Your questions answered: I don’t want an SUV, what should I buy?

Australians have gone mad for SUVs and dual-cab utes or pick-ups, but there are still plenty of people who want something special in the garage.

It could be an old-school V8, or a future classic, or just a traditional passenger car with some extra spice that promises added driving enjoyment.

There are good reasons, too, to opt for a sedan or wagon rather than follow sheep-like the flocking to SUVs.

Question:

Answer: Your budget will get you into a brand-new Ford Mustang, so that’s the easy choice and definitely ticks your V8 box. Looking second-hand, the Chrysler is only alright, best for looks and not driving. The SS is a great car with plenty of used Commodores available but be very careful of the condition and don’t pay over the odds with someone who thinks it’s a future classic and is looking for a big payday.

Question:

Answer: No-one should buy a car as an investment, not even a Porsche 911. They are great to drive and that’s the key focus. Prices for almost everything that’s desirable are moving up at the moment but no-one knows how long that will continue. You could consider a 981 Porsche Cayman – although that will still likely blow your $80K budget – or something like a Volkswagen Golf R as a pocket rocket.

Question:

Answer: If you’re not after the higher driving position or the easy access of an SUV then the choice is obvious. Get the Passat. It’s a car that does everything well, unlike the Tiguan that is still a compromise with the go-faster R package on top of an SUV design. Too many people have forgotten the strengths of a proper sedan when they fall for the ‘dream’ of an SUV escape machine.

Question:

Answer: Are you sure you want a hard-riding, rorty little pocket rocket for your retirement, as that’s what you will get with the A 45? Far better for a cruisy retirement is the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class that is just coming into showrooms, or perhaps the hybrid A-Class. The all-new replacement for the A-Class is at least four years away.

Question:

Answer: MG make reasonable cars, and they are good value, but it’s still new to Australia. If you’re buying for value then an HS Excite is alright, but you should drive an equivalent Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (purely as a value alternative with a similar long warranty) and then a Kia Sportage to see the best in the class before you commit.

Question:

Answer: Those are not true competitors, as the Venue is smaller than the Seltos. (It lines up against the Stonic in the Kia range). Hyundai and Kia are separate brands but they share technology, mechanicals and parts. You really need a test drive to split the twins but drive Venue against Stonic and Seltos against the Hyundai Kona. Generally speaking, the Kia models will have a sportier driving feel. They also have a longer (seven versus five years) warranty.

Question:

Answer: Both cars are good but (as noted above), the ‘flavour’ is different – mostly in the feel of the suspension – so it’s vital to take a test drive. The Stonic is a little more sporty than the Venue, although both will be wildly better than your ancient Getz. Your budget should be fine.

Question:

Answer: Genesis is doing some great cars, much more adventurous than Lexus – a good comparison because Genesis sits above Hyundai as Lexus does at Toyota. If you have sporty Benzes in the garage you might prefer the smaller G70. The G80 is bigger and softer, generally more of a good-value limo that was originally popular with hire care drivers. Test drive a G70!

Question: I’m looking to sell my 2021 BMW X1 sDrive 20i. I’m finding the seats in the BMW uncomfortably firm, as the sides of the seats cause hip pain. Also, the base of the seats is long and uncomfortable causing leg pain especially on long distances. I’m looking for comfort, small size, seating not too low, nice wide seats not racing narrow seats, plenty of headroom, light steering, plenty of power as I live in a hilly suburb. My previous other cars have been Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 and Volkswagen Golfs. I found the Golfs zippy to drive, very responsive and they handled well. – Linda L

Answer: It sounds like you need to go back to a Volkswagen Golf, and the latest Mk8 model is brilliant for all the things you want. But you need a proper test drive, over a few days, to assess the seats.

Question:

Answer: The current Golf GTI starts at $54,490 plus on-road costs, with the R priced from $65,990 plus ORCs. The new GTI is good, so drive that first – it’s quite a jump to the R, even with extra power and all-wheel drive. That said, past experience suggests the R will be worth the extra. There is already a waiting list in Australia.

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