Your questions answered: I’m concerned about the car I own

The longer we own a car, the more likely a minor niggle from the past may become troublesome, irritating or, potentially, dangerous.

We might have been aware of the issue when we purchased the car or learned about it not long after purchase. Alternatively, it’s a recent problem that has reared its ugly head.

What are your options to fix such faults?

Question: My wife owns a Mazda3, a 2013 model with 48,000km done, and the problem is the dashboard is warping above the instrument panel, leaving a gap. I understand that this is a common problem, so I notified the dealer and its reps sent pictures to Mazda but I’m still waiting for a response. Looking on the internet I believe Mazda extended the warranty in the USA for the same problem. What’s the case in Australia? – Peter

Answer: You can find something on the internet to cover almost any problem, but it’s pointless unless it specifically refers to cars sold in Australia. You should approach Mazda directly, not just rely on the dealer, and ask for a ‘loyalty’ contribution. But remember that the car is well out of warranty and it will be wanting the vehicle to have been serviced with a factory dealership from new.

Question: I have a 2016 Jaguar XF and I question the amount of road noise. We have been disappointed with this noise since new and would have thought with a car such as this that it would be better. I was wondering if you are familiar with this observation and if there was anything that we can do about it? – Peter A

Answer: The Jaguar XF is a relatively sporty sedan and is likely to have high-grip tyres and big wheels, which is where the noise starts. Without more detail it’s hard to be precise on the size and profile of the rubber but the best advice is to head to a multi-channel tyre outlet, such as Beaurepaires or Bob Jane T-Marts, and get a recommendation for a low-noise tyre that will reduce noise at the source. Bear in mind that quieter tyres won’t necessarily deliver the same grip, however, or you might need to pay a lot more for a premium brand that runs quieter without affecting the car’s roadholding.

Question: I have a safety concern with a BMW X1 I bought recently. There are no tie-down anchor points in the rear cargo area. I would have thought it would be an ADR safety requirement, as an unrestrained pram would be a lethal weapon during heavy braking, for example, if the rear seats are folded down. – John G

Answer: It’s clearly not covered by ADRs, or the X1 would have it, and we have plenty of other unique ADRs which affect cars coming into Australia. We can understand your concern but it’s unlikely to be a high priority with the vast majority of car buyers.

Question: I have retired and had a company car for the last 20-odd years so I’m now buying. I play a lot of golf so need a good cargo area. Is all the hype about Subaru on the money? I’m looking at the Forester Premium. The cargo area is a good fit for sticks and buggy. Any alternatives? Toyota RAV4? Honda CR-V? Nissan X-TRAIL? – Chris O

Answer: Subaru is not the gold-star company it was, with the South Koreans coming on so strongly, but I’ve recently driven the latest Forester and really like it apart from the continuously variable transmission. It gets The Tick.

Question: I would really love your opinion on the Jeep Compass and Kia Sportage GT-Line. I am looking to replace my Mazda CX-5, which is seven years old, with a car that has a bit of luxury including automatic tailgate, leather heated seats, Apple CarPlay, all the bells and whistles. I like the look of the Jeep Compass and can purchase a 2020 demo model for low $40,000s. I have just looked at a 2021 Kia Sportage GT-Line and can get that hopefully for about $46,000. Problem is I really like the look of the Jeep Compass but most people are not very enthusiastic about the Jeep. – Brenda Y

Answer: Jeep has made significant improvements to its customer service in Australia over the past 18 months, which is great news and has reduced the number of complaints about the brand. But, frankly, the Compass is underwhelming, even if you like the way it looks. I would go for the Kia.

Question: I’ve been looking at Dodge Journey and would love to know your thoughts on the car. It’s a 2014 Dodge Journey R/T auto MY15 which has done 72,000km and it’s listed for $17,000. I’ve also looked at some 2013-2014 Peugeot 4008 Allure auto and Active auto 4WD and 2WD and wondered your thoughts/concerns on these models too. – Ben C

Answer: The Journey was not a great car when it was new. For not much more money you can buy a Kia Carnival, which is a superior vehicle if you need seven seats. As for the Peugeot 4008, it’s closely related to the Mitsubishi ASX and marketed by a company that has not starred with its SUVs. You will do far better playing safe with a Kia Sportage for the same money as the Peugeot.

Question: I am thinking of upgrading from my Mercedes-Benz GLC 250d to either a Mercedes GLE or BMW X5 or X7 with seven-seat option. Just wanted your experienced opinion which one is better? – Sahil D

Answer:  My pick is the BMW. But also take a test drive in the Audi Q7, which might surprise you with its refinement and quality. It’s also easier to get a deal on an Audi.

Question: I am in the market to buy an SUV and I am currently driving a Volvo S60 T5. I’m looking at three different cars, a Volvo XC60 demo, a Lexus RX 300 or BMW X3 M Sport. Both the Lexus and BMW are unavailable at the moment, so I would have to order. What is your opinion and assessment of these three cars in terms of value for money? – Benny M

Answer: I would pick the Volvo based on the quality of the car, although the X3 is great if you are a sporty driver. If you can get a Volvo, and it’s a demo at the right price, it’s a no-brainer for me.

Question: I’m thinking of purchasing a 1988 Jaguar XJS HE V12 in excellent condition, with only two owners and all documents and service history over 32,000km. The price is $30,000 and I’ve driven it and I’ve gone over it and made an offer. Do you think this is a car that could go up in value as I’m just thinking of a possible investment, maybe thinking it might get up in value like the E-Type in years to come? – Bill M

Answer: If you love the XJS that’s all that really matters. It’s never going to get to E-Type levels of collectability or value, for all sorts of reasons. It didn’t have a great reputation when new, with reliability a problem for a start, and it’s a quirky cruiser coupe and not remotely a sports car.

Question: I was wondering what your thoughts are on the Mitsubishi ASX. – Tony Z

Answer: It’s not close to the class leaders, except on price and warranty, which is why it sells so well. Do a comparison drive with equivalent vehicles from Hyundai and Kia before you commit to the Mitsubishi, as you might be surprised by how far it lags behind on things like quality and driving enjoyment.

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