Ask the Expert with Paul Gover

Got a question for Paul, email him at community@startsat60.com

Q: I bought a Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 demonstration model as I decided to get my last car higher off the ground so getting in and out is easier for me as I am now 76. When I noticed a clunking at the back at low speeds, and at different times like going over speed humps and braking, I took the car back to the dealer. They looked at it under warranty and told me it was the cameras coming in and out. They did some work to insulate the back, but there is no difference to the noise, which I find annoying. I did have further interaction with the head office and the dealership, but feel now I have been put to one side. Do you know if this is a common problem with my model? Also, do you know if anything can be done or do I just put up with the intermittent clunking?

Karen Meldrum

A: You’re not the first to report this concern and you won’t be the last. It’s the way the system is designed, with a reversing camera that folds out at low speed from beneath the three-pointed star badge on the back. The noise can be intrusive and unfortunately there is no solution because Benz thinks it is a good idea and a good design. I’ve asked for a number of people in the past and always got a polite reply which translated to ‘Time to go now’. Sorry.

Q: My family has a Toyota Sahara 200 Series V8 diesel, approximately 14 years old. I would like to upgrade the infotainment unit – head uni –  with an aftermarket modern unit with all the modern bells and whistles. Will this have any detrimental impact to the value of the car seeing it will not be fully original spec?

Adam Docking

A: Updating the head unit is unlikely to have any effect, except making the vehicle easier to sell. These days everyone expects smart phone connectivity. But don’t expect ‘lane assist’ and ‘active cruise control’ with the change, as the latest driver assistance systems rely on all sorts of sensors and computers that cannot be retro-fitted.

Q: I’m wanting a new mid-sized plug in hybrid, to travel from the Mornington Peninsula to Melbourne a couple of times a week. Then just local use. I currently have a diesel Kia Sorento but I don’t need such a big car now, with no kid or dog at home.  I have solar panels but no battery.  My budget is $35-55,000.

Paula

A: The new benchmark for your needs is the Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid, which gives more than 120 kilometres of pure electric range. It’s the right one.

Q: My local tyre shop says the pressure for my car should be 29 psi as per the door jamb.  The Mercedes-Benz dealership, where I get my car serviced, tells me it should be 40 psi and that I should ignore what’s on the door jamb.  Who’s right? They’re both experts, but it leaves me confused.

Ashwin Sharma

A: Mercedes-Benz does the research and knows the correct settings – which is what is stamped on the plate inside the front-passenger door opening. Jumping to 40 will be dreadful for ride comfort. The only time to add more pressure would be if you were towing, or going on a very long country or highway drive.

Q: We have just bought a 2021 Isuzu M-UX to travel across to WA and central Australia next year. I am asking your advice about the other two cars we have as we need to sell one. The first is my 2013 Toyota Corolla, with 128,000 on the clock, and the other is a 2015 Ford Falcon XR6 with 180,000+ on the clock. I love my Corolla but we have been advised by a friend that the Ford will increase in price.

Pam

A: The Falcon will not increase in value, so if you love the Corolla then it’s the one to keep.

Q: Presently I own a 1997 Lexus ES300 and this car has not had a single major problem – just serviced every 10,000 kilometres. It has done 440,000 kilometres and still drives and performs as it did 25 years ago. I am looking at a 2010 Lexus LS460, as a potential replacement. It has done 130,000 kilometres. It is, though, a Japanese import. It looks and drives unbelievably. What do you think this as a potential replacement of my ES300 – if and when the ES300 decides it is time to call it a day.

Paul Murphy

A: Lexus LS models have always been belters, with great quality and luxury and refinement. You will need to trace the history of your car – lots of Japanese imports were owned by smokers and there are some cases of tampering with odometers – but you would be very very unlikely to get an LS lemon. Don’t wait for the ES to die, just go for it.