Your questions answered: What’s a first car with plenty of headroom?

Are Aussies growing taller with each new generation? It sure feels like it if your child or young family members tower over you.

You might put it down to improved nutrition or fancy new high-tech medicines or even an old-fashioned genetic landmine in utero…

Whatever the reason, it leaves your young adult kids casting around for a car that will accommodate them comfortably.

No-one wants to have to recline the driver’s seat like they’re commanding an Apollo mission, just so they can peer out under the car’s sun visor. Nor does anyone want to have to fold up like origami art to squeeze in behind the wheel, only to find they’re still whacking their head as they climb in.

Being outside the 95th percentile for height poses some real problems for people young and old when choosing a car – perhaps your first. It might go the other way too. If you’re too short, you may not be able to select first gear in a manual car.

Fortunately, ‘sizing up’ a car is not all that hard. If they won’t fit and can’t operate the controls effectively, that much will be obvious before they even leave the driveway or dealer forecourt.

Question: My son is turning 18 soon and is thinking of a Mitsubishi 380. I’m thinking maybe a Holden Cruze. He’s a big lad, about 190cm tall, and wanting to spend $5000-$7000. – Stu N

Answer: The 380 is under-appreciated and a very good car for its time, with plenty of space for a big fella. Based on space, it sits ahead of the Cruze, provided you can get one in tip-top condition.

Question:

Answer: The XV is solid without being a class leader. Before you commit, test drive both the Subaru and the latest Kia Stonic as it’s my pick in the baby SUV class. If the Stonic is too small, then Kia also has the bigger Seltos in the SUV class.

Question: Can you recommend a great hybrid SUV or hybrid small car? I don’t want full-electric – would love the MINI but it is only good for around the city. I will be travelling 140km a day of freeway driving. I thought a hybrid would reduce costs on fuel. – Lucy V

Answer: A hybrid will not necessarily save the fuel you expect… This is because once you get to freeway speeds it runs mostly on the combustion engine and you’ve flagged most of your driving is on freeways. Never fear – there are plenty of very fuel-efficient small cars and SUVs in showrooms. Something like the Ford Puma will give you the style you want with good economy. If you’re on a hybrid – and you can check all the economy and emissions numbers at the federal government’s GreenVehicleGuide – then perhaps the SUV-styled Toyota Yaris Cross or Toyota C-HR.

Question:

Answer: Your driving is ideal for a hybrid and the RAV will probably be more practical if you’re getting older. The only catch is the price and a long waiting list. Best to take a comparison test drive and see if the Camry would also work for you.

Question: My diesel Nissan Dualis is fitted with 17-inch wheels, the spare however is a full-size 16-inch wheel. If I buy another correct 16-inch wheel, can I fit them as a pair so as to get some use of the ‘spare wheel’? I don’t wish to compromise safety or damage the car in any way so your thoughts would be appreciated. – Tony M

Answer: We wouldn’t advise that approach. The rolling diameter of the different set-ups may still be different enough to cause issues with stability control and other systems.

Question:

Answer: You’ve ruled out both Hyundai and Kia – we’re not sure why… The Hyundai Kona and Venue and Kia Seltos and Stonic are all better than the vehicles you’ve nominated. The Captur is a stylish small SUV that appeals to many. The Honda frankly is showing its age and wouldn’t be high on our list.

Question: I have a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C 250 Avantgarde with 170,000km on the clock. It rides and goes very nicely, but it’s time to change for something newer and I have approximately $35,000 to spend. I would like something a little bigger, newer and with lower kilometres. I looked online at some 2013-2015 E 300 and E 400 models and noticed they are comparably priced to C 250s of the same year. Any thoughts on them? – John B

Answer: The E-Class Benzes were not as popular as C-Class and have been overtaken by SUVs in popularity so that probably explains the pricing. They are definitely good cars and will give you the extra space you’re chasing.

Question: I am keen on the BMW X5 M50i with the V8 engine. But I’ve read a number of blogs and forums and it seems the BMW V8 is not as reliable as the 3.0-litre diesel (X5 30d) or 3.0-litre turbo (X5 M40i). – Vinh

Answer: Early BMW V8s did have some variable cam timing issues but the later-model turbo V8s have a better reputation. Look for a solid service history and, where possible, a vehicle that has had regular (even shorter than recommended) oil changes. The M50i models are plenty powerful and a great drive.

Question: Our 31-year-old daughter has saved $30,000 to buy a new car and would like an SUV. She is currently driving a Ford Focus, but it’s now 12 years old. – Lynne J

Answer: If she likes the Focus, and the Ford brand, she should take a look at the Ford Puma. It’s a cross between a hatch and an SUV, with the better sides of both, and should work with her budget.

Question: My wife has a Nissan Dualis and I am thinking of getting another, but I have also been looking at the Range Rover Evoque, about 2014 with low mileage. I am now in two minds as some friends have bought the new MG. I have taken one for a test drive and it was smooth, but that was on a straight road with no hills. I am in two minds as I like the Range Rover but the MG would be a new vehicle. – Alex H

Answer: An MG is not anywhere close to the Range Rover in style or substance, but the price is good and so is the long warranty. If you crave the Evoque then reward yourself, but something from 2014 is seriously second-hand and you need to ensure you buy smart on mileage, service history and condition.

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