Your questions answered: Wheeling and dealing with sales staff

Where does Australian Consumer Law stand on the thorny issue of low-rent replacement tyres that are only fitted to a car in order to pass a roadworthy test?

Are these tyres truly ‘fit for purpose’, simply if they’re compliant with ADRs and offer sufficiently deep tread?

It’s a common problem for used-car buyers expecting to purchase a vehicle that came from the factory fitted with a premium tyre, but is now riding around on the cheapest, nastiest hoops that (not much) money can buy.

Question: I purchased a used Volkswagen Polo from a large dealer in Brisbane and its tyres were some no-name brand which, when driving in the rain, lost traction and slid readily. I have changed the tyres as I didn’t feel safe, especially with the family in the car. I contacted the salesperson, followed by the dealership, a week later but, to date, I have had no correspondence from either. What rights do I have as a consumer? And what responsibility does the dealership have in addressing customer concerns relating to the tyres? – Anthony S

Answer: This is a difficult one. The law requires the dealer to supply a vehicle in a roadworthy condition and that means, in the case of the tyres, that they have enough tread and that they are of the correct load and speed rating. Alas, it doesn’t prescribe the quality of the tyres in terms of their grip level or durability. You could perhaps argue they were not fit for purpose. If you do not hear back from the salesperson then direct your enquiry to the dealer principal.

Question:

Answer: Car-makers have decided that black wheels are sporty and chrome wheels are luxury, and most buyers agree. The dealer should have no trouble finding a Sport buyer to swap for your wheels, so long as they’ve not done much distance on the tyres, providing an upgrade for the other buyer and the wheels you want. Ask them, and push. You could even advertise a straight swap yourself.

Question:

Answer: Hyundai says it’s about aligning the warranty with its five-year coverage from purchase, instead of treating it as an accessory with a one-year coverage. But you are right, it makes no sense at all. What about paying cash for the tow bar at the time of delivery so it is not part of your finance package?

Question: I’m writing to you on behalf of my father, who is 81 and owns a 2015 VF Holden Commodore SS-V Redline wagon. He has owned this car since new and absolutely loves it; it only has 55,000km. It was due for its yearly service at the dealership, where he has taken it since new, as he believes in loyalty to the brand and has never had a service cost over $300. However, today he was taken by surprise when the service department wanted him to pay $650 up-front. My father questioned the situation and was told that’s the price and that’s it. He didn’t have his car serviced and I’m hoping you can give me some advice on this. – Frank P

Answer: GM says this is definitely not company policy and is investigating the situation.

Question: I was going to look at a 2012 Audi Q5 TDI that has done 28,000km. With the low mileage for a diesel is this a good thing or bad thing? – Kate R

Answer: That is a tiny mileage for a diesel engine, so it should be no drama. But remember the car is still nine years old, so ensure it has a full service record at the right times and distances. I would also get a pre-purchase inspection and ask particularly about the diesel particulate filter. By way of explanation, the diesel particulate filter can be troublesome on turbo-diesel vehicles that do many short trips.

Question: I have a Jayco Swan caravan that weighs around 1200-1500kg with electric brakes. I’m looking at a new Subaru Outback. Would the Subaru be okay to tow it? – Matt C

Answer: The new Subaru Outback is impressive, much more modern in the cabin with a Tesla-style central display and still a good drive. Put the Swan over a weighbridge for an exact number when fully loaded, and check that against the official 2000kg tow rating for the Outback. If it’s as light as you say it should be fine, and a great drive when you’re not towing.

Question: We are in the market for a large family SUV which can tow my boat which weighs in around 1600kg. Budget is around $75,000 and I love the Mazda CX-9 but I don’t think it will tow enough. So, I’m looking at everything from the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace to the Jeep Grand Cherokee. – Anthony M

Answer: If you want a seven-seater then it’s an easy choice – either Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe. They are new models in both cases and have adequate towing capacity. Go for the one that gives you the best deal, but I would lean to the 2020 carsales Car of the Year winner, the Kia Sorento, for a longer warranty.

Question: Can you please suggest a mid-size SUV for around $40,000 for a 23-year-old woman who is wanting all the technology available and a sporty look. I’ll just be using it around the suburbs and the occasional road trip and want it to last through a few life stages. I’ve looked at the Mazda CX-5 and a friend has the Volkswagen Tiguan. – Di F

Answer: The Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan are both very good, but at the premium end of the business with a price to match. If you’re chasing a good-value long-termer consider the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. We’d go Kia for the seven-year warranty. Drive all four to compare before you commit.

Question: We have a 2011 Jeep Cherokee that has done 120,000km but now the wife has decided she wants a sedan because we aren’t towing anything. She likes the BMW 3 Series but I’m not sure. We’re looking to spend around $50,000 to $60,000 on a second-hand or demo model that has low kilometres. – Jason K

Answer: A BMW sedan will be way, way better than a Cherokee of that age as a daily driver. The 3 Series has become the class leader since 2019, but if you’re buying older than that then go for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. (Ed: As a left-field consideration also test drive a Mazda6 – the 2.5 turbo is a cracking car.)

Question: Wanting your advice on a Peugeot 3008 SUV. I am a sales representative and have had three Subaru Outbacks over the last nine years and would like a change. I travel approximately 40,000km a year. – Joe

Answer: There is nothing wrong with the Peugeot 3008, but if you only want a change then go to a Skoda showroom. It’s a better brand in Australia, and it has some ripper SUVs at good prices, but you might be really surprised by a Skoda Octavia or Superb wagon.

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