Paul Gover is one of the most respected motoring writers in Australia. Ask him questions via email at community@startsat60.com
Q: I’m writing to you for your advice about the Honda Prelude that I’ve read is coming to Australia mid 2026. I’ve had Preludes in the past, probably some 20 or more years ago and loved them, but can imagine the new model will be significantly better. I now drive an Audi TT, 2013 model, which has only travelled just over 60,000km, so you can tell I don’t drive very far but would use the car most days. I feel as it’s getting a bit old, although it’s regularly serviced and there are absolutely no problems with it, I should upgrade but everything I see is a SUV and I definitely don’t want one of those. So, my queries are – Is it a good car, price and reliability? Is it too early to even think about it? Any other things I need to consider? I’m open to any other suggestions you might have but from the photos I’ve seen this style suits my needs, even though I could be considered too old for it to be a suitable choice.
Annette King
A: It’s far too early to know. It’s only been unveiled, not provided for any in-depth testing, and we don’t know the pricing . Yes, it looks good and Honda has done some very good cars recently, but you really need to have hands-on driving time before knowing if it is the fitting successor to your TT.
Q: I am after a medium SUV EV. I will do some commuting and some trips. It will be myself and my wife driving and I am in my 50’s. I want something that is comfortable for longer trips. On paper candidates are zeekr 7x, Tesla Y and BYD seal lion. What’s your view on those and any other to add to my test drive list.
Chris
A: You’re missing the Kia EV3, which is my choice. Why? Because it’s a brand that’s well proven in Australia and it’s a very good car, as I know from test driving. Second would be Tesla Y, with the newbie Chinese trailing after that.
Q: My wife is looking at a compact European SUV. We are thinking of the following, 2023 to 2025:
VW Tiguan
Audi Q3 2 Litre
Volvo XC40
BMW X1 2 Litre
Can you please let me know your opinion on each vehicle and which one you would choose. From my research, I think the VW is best value for money.
Darren Vella
A: Volvo, every time. Underrated but a great car. Good value. Excellent value. VW is not doing a good job in Australia and the Tiguan does not drive as well as the Volvo.
Q: I have a Mustang GT MY20 automatic (lowered with Magneride suspension) and just want to get your opinion if it is still worth keeping it due to big shift in electric cars. I enjoy driving it on the weekend and trying to keep the mileage down (just under 30k). Do you think it will have a good future $ value.
John
A: I hope you didn’t panic and get rid of the ’stang. Great car, not threatened by electric, I’m sure it makes you smile. There is not a ‘big shift’ to electric cars. That’s just media ’noise’. Still less than 10 per cent of sales, even with the Hormuz stuff.
Q: I presently drive a Porsche Macan 2020, 45,000kms. Would like your advice about a Maseratti SUV please.
Sandy Letten
A: A Maserati looks good and sounds great. Otherwise, nothing to recommend it. And definitely not ahead of a Porsche. Keep the Macan and enjoy it.
Q: I rushed into buying a Toyota Corolla Sedan in December as my 20-year-old Echo developed a gear box problem after +450,000 kilometers. The Corolla was the only new vehicle available at the time near where I live. While it is pleasant to drive, I am not altogether happy with the Corolla – mainly because it is too large for my needs. I am not mad about hatchbacks, however I think it is inevitable I will downsize to one – either a Corolla or Yaris. How long should I keep the Corolla to maximise the trade-in value on another new vehicle?
Liz Frazier
A: How long is a piece of string, because the ‘right’ time is different for every car and owner. The biggest hit on depreciation is straight out of the showroom, and the numbers are usually not good for the first two years. So year three is the optimum for most people, particularly if they have some form of financing. But your wrong choice is a Corolla and they are gold for used values. Best to go back to the showroom and ask for a valuation on changing to a Yaris or, my recommendation, a Yaris Cross. The numbers might work for you.