Your questions answered: Why are parts for my car taking so long to arrive?
It’s not just new cars being hit by delays; parts shortages across various brands are forcing vehicles off the roadMost people know about delays on new-car deliveries, but now there is an even bigger problem with another part of the car business.
It’s about spare parts, which are suffering even longer shipping problems than new vehicles for many European brands.
Cars are being sidelined for months for a replacement part that could be as big as a transmission or as small as a battery, especially if there is no way to air-freight the missing bit to Australia.
Question:
Answer: Talking to Jaguar Land Rover Australia, the problem with your Evoque is the lithium-ion battery, which has to come from the UK and cannot be air-freighted. It’s also on back-order in Britain because of supply problems. They are doing all they can to get the car repaired and back to you.
Question:
Answer: Mercedes-Benz Australia reports that there is no planned facelift on the GLE in showrooms for at least 12-24 months. So it looks like you’re clear to launch.
Question:
Answer: It is absolutely not correct, provided the engine has been properly serviced and maintained. There are countless i30s with higher mileages that are running trouble-free. And, in case you have a Hyundai Accent, there is also no reported drama with those cars on the engine front.
Question:
Answer: Definitely avoid the JUKE, but test drive the Hyundai Kona – carsales’ reigning Best Small SUV – to get a proper benchmark. I also rate the Kia Seltos highly. If you like the Toyota models, the hybrid will definitely give an economy benefit and lower suburban running costs, but be prepared for a long wait on delivery.
Question:
Answer: That’s a tight budget with used car prices so high, so perhaps a Suzuki Swift (five-star ANCAP from 2011 to May 2017) or a Hyundai i30 (five-star ANCAP when fitted with side curtain airbags from June 2008) if you can find a good one. The age of the Volkswagen Polo (five-star ANCAP from March 2010) is the main thing against it, and parts could be costly if something goes wrong.
Question:
Answer: You will pay big for a Yaris, with a long wait, and demonstrator cars are very rare with such high demand at the moment. The Yaris is a good choice, but a newish second-hand Mazda3 would be just as good – or better, since it’s a bigger size – and likely more accessible. The Mazda3 was awarded carsales’ Best Small Car 2021. Also have a look at our Best First Car 2021 mega-test.
Question: Our daughter is about to get her licence and we will look at buying a car for her. Her budget is $15,000-17,000 and we’re looking for a good-value car with relatively low kilometres. We have been thinking about the Mitsubishi Mirage which you can buy as an ex-demo with low kilometres for around that price. But not sure where to start. – Otto L
Answer: The Mirage is nothing special – and was at the back of the field in carsales’ most recent Best First Car award – but you may get a good deal. For a benchmark, also test drive a Suzuki Swift and Kia Rio.
Question:
Answer: Sell it. There is demand for the last of the homegrown Holdens but yours seems far too old, and with too many kilometres, to be any sort of a ‘gold mine’.
Question:
What are your thoughts please? – Cathy A
Answer: You should definitely be looking to update and upgrade, if only for the extra safety in a newer car. If you love the RAV then a new one should be your starting point, but you might find it a bit big now and should also assess and test drive the smaller Toyota Yaris Cross.
Question:
How do they replace them? – Mark S
Answer: The answer is complicated but the cost is many thousands and in some cases it would not be commercially viable, and more than the car is worth. However, the reality is that even with current technology the degree of degradation of battery life won’t be as severe as some predicted. This should lead to longer EV warranties from the current eight years or more. See our story on how long electric car batteries last, which may help you.
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