Your questions answered: What’s the right car for someone my age?

Car choices come at every age and the 50-plus brands in Australian showrooms can make it tough to narrow the field.

It’s even tougher in the SUV world, where there are dozens of contenders that compete on size and price.

Question: My 30-year-old son has an ageing Mitsubishi Outlander and is looking to upgrade to a 2018 or 2019 SUV of some description. He has a dog that he currently puts in the back and does city driving only. He likes the newer Outlander but I’ve told him to look at the wide range of other models.
- Peter H

Answer: The Outlander is not a good choice and he would be far better going for a Kia Sportage.

Question: I am 76 years old and I have a Hyundai i30 about nine years old. I have not had any problems with it but I am thinking I should look for a more modern car. Should I go with the same brand or is there another I should look at?
- Diane P

Answer: The i30 is still one of the best in the small hatchback class and if you like the one you have then stick with Hyundai.

Question: We are currently looking for a first car for our 18-year-old son with a budget up to $15,000. He is very keen on the Mitsubishi Lancer, however stock is very limited at the moment. We are also considering the Ford Focus, Subaru Impreza and Holden Astra.
- Belinda P

Answer: The Lancer is a good second-hand choice, but also consider the Hyundai i30 and Kia Cerato, as there are plenty around and your budget should get one that still has some factory warranty.

Question: My husband and I are in our 50s and think we have decided to buy a Hyundai i30, but haven’t test driven one yet. I am beginning to worry that my husband is going to say it is too hard to get in and out of and now I’m wondering if a Honda Jazz might be a better option. After a very quick glance online I was surprised that the Honda seems less expensive than the Hyundai. Not what I expected. — Joy B

Answer: If access is a problem then a compact SUV, the HR-V from Honda and Venue from Hyundai, will be a smarter choice. The reason the Jazz is cheaper than the i30 is because it’s a full size smaller.

Question: The age of my 2006 Mitsubishi 380 has me wondering if it’s time to move on. I have never regretted buying my 380; it has been a wonderful dependable car. I have driven Mitsubishis since 1991 – bad Magnas and good Magnas before my 380. Do you like the ASX or the Lancer? — Sue H

Answer: I’m not a fan of the ASX and the Lancer is no longer available brand-new. The car world has changed a lot since 2006 and you should begin your search in the showrooms for Kia and Hyundai if you’re considering a new car.

Question: I am a fit 71-year-old looking to buy a new car. I currently drive a 2012 Mazda3 which has not had any problems, but when I test drove the current Mazda3 Evolve I would have liked the seat to be a little higher. — Judith A

Answer: At your age, with the seat problem, I would recommend a small SUV. Two of the best choices right now are the Toyota Yaris Sport and the Hyundai Venue, which drive like small hatchbacks but are more practical.

Question: I have a 21-year-old son who is 200cm tall and is in the market for a second-hand car. He has been working hard over the last few years so has a budget of around $10,000. I have told him the earliest he should be looking for is a 2010 year of manufacture, no earlier. — Rob P

Answer: At that height, he needs to do test sits before committing. If it’s just for basic transport, the Toyota Camry has a big cabin and would be a good pick with lots around.

Question: I am a middle-aged woman who has taken up bird watching in retirement and this has led me to driving around Australia. At present I am in a 2014 Subaru Forester with all the bells and whistles, which I really like, but I am looking to upgrade to a designated 4WD which has low range. I am thinking about a Toyota Prado; I want a car that is comfortable to drive around town as well as out in rural areas. I might also try to sleep in the back of it on occasion. — Diane P

Answer: The Prado will be a perfect choice, but make sure you get some proper four-wheel drive training before you head into the outback.

Question: I have a 2009 Holden Colorado to tow a 2500kg caravan but my wife is over being shaken to pieces. I am interested in a Land Rover Discovery or Range Rover, looking at 2014-15 models. I am thinking of spending approximately $50,000. — Lee P

Answer: The Disco will be best on the financial front, as well as doing the towing well, and would be my choice. Your wife will love you (more).

Question: I have a Mazda 2002 Tribute and it’s a great car except the last year it has become very unreliable. It runs perfectly, but after you make a stop it does not start. Either jump start or go back in an hour or two and it may start. It’s a great car otherwise and would like to keep it but cannot if it is so unreliable. — Brian L

Answer: The car is 18 years old and it looks like time to move on. You will also be making a big improvement to your safety by upgrading to something newer.

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