Your questions answered: Which SUVs have the features I want?

The sport utility vehicle (SUV) has become the de facto family car for the 21st century.

Over time SUVs have migrated from being exclusively hard-core off-roaders to embrace a much broader definition, including fuel-efficient urban runabouts, people-movers on stilts, even high-performance and sports models.

But which one is right for you?

Answer: The Kia Sportage is a good choice but the best way to rate it is to do a back-to-back comparison drive with a Mazda CX-5 in the same price range. You don’t want to be hit by buyer’s remorse, even if it is a good car with a good deal. Right at the moment, trade-in prices are good but check carsales.com.au for up-to-date ratings of what cars like yours are bringing with private buyers. Also consider the ‘Instant Offer’ service carsales extends – this allows you to receive purchase offers from dealers for your car.

Question: I’m looking to purchase a late-model used SUV from the year 2018 onwards. The cars I am looking at are the Nissan X-TRAIL or QASHQAI, Jeep Compass, Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage or Seltos. I would still like a long warranty. – Tony B

Answer: From your list, the Mazda CX-5 is clearly the best, followed by the Sportage with the X-TRAIL on the list for size and value.

Question: I currently drive a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C 250 sedan and cannot find a seat position which doesn’t lead to back pain. I have just driven for a week in Tasmania in a hired Mitsubishi Outlander – a basic car but I experienced no pain. I assume the lack of pain is due to the seat set-up of an SUV. I’m in the market to replace my sedan and will seriously consider an SUV for the seat position. I have a preference for Mercedes and all-electric, but the current Mercedes electric SUV is too big, so any suggestion? Price not an issue. – David E

Answer: Seating is not remotely that simple, although an SUV can give more space for your legs to hang. It’s far more about the shape and support and cushioning of the seat, and German vehicles traditionally have firm springing and a flat base. There is no simple answer, but perhaps try the Audi e-tron Sportback, which ticks two of your boxes for electric and SUV. Have a look at our comparison test of the Audi e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQC.

Question: My wife and I want to upgrade our 2012 Ford Territory diesel, which has met our needs really well, including towing a two-tonne caravan. We have been looking at the Ford Everest Sport Bi-Turbo Diesel. The main qualities that are important to us are towing, cargo space, seven seats, safety, fuel efficiency and driveability. – Paul B

Answer: The Ford Everest is based on the Ranger, so the basics – even nicely tweaked by Ford Australia – come from a ute. A purpose-built SUV might be a better choice in terms of comfort and fuel efficiency. The Kia Sorento is a comfortable family SUV and the current carsales Car of the Year and has a 2.5-tonne towing rating.

Question: I’m seeking your thoughts on a luxury turbo-diesel SUV for long drives throughout Australia. We have no children or pets and no budget restrictions. We currently own a Mercedes C 250 and an Audi S3, but have never owned an SUV before. We are not emotionally aligned to any brand. Ideally, we want value for money, affordable service, overall reliability, with reasonable maintenance expectations. The wish list is luxury inside, style, all-wheel drive, a quality sound system, quiet cabin, reliable and good value. – Demi

Answer: Drive a Volvo XC60 and try to find reasons not to buy it. It ticks most of your boxes, especially the refinement and classy cabin. It’s not a diesel but these days Volvo’s petrol engine range (including hybrids) offer more than enough performance and fuel economy.

Question: I’m looking at a 1997 Chrysler Neon as a first car. The one I’m looking at has travelled 95,000km and is priced well at $2750 with rego until November. I guess my question is do you think it’s a good buy? It has full service history and is immaculate. – Lachlan T

Answer: The Neon was a one-off orphan in Australia. It was famed for go-kart handling, and I enjoyed driving it when it was launched, but the quality – even new – was nothing special and it only had a three-speed automatic gearbox. So it was way behind the Japanese class leaders of the time. That said, for that money, with so few kilometres for its age, it’s probably worth a gamble.

Question: Just wanting your opinion on the new GMW Cannon ute. – Rick

Answer: Drove it recently and it’s okay; not a match to a Ford Ranger or a Volkswagen Amarok, but brilliant value. Think 70 per cent of the class leaders’ performance and refinement for way less money with a good warranty. Check out our recent comparison test with the class-leading Ranger here.

Question: I’m just seeking your advice about the purchase of the current Audi R8 V10 Performance Edition. Would it be a good investment as a future classic car? – Barry H

Answer: You should never buy a car as an investment, unless you can afford a Ferrari or special-edition Porsche. The Audi R8 is a belter and also good as a daily driver, but you should buy one to enjoy and not to park in the garage under a cover in the hope that it will be your four-wheeled superannuation.

Question: My daughter has a Ford Focus 2014 automatic that is part of the class action against Ford Australia. It has been back to the Ford dealership four times for repair but is playing up again. She wants to dispose of it, but I’m not sure if it’s worth waiting until the class action is settled. Are you able to offer any advice on the best course of action? – Rick R

Answer: I’m not sure of the legal situation which you should clarify with the legal firm conducting the class action. Chances are she will probably benefit if there is a judgement, even if the car is gone. In any event, if she’s had enough of the troubles, it’s probably best to move it on.

Question: I’m looking at buying a new or used car around the $15,000 mark. I currently own a Toyota Celica 1991 model which is a wonderful car, however it won’t last forever. I have been looking at the new MG3 Core and was wondering what you think. Additionally, is there any other car you may think is good to look at? I have always been a Toyota girl. – Lesley-Anne F

Answer: The MG is quite affordable and it’s going to be way, way better than your ancient Celica. For you, buying the brand-new MG3 makes plenty of sense, but also take a test drive in used Hyundai i30, Skoda Fabia and Kia Cerato to see what else you can get for similar money.

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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