Ask the Expert: Paul Gover answers your biggest car questions for 2026

ASK THE EXPERT With Paul Gover

Every Thursday automotive expert Paul Gover will answer reader questions. If you have a car-related question fro Paul, send it to [email protected]

Q: My elderly parents are nearing 90 and have a Mazda3 in the garage. It’s a white sedan, seven years old with added cameras, no leather seats, 6785 kilometres on the clock. Fully serviced each year and driven by us kids to keep it alive. My question is how we price it as no-one will believe the low kilometres.
Loretta Mallinson

A: A car like that is gold for a youngster, so try and find someone in the ‘friends and family’ group who will appreciate it and appreciate its history. It’s also great as a ‘first and last’ purchase for a P-plater or retiree, and right now is the ideal time to be selling. In terms of pricing, the best idea is to go to the website at www.carsales.com.au and look for similar cars, in terms of condition and mileage, see how they are priced, and go from there.

Q: I have just purchased and picked up a new Hyundai Kona and will be going overseas next month for four weeks. Was wondering if there was anything that is required with a hybrid whilst idle for four weeks in the garage. I have read conflicting stories on the internet and wondering if there were any safety issues.
Ann Shaw

A: Four weeks is not that long. But there are lots of ‘micro drains’ in all modern cars so you should never neglect the battery. Firstly, make sure the car is turned off, locked, and the keys are beyond the range of the ‘unlock’ system, since this can drain the battery if the key is constantly talking to the car. The best recommendation is to get a ’trickle feed’ charger system – C-Tek is a great brand, affordable and a brand used by Ferrari on its new cars – to prevent the battery going flat and causing unexpected dramas.

Q: What are your thoughts on teaching people to drive an automatic vehicle with two feet – left foot brake, right foot accelerator? You have so much more control that way and it would stop people hitting the wrong pedal and going through a shop window.
Ron Evertsen

A: For me, it’s easily the best way to drive as more than 90 per cent of new cars now come as autos. You have more control, you have a shorter reaction time to get onto the brake in an emergency, and also teaches you to use one foot for the brake and one for the accelerator – ideal if you’re reversing or holding on a hill. The only downside is learning not to ‘overlap’, pushing both pedals at the same time, as lots of cars have a system to ‘kill’ the engine response if you make this mistake.

Q: I’m looking to buy a new or second-hand, one or two-year-old, four-wheel-drive twin-cab ute or canopy to pull my new caravan. The caravan is 16.7 feet, weight is Tare mass 2340kg, with an ATM of 3000kg. I’m driving a 2017 Mitsubishi Triton 2.4-lire turbodiesel twin cab and it’s been pulling my old van, a 2012 18ft dual-axle which was ATM 2315kg on road, and it wasn’t too bad. So, picking up my new van, straight away I can feel it is heavier. My problem is my budget is around $50,000 and most 4wds around that price new are 2.4-litre, same as I’ve got now. Don’t want a V8 so a V6 or more powerful four-cylinder if possible? I noticed some are even 2.2 litres so they wouldn’t suit.
Philip Bromley

A: So you bought a new van without considering the right tow vehicle? The best advice is to drop all your preconceptions over engines. Look at the torque figure and the number of gears, not the cylinders or capacity, as modern turbos make great torque for towing – even with less than 2.5 litres of capacity. Plenty of people tow vans like yours with an Isuzu MU-X and that would be my first recommendation, with plenty on the second-hand scene.

Q: I am finding a choice of tyres for my wife’s 2016 Mazda6 a challenging exercise. The car is used almost exclusively now in very short, sharp trips.
Do I need a brand-name tyre – like Bob Jane Bridgestones for $1796? Is Roadstone a reasonable product at $795 or Dunlop at $1135? It is difficult to get exact comparisons and to trust dealers with limited brands.
Glenn Brown

A: Tyres are usually a ‘grudge’ purchase, but how much do you care about your wellbeing and the safety of your family? Bridgestone Turanza is what you need for your car and work, and it’s best to go to a Bridgestone Select outlet for decent service. Dunlop would be second choice but Roadstone is a ’no name’ cheapie brand from China – definitely a no-go.