Q: I am 70 years old, retired, and for the past 30 years I have been a loyal Subaru Liberty driver.
I am now looking at changing brands and going into something that sits a little higher to make it easier on the old bones and big frame.
Our main use will be for my wife and I to hopefully do some longer road trips in our retirement. Not looking to tow caravans.
We live in the outskirts of Melbourne and 90 per cent of driving will be on major highways.
I have test driven a range of cars and I’m stuck in choosing between the BMW X3 30e and Volkswagen Tiguan 195TSI R-Line.
Over to you.
Tony Siragusa
A: Reward yourself with the BMW. Not just that, but the R-Line will be way too sporty, with a harsh ride and road noise because of its big alloys and low-profile tyres. You would be over-investing on a car which is still not in the BMW class.
Q: My wife is 60 years young and is trying to decide between the Kia Seltos or Sportage.
She has driven Honda CR-Vs for the last 30 years and this will probably be her last car.
So, stick with Honda or change to Kia.
Ross O’Callaghan
A: She should test drive the Honda HR-V before committing to a Kia. It’s new and compact and hybrid, and likely will be her favourite. Then compare with the Kia Seltos, as the Sportage is probably bigger than she needs.
Q: My elderly mother wants to buy a new car but finds technology difficult, so cars with push-button ignition that cut out every time you stop will cause her frustration.
She is also at the stage where getting out of cars such as the Mitsubishi Lancer sedan she currently drives – which has been a great car – is becoming increasingly difficult.
Can you think of any cars that would be a potential option for her? Smaller is preferable.
Chele Howell
A: No need to spend big, as a Hyundai Venue – with a key to start and not too much tech – should suit her and will be a value pick.
Q: I’m wondering if you could please advise me which car you think is a better car, choosing between GWM Jolion Lux or MG Essence Turbo.
Patricia Ryan
A: For me, it’s not the MG.
Q: I have a 2016 Nissan X-Trail ST-L but the navigation system no longer works and the Nissan dealership tells me the sim card is out of date and is not able to be upgraded.
Their solution is to purchase a new card, but the problem is they are no longer manufactured for my model.
There is a possibility if I purchase the last card produced, a 2021 version, it may work but there is no guarantee.
The card comes at a cost of $800 and as it will need to be ordered they tell me that it cannot be returned.
Do you know of a solution to this issue.
Tony Hester
A: Avoid the dealership because any Nissan update is likely to be problematic. The only way to get a worthwhile updated infotainment system in your car is to go to a car sound specialist and invest in a new ‘head unit’. Replace the whole thing and it should also give you access to Apple CarPlay and a wide range of navigation choices.
Q: I have a 2014 Subaru WRX and I want to have a tow bar fitted as I’ve got a very small trailer.
I’ve been told my car shouldn’t have one.
Is this true?
Roz Brook
A: There is a difference between ’shouldn’t’ and ‘cannot’. The only reason not to have one is if itinterferes with the exhaust system. Towbar specialists list several choices for the WRX but go to an expert fitter.
Paul Gover has been writing about cars in Australia for many decades. He is regarded as one of the most influential voices in the motoring industry.
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