Your questions answered: Should I buy a Tesla Model 3?

Some carsales readers seem to be cottoning on to the advantage of the government’s fringe benefits tax exemption on electric vehicles.

It’s prompting some to pop an EV on the shopping list, something that kicks off our reader letters this week.

But there’s also plenty of interest in big vehicles powered by diesel (and a petrol V8).

And one Toyota Prius driver loves their car so much they’re looking to import the latest model from Japan.

I’ve been keeping an eye on the market but from what I can tell the Tesla Model 3 is still one of the best available.

Is there anything else I should be looking at? - Daisy

Answer: The Tesla Model 3 is the second best selling EV on the market - and with good reason (it’s only outsold by the Tesla Model Y).

The updated model that arrived in 2023 is great to drive and stepped the comfort levels up enormously on its predecessor.

It’s also a leader in tech and has excellent value, even against petrol-powered alternatives.

Plus it gives you access to the Tesla charging network, which is a bonus if you plan on venturing away from home.

And, as you’ve worked out, the fringe benefits tax exemption is a fantastic way to get the government to help pay for your new set of wheels.

The tech and starkness of the cabin is an acquired taste, but once you’re used to it (it’s like making the switch from an old school phone to a smart phone) it all works really well.

So, yes, stick the Model 3 high on your list. The entry-level Rear-Wheel Drive is arguably the best value.

As for alternatives, the BYD Seal is worth a look.

Otherwise it’s a big step up price wise to get into something that’s as competitive.

In your opinion what would be the best EV charging network suitable for the Sealion 6?

I know it is a PHEV however I figure it is possibly cheaper to recharge on a longer trip than fill up with ULP 98?

At home I have solar plus a 9kWh battery, so overnight charging will generally be at no direct cost.

I live on the Far North Coast NSW. - Peter

Answer: Fast charging plug-in hybrids on a road trip isn’t always easy.

Most PHEVs only have AC charge ports, allowing for slower home or destination chargers.

And the ones with DC fast charging ports typically don’t accept much in the way of charge.

In the case of the Sealion 6, its maximum DC charge rate is 18kW.

The battery capacity is 18.3kWh, so it will take something like an hour to charge.

If you’re using AC chargers the Sealion 6 accepts a maximum of 7kW, so the charge time will be more like 2.5 hours.

As for which charging network to use, it will purely depend on where the chargers are.

The fast charging network is still hit and miss.

So download and apps such as PlugShare and check where the chargers are on your planned route.

You may need a few apps (and associated accounts) to make charging on the road easier.

Short story is I wouldn’t limit yourself to one charging network. Be prepared to use any that will suit your route.

As for home charging, keep in mind your 9kWh battery will only help charge less than half the battery, so something like 35-40km of range. And, obviously, you’ll want to use some of that electricity to power your house.

But it turns out it won’t be here for ages, so I’m now trying to work out what to do.

Is the old Y62 Patrol worth considering or should I grab a LandCruiser?

I don’t want to have to wait a couple of years. - Dale

Answer: Yes, the journey for the Patrol Y63 to make its way Down Under is glacial, with first deliveries not slated until late 2026.

It seems to be creating a buying quandary for some people.?

As for which to choose, the LandCruiser 300 Series has a terrific engine and is a very capable off-roader. It’s comfy, too, and the long suspension travel helps with hard core off-road work.

The Y62 Patrol is not as good in those very serious off-road situations, but for everyday driving and outback touring it’s arguably a better car.

Of course, being a petrol-fed V8, it can get thirsty.

But it’s also tens of thousands cheaper than the equivalent LandCruiser.

If you’re looking at a Patrol we’d recommend the Warrior. It’s got some great extras, including some nicer finishes in the cabin.

Then a friend pointed me towards the MG4. It looks like a good thing and at $30,990 seems to be cheaper than the Mazda.

Is it a good car? Am I missing something? - Renee

Answer: The MG4 is a great car - and it’s sensational value at $30,990 drive-away.

As you’ve noticed, it’s cheaper than a new Mazda3 (and a Toyota Corolla, and most other small hatches).

It’s also great to drive, with some engaging rear-wheel drive dynamics and a thoroughly acceptable single motor making suburban running a bit of fun.

The base price leader is light-on for equipment (there are no rear speakers and no wireless phone charging, for example) but the core of the car is great.

We’ve also found some frustrations with the infotainment system, which can be laggy when you press a virtual button.

And the driver assist systems can sometimes get too excited.

But on the whole the MG4 still represents great value.

You’d better get in quick though. The $30,990 offer on the MG4 is due to end at the end of October, at which point the price increases to $32,990 drive-away.

Because of her love for Prius, and Toyota Australia's decision not to sell Prius anymore, we are keen to know the pros and cons of importing a Prius.

Can you help please? - Ross

Answer: I assume you’re talking about the new generation Prius that never made it to Australia? It’s by far the best looking Prius, so it’s a shame it doesn’t come her.

Privately importing a car means the manufacturer has nothing to do with it in terms of servicing, after-sales support and – importantly – warranty provisions.?

So it can be tricky getting things repaired once you get the car here.

It’s also worth chatting to insurance companies. The difficulty in sourcing parts can make it more expensive for coverage.

And things such as the radio and navigation system may not be compatible in Australia. Check that out and be prepared to upgrade if required.

All of which makes it sound more difficult than buying a new car from an Australian dealer.

Although there are companies that specialise in smoothing the process.

Either way, the reason Toyota doesn’t import the Prius is because it’s tripping over other models in the range – most notably the Camry – in terms of what it’s doing and who it’s appealing to.

The latest Camry Hybrid would be a much easier way to get your hybrid fix.

It’s all Prius hardware beneath the skin, but with a blander body.?

Or you could look at other Toyota hybrids; the Corolla Cross is a great option.

Answer: The HiLux’s best asset is its toughness. It has a well earned reputation for reliability and durability, two things that have people coming back for more.

But in most other areas the latest HiLux is feeling tired. That’s because the current generation car arrived in 2015, so it’s only a year or so off its anticipated replacement.

If we don’t see a new HiLux next year then it’ll almost certainly be in 2026.

If you want something with better interior space, more tech, better driving manners, better engine options and better safety then the Ford Ranger is the pick. Its mechanical twin, the Volkswagen Amarok (which comes out of a Ford factory) is also worth a look.

And there’s a heap of ute activity coming soon.

The BYD Shark 6 is an interesting plug-in hybrid option (first deliveries are due early in 2025) and the upcoming Kia Tasman (first deliveries of which kick off mid-2025)?

We’ll learn more about both - including pricing for the Shark 6 - on October 29.

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