Your questions answered: Should I sell my V8 ute and get a family car?

It’s always a wrench to let go of a vehicle that speaks to you. Perhaps it’s a small sports car, a hot hatch or highly modified off-road 4x4.

But when kids come along, or your spouse’s complaining about the climb into the dual-cab 4x4 ute reaches fever pitch, you have to face facts… It’s time to sell up and purchase a replacement that’s more practical.

Question: I have a 2012 Holden Commodore SS Thunder utility that has a full dealer service history and a relatively low 80,000km. I love the car and it’s going up in value. We have two kids and have managed with one family car but another family car would be good as my wife is working again. Should I keep the Holden and buy a cheaper runabout that we can all fit in, that is still safe, for $10,000 to $15,000, or should I sell it and spend approximately $40,000 on a new car? Either way, I’m feeling really underwhelmed by what’s available that might have plenty of power and be fun to drive, with some space to carry a little bit. – Rhys H

Answer: It’s a very hard question to answer. Aussie V8s are definitely going up in price, but how long that will continue and where the levels end up is debatable. Performance utes have a unique place as there are no imported alternatives and, right now, good used cars are generally in short supply. You’ll find some good family cars for $15-$20K , although it will take some looking, but wagons are generally cheaper than SUVs and there are some under-rated and smart choices – like the Ford Mondeo wagon. If you go the new or near-new route around $40,000-$50,000 then something like a Skoda Octavia RS wagon or hatch can give you something with reasonable performance and space for the family. It won’t replace your V8 experience, but they are a left-field choice that might suit.

Question: My husband and I are in our mid 60s and have been driving a 2003 Ford Falcon BA XR6 that my husband absolutely loves. We live in country Victoria and, besides mostly local driving, when we do go anywhere it is a minimum two-three-hour drive. We both agree a medium SUV might be what would suit us best but there is nothing to look at in local dealers and we’re being told it is probably going to be a six-month wait. Initially I had considered a Mazda CX-5 but, after looking at one, I think they are a bit small overall. My husband and I are both tall and I often have to do school pick-up and associated running around for our two teenage grandchildren – the 15-year-old is already over six feet tall. We don’t require a vehicle for towing etc. But ideally not too small an engine size for overtaking on the highways. – Sue

Answer: Benchmark the excellent Kia Sorento with a test drive, as it’s a big SUV that drives like a car and is quiet and refined. It was also named the carsales Car of the Year in 2020, which says a lot. Every brand has something that will suit you, but all brands have waiting lists and Kia is no different.

Question: Are used car prices still quite inflated? I am wanting to trade a 2015 Nissan JUKE ST manual turbo on a 2019 or newer Kia Sportage. I am not in a hurry so can wait even though I have seen one I am interested in. What would you advise? – Lyn M

Answer: Prices are still strong and will be for some time. But remember that selling high also means buying high, with new car prices rising over the past year on many popular models and keeping used values strong. If you’ve seen a car you like there is no reason not to go ahead if the deal is right.

Question: I know you get asked hundreds of times, but what is the best small and economical SUV, please? Price is not that important but around $30,000 tops. We are both in our 70s and like travelling around Victoria on short trips, but don’t travel very much as I have a back problem and don’t have the grandkids much. We have been looking at Kia, as it has a good name and my husband would like a used Renault Koleos, but I do not know much about them and so am a bit wary. – Heather H

Answer: There are dozens of small SUVs. carsales named the Hyundai Kona as it’s Best Small SUV for 2021 and it’s is an ideal choice for you. Kia’s equivalent is the Stonic which is also a good choice. It’s a new design, drives well and will be economical and safe. The Koleos, which is a Nissan X-TRAIL under the skin, is an okay car but why not treat yourselves and not settle for something used?

Question: We are in our 70s and drive a nine-year-old Hyundai i30 that has done 88,000km, so we’re thinking we need to upgrade now. We have test driven the base i30 hatch and Kia Cerato Sport hatch but find it hard to split them. We’re very interested in your thoughts and ratings on these two, or should we be looking at other comparable options? – Gary F

Answer: The Hyundai i30 and Kia Cerato are twins under the skin from the same South Korean conglomerate, with many mechanical similarities but differences in things like styling, suspension tuning, pricing and warranty. The Hyundai i30 is a long-term favourite but, right now, many people put the Kia slightly ahead because of its price and the longer seven-year warranty. Just beware of getting big alloy rims with low-profile tyres, as these can be noisy and make the ride a bit harsh.

Question: We have a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with low mileage but with some electrical problems, so we are thinking of selling it to acquire a new SUV. We are thinking of purchasing a camper trailer soon and are looking to install a tow bar to our Jeep. Can you please suggest SUV models that we should buy and have good tow capacity with a budget of $35,000. – Alan T

Answer: Most mid-size SUVs tow around the 2.5-tonne range but your budget will be tight so look at the Nissan X-TRAIL – and our tow test on the model – as it has a solid reputation.

Question: Do have you any suggestions for a replacement vehicle for me as I currently drive a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT and, unlike many Jeep owners, I love it. I use it for towing regularly and also school drop-off and pick-ups, where I need space as both children play the cello and other instruments. It’s also used for family holidays etc... I’ve had it from new, it’s done 200,000km so I’m looking for options with similar or more power. – Barry C

Answer: If you like the Jeep then perhaps go again, as there is nothing with the same impact as the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT. Anything that comes close in terms of performance is big money – it will cost close to $200K to get similar performance from a Porsche or AMG Benz.

Question: I have a Mercedes-Benz A 250 with all the bells and whistles, purchased new in May 2016 and now with 19,000km on the clock. When new the car would make what I now know as crabbing noises. I want to sell the car, but what is crabbing and is this going to work against me when selling? Is this a congenital fault? Do I have any recall on MB? – Joyce G

Answer: The crabbing comes from the grippy front tyres and front-end suspension geometry and is usually most noticeable during low-speed manoeuvring. It’s common on many Benz models, but Mercedes does not admit any fault. It should not affect the resale price. If you want another small hatchback then the latest all-new Volkswagen Golf, the eighth generation, will be a great choice but be aware stock is very limited.

Question: I am considering buying a Volvo XC40 – safety first. I like the size and height, a bit of luxury, and it’s quite zippy! Do you think it is worth purchasing the hybrid model? It will be used mainly for local suburban trips and the occasional longer one. Also, I do like the sunroof, but will that compromise on safety? – Alison L

Answer: The Volvo XC40 is an excellent vehicle, and the hybrid will be worthwhile for short trips and will save you money. A sunroof makes no difference to a vehicle’s safety.

Question: I am in the market for new car and was hoping you could give me your thoughts on the Volkswagen Golf versus T-Roc. I have had a Golf before and I loved it. – Debbie C

Answer: You’re comparing an SUV with a hatch, so it’s peas versus lemons, but if you’ve had a Volkswagen Golf before then you should go again. The latest Golf 8 is a ripper thing, even if most people seem to think an SUV is a must-have choice in 2021 and the T-Roc is good.

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