Your questions answered: Am I buying the right car?
Need advice on a new car? Got a problem with your existing ride? We’re here to help…The sheer number new-car choices in showrooms can be bewildering. You don’t want to miss out on getting the car that’s perfect for you just because you didn’t know it existed.
Perhaps you’ve had your heart set on a particular make and model, only to be told that it’s not the car you should be buying…
It’s always good to have your choice validated (or repudiated) before you spend your hard-earned cash. That’s the point where we try to cut through the static and guide you in the right direction.
Answer: The all-new Suzuki Jimny is a cult hit and particularly popular with inner-city owners because it’s cute, lively and easy to park. It’s also great off-road…
But it is noisy and tiring for long highway driver, and is very tight in terms of cabin space. Consider your needs, but it gets The Tick from me.
Answer: The Genesis GV80 luxury SUV looks good, is brilliant value, has great service support and drives well. It’s a similar story with the all-new G80 sedan, which replaces the dowdy original.
As a brand, Genesis ticks all the mechanical boxes but there is no heritage and a sales approach with no showrooms does not necessarily suit Australian buyers. Resale value is also a matter of wait and see.
Answer: There is there’s no seat improvement planned for the Subaru XV, so if that’s a deal breaker then you need to look elsewhere. The Kia Seltos could be better for you.
Answer: The hybrid powertrain is the pick in the latest Toyota RAV4 range. It’s a trendy choice for many people, which has created a giant delay in deliveries, but if you don’t need a hybrid the basic RAV4 is still good.
Answer: A second-hand ML will definitely work but the best tow vehicle that delivers your 3500kg target is a Toyota LandCruiser – if you can find one in your price range.
Answer: The Mercedes-Benz GLC is OK, but my pick in that prestige area of the mid-size SUV class is the Volvo XC60. Drive them back-to-back and avoid falling for the lure of the Benz badge.
Answer: The all-new Golf R is not coming until 2022, if that tips the scales. In any case, the MINI JCW has the fun factor dialled up to nine while the Golf is much more sedate.
Answer: My choice is the Mazda CX-30, which is classy and refined, as well as safe and with solid performance. Besides, it’s the one she wants.
Answer: My batting order would be: 1. Mazda CX-30, 2. Skoda Karoq, 3. Kia Seltos/Hyundai Kona (they are the same under the skin), but definitely not the Renault – which has a change of importer coming soon. But drive them yourselves as that’s the best way to choose when they are close on price and function.
Answer: I like the C-Class and I love Benzes. But when BMW updated and upgraded the 3 Series it went ahead of the C-Class. Plus there is an all-new C-Class coming later this year. So, there is no reason not to buy the Benz, but you should test drive the BMW and crunch the sums to give a proper comparison, so you make the right choice.
Got a question but don’t know where to find the information you need? Email us at editor@carsales.com.au
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