Ask the Expert with Paul Gover

Q: I’m currently considering selling my 1980 Mini Moke and replacing it with a manual V8 Ford Mustang. While the Moke has been a fun and unique vehicle to own, I’m looking for something that offers a different driving experience and that iconic naturally-aspirated V8 sound and performance. I’ve been researching Mustangs sold in Australia over the past decade and have narrowed my interest to two areas:  the 2017 Mustang GT manual and Mustang Mach 1 manual. From your experience driving and reviewing these cars, which model would you consider the better purchase today for an enthusiast owner? I’m interested in your thoughts on driving enjoyment and engagement, reliability and ownership costs, manual gearbox performance and feel, and long-term value and collectability. Is the additional cost of a Mach 1 justified over an earlier GT
Ross Grant

A:  The Mach1 is more enjoyable and more sporty. But it’s more collectible which means a premium price – if you can find one. The regular GT manual is just fine and dandy, and it will be a huge fun runner after the moke. Me? I’d save the money and go for a regular ’17 manual, then see how it goes – there is unlikely to be any drama or excessive cost – and consider an upgrade package from Herrod Performance in Melbourne as Robbie H does brilliant work and he can tailor a package to suit your budget.

Q: Your opinion please on the Chinese cars on the market? Like the MG.
Phyllis Russian.

A: Nah, not the MG. Same for Chery. The two brands I’m happy to recommend, and which are doing great work on dealer support and local development to suit our drivers and conditions, are BYD and GWM.

Q: I’m looking at buying a new car and I have looked at the Toyota Corolla Cross and Hyundai Kona. I’m particularly interested in getting myself a self-opening boot.
I’ve been told the Toyota Corolla Cross could have a six-month wait which I am not really interested in.
Rosemary Beadle

A: The Kona is fine and dandy, the best choice is with hybrid. An electric rear hatch is always at the top end of any SUV in that class, so sadly you will likely have to pay for a bunch of stuff you don’t want or need to get that benefit.

Q: My husband wrote off his old Mercedes and is now considering purchasing an EV SUV. He is a healthy 75-year-old who needs good space to transport orchid plants upright for his hobby. He needs to have driver access without bending down a lot. The budget is up to low $50,000s and happy to get a one-year-old or demo model.
He has shied away from some of the Chinese brands based on your previous comments.
Barb Varigos

A: Save money and go for a secondhand Tesla Model Y or Polestar 2. Both are a proven thing and much more decent than the newbie arrivals from China. The Polestar is Volvo quality in the cabin and would be my pick, but drive a couple as there should be plenty in car dealerships.

Q: I’m looking at purchasing a new or demo car for around $40,000 maximum, drive-away. I will be doing a lot of freeway driving and a bit of urban driving. I wanted a fuel-efficient, comfortable, safe car and was looking at the Skoda Kamiq Monte Carlo. What’s your opinion on this? Or would you recommend something else?
Ronan McCarthy

A: I’m a huge fan of Skoda, as it’s the same mechanicals and quality as Volkswagen – since it’s part of the same group – but with better design and cheaper. Not sure that you would need to go for all the fruit in the Monte Carlo, but definitely a car I recommend.

Q: We live at Drouin in West Gippsland in regional Victoria and currently drive a Kia Sportage. We are looking to buying a new car similar in size as the Kia in the near future. Can you suggest a few options because we don’t know whether to go down the hybrid path or stay with petrol, not to mention all-wheel drive, etc.
We are both retired and don’t rack up a lot of kilometres.
Brendan Turner

A: If you’re happy with the Sportage, just rinse and repeat as it’s a good thing. Go for the hybrid model, which will help with fuel bills and also improve the eventual resale. Don’t complicate the choice or confuse yourself when the answer is easy.