Ask the Expert: LPG’s Future, Squeaky Wipers, and Choosing Between an EV and a Hybrid

Ask the Expert with Paul Gover

Q: I am around 80 years old and drive a dedicated gas Falcon. I am very happy with it but it is getting up on kilometres. What is your guess how long gas will be available? And please explain the difference of a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. I’ve done some local travelling, 100 kilometres every three weeks, and once a month around 450 kilometres as well as the weekly travel.

Alan Collier OAM

A: Gas is not dying any time soon, although the number of outlets is falling, so your Falcon should be fine for a few years. The difference between the hybrids is a plug-in, as it says, can be connected to the grid to charge a much larger onboard battery. So there is a much bigger pure electric range, with some vehicles now over 130 kilometres, which would cover your weekly trips in full battery mode. With those distances, a PHEV – don’t fall for the marketing babble about Chinese ’Super Hybrid’ cars – would be the better choice for you. At your age, a new car would be good for safety, and would likely make you smile, but the distraction of the ‘gadgets’ and relentless safety warnings might be a deal breaker.

Q: I have a 2018 Honda Jazz and it’s a good with car, just the wipers make an horrendous noise, irrespective of lots of water of small amounts on the screen. Every time I mention this to the mechanics, they replace the blades – which doesn’t seem to make much difference. My windscreen was replaced and it’s happening since then. Can the camber of the wipers be adjusted so as to not make the dreadful noise? If so, where can I get this done?
Marg Marden

A: Go to your nearest SuperCheap Auto, buy a new set of wiper blades for the Jazz, and ask them to fit them for you. It’s a free service. As them to adjust the angle the blades sit on the screen to stop them making any scraping noise or juddering. Without being judgemental, this sort of super-minor problem should be an easy fix at the mechanic’s shop, if they can be bothered to try and help.

Q: My 2012 Ford Territory Titanium has just been written-off.  I have around $25,000 to spend and thinking should I be looking at an EV? I don’t really need a big vehicle anymore but in saying that I liked the height of the Territory as I am not getting any younger.
Bruce Anderson

A: Why should you be looking at an EV? Do you have charging, do you mostly do short trips, are you prepared to go for a Chinese brand to make the sums work? With your budget, if you insist on an EV then a secondhand Tesla could be a smart choice. Otherwise a secondhand petrol-powered Mazda CX-5 would be a smart pick. Your budget is unfortunately too skinny for anything worthwhile in a new-car showroom.

Q: I’m looking for a smallish hybrid vehicle as I travel from Bendigo to Melbourne once a week as well as daily driving around Bendigo with grandkids. Do you have any preference between the Kia Stonic or Yaris Cross?
Barbara Hamston

A: Drive both. Pick the one you prefer. Both are recommended. But … there is likely to be at least a three-month wait for the Yaris Cross, perhaps as much as six months.

Q: I currently have a 2020-2021 Kia Seltos sports plus. I have loved my petrol Kia, it has never failed me, but I am looking to upgrade in size. I have test driven Subaru Forester (big and plastic), Kia Sportage (diesel only available) or Mazda CX-5 (average turning circle, great interior).  I am so confused as to what could be best as petrol options are next-to non-existent, in part due to Government carbon credits for dealers importing hybrids and/or electric. I struggle to trust hybrids, not even sure exactly why.  Seen to many electric fires!
Janmaree Richardson

A: There is zero reason to worry about a hybrid. Most of the battery fires are not even for cars. Honda and Toyota have been doing hybrids since the late 1980s with zero dramas. There is a hybrid version of the Kia Sportage and that should be top of your shopping list, as Mazda is not doing proper hybrids and the latest CX-5 is not enough of an improvement over the old one.

Q: I am writing for your opinion on the hybrid Renault Arkana or if you have a better option as we are looking to buy. Thank you in anticipation and look forward to your response.
Anthony Finn

A: Renault makes some excellent cars but is only a tiddler brand in Australia. That’s sad because its vehicles are good to drive, well engineered and comfy. I would recommend the Arkana.