Your questions answered: What’s a good car for transporting grandkids?

Life brings new changes and challenges; now all of a sudden you’re swapping a sports car for a wagon to ferry six-year-olds to the zoo

It’s a point often left unmentioned in life insurance and superannuation ads: Late in life you may have to upsize your car to accommodate little tackers who address you as grandpa or grandma.

That is, at least, if you’re a kind and compassionate grandparent who wants to chuck in and help your kids raising their kids.

It doesn’t mean you have to go full altruist, however. With imagination and some good advice you can buy a car that is fun to drive as well as practical.

Question:

I’m 63 and looking for a larger car, as we now have three grandchildren under five. I’m not one to go with the herd and was looking at a Skoda Octavia RS wagon in preference to a Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia SUV. What do you think? – Paul O

Answer: You are making a very smart choice, as a sporty station wagon is always more enjoyable to drive than an SUV. Not just that, the Skoda Octavia RS wagon is a ripper thing and a great pick.

Question:

I am a bit confused between the 2021 Mazda MX-5 RF and the Toyota GR Yaris Rallye edition. I like the convertible features of the MX-5 but the Yaris has more power and fun. I want something for my daily driving in the city and on mountains during weekends. I also wonder which car will keep its price better in the next five years and which one is more reliable in terms of the running cost? – Ansar

Answer: They are very different cars with very different strengths and weaknesses. On a wet or windy road, the Mazda won’t see which way the Yaris went… So if fast is your thing then go for the GR. But there’s a real joy in piloting an MX-5 and speed isn’t everything, as open-air driving is also fun. The GR Rallye might be slightly better on depreciation, but the only way to choose is to drive both – not just around the block – and see which one gives you the bigger smile.

Question: I get my Subaru serviced at the dealership where I purchased it. Now it needs a new battery and they have quoted $359, installed. If I decide to put the battery in myself, do I have to reset the electronics or is it better to use the dealership? – Edward P

Answer: Subaru is not as strict as BMW, which has a ‘smart’ charging system that needs to be recalibrated for a new battery. Even so, Subaru Australia has advised: “We recommend that, where possible, customers use professional services to change batteries, for reasons of both safety and avoiding potential damage if the unit is incorrectly installed. The basic process is: clean the battery cable terminals and apply grease to retard the formation of corrosion; connect the positive (+) terminal and then connect the negative (-) terminal of the battery. After the battery is installed, initial diagnosis of the electronic throttle control is performed. Wait for 10 seconds or more after turning the ignition switch to ON, and then start the engine.”

Question:

We have bought a 2020 Subaru Forester, a great car and top of the range, but high beam is terrible. When we bought the car, I wanted to fit a light bar and was told the dealership would not fit one as Subaru would not warranty it. Since last October, when we bought the car, my partner is out at nights from Bright to King Valley and Wangaratta (Vic), where kangaroos are the main problem but all other animals as well. My investigation has shown that aftermarket light bars can’t be fitted as LED lights don’t have a power pick-up. I have been told that Toyota has a special loom for its Prado but only fitted by Toyota. I have tried to find out if Subaru have such a loom without success, but I have put a light bar on the car with a separate switch which is less than ideal. – Geoff D

Answer: Once again, over to a spokesperson from Subaru Australia, who said: “We don’t have any additional lighting or harness as Subaru genuine parts. Lighting is ADR-related and it is a safety concern if light bars are not correctly installed or orientated. Issues can include current over-draw and potential effect on oncoming vehicles. Depending on the variant, the Forester may also have adaptive driving beam, which uses the EyeSight cameras and manipulates the high beam. We couldn’t guarantee what may happen to a light bar as the system tries to control the shutter within the headlight.”

Question:

My son just got his P plates and is looking for a car; it’s unfortunate timing, as prices of used cars are inflated and new cars in short supply. He is looking at the Kia Picanto GT, new most likely, and I’m wondering what your thoughts are with so few cheap cars below $20,000. We are wary of buying used and are not keen on the MG; looked at the Mitsubishi Mirage, but liked the Kia better. The Yaris is nice but, again, a bit much at the moment. – Michael H

Answer: The Picanto is surprisingly good, and well ahead of the MG3 in almost every area.

Question:

I have a 2018 Mercedes-AMG C 43 purchased new and have spoken to the dealership on two occasions about the crabbing sound and feel from the front tyres. They advised that there was nothing they could do about it, so it was very disappointing when I was told I needed two new front Continental tyres after just 9300km. The front tyres that were replaced are now showing wear again, and it would appear that they will require replacing at approximately 9000km again. This is very poor for such an expensive and prestigious car which you would not expect to have an unresolved mechanical issue ignored. If I had known that this was an issue, and given the ridiculous ongoing cost of replacing tyres, I would not have purchased the car. – Robert M

Answer: I have spoken to Mercedes-Benz Australia and they said that when you next present your vehicle to an authorised Mercedes-Benz service centre and you are not offered a satisfactory explanation or solution, you can request to have the service agent escalate your concern to Mercedes-Benz Australia’s technical team. Mercedes-Benz Australia can then work with the service agent to address any concerns you may have with your vehicle.

Question:

I currently drive a 2017 Mercedes CLA 250 and I am looking at the Genesis G80 for my next vehicle. All the reviews I have read claim the G80 to be a great car and very good value for money, so I would appreciate your views on whether they are as good as they claim. – Hugh H

Answer: The Genesis G80 could hardly be more different from a CLA, more like a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but it is a good car. It’s nicely refined, quiet and comfortable, and massively better than the first G80 that came to Australia and was only popular with value-first hire-car drivers. The Genesis brand is still in its very early days, and struggling for acceptance, but the car is good.

Question: My daughter is pregnant and she and her husband plan to get a new or used car before the baby arrives. I have mentioned to them the delay in obtaining cars at the moment. They are keen to get a Subaru and I’m wondering whether there are delays on this make of car please? – Sue S

Answer: In a world of SUVs, not surprisingly the Impreza hatch is the only Subaru that is freely available at the moment. I contacted Subaru HQ and the likely delay on the XV, Forester and Outback is approximately three months. That’s not great, but far better than some brands including Kia.

Question:

I’m hoping you can help me with a telephone problem. I have a 2017 Hyundai Kona, and I love it, but over the last six months or so I’m having a lot of call drop-outs through the Bluetooth system. I was wondering have you ever heard of this happening before? I wouldn’t say my phone is that old, a Samsung A50, and I do a lot of highway driving. – April

Answer: Your problem is becoming more and more common, as car infotainment systems are outpaced by smartphone developments and also, according to independent expert Mark Sully, by the number of updated ‘protocols’ now coming down the phone line. Perhaps a newer phone, or a switch to an iPhone, will help.

Question:

I’m looking to purchase a smaller SUV on a budget around $30,000. My priorities are fuel efficiency, comfort and technology. I’m currently looking at the Volkswagen T-Cross or Hyundai Kona and your thoughts would be much appreciated. – Alicia G

Answer: The Hyundai Kona is better value and a very good car, but also look at the Kia Stonic. It’s smaller but could easily suit you and will be better for your budget.

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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Your questions answered: What’s a good car for transporting grandkids?

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