Your questions answered: Should I accept Volvo’s cash offer for an auto tailgate?

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a ‘business interruption’ landscape of previously unforeseen dimensions – and such unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures.

In the case of new-car buyers, that may mean accepting delivery of a car that wasn’t what they contracted to buy in the first place.

A global shortage of semi-conductors – the silicon chips that run many of the computerised functions in your car – is slowing vehicle production to a crawl, and sometimes closing down production altogether.

What do you do if you find yourself in the position of being short-changed? Do you accept a lesser car or do you wait until the production jam is cleared?

Question:

Answer: It’s true that computer chips are in short supply to the car industry and Volvo Australia says its parent company is prioritising their use in safety systems. So, for the moment, the power-operated tailgate is not a priority. Unfortunately, the tailgate cannot be retrofitted once you have the car, which explains the compensation choices. Volvo values the system at $650 and says there is a three-year service plan at $1500, if you want to top-up the service coverage.

Question: I’m seriously looking at buying a new Volvo XC40 with lifestyle pack and was quoted $55,391. What are your thoughts? – Dominic A

Answer: The Volvo XC40 is an excellent choice as a premium compact SUV. It’s a former carsales Car of the Year winner and I give it The Tick. But think twice about ticking the box for the power-operated tailgate (see above).

Question: Have any of the car manufacturers thought of having a white dip stick? Current oils are very light and hard to see on the dip stick. Just a thought. – George E

Answer: We don’t know of any white, affordable material that would survive the heat at the bottom end of an engine block and constant immersion in hot oil. Sadly, and worryingly, fewer and fewer people are even bothering to check the oil level in their engines. (Editor’s note: And some engines do not even have dipsticks!)

Question:

Answer: The people who built the engine know best, so use the grade of oil recommended by Isuzu. As for brand, you can choose and all the major companies have an oil suitable for your MU-X with the latest synthetic types getting good reviews.

Question: I bought a brand-new 2017 Holden Commodore VF SS Series II Black Edition ute when it was released and have been getting servicing done by the Holder dealer where I bought it. Is the resale value of my ute, if I decide to sell it one day, going to be affected if I continue to get it serviced by Holden? I can get it serviced for less by getting it serviced elsewhere, but I don’t want to lessen the resale value. – Teemu C

Answer: Provided the car is serviced ‘by the book’ with Holden factory standard parts there is no impact on the car’s history and, given the way the Holden withdrawal has gone with loss of dealers, there should also be no hit on your resale.

Question: I have had a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC since new and it’s has been regularly serviced at the dealership. It’s out of warranty and was last serviced in October 2020. In the past year I’d have been lucky to travel 5000km. What is your advice this year? – Michelle S

Answer: All service recommendations are by time and distance, so typically one year and 20,000km. Less for some vehicles. You should definitely get an annual service as many items, including brake fluid, deteriorate even if the car is parked. It’s also important to have a complete service history at resale or trade-in time.

Question: I’m in Melbourne and bought a 2017 Kia Sorento Platinum last year with approximately 45,000km on the odometer. Now it’s up around 50,000km and I had a full service carried out not long after I bought it. As we have been in lockdown for a large part of the year, I haven’t been able to drive very far or long especially since latest lockdown. I’m concerned that the DPF may get blocked and unsure what I can do about it given restrictions on travelling too far. A friend advised I could achieve the heat required to clear the filter by driving the car in second gear. I have not tried this. At the moment all I have done is add fuel additive/cleaner every second or third fill-up but I’m not sure if this is of any benefit. – Yusuf

Answer: Short trips are a problem with build-up in the diesel particulate filter (DPF) because the exhaust temperature does not get hot enough to ‘light off’ the burning of any build-up. If you’re really concerned, the dealership can run a program that will burn any deposits but you should definitely not try the second-gear advice on your own.

Question: I have a 2014 Audi Q7 Sportline fitted with properly-rated tyres and suspension for towing a 21-foot caravan with dual axles. It is about to hit 200,000km and is serviced every 10,000km; it consumes fuel at the rate of 8.5L/100km, around 14.0L/100km towing the van. It tows like a dream no matter the weather or road. So why do I not see other examples of Q7 towing vans? Do I need to look out for any upcoming issues? Should I upgrade to an Isuzu MU-X or Ford Everest? – Ian P

Answer: Almost all Audi Q7 models are bought as luxury family cars, not for towing. You will find an MU-X or Everest, which are based on pick-ups, are nowhere near as refined as your Audi, so perhaps move to something newer but still in the Q7 family.

Question: My wife and I are planning to retire in five years or so and hope to spend the winter months along the Queensland coast. We live in Melbourne and would drive up with bikes, kayaks and other toys perhaps. We don’t plan on towing anything other than for maybe a one-off trip around WA. I have enjoyed driving Volkswagen Jettas for the last few years and assumed a Touareg might be what we need, but friends are shaking their heads and saying to get a Toyota Prado. I plan on spending around $65,000 in two years’ time on a low-kilometre used SUV, so can I be cheeky and ask your opinion? – Paul C

Answer: Unless you plan to tow, or go off-road, there is zero need for a Toyota Prado. The Volkswagen Touareg is roomy, refined and comfortable and under-appreciated in Australia because, unlike the Prado, it’s not part of the Toyota LandCruiser family.

Question: Could you please recommend a good small car with a bit more luxury for me to buy. I currently drive a Toyota Corolla 2010 base model which is great and have had no problems with it, but I was thinking maybe a Volkswagen Golf or another new Toyota but more upgraded models. Would love a bit more power but want economy. – Nicky W

Answer: Definitely go for the Volkswagen Golf, as the latest eighth-generation model is refined and a huge step up from your old Corolla. It’s also more luxurious than the current Corolla. Even the basic engine will be more perky than your current car.

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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