Your questions answered: Can I remove my back seats to make space for my dogs?
Dog-mobile legality, performance car etiquette, and the HiLux huffThis week in Your Questions Answered, we wonder how far can you go building the ultimate dog hauler, whether you really need to push a performance car to keep it healthy, plus a chat about Range Rover Sport, Toyota Celica, and our take on the ‘new’ HiLux reboot.
Got an automotive question but you don’t know where to find the information you need? Never fear, email us here at editor@carsales.com.au.
Is it legal to remove seats from my car for a camping or dog-friendly setup?
Answer: Hey Lawrence, we’re all for a dog-friendly setup! This depends on which state you live in. Rules differ across states and territories, so always check your local laws before modifying your car.
To qualify for annual registration, your car must pass a safety check in its original configuration – so for a four-seat Vitara, the rear seats and belts should be in place.
Technically, if you pulled the seats for cleaning post-rego and didn’t reinstall them until the following year…
One option is to have an engineer sign off on converting your car to a two-seater, though it’s expensive and would probably prevent you from refitting the rear seats.
As long as your fur babies are properly secure in the back (a legal requirement in New South Wales) and there are no loose objects that could become dangerous projectiles in a crash, you could argue that removing the seat base and back is no different from folding them flat.
Should I use my performance car as its maker intended?
Answer: Hey Paul, I’m a huge advocate of the ‘use it or lose it’ school of thought when it comes to cars. They are complex machines with many ancillary systems, and some are used less than others in everyday life.
In my own cars, I always try to regularly activate things like rear wipers, sunroof mechanisms to keep them operating smoothly – and I apply the same principle to the mechanical components.
As hard as it is to believe, the dealer is right; giving the 6.2-litre engine a proper stretch occasionally will help extend its life. However, that’s not a licence to give it the beans every second of the day.
Ensuring that a more highly developed engine like the one in your car comes up to full operating temperature is a crucial first step. Just ducking two minutes down the road for milk won’t give the oil time to reach operating temperature, which can lead to clogged oil galleries and other issues.
These engines are renowned for brittle cooling system plastics. While the only real fix is preventative servicing, regular heat cycles through all the hoses and bottles should prolong their life.
Speeding is never smart, so avoid it. Instead, applying extra load on long climbs is an effective way to give your engine a proper workout.
What’s the new Range Rover like?
Answer: Hi Tony, the apple never falls far from the tree when it comes to Range Rovers.
Imperious luxury, compelling design, and ample power have always defined Range Rover’s top-spec wagon – and the new-generation line-up is no different.
If you’ve got around $350,000 burning a hole in your pocket and need to carry a few passengers, there are few better ways to do it.
The later models, launched in 2023, pack in more tech – especially around infotainment – but some of our reviewers feel it adds unnecessary complexity.
Power now comes from a twin-turbo 4.4-litre eight-cylinder, replacing the previous supercharged 5.0-litre motor. Despite the downsizing, the BMW-sourced engine delivers an effortless surge of torque that perfectly suits the Rangie’s character.
Sadly, what hasn’t changed is the propensity for things to go wrong. I've counted 16 recalls for Range Rover models since early 2023, which doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.
Will there be a new Toyota Celica?
G’day, I’m wondering what you might know about the new 2026 Toyota Celica GR? It’s supposed to have 400 horsepower... sounds great to me! – Peter
Answer: Hey Peter, that does sound pretty rad! Toyota has made no secret of its ambition to turn GR into a fully-fledged performance brand – and it’ll need fresh product soon to make that happen.
Nothing official has been confirmed for Australia, but talk of a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder – likely to complement the three-cylinder screamer in the Yaris GR and Corolla GR – suggests other models could be in the pipeline to use that engine.
As well, the ubiquitous Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform can easily accommodate a sleek three-door coupe, all-wheel-drive (AWD), and even – gasp – electrification.
What’s interesting to me is the buzz around the revived Honda Prelude, looks set to resonate with more mature buyers who don’t want or need a crossover. If Toyota nails it, the next-gen Celica could occupy that same space.
Historically, Celicas weren’t the preserve of purists – they appealed to regular drivers looking for a stylish, Toyota-branded coupe.
Is it worth upgrading to the new Toyota HiLux?
I must say I’m a bit underwhelmed by the new HiLux. I don’t really see a reason to change my current five-year-old one! Why do you think Toyota have not gone for something more full on, especially given the competition compared to when my car was new? – Dave
Answer: Hey Dave, great question. It surprised us, too.
The 2026 Toyota HiLux is more evolution than revolution, with the same platform and powertrain as your car.
There was plenty of speculation around new underpinnings, strong hybrid versions and the like, but none of it has come to pass. Toyota has even dropped the wide-track models, which I reckon were some of the coolest trucks the brand has offered in a while.
The more cynical among us might suggest it’s hard to reinvent two steel beams and a bodyshell – or that Toyota’s loyal fanbase won’t care, as long as the badge is there.
Our contributing editor Bruce Newton points out that Toyota anticipates HiLux sales will fall from their record levels amid rising competition. So, in true Toyota fashion, it won’t spend a cent more than necessary to hold onto market share – whatever that ends up being.
The HiLux remains one of Australia’s best-selling vehicles and will keep battling the Ford Ranger for top spot for a few more years. After that? Anyone’s guess.
The views stated in this advice column are advisory only. Questions may be edited for clarity and length.
Got an automotive question but you don’t know where to find the information you need? Never fear, email us here at editor@carsales.com.au.
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