Your questions answered: how do I tell my parent to stop driving?

The best utes for towing, where to find a properly small car, and how to discuss the end of a driving career this week in Your Questions Answered.

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I currently drive a 2014 manual Mazda2 hatch with less than 65,000km on the clock. I want to update to a similar size car but with an automatic.

I like something that can get up hills and take off from the traffic lights fast enough to outrun most of the huge utes and such.

I expect to pay cash up to $40,000. I am retired and drive under 6000km per year.

My short list includes second hand (up to five years) as these seem smaller and have fewer technical gadgets than newer models (for example, the Hyundai i30 is too big).

I'd like a reversing camera, but I’m not bothered about lane control and automatic parking, lights etc; I can do this myself. It must have air-conditioning and not have leather seats (I live in Queensland near the beach). A car like a Honda Jazz appeals but they are no longer imported. Thanks in advance – Margaret

Answer: Hi Margaret, thanks for your letter. My first thought; why not stick with what you know? The base-model 2025 Mazda2 Evolve comes in automatic, offers air-conditioning and cloth seats (over the high-spec GT’s PU leather upholstery) and while it still sports a few of the modern safety accoutrement like traffic sign recognition – it’ll drive similarly to your current car. And given that it’s priced right around $30,000 driveaway, it’s a terrific option.

Also, in the category of ‘old but new’ is the Kia Picanto. It’s almost a teenager in car production terms, but it’s got a bit of zip, it’s arguably the smallest new car on sale today and will have sidestepped many of the more intrusive driver aids.

I wouldn’t look past a compact SUV, either; after all, many of our favourite small cars have metamorphosised into a higher riding yet similarly sized machine. Think Toyota Yaris Cross, think Hyundai Venue, or even something brand new like the uber-affordable GAC EMZOOM, all of which can be had for less than $40,000.

You can get a lot of used cars for $40k but your size requirement limits your choice to the usual suspects like the Toyota Yaris and Hyundai i20.

Here’s my left-field choice, a five-year-old Lexus UX can be had for well less than $40,000, offers bulletproof reliability and a little bit of pizzazz. Its tinted windows will keep those seats cool on hot days, too!

I’m looking to buy a dual cab ute that can comfortably and safely tow a 2,800kg (braked) caravan. Budget is up to $80,000. Prefer diesel and automatic, but open to anything that tows well and is reliable.

My options include the Mazda BT-50 SP, Isuzu D-Max Blade, Toyota HiLux Rogue (new model), and the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2. What would be the best out of these? Thanks – Jackson

Answer: Hey Jackson, first things first, are we talking 2,800kg just for the van, or does that figure include payload.

Just because a dual cab is marketed with 3,500kg towing capacity on the sticker doesn’t mean it’s exempt from either physics or mathematics.

If it’s dry weight we’re talking about, let’s add a conservative 500kg to your van’s bottom line… and that starts to change things a bit. Without going deeply into the maths, that relatively modest payload, plus a couple of people and some accessories, puts the BT-50 close to its gross combination mass (GCM) of 6000kg.

However, if I had to make a choice, I’d lean towards the Isuzu in its 3.0-litre guise, only because it’s a time-proven (if a bit agricultural) powertrain.

The “new” HiLux is yet to convince me, and I don’t know why Toyota took away the Rogue’s wide track.

Unfortunately, even though an eight-cylinder petrol ute is a solid choice for towing a larger van, a Silverado is well beyond your stated budget.

My father has had his license for more than 55 years, but time has crept up on him and he’s not as sharp as he used to be, either physically or mentally.

He’s suffering from a couple of age-related illnesses, and more worryingly he’s bonked his beloved Audi into a few gutters and, most recently, a carpark wall. Honestly speaking, my brother and I have concerns about his ability on the road.

While I don’t think it’s a conversation we need to have quite yet, how do we broach the subject to him that one day he may have to hand in his license? It feels like a massive thing to ask anyone to give up their independence. – Pete

Answer: Hey Pete, that’s definitely a tough one, and the answer is going to be different for every family. You’re 100 per cent right to take an interest in his welfare, because his ability behind the wheel not only affects him, but potentially others should he have a crash.

If it’s not something that needs to be actioned immediately, perhaps the upcoming festive season is a great opportunity to raise the subject over a quiet Christmas drink. I would bet decent money that the initial reaction will be either dismissal or denial, but at least the subject has been broached.

In NSW, it’s possible for senior drivers to apply for a restricted licence, which limits their distance and time behind the wheel – but it certainly provides an option for people who depend on a car to get to the doctor’s office or even to bingo on a Tuesday.

This also may offer a crucial first step in a journey that may well result in your dad voluntarily surrendering his licence, which is the ideal outcome.

Ultimately, though, it’s up to your dad. Unless his doctor deems him unfit, it’s surprisingly difficult to stop someone from driving, even though they perhaps shouldn’t be.

Respectful and open communication is the first step, though.

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.

The views stated in this advice column are advisory only. Questions may be edited for clarity and length.

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