Your questions answered: How long must I wait for my new car?

New and used car prices are on the rise and stock is in short supply. The market has its challenges, owing to COVID-19.

Many consumers seem prepared to pay above the odds, but few can wait for months on end. What, then, is the appropriate course of action? And will stock free up with the advent of a new model year?

Question: We are looking at the Kia Carnival SLi. Just wondering if we should order the 2021 version, which is said to have a wait time of eight or more months, or wait and put an early bid in for the 2022 model. What is your advice? – Steve R

Answer: The waiting list is not going to get any shorter when Kia moves to the 2022 model. The Kia Carnival is an innovative, smart family choice, and it deserves to be a sell-out. If you want one, best to join the queue because there is every chance that you will get a 2022 model anyway by the time Kia gets a car in Australia for you.

Question: I ordered a 2021 Volkswagen Caddy Cargo about four months ago and now I’m waiting for delivery. I’m just wondering if you may have an idea when I may see it. – Anthony

Answer: Our Volkswagen contact says the latest Volkswagen Caddy will arrive in dealerships this month. He is unaware of any particular delay. So, expect yours soon.

Question: I commute around 400km a week, up and down the highway, in my 2010 Toyota Corolla. It’s done 230,000km now and I am looking at a replacement. I am thinking diesel might be a good option for me as it’s cheaper than petrol and I am doing lots of highway driving. It doesn’t have to be a new car, but I am looking for refinement and a smooth ride. I have many contenders – Audi A4, BMW 7 Series, Mercedes C-Class, Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Golf 7.5 – and the list goes on. Can you help me narrow it down? – Paul M

Answer: Diesel cars might be out of favour with ‘green’ sentiments but one could be a good choice for you. First thing to nail down is your budget – as good second-hand cars are demanding a premium – so you will need to look a little longer and harder. The Mercedes-Benz W205 C-Class is a nice car but the BMW 4 Series is more sporty, from around $30,000. If you’re on a tighter budget, the Skoda Octavia is excellent and $20,000 should get you a ripper.

Question: I am currently driving a 2010 Nissan Murano, which I love, but I want to update in the next 12 months. Nissan isn’t bringing Muranos into Australia any more so can you give me a couple of recommendations for a reliable SUV up to $100,000? – Pat C

Answer: With manufacturers favouring SUVs over almost all other body types there’s plenty of choice. You need to consider your driving style and how many people you carry. If you want a surprisingly good, prestige family SUV, take a look at the Genesis GV80. There are predictable contenders from the big prestige brands, but the Volvo XC60 is a favourite.

Question: I have a 2014 Mazda3 and the infotainment system screen went black on the car and completely stopped working. Mazda said that the communication system has stopped working. They took the case to the warranty department who said that the system would not be replaced because of the age of the car and that I would have to pay $3000. Have you heard of this happening? Any info you have on this problem would be greatly appreciated. – Kylie R

Answer: More and more people have similar complaints, but your car is not new and bad things sometimes happen. You could save money sourcing a replacement from a wrecking yard, but that too could fail. It might be best to see what aftermarket retailers have to offer. They won’t supply you an ‘original equipment’ replacement, but they could have something close for a lot less money.

Question: Can you suggest or recommend a small SUV for under $30,000 drive-away? I need something suitable for urban use and odd country trips. We have clocked up some years so require good access and good visibility from the driving position. Perhaps the Hyundai Venue? – Ron S

Answer: The Hyundai Venue is good value, but the Kia Stonic is a favourite in this class. Test drive both and go for the one you prefer with the better deal. You might also check out our Best Small SUV 2021 mega-test.

Question: I am looking to buy a new car after 16 years of driving my current Ford Escape. I have recently seen a Peugeot 3008 and loved the look of it. My dilemma is to lash out and get a car like the Peugeot that is different to everything else you see, but I don’t know a lot about and it could be costly to service. Or do I get a safe bet like the Nissan QASHQAI with lots around and cheaper to service? – Sue F

Answer: The Peugeot 3008 is not great, with or without a Peugeot badge, but the new Peugeot 2008 is a ripper with real style and traditional Peugeot comfort. Resale will not be great but it’s much more enjoyable than the current Nissan QASHQAI. The new QASHQAI will be worth a look but it’s still a ways off…

Question: I recently purchased a new Ford Ranger and I’m very pleased – except for one issue. When travelling at speeds from 80-100km/h I’m getting wind noise from the driver’s side door, which sounds as if the window is slightly wound down. Is this a common problem with the Ford Ranger and, if so, can it be rectified? I’m due to have my 3000km complimentary service shortly, at which I will raise the problem the dealership. – Chris S

Answer: There should definitely not be any whistling, unless you have any aftermarket equipment like wind deflectors or an inlet snorkel. Get the dealership involved and expect to have all trace of noise removed.

Question: We have taken your advice to purchase a Kia Sportage in the past and have been very happy, apart from the limited luggage space which means loading a set of golf sticks in the back means carrying the suitcases on the back seat. We are now considering a Subaru Outback, VW Passat wagon or a Skoda Octavia or Superb. The Subaru is attractive in relation to price, however has less luggage capacity. No urgency to purchase, just sometime later this year when hopefully one can reasonably travel interstate. – Jack V

Answer: Go for the Skoda Superb wagon. Every time. It’s hugely roomy, great value and a lovely drive.

Question: I got your advice approximately 18 months ago about replacing our Mercedes-Benz E 200, when you said to wait a while. I just traded our 2016-model E 200 for a current E 200 demonstrator and I’m worried after reading through part of the owner’s manual. It states that I have to use an authorised Mercedes-Benz workshop for all servicing. But I have been using a business that has qualified Mercedes-Benz mechanics for around 20 per cent of the cost of the Mercedes-Benz workshop. – Darryl S

Answer: In Australia, consumer law means you can choose where you get the vehicle serviced, provided it is done using Benz-quality parts, is serviced to the manufacturer’s timing and requirements. Servicing outside the official network on the above basis has no effect on the warranty.

Got a question but don’t know where to find the information you need? Email us at editor@carsales.com.au

Find more of Your Questions Answered by carsales here