Your questions answered: What’s the best first car for my child?

One of the last parental duties before your children fly the coop is to find them a safe and reliable first car – or a second car for the household if (like many) they’re resistant to leaving home.

We have fairly fixed views on what is an appropriate car for an inexperienced driver, but not every road-going newbie wants to be stuck with a light hatch from one of the big three brands.

What other choices are available?

Question: I am looking at buying my son a second-hand car. It will be his first car and he is yet to get his licence. He is tall at around 195cm and I’m thinking of spending about $15,000. Would you mind giving me your recommendations, with safety features a priority? – Carmela D

Answer:  A late-model Hyundai i30 or Kia Cerato will do the job but it’s important that he has a ‘test sit’ to make sure he fits – because even people of the same height have arms and legs that are different lengths. Even more importantly, on the safety front, is to get him straight into a safe driving course with a company like Murcotts Driving Excellence.

Question: My grand-daughter is turning 18 in September and planning on getting a car. She is wanting to go four-wheel driving a lot and was considering a Nissan Patrol or Toyota LandCruiser. She wants something that’s big and can fit all her camping gear. Could you give her some advice about these cars and what’s the best for her? – Robyn

Answer: A brand-new driver should definitely not be getting into a Patrol or LandCruiser. They are big and tough to handle, not to mention heavy on fuel and running costs. She will be surprised how much she can actually fit into something as compact as a Suzuki Grand Vitara, which is very good in camping conditions.

Question: Seeking your advice on a first car for my first of three daughters. I want second-hand with safety and connectivity as key – to keep their eyes on the road and off phones. The budget is in the $10,000-20,000 range and I love Kia for the service periods, but have also heard good things about Hyundai, Mazda and Suzuki. I’m thinking a small hatch or SUV. – Emma M

Answer: A car will be better for a new driver than an SUV and the Suzuki Swift is great value and should tick all the boxes, with a bit of fun factor for your daughter.

Question: I am reaching out to you for assistance in the selection of a small SUV for our daughter. She has a budget of approximately $23,000 and I’m thinking second-hand and less than five years old. We would like to know which is mechanically most reliable and smooth driving as I purchased a Fiat 500X and love the look of the car but it’s terrible to drive so we do not want to make the same mistake for our daughter. We like the size of the MG ZS, and she could afford one, but we’re not sure of the mechanicals and engine size. – Wanda D

Answer: She would be far better in a Kia Seltos, which beats the MG on everything but value, so do a back-to-back comparison test drive.

Question: My daughter has to sell her Range Rover Sport HSE Dynamic 2019 MY20 after a marriage break-up. Even though she knows it’s a luxury most cannot afford, she is devastated as it’s almost the only thing from her previous life that hasn’t yet been taken away from her. Wondering what brand of used vehicle, spending about $100,000 might give her a similar sense of comfort, and similar technologies, as her Range Rover. – Louise

Answer: The obvious answer is the Range Rover Evoque, from the same brand but in a smaller size with a smaller price tag.

Question: Our daughter, a single mum, has two children aged 11 and 9. They live in Queensland and she is researching a replacement for her current vehicle. She is looking to spend between $50,000-$60,000 and plans to use it for camping, trips to the tip, etc. Any suggestions you could make would be appreciated. – Elaine M

Answer: The first suggestion is to avoid a dual-cab ute, no matter how practical they first look. There are many SUVs in her price range that will work handily for a small family, perhaps a Kia Sportage if she spends most time around home or a Suzuki Grand Vitara if she wants to go seriously into the bush but have a nice daily driver.

Question: My 39-year-old daughter, a single mum with an eight-year-old son, has outgrown her 2009 Volkswagen Golf and is looking to move up to a slightly larger new vehicle. She prefers a station wagon and her budget will stretch to $35,000 at a pinch. Today we test-drove a Skoda Octavia and we were both impressed. Unfortunately, the local dealer has no stock as they are waiting on an upgrade due to arrive within the next 6-10 weeks. The pricing will be slightly more than the current $33,000 drive-away price but should still make the sub-$35,000, so she is prepared to wait. As she has a few months to wait, what else to you recommend she looks at? – John P

Answer: Wait. The Octavia is worth it. It is a rare gem and the update should be even better.

Question: In the past you advised us on a Mazda CX-9 for my family of six. Anyway, four kids are now 19-24 and it’s time to update so I’m seeking your thoughts on a 2015-ish BMW X5 3.0L diesel. We have recently purchased a caravan, and we need to tow that, but we’re looking for an SUV rather than a large four-wheel drive. We are in our early 50s and the car will be primarily used as a run-around and for towing once a month on short trips. We will look again at updating on retirement (60+). We have also given thought to a similar-year Volvo XC90 or Jaguar F-PACE. – Michael P

Answer: The XC90 is best for you, and you will be surprised by the all-round quality, space and comfortable drive. The X5 is very good but has a (slightly) sportier focus, while the F-PACE is best left alone.

Question: I’m looking to update my seven-year-old Mitsubishi ASX and my husband says I should just get another ASX because of the 10-year capped service and guarantee. I am 69 years old and fancy a Subaru XV because of its rugged good looks. I also want something that isn’t too thirsty. – Gayle D

Answer: Reward yourself with the Subaru, don’t buy just on price. The XV is a nice package, a cut above the ASX in comfort and quality, and good value. Ensure you get an XV with the EyeSight safety package.

Question: I am currently driving a 2015 Mitsubishi ASX and am thinking of upgrading it to Kia Seltos, or perhaps the Exceed version of the ASX. – Geoff C

Answer: Definitely the Seltos. It is new and very good, also great value, while the ASX is getting old and tired and sells mostly on price.

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