Ask The Expert with Paul Gover

Got a question for Paul? Contact him at community@startsat60.com

Q: My mum is 82 and has never had a new car. She currently has a 2012 Mazda3 and she needs something that is safe, reliable, and has the seat at hip height so she is not crawling into the car any more. I have pounded the pavement as has she. I have put a deposit on an MG ZS Essence and all I have faced is problem after problem and we haven’t even bought it yet, My major concern is I see these new car brands being like a cheap printer. They are at an affordable price point, but the minute you own them, the cost of anything is like new ink – three times the price of the actual machine itself.  I need to be assured that my mum is safe and that the after-sales support and follow-up is true; that if she needs a hand with the vehicle she won’t be charged a premium to connect the Bluetooth on her phone or adjust a camera which she would never know how to do. I am now considering a 2022 Peugeot 2008 but then don’t know what to do without the capped price servicing.

Georgina Davis

A: The Peugeot will be a lovely cosseting drive, and a considerable jump beyond the basics of the MG. You’re right to worry about ongoing servicing, but the most important thing is to get a car she likes driving and that rewards her through her later years. To give a proper comparison, head to Toyota and have her test drive the Yaris Cross. It won’t be cheap and it won’t have the French flair over the little Pug, but it is a much better car than anything with an MG badge.

Q: I’m an active 77-year-old looking for a new sedan or hatchback after driving my still-going-strong Mitsubishi Lancer for 23 years. I think you will advise a hybrid and possibly a Hyundai or Kia, which will be fine, but I would like to check in with you. Mostly my driving is over short distances with an occasional longer drive of an hour or 90 minutes. I am just after a reliable vehicle with a convertible back seat as I do carry bulky or long items occasionally. I don’t need lots of extras.
Kathy Glass

A: Anything new is going to be a vast upgrade from an old Lancer. But don’t be swayed by ‘all the bells and whistles’ in showrooms, because everything new will have a big screen and lots of new tech. Set the bar by test driving at Toyota, most likely the Yaris Cross, then compare with the equivalent Kia and see which one you prefer. Nissan is also doing a range of impressive e-Power hybrids which are good value and drive well. For such a big change, better to avoid going for a dollar-driven move into a new and unproven Chinese brand.

Q: We have bought an 2024 Nissan X-trail but the lights and high beam are poor. We live in the country with loads of night-time animals wandering. Tried to put a light bar on but apparently there’s no way of connecting to the high beam switch. Have you heard of this problem before? Nissan says there’s no provision for connecting a light bar.
Daniel Sebire

A: What the dealer tells you is not the full story. You need to go to an accredited auto electrician and ask for their best advice. There should definitely be a way to fit a light bar to a modern Nissan, and you should also consider upgrading the globes – with street legal replacements – to ensure you also have a better low-beam coverage.

Q: I am looking for a mid-size hybrid SUV to replace my 2001 Mazda 626. I have looked at the Toyota Yaris Cross, the Hyundai Tucson, and the Kia Sorento. All of which are too big. What is your opinion of the Honda Hybrid HR-V and the Lexus Hybrid LBX?
Lynn Organ

A: You’re making a giant move after 25 years, so make sure you reward yourself. And don’t be dazzled in the showrooms, relying instead on proper test driving on the same roads on the same day. For me, it’s the HR-V which gets The Tick ahead of the Lexus. The LBX is going to be a Toyota with extra frills, not a giant leap upwards, and the Honda will give you everything you need.

Q: We are negotiating  and want to secure asap a new BYD Sealion 5 in white hybrid plug-in.   Or a GWM Haval Jolion medium SUV Lux model for  less money.What should we choose and why? We’d appreciate  your prompt reply as well as  pros and cons on these and if the difference in saving worth it?
Kathy Ivanov

A: The Sealion is good enough, but I would definitely go for the Jolion and bank the saving. It’s a better car, at least by my measures. Even so, you need to compare like-with-like through test driving and a proper inspection in the showrooms, to make sure it’s the same equipment in both cars and also that the cabin is the right size for you and your needs.

Q: Looking at a new Toyota Prado. We have three kids and travel on country roads for my work. What are thoughts on either the GXL, VX or Kakadu. It’s a big price difference, is it worth going to the Kakadu?
Chris Bourke
A: The sweet spot for almost any make and model is the middle grade. So the VX is the smart pick, unless there is something special – beyond stickers and badges – that rings your bell in the Kakadu package.