Your questions answered: Is the Genesis GV70 a suitable choice for my next car?

No-one ever got fired for buying IBM, the adage goes. No-one’s job hinges on buying a dependable product that does everything right, in other words.

You could argue the point where IBM is concerned, but not the automotive equivalent, Toyota. Australia’s top-selling brand (and globally too) is admired and respected for its products’ longevity, functionality and low cost of ownership.

But as esteemed as the Japanese brand may be, a lot of buyers want something other than a Toyota in their driveway.

The problem lies with the conflict playing out between our fascination with the new and our innate caution. Nobody wants to take a chance on a car that could leave them stranded, could burst into flames, could lose value precipitously or cost a fortune to run.

Yet there are buyers out there who will take an educated punt on a car. They just need a push in the right direction.

Question:

Answer: Our initial impressions of the Genesis GV70 are very positive, and its key competitors are BMW X3 and Audi Q5. The Mercedes-Benz GLC slots into the same segment but is a touch larger. You will pay more for the Germans if you’re matching engine performance and specification because there is a premium for the badges, but they compensate with a proven record for value and resale.

Question:

Answer: The Volkswagen Tiguan is a good thing, but the Wolfsburg pack is about cosmetics and marketing, so save money and go for the Sport Line. It’s not as cheap as a typical Korean rival for pricing or service, so test drive the Kia Sportage before you commit. There’s a new Sportage arriving shortly, but you can potentially grab the current car in runout at a very affordable price.

Question:

Answer: Recent versions of the Subaru Outback have a towing rating of 2000kg, so as long as you’re careful with how you load your camper, you’ll likely be okay legally. But if you are towing regularly, you might be better off looking at vehicles with a 2500kg rating, including the Hyundai Santa Fe. Some variants of the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace can also tow up to 2500kg, and the Amarok will easily tow the van – it has a 3500kg rating. It is a ute, however, and will not have the refinement of passenger-based vehicles. The right vehicle depends on how often you’re towing and heading bush, so the Outback will be better to drive day-to-day than any of the more upright SUVs and infinitely better than the Amarok.

Question: At the last service my Honda dealership stated that the front shock absorbers on my 2008 Honda CR-V needed replacing because of leakage. The car has done almost 142,000km, generally suburban and highway driving. I’ve tried to have a look under the wheel-arches and can’t see any obvious sign of leakage but it may be hidden by the rubber covers. I guess I’m a bit suspicious when dealers require work to be done so I’d appreciate your advice on the typical life expectancy you would expect from front shocks. – Edward H

Answer: It’s not unusual for shock absorber seals to fail gradually, leading to weepage on the units. But don’t rely on me, take the car to a suspension specialist and get them to do an impartial check for you. Pedders’ nationwide range of stores offer a low-cost ($28) obligation-free suspension, brake and steering test which could be an option.

Question: Are you able to advise a lady over 65 with around $35,000 to spend on a new car or SUV? I have been spoilt with a dedicated-gas Mitsubishi Magna for the last 15 or 16 years and it’s been cheap and reliable. I am now looking for a car with a higher ride, great safety features, great economy and, if not asking too much, a sunroof. – Susan

Answer: The sunroof will hurt your budget, but the great little Hyundai Venue is a trouble-free city-style SUV that is available with a tilt-and-slide glass sunroof and will come in below your limit and tick all your other boxes.

Question: I recently had my Ford Fiesta T-boned and written-off, so now need something and there is too much choice. If I read all the car reviews, everyone has a different opinion. I am about to have my second total knee replacement so need to get into a car without too much bending. My son has a Mazda3, and hubby a Toyota Camry and both knees hurt when I get into them. It was suggested I get a smaller SUV, like a Toyota Yaris Cross or Hyundai Kona as they are further off
the ground. – Leanne B

Answer: The Toyota Yaris Cross is not cheap, but it’s a great little runabout. The Hyundai Kona is also rated carsales’ Best Small SUV for 2021 but may be too big if you’ve been driving a Fiesta. So the smaller Hyundai Venue or Kia Stonic are worth a look. Perhaps even a Renault Captur for something out of the box. Test drive them when you can, and choose the one you like.

Question: I am very close to buying a 2012 Volkswagen CC. It is the diesel model so hopefully 150,000km is not a big issue. The car has been maintained immaculately. I have negotiated a price of $12,000 but it will cost me approximately $850 to transport it from Noosa to Melbourne. Do you think this is a good car or is there something else similar I should be looking at instead? – Michael B

Answer: The Passat CC is a very good car but under-appreciated in Australia. It’s wonderfully calm and relaxing and a good design. Be careful with an interstate purchase as there have been scammers taking money without providing the car. And get a pre-purchase inspection by the specialists at RedBook or the local motor club if you cannot see and drive the car yourself.

Question: I have a problem with my 2003 Mercedes-Benz E 55 where a faulty fuel sender unit with a cracked nipple caused fuel to pool under the rear seat. It could have been catastrophic. Apparently this was a recall issue in the US but not here. Any chance I would be able to get Mercedes-Benz Australia to reimburse me for the $1300 part? – Warren S

Answer: Sorry, but if the work was done outside the official dealer network, and given the age of the car, you have zero chance. There is such a thing as a ‘loyalty contribution’, but it is two-sided and relies on continual service in the car company’s dealerships.

Question: I have come across a Mercedes-Benz S 320 six-cylinder from 1999-2000 with 140,000km. It has new tyres, suspension work done, a full service history and a price of $12,000. I am 74 and not really wanting to buy new or pay a lot. Your thoughts? – Daryl D

Answer: That S-Class was a great car when it was new. But be aware that any car of that age – even with relatively low kilometres – is going to be a risk. And when things go wrong with older Benzes it gets expensive. That said, it looks to be a decent deal and a lovely way to enjoy your motoring.

Question:

Answer: Almost every popular model is currently on back-order, but Kia in particular. The Kia Seltos is a very good vehicle but Skoda appears to have good supply of the Skoda Kamiq at the moment and you should definitely head to a dealership and see what you like, as they are classy vehicles and good value.

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

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