Ask the expert: your car questions answered, from the best Kia for $30,000 to whether an EV can tick every box

Ask The Expert with Paul Gover

Paul Gover is one of the most respected motoring writers in Australia. Ask him questions via email at [email protected]

Q: I am close to 68 and my husband is 78. We have been Honda Jazz manual drivers for the last 20 years and have been very happy with the 3 cars we have had across that time. I doubt I will be able to buy a manual again. It has given me some comfort as I don’t think these young rascals around would know how to drive it.  I am also thinking that in the future I might be better off with a car that is higher and easy to get into.  With about $30,000 to spend I am looking  at the Kia range and would appreciate some advice from you.
Leonie Hinton

A: Kia is a great brand and the best choice for you will be the Stonic, the smallest of its SUV choices and also its newest arrival. It’s also right on your price point.

Q: I have two wonderful cars (in my eyes), one for towing and one for fuel consumption economy. The towing one is a Toyota Prado VX 2002 model, and the other a Hyundai eXcel 1999. For further savings on fuel prices, I was wondering whether I could use E10 in the vehicles.
Colin Mills

A: Just check the sticker inside the fuel filler car, or the owner’s manual. If it says E10 compatible then you’re fine. Most likely they will both be suitable for E10 and some savings at the pump.

Q:  I had a Ford F-150 late 2024. Loved it except the payload was awful. It’s all very well saying it can tow 4.5 tonnes but a payload of roughly 750 kgs was crap. I was too late to consider a GVM upgrade and it would have pushed the price to nearly $150k. I considered the Super Duty but didn’t want a tray and couldn’t wait until June for the tubs to appear. It’s still north of $100k. I have just bought a Ford Ranger Platinum and added 140 fuel tank, an ARB bull bar, a GVM upgrade to take the payload to just over 1.2 tonne. It is a luxury vehicle and classified a commercial vehicle because of payload. I’ve added a light bar and a couple of Andersen plugs and the price with a discount is $95k or thereabouts. I think it’s a good alternative to the Super duty imho. I’ve enjoyed listening to your segments for years.
Billy McLaughlin

A: That’s a great alternative for people who are struggling with the conflicting strengths and weaknesses of the pick-ups in showrooms.

Q: Do you know if the Kia Tasman is available in a single cab and if so can you get them with a tub?
Barney Ratcliff

A: Right now, the Tasman is only being built as a dual-cab pick-up because that’s what most people are buying. There will be cab-chassis at some point, but there is no news from Kia HQ on the timing.

Q: I’m looking at a Colorado with 160,000 kilometres. What would you recommend for a 6 ft 3 guy?
Rod

A: 160k is getting up there. Ensure it has a full factory service history. And don’t rely on a roadworthy. Get a proper pre-purchase inspection from RACV or whatever. Hard to know for tall blokes (my son is already 6’2” at 16) because it depends if you have long arms or a long torso. You need to sit to know.

Q: I’m hunting for an EV and would love your thoughts on any models that meet these criteria:

Budget: $50k
Physical controls for frequently used functions (aircon etc.) – no touchscreen-only operation
Spare tyre included (not a puncture repair kit)
Minimum 400km range
Do you have any suggestions that come to mind that tick all four boxes?
Roy

A: Honestly? No. Most of the cheapie Chinese that work for your budget are all touch-screen, and almost all EVs don’t have a proper spare tyre.

Q: Currently I’m driving a MAZDA CX5 which I love but as it’s only me and my little dog now I have to admit it’s a bit big and feel MAZDA CX3 might be more economical with the fuel. So am thinking of downsizing. My mileage is only 17,000 after four-and-a-half years but would still like to have 4WD SUV.
Patricia Hooton

A: That’s a smart move.But make sure to drive the CX-3, because it is very different. And you don’t need all-wheel drive with the latest traction-control systems, unless you spend a lot of time at the snow.