Paul Gover answers your car questions: retirement cars, boot space for golf clubs, and the best hybrid

Ask the Expert with Paul Gover

Paul Gover is one of Australia’s most respected motoring writers. If you have any questions for Paul, you can contact him at [email protected]

Q: I am looking at purchasing a new car at the end of the year, maybe early January, when I finish work for good.  I am wanting a car that will last me at least 15 years before down-sizing and so looking at a Lexus NX350 or RX500h, although the 500 is a bit pricey and maybe not something I need.  I have also looked at the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. I need a car that will carry my golf clubs and buggy and means I don’t have to reach in or lift stuff out too much as I have a back injury that flares up. I also have two dogs so need room for them to come along. Not so keen on electric as I would like to travel to Queensland maybe once a year for holidays over the next few years.
Jennifer Corrigan

A: If you’re buying a retirement car then you should definitely be spoiling yourself, and a Lexus hybrid will suit a 10-year timeframe. Best idea is to take your clubs and buggy to the dealership and see how you go with loading and unloading. Do not just take a lap around the block with someone from the sales’ staff. Also drive your contenders home to make sure a good fit in the garage and driveway. No need to spend extra on a Benz if the Lexus brand is your personal favourite.

Q: I’m George, 54-years-old, and I drive around 70 kilometres a day in my cleaning role. I have a Toyota hatch Corolla Sport and it has been great. But now I need more room in the boot for equipment. I’ve had Honda previously and liked it.  Not wanting to spend more than $20,000, on maybe a 2017 model, as I still need a CD player. So what do you think – Toyota, and which one? Or Honda, and which one? I do like Subaru Forester, so do you recommend any Subarus?
George

A: Looking back to 2017, the Honda CR-V was smaller than today and an excellent choice. At that time, the HR-V was not as good as now. Forester in the same timeframe is also good, but CR-V will be better if it works for your budget.

Q: Thinking about automatic transmissions, is CVT better then DCT? I am looking at Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid or Honda HR-V and ZR-V. Honda is building its own transmissions and has better revues, so I’m looking forward to your help.
Armin Weber.

A: The latest generation of automatics is mostly split between constantly-variable transmission (CVT) and double-clutch transmission (DCT), with very different operating systems. Japanese makers went for CVT to boost fuel economy, by constantly varying the gearing to keep the engine at its best operating range. In Europe, double-clutch tranmissions were the choice, effectively taking a traditional geared manual and turning it into a robotised automatic. Both systems had flaws and resulted in questionable reliability at first, but those days are generally behind. Some people do not like the CVT system which makes the car sound like it has ‘clutch slip’ as the revs are not related to acceleration. Honda is doing a good job and a trip to your nearest dealership will show you which model gives you the right size and price.

Q: I would like your opinion on buying a new, and probably our last, car for ourselves as we are in our seventies. We own and drive an older Lexus 250 IS which has served us very well for almost 15 years; an amazing car without any issues whatsoever. We are considering buying a medium-sized SUV, either hybrid or electric, and my husband has a preference for a Chinese model car with good warranty and service. He is keen on Chery or maybe BYD make, or even maybe a Nissan X-Trail.
Kathy Ivanov

A: Test drive the Nissan first, as it’s a proven brand – also with a long warranty and capped-price servicing – and the X-Trail has an excellent hybrid system that runs fully-electric and only runs the combustion engine to charge the battery. Of the Chinese brands, I’d pick BYD over Chery.

Q: I currently drive a 2014 Kia Sportage, has 85,000 on the clock and always serviced appropriately. So there’s a bit as a trade-in. Interested in another Kia or a suggestion from you, something slightly smaller. Must have a higher seat like my Sportage for good driving vision. I’m 78 so will be my last car purchase. Stonic or Seltos in Kia range? Hyundai Venue or anything else you might suggest. Not sure about hybrid but definitely not electric. Your feedback would be appreciated.
Viv Ellam

A: The smaller Kia models will definitely work for you, and the Venue is a non-identical twin because Kia and Hyundai is one company. But, if you’re thinking last car, then better to go and test drive a Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid, which is the benchmark and will at least help you to judge the Kia correctly. Go on, reward yourself.

Q: I’m a single 67-year- old female and will be on the age pension soon, needing to buy a new car as my Subaru Outback is on its last legs. Just not sure what to get, between a hybrid or another petrol car. I’m hoping in say five years I’ll get an electric car when the technology is better and the prices come down. Just wondering what you think of hybrid cars and what the battery life is? I’m considering a Hyundai Kona Cross Hybrid, or a Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid. Also, a Toyota  RAV4 Hybrid or Corolla Cross Hybrid though haven’t test driven these and they may be too expensive. Yesterday I discovered that the Subaru Crosstrek now comes in a hybrid. Obviously, the cost of petrol is a big consideration.
Kim Robertson

A: First thing is that Subaru is no longer the all-wheel drive powerhouse it has been in the past. And definitely not in the smaller model, which was previously called the XV but is now the Crosstrek and not close to the class leaders. The Kona will definitely do the job but also test drive the Yaris Cross, remembering there will be a wait and it costs more because of the Toyota badge, to make a choice.