Your questions answered: Is now the right time to buy an EV?

Australia is one of the world’s worst CO2 emitters, per capita; of that there’s little doubt.

And some Aussies are already opting to buy electric vehicles to reduce their individual ‘carbon footprint’. The decision to purchase an EV is made easier by the improving selection of cars available, not least of all the top-selling Tesla Model 3.

But should those of us who still desire to own a high-performance dinosaur (‘the last of the V8 interceptors’ or something else with blasting powder under the bonnet) consign our plans to history and buy an eco-friendly shopping basket instead?

Question: I’m asking about the Kia Stinger GT. The only reason I haven’t purchased one is that little voice inside my head saying: “Is this going to be a wise choice, with so many electric vehicles on the horizon?” Currently, I own a spectacular low-mileage, rare Vanilla Cream Pearl Volvo C70 convertible that really is a remarkable car with a 2.5-litre, chipped-up turbo engine. But it is 11 years old and I am also really interested in seeing the Polestar 2 electric that’s not too far away from being available. Should I be thinking petrol and risk it becoming a dinosaur or throw my lot in with new technology? – David K

Answer: Don’t panic. Go for the car that suits you best for now, and at least the next five years. Electric cars, for most people, are on the far horizon. The Polestar 2 will be very good, but it’s not going to be cheap.

Question: I’m wondering if you can forward some information on the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Cruiser. Changes outside and inside please. I have booked one but even the dealership is unsure and have given me a delivery date of February 2022. – Omar A

Answer: There are no pictures yet from Toyota but this is our latest update, until we can get photos.

Question:

Answer: The build plate, which is the age of the car and not the model year, is applied on the production line. Volkswagen says not to worry as none of the Model Year 2022 cars have gone into production. It has also set up a link on its website to help customers find the right car and to check on timings.

Question: Please give your opinion on the Toyota Yaris Cross. – Ursula

Answer: The Toyota Yaris Cross is a nice drive and has the high-set driver’s seat that many people like, as well as a Toyota badge, but it’s not cheap. There are plenty of alternatives and you should not commit to a purchase until you have driven the Kia Stonic, which is my current favourite in the class.

Question: I’m thinking of turning over my 2017 Mazda CX-5 Sport for a newer model Mazda or the Hyundai Tucson Elite. What’s your view on these cars please? – Louise P

Answer: The all-new Hyundai Tucson should be your benchmark, but also don’t forget that Kia will soon have a new Sportage with the same basic mechanical package. The best idea is to compare them with back-to-back test drives and also check the financial side of any potential deal.

Question: We have just bought a brand-new Mazda CX-30 and they told us the fuel consumption would be up to 8.0L/100km. But we are disappointed as it is using over 10.5L/100km. Should we expect this to improve, as the dealership told us more kilometres will help it to improve? – Rita D

Answer: Fuel economy will improve a little over time, but the biggest variable is the driver. Your situation is not remotely unusual as the official fuel figures – find them at the Green Vehicle Guide – are done in a laboratory and not on the road. Stop-start suburban and city running is the worst for economy, so if you want to know the best potential for your CX-30, take it on a gentle freeway run and check that number.

Question: I have been driving a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer sedan for about 10 years and, although it is a very basic car, it has worked so well for me. It was a really ‘big’ small car, very reliable, and relatively inexpensive to run and maintain. I was recently involved in an accident, my car has been declared a write-off, and I don’t know where to start on a replacement. No-one seems to make anything like the Lancer any more and I think all the small cars are actually too small for me. I don’t feel particularly comfortable driving SUVs but understand that’s what I may have to look at. I’m hoping not to spend more than $20,000. – Kylie S

Answer: The Mitsubishi Lancer was popular but in reality has had its day and Mitsubishi has moved to an SUV-focused future. There are some good potential alternatives and you should look first at the Skoda Octavia. Essentially a slighter bigger version of the Volkswagen Golf, it’s available in a sedan/liftback version that would give you a similar package to the Lancer. A 2014-2016 model should be at your $20,000 price point. A Honda Civic is another good option as is Kia Cerato, both from around 2016.

Question: l have a 2009 BMW 520d. The battery has to be replaced and l have been quoted approximately $500-$600 by both a dealer and an independent outlet. Both are also saying you need to adjust the recharging rate. l have never heard of this before or had to do this in any other car. ls this reasonable or are they having a lend of me? – Tim F

Answer: The price looks about right for a premium battery and BMW Australia spokesman, Nick Raman, provides this background on the process: “The alternator and battery charging rate of recent BMW Group models is governed by the vehicle’s main DME (Digital Motor Electronics) control unit. As batteries age and require more power to receive the same level of charge, the DME instructs the alternator to provide it more charge. When a new battery is installed, the DME needs to be reset as a new battery unit requires a lower charging rate to maintain an appropriate and safe working level. This process is known as ‘battery registration’, which can be carried out by BMW dealers using a factory diagnostic tool or by an authorised and accredited automotive battery specialist. It is important to carry out as new batteries can be overcharged and potentially lead to failure due to excessive charging rates.”

Question: I’m in the market for a new car and wanting to jump into the hot hatch segment, coming out of a Subaru BRZ. My budget is $45,000 and I’m leaning towards a (used) BMW M140i at this stage. What do you think and is there any other cars I should be looking at? – Zack D

Answer: The BMW M140i might have the badge, but if you really want a hot hatch then test drive the Hyundai i30 N and Toyota GR Yaris, even though it’s over your limit, to see what real driving enjoyment is about in 2021. Also watch out for our review of the new i30 N DCT this Friday (August 20).

Question: My son is looking to buy either a Toyota HiLux Rugged X or Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain. He does lots camping and off-road work. The HiLux seem expensive but the local dealer has a 2018 model with 52,000km at $64,990. What do you think? – Simon D

Answer: The all-new Isuzu D-MAX is the way to go and it will be better value than the Toyota.

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