Ask the Expert with Paul Gover

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

Q: Hoping you can help me again with a recommendation for a plug-in EV, with petrol for long trips. I’m retired and the budget is not huge.  I have a small boat, unbraked around 600 kilos, that it needs to tow.  I’ve towed it with an outlander PHEV –  five years ago – but the range on electric was only about 40 kilometres – but not towing. I will trade-in a 2016 3.2-litre Ford Ranger in good condition.

Graeme Bowley

A: Best value is still something from Mitsubishi, and the mid-sized Eclipse Cross should suit your needs. It’s relatively affordable and there are deals in showrooms at the moment. Pure electric range is always going to suffer, although things are advancing rapidly, when you need to pull the boat.

Q: I have heard you mentioning dealers charging a ‘diagnosis fee’ of up to $250. Is this a set fee or does it depend on the time it takes to diagnose – so 10 minutes versus two hours? It happened to the missus when she was charged $250 for about an hour. It wasn’t a dealership as such but they state they are a European vehicle specialist. All that was wrong was a low coolant sensor, so they say. Is this fee a rip-off? I was a mechanic (technician) at a Holden Dealership from 1985 to 2002 and on most occasions if people turned up with an issue we would connect tech 1 or tech 2 and charge nothing

David McCarthy

A: A diagnostic fee is common for all brands, most often when it comes to potential warranty work. The justification is the time to do the work, even if it’s only running a computer check as you did in the old(er) days.

Q: If possible, can you please give me your thoughts and suggestions on a SUV that is capable of towing a small trailer. We have been considering either a Toyota RAV4 or Isuzu MU-X but are not sure whether we should go with a hybrid or diesel.

Rocco Perilli

A: Almost anything will tow a small trailer, and it doesn’t need to have a diesel engine. In fact, these days it’s better to avoid diesel – higher fuel cost, lower resale – except for heavy towing with a caravan or boat. Get your trailer over a weigh bridge and then check the tow ratings for your favourites, but the RAV will be a smarter choice than the much bigger and thirstier MU-X.

Q: I’m keen to buy our first electric vehicle in order to take advantage of the many attributes of an EV for essentially metro driving,  especially when powered from our solar panels. My issue is I’m not an SUV fan and will only buy a legacy brand with an established history and commitment to our market, which of course severely limits my choices as you know.  While not strictly a sedan,  I’ve been considering a used Kia EV6 GT Line AWD,  still well within warranty, which will have already blown the bulk of the depreciation,  so I believe the used prices aren’t too bad.

Steve Dunlop

A: The car that looks to tick your boxes is the new Mazda 6e, which is a smooth operator from a proven brand. The EV6 GT is a rapid-fire sports machine so, even though you might get some saving with a second-hand model, it’s likely to be too much of a good thing. And don’t expect a big bargain by buying used, as a lot of panicking people have rushed to an EV.

Q: I currently have a 10-year-old Holden Trax, and have just spent a few thousand on it and it needs more work soon. My mechanic suggested I look for another vehicle and not put any more money into it. I am in my late 70s and I can’t afford to waste any more on it. I was wondering if you could suggest something around a similar size, and if possible with similar height, not too low to get into. I am hoping to drive for a few more years and would like a reliable car and not too expensive to maintain. My budget is around $20,000.

Margaret Bretherton.

A: Kia and Hyundai both do great SUVs with good value on the secondhand front. Most likely the best for you is a Kia Sportage, although the baby Seltos could also do the job and cost less.

Q: We’re getting at 2.7 tonne caravan soon, when loaded adding another 400 kilograms, and plan to travel for 18 months. We have had a 2026 LandCruiser VX on order since November 2025 and there is a 2023 GR Sport with 60,000 kilometres for the same price. Would you wait for a new VX or take a (run-in) GR Sport available now. Our home is sold and settles soon.

Peter Delbridge

A: The right car for you, just out, is the LandCruiser Performance Hybrid. Plenty of towing reserves, the latest package, and all the usual LandCruiser positives. Take the long-term view, wait a little longer, and you won’t regret it.