the history. He told me that, in his opinion, we had purchased a “lemon” and strongly suggested that we seek either a replacement vehicle or a refund. Do you believe we would have reasonable grounds to request a replacement vehicle or refund?

Simone Spencer

A: So now we can add Audi to the list of brands which use oil. Just go back to the old-school process of preventative maintenance, checking the oil regularly. Monitor the level regularly and keep a small one-litre bottle of the correct oil – the same used by the dealership – in the boot for top-ups.The mechanic is definitely wrong, and could be living in the past, with no reason to justify a replacement car.

Q: I’m keen to venture into the full EV or plug-in hybrid motoring world with a budget of $65-$70,000. Currently driving a Mazda Akera (2019) which is an ideal size and has all the features I enjoy, so I don’t wish to downgrade from the current size or bells and whistles and large boot space is a priority. I’m 60 years young and retired, these days travel is around 10-15,000 kilometres a year, being home to the golf course, shops and occasional interstate trips. Ultimate goal is to remove petrol expenses, or at least significantly lower fuel consumption whilst updating from the Mazda. I’m considering BYD Sealion 7, Tesla Model Y, Kia EV5, Geely 7 and Skoda Enyak. PHEV vehicles under consideration are Nissan e-Power, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

Dean

A: Best for the pure electric cars on your list is the BYD, followed by the Tesla. On the plug-in front, Nissan has the most EV-like SUV since it always runs electric and only uses the combustion engine to charge the battery.

Q: My son’s budget is $20,000 and he was looking at a Volkswagen Tiguan 2018 132TSI Auto for $17,600. He is travelling around the city and beyond for work. I am keen to see him stick with a Toyota like a RAV4 for reliability and reasonably priced servicing. What are your thoughts on the VW and can you make any other recommendations for the type of work he is doing?

Nigel Phillips

A: The value in a Toyota is not good for only $20k, and they are now no better now than a Kia or Hyundai as a second-hand car. That said, VW also has a poor reputation for service. I’d go Korean for a quality product, good value, and solid back-up.

Q: Can I get your thoughts on a new 3-litre Isuzu D-Max Tour Mate edition? I will be towing my van which only has an ATM of 2300 kilos. Are there any better options for me to look at?

Brett Ritchie

A: The D-Max has a great reputation for towing, but don’t buy a big, heavy, thirsty truck if most of your driving is still close to home. The Ford Ranger is far nicer and more ‘car-like’ for city and suburban work with nothing hooked on the back. Right now there are very good deals on the Ford.

Q: My 26-year-old daughter is very interested in the Suzuki Jimny XL, in a manual. She currently drives a manual and refuses to go into an automatic. I’m suggesting she gets into a late model car, preferably a demo, but she loves the Jimny. Can you please let me know your thoughts.

Dean Burrows.

A: The Jimny is a funky little toy car and very trendy. But … there are lots of buts, including noise and stability at highway speeds. And the silly expensive purchase price for something so small. Bottom line – would I be happy thinking about the consequences of my daughter being hit in the side by a pick-up truck? Absolutely not. Hyundai does a manual version of its good little Venue and a small hatchback, not a boxy SUV, would probably be a better all-round choice.