Your questions answered: Is hybrid the answer to reducing my fuel bill?

Despite reductions in the tax take on petrol and diesel, fuel price pressure is still forcing people to reconsider their motoring choices, for today and well into the future.

Fully-electric models are arriving in greater numbers but it’s hybrids that are doing the job in the shorter-term, despite long waiting lists for the popular models.

Question: Since petrol is increasing in price, I was thinking of perhaps buying a smallish hybrid. The last time I came to you for advice I purchased the Honda HR-V you recommended. It’s a lovely car. Now, it’s time for something new for the 10,000km I drive per year. – Norma C

Answer: If you’re looking for another small SUV, then Toyota has the Yaris Cross and it’s a great little car but not cheap at around $35,000. It’s also similar in size to your HR-V. If you can wait and want to stay loyal to Honda, there is an all-new HR-V arriving soon with a hybrid option, but it’s not cheap as Honda attempts to move upmarket in Australia.

Question:

Answer: If you love it, keep it. If not, it’s probably a good time to move it on as lots of people still crave the old-school Aussie Commodore. Fuel prices have people thinking about the future, but there are others who still crave a last blast in an old-school V8.

Question:

Answer: Reports from Europe say Porsche’s plan for the Macan is to provide both internal combustion and battery-electric choices. So, your decision now will give you plenty of enjoyment before a switch to electric. The fact is no-one can accurately predict the timing of Australia’s large-scale shift to fully-electric cars and what it will mean for long-term resale values.

Question: I have a VF Holden Commodore Calais wagon and I wish to update it to something newer. I travel a bit long-distance and tow a dog float or a caravan. Just want to know what my best options are. Even used cars… – Sybille K

Answer: If you want something similar, in size and practicality, the Skoda Superb Estate would be an excellent pick. A new one is priced from just under $60,000 on the road and there should be near-new ones at good prices. With most Australians so heavily favouring SUVs, a classy old-school station wagon is a smart move and will avoid the long SUV waiting lists and current inflated second-hand prices.

Question:

Answer: Do the pump-to-pump test to get the numbers right, as few dashboard readouts are totally accurate and in fact many are just a ‘recent’ average – not the real reading for the whole tank. Fill to the first click only, and try to always do it with the same pump at the same station at the same time of day for the best results. The official combined-cycle consumption for the Grandeur is 10.8L/100km but 13.8 sounds about right. If you’re battling traffic, which will be worse since COVID restrictions have been lifted and more people hit the road, this could be an explanation of the increase. It could be a case of engine wear, as the car is pretty old, but best to do proper research and maybe get a compression test at the next service. On the lighting front, lots of older cars are dreadful after dark but a globe update/replacement should improve things. Visit a parts retailer like Burson and ask for options.

Question:

Answer: The Golf is a fantastic car and would be the first pick from your list, particularly for refined and safe country motoring. If she needs easier access the Kamiq’s higher driving position might be attractive. There is a new HR-V arriving soon but at entry-level its price has jumped. Price may not be a consideration but value for money should be…

Question:

Answer: If you’re looking for a small used SUV, then look at the Mazda CX-3. But you should cross-shop the cost of regular services, HR-V against CX-3, as they are likely to be quite close.

Question: I own a 2005 Mazda6 and, to cut a long story short, the paint is peeling on the roof and boot. I have been quoted $1500-$2000-plus to get it resprayed. Should I do that or start looking for a new (second-hand) car? If I end up buying a new car I'm thinking of another Mazda, either the 3 or 6 models from 2015 onwards, in white. What model do you recommend? – Tony

Answer: You’ll be over-spending on the old-timer and likely need an update on everything from safety to fuel economy. You should get much better value in the Mazda6, since people are moving away from mid-sized cars and the smaller Mazda3 has been a big hit with lots of young people looking for a first car.

Question: My Toyota Corolla 2006 hatchback was recently written-off and I would appreciate your advice on a replacement car. I was considering another Corolla or Skoda, but should I get a new or used hatch or a small SUV. – Jutta K

Answer: If you’re doing the same driving, and don’t have problems with access, another hatchback will be fine. It will also be cheaper than an SUV and far less likely to be on back-order. Skoda is highly recommended and good value with good back-up in Australia. If you buy a Corolla you’re paying more just for the Toyota badge, as well as a car that’s a lot bigger than your 2006 model. The Skoda Fabia will likely be fine for your needs.

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