Ask the Expert with Paul Gover

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

Q: Can you use a trickle battery charger to keep a Toyota Yaris battery charged in a home garage for seven weeks? The garage is open at the side and rear, while the front has a lockable roller door. In the past, I used this charger on a petrol Mazda without a problem.

Margaret Mourik

A: There are zero worries with your trickle-charger plan, and it’s actually recommended now by Toyota to people who have trouble keeping their batteries charged. It’s relatively common on the latest hybrids, which need regular running for more than 30 minutes, not just a duck down to the shops, to keep them charged enough for starting when they have been sitting.

Q: I am unsure which way to jump as I am 83 years old and going to sell my caravan. A Lexus ES 300h is now $84,000 for the standard model and $94,000 with all the extras. The other option is the Toyota Camry, top of the range at $56,000. Which would be the better car, as I think this will be the last car I buy?

John Sherer

A: Save yourself a bunch of money and go for the Camry. It’s a ripper car, vastly underrated, and shares its basic mechanical package with the Lexus. You probably can save even more by taking the basic Camry, since it is very nicely equipped.

Q: Just after your opinion on which is better between Ford and Nissan utes. I’m looking at the Navara PRO-4X Warrior or the Ranger Raptor. Your thoughts, please?

Colin Thomas

A: Both are the excellent outcome of Australian engineering work, with the Raptor the more radical for people who want to go fast in the outback and the Warrior for people who want a nicer pick-up with the sort of ‘stuff’ that people often add from aftermarket suppliers. If you’re into fast gravel roads and you have a big budget, around $100,000 with on-road costs, then the Ranger is unbeatable. But the PRO-4X Warrior is a smarter choice and will make life easier without breaking the bank.

Q: I have tested the latest models of Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. I really liked the Honda, the only negative being the lack of a spare wheel, but I would be willing to live with that. My second preference is the Hyundai, followed by the Kia, both of which do have a space-saver spare wheel. My main concern with the Hyundai and Kia is the reliability of the large digital display. Out of these three, which car would you recommend?

Egils Brutans

A: All car displays and infotainment systems can suffer from glitches. High-tech systems, including driver ‘assist’, are the single biggest trigger for emails I receive. You should buy the car you like the most and, for me, that would be the CR-V.

Q: I’ve just test-driven a 2026 Toyota Yaris Cross GX Hybrid. I think it’s great, but hubby is concerned about the three cylinders it runs on. He also wondered about the GXL and whether that’s better as far as lights and extras go?

Karina Hammond

A: A huge number of carmakers now have three-cylinder engines with turbochargers because they are more efficient. There is a slightly different exhaust note but there is absolutely nothing to worry about. You need to get him out of the 1980s when V8s ruled the world. As for the GXL, the model grade you choose comes down to budget and whether you see any worthwhile value in the extra ‘trinkets’ at the top end.

Q: We are looking at upgrading our tow car for a three-tonne maximum caravan. We have driven the Isuzu MU-X and the Ford Everest. Can’t afford a Toyota. The Everest was a nicer drive but we were happy with the 3-litre MU-X. My main concern with the Everest is reliability and, as we will be on a pension soon, reliability is very important. From what I have read, the Isuzu is a good, honest car with proven reliability. Another thought is, should we wait for the new Pajero to see what that’s like?

Mark Dwyer

A: Last thing first, the new Pajero is based on the Triton and not a standalone model as it was in the past. And the Triton is not a pick-up star, so the Pajero is unlikely to jump to the top of the class. The Everest is my choice every time, thanks to the local design and engineering work, and previous problems with transmissions and engines have been ironed out. Even the Isuzu is not immune to drama, most recently with front suspension.

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