Paul Gover answers your car questions: OBD locks, oil change myths, Ford Everest vs Prado, RAV4 hybrids and the best small SUV for a woman in her 70s

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’m hearing that OBD Port Locks are one line of defence against modern car theft and the sophisticated technology now being used. Do you have any knowledge or recommendations regarding these devices? I own a Kia Sportage S 2020 QL with a key start – not expensive but a real pain if someone nicks it.
Rob Bingham

A: The OBD devices do seem to provide some security but nothing is totally resistant to thieves. The best thing for you is that a 2020 Sportage is very unlikely to be a prime target for theft. And having a key start removes the ability for thieves to clone the electronics to get into the vehicle.

Q: I believe you have been discussing oil change intervals during your radio work with 3AW in Melbourne. I am 79 years and have always  changed engine oils on the cars that I have owned each six months. I drive around 12,000 to 15,000 kilometers each year. I recently purchased a new Mercedes-Benz C200 and am very happy with the vehicle. I am, however, concerned that servicing is every 12 months. Is this too long a period for oil change intervals, even given the quality of today’s oils? So should I stick with six-monthly oil changes?
John Moss.

A: Cars have changed vastly over the past 20 years, with modern electronics and oils. There is zero need for you to continue with six-monthly changes, which will definitely save a bunch of money – not just for expensive synthetic oils for the new Benz but also the cost of disposing of used oil in 2026. As for 12-monthly servicing, that’s become the industry standard and there is nothing to fear provided you car gets regular exercise and is not just parked in a garage.

Q: I’m deciding between the Ford Everest Platinum or the Toyota Prado. The Ford is a lot cheaper by approximately $15,000 and has some extra comfort features. Looking at not too much off road and I’m coming from a Volvo XC90.
Josh Pinheiro

A: The Everest is a Ranger pick-up with an SUV body on top, the Prado is the baby brother of the LandCruiser 300. So a very different approach to the same potential buyers. If I had the money it would be Prado every time. And remember it should do considerably better on resale.

Q: We currently own a Subaru XV and want to update to a similar car. My wife and l are looking towards a Toyota RAV4 hybrid where the motor charges the electric side of it. What are your thoughts on this or can you recommend a similar SUV? We have been happy with the Subaru and maybe something with a little bit more power.
Enzo lezzi

A: The RAV4 might be bigger than you think. And need. So also test drive the Corolla Cross Hybrid. You pay extra in either case for the Toyota badge, but both are well proven cars and the hybrid system is trouble-free and a definite economy advantage.

Q: Can you help with selection of a replacement vehicle for my wife, who has enjoyed 40,000 kilometres in her Mercedes B180 over 12 years of ownership.
Its handling and turning circle are superb, so may suit our granddaughter when she turns 18, and is a perfect size internally but also not too large externally and thus ideal for our limited garage size  But, as she is now well into her 70s she has found that she needs an SUV that sits higher off the ground for ease of acces Can you suggest options please with a similar size, either petrol or plug-in hybrid. Ideally not too much gadgetry as warning alarms scare her.Malcolm Hardy

A: Firstly, any new car will have ‘bings and bongs’ because of legistlation in Europe that is mirrored here. Secondly, your grand-daugher will be very lucky. Coming from a Benz sets the bar high, so best to test drive the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid to calibrate her thinking and driving. Then head to BMW and try the X1 to see if that works for her.

Q: I am considering updating my current 2008 Mazda3 hatch, which has been a very reliable and comfortable car since I purchased it secondhand hand in 2011.
I am looking at 3 cars to replace it: Mazda hybrid four-seater, Hyundai Kona or Kia Seltos.  I wanted to pay around the $40,000 mark with a towbar included. Are the hybrid versions the way to go? Are they worth the extra money?  I am 66 and purchased a new 2024 Kia Sportage last year, so this will be a smaller second family vehicle as we transport grandchildren around to their various sporting events.
Frank Johnson

A: Definitley go for a hybrid as they help on economy and also on future resale. Mazda is not great value at the moment, so it comes down to Kia and Hyundai – but they are cars from the same parent company in South Korea so the final choice will be based on styling, price and warranty. Kia will have the slight edge.