Your questions answered: Should I buy a plug-in hybrid ute?

The imminent influx of utes powered partly by electricity has some keen to learn more.

It’s the first of our reader questions for this week that also takes in one of the most infuriating things about some new cars: rattles.

Plus we’re looking at engine issues with the much-loved Holden VE Commodore.

We’re even trying to stay dry in an EV, with one reader considering going electric if they can make it work with flooded country roads.

Plus we’re shopping for mid-sized cars in a market that’s changed dramatically.

In the meantime, travel safe over the Easter weekend - and enjoy your motoring!

Got a question but don’t know where to find the information you need? Email us at

Should I buy a plug-in hybrid ute?

Question:

Answer: Plug-in hybrid tech is seen as a stepping stone towards full electric, allowing some EV-only running with the flexibility of travelling wherever you can find petrol.

It’s pitched as the best of both worlds, although in reality it’s compromised as an EV and as a hybrid because in both instances - or modes - you’re carrying around weight that isn’t necessarily doing anything; when running as an EV, for example, there’s an engine that’s obsolete.

But the newer PHEV tech - most of it from China - is a big step forward, mainly because it relies more on the EV side of the equation. More powerful electric motors and bigger batteries give more of an EV driving experience.

The Shark 6 is a good example of that, and the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV looks to be following suit (I haven’t driven it yet so can’t comment).

And, of course, Ford has the Ranger PHEV arriving mid-year. It looks like being more old school PHEV, although the advantage is Ford says it can tow and go off-road like any other Ranger.

The Shark, on the other hand, is limited to 2.5-tonne towing (a tonne less than most utes) and isn’t as hard core off-road (although it’s still impressive how far it will go).

The Shark has lots going for it, including performance, space, value and a long list of gear.

To get the real benefit from a PHEV, though, you need to be charging it regularly, ideally from home. That way you’ll get the lower running costs (higher electricity costs at DC fast chargers mean you won’t realise the full benefits).

Obviously we’ll be doing plenty with the Ranger and Cannon Alpha when they hit the road.

How do I stop a rattle in my Subaru WRX?

Question:

It has slowly gotten worse over time. The car has only done 12,500 kilometres.

It has been back to the dealer several times but to no avail.

It sounds like something is loose or possibly metal on metal maybe plastic vibrating. I have also had it checked by a highly regarded independent mechanics as well.

Have you heard of anything like this?

I know of other owners with the same issue as well.

- Damon

Answer: I haven’t heard of that issue specifically but it's not unusual! Cars are complex things where lots can go wrong.

You’re almost guaranteed of something going wrong during the warranty period. Obviously the hope is it’s minor and easy to fix.

Rattles can cause serious headaches for workshops trying to work out where they’re coming from and how to stop them.

And some rattles have an incredible knack of sounding like they’re coming from somewhere else.

Often it’s a simple case of adjusting a clip or screw whereas in other instances it can mean pulling apart half the dash and adding aborbant material to dampen whatever it is floating around and making the noise.

Typically rattles aren’t covered for the entire warranty period, only early on.

But because you’ve logged it early and they’ve had a go at fixing it it’ll still be covered as part of the warranty.

Start pushing harder with the dealership to find a solution. Offer to leave the car with them for longer.

And if there’s still no joy chat to Subaru’s customer support line, which should elevate it beyond the dealer.

What is the issue with my Holden VE Commodore?

Question:

- Anonymous

Answer: Often you can have more luck going to a smaller or independent mechanic, ideally a Holden specialist. That’s especially true the older the car.

While Holden dealers should be able to analyse the issue – especially with all the official diagnostics tools – there may be times when someone who has loads of experience may do a better job.

So we’d be looking for a Holden specialist or even touching base with someone from a Holden Commodore club to see if they have any recommendations.

Can EVs drive through water?

Question: We are considering purchasing a new vehicle in the next 12 to 24 months. We reside 14km down a gravel road. During the wet season there can be on occasion up to 300mm of still water on sections of the road.

Currently we own a diesel Subaru Forester, which we are happy with, odometer 300,000km and it has handled our road conditions well.

Do you have thoughts on the practicality of any brand of EV for our situation?

- Arthur

Answer: It’ll depend on the EV you’re looking at. All EVs can obviously deal with wet roads and decent puddles.

But not all will be designed for wading through deep water, as most four-wheel drives are.

It’s the same with petrol- and diesel-powered cars. Some are designed to drive through water, others aren’t.

Whatever a car is powered by there are plenty of electronic components of modern cars that have either been sealed from water or placed high enough to keep them out of harm.

The majority of EVs we’ve seen in the market so far are more focused on on-road driving, so their wading depth may be modest.

In some instances manufacturers will list that wading depth in the brochure or specification sheet online, but otherwise it’s usually in the owner’s manual. Or you could ask the dealer.

Which is the best mid-sized sedan?

Question: I’m finally retiring my much-loved Mazda6 and am looking to buy something of a similar size. I can’t get another Mazda6 because they are apparently discontinuing it.

- Leanne

Answer: The mid-sized market has changed enormously, as it looks like you’ve noticed.

A bunch of once-popular models have disappeared. They include the Mitsubishi Magna, Ford Mondeo and Subaru Liberty. You could also put the last of the Holden Commodores in the same class. And, obviously, the Mazda6 is in runout because it’s one of a number of models that don’t meet stricter regulations around autonomous braking technology.

That mid-sized market has had a big influx of EVs, though, spearheaded by the Tesla Model 3. We’re now buying more electric medium cars that we are ones powered by petrol.

The Tesla is the biggest selling sedan in the country, even outselling the Toyota Camry that once dominated.

Those two provide a good base to start your hunt.

The Camry is comfier in the back and on a long road trip, but you’re filling it purely with petrol - there’s no leveraging your solar there.

The Tesla is sharper to driver, has more tech and better performance.

Also check out the BYD Seal, which ramps up the value over the Tesla (it’s no as accomplished in driving dynamics).

The Polestar 2 is also an interesting prospect; classy cabin, good to drive but with tight back seats.