What car should you buy next? Expert answers

ASK THE EXPERT with Paul Gover

If you have a question for Paul Gover send it to [email protected]

Q: I have a Honda Civil 2009 that’s done 117,000 kilometres. I am 76 and now finding it too low getting in and out and the length too long when parking. What could you suggest I look at? I would need to trade my car and only have a budget of about $25,000. I have tried a couple of car dealers but don’t seem to get much help.
Jennifer Clifton

A: The Kia Seltos, a baby SUV, should be good for you. Take a test drive, obviously, but it would tick all your boxes without breaking the bank.

Q: I’m thinking of buying a 2016 Ford FGX XR8 with very low kilometres, under 10,000. My concern is that cars are made for driving and this car is over 10-yrs-old and kept in garage. Does this affect things like seals/ gaskets/hoses etc? It’s about $70,000 and my wife prefers a Mustang. I have only ever driven fords all my life – 50 years – and had quite a few.
Charlie Monforte

A: You’re likely to be disappointed by the driving experience in the Falcon, compared with a new Mustang. The look might trigger emotions but the reality of driving won’t be as much fun – or as safe or economical. The XR8 is also likely to need ‘recommissioning’ to ensure there are no mechanical dramas after storage. My best advice? Get a Mustang.

Q: My son is looking to purchase a car, choosing between a 2020 or newer Volkswagen Golf GTi or Skoda Octavia RS. His budget is $30,000 tops. What’s your opinion on these two?
Paul Giammario

A: Octavia RS every time for me – more practical, better value, less likely to have been caned. I put my nephew into a Skoda RS and he has never complained, always has a big smile when I visit.

Q: I drive a 2020 Mazda CX-5 Akira with nearly 70,000 kilometres on the clock. I am rather taken by the Honda Civic HEV LX and am interested in your opinion. I have looked closely at the Civic on the showroom floor but have not driven it.  I am not fussed by the price but am a little concerned at its lack of some goodies such as electric tail gate lift and ventilated front seats. However, my main concern regards performance. Does the electric motor substitute for the turbo in my Mazda? I travel fairly frequently interstate and am particularly interested in the Civic’s overtaking ability in the 90-120km/h speed range. I should add that since 1989 my wife has owned three Civics and for the last nine years a HR-V. She has travelled many, many thousands of pleasant and trouble free kilometres in those years.
Graham Carter.

A: There is nothing for you to worry about, and a lack of ‘goodies’ is not a reason to switch from a very good choice and this year’s Car of the Year at Wheels magazine. The hybrid system is about efficiency, not performance, but you won’t find it lacking. As always, a test drive will provide the final answers.

Q: Currently have 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander seven and looking to purchase maybe our last car. Looking at Nissan X-Trail  and a new Outlander. Both have same running gear but Nissan is offering 10 years and 300,000 kilometres of warranty. I’m hearing about Nissan’s viability issues, so if Nissan folds what happens to the warranty? In considering that, Mitsubishi has a stake in Nissan would they take up the warranty?
Colin Carter

A: Go for the better car, not the warranty. Remember the Nissan must only be serviced at its dealerships to get the extended warranty. There is no real threat to the company’s future in Australia and Mitsubishi would not take up the warranty in any case.

Q: We have a 2017 Ford Everest that we have upgraded in the transmission and suspension to tow our 2.8-tonne caravan. We absolutely love our Everest but are considering upgrading the car to something newer and with greater towing capacity as we may upsize the van in the future. Obviously, the Ford Super Duty Ranger seems like a stand-out for towing capabilities and a good all-rounder car as well, but we really don’t want to get a ute if we don’t have to. We were hopeful that a Super Duty version of the Everest would be announced but from what I’ve read, it’s highly unlikely. We are wondering what car you would recommend – price not a limiting factor or priced less than $100,000. Would the new Ford Everest Tremor be a suitable replacement? Or should we go a Ford Everest Trend and spec it up ourselves?
Simone Werner

A: The Super Duty is only a Ranger project and will not migrate to the Everest. With an unlimited budget the best choice is always a Toyota LandCruiser, but given you’re already done the work on your existing Everest the smart choice would be to ‘rinse and repeat’ with a proven combination.