Your questions answered: Why is it taking so long to get my new car?

Australia has bounced back strongly from last year’s brief COVID-related recession, and since we haven’t been able to head off to our favourite holiday destinations many people are ready to buy a new car.

But there’s a big hiccup. Cars are in short supply. Unless they’re already in the country, sitting in wholesaler or dealer stock, customers will likely wait a while to take delivery of the new car they’ve contracted to buy.

What’s the reason for the supply constraints? The latest is a global shortage of semi-conductors to run onboard computers in everything from engine management systems to seat heaters.

This follows on from manufacturing plant closures and slowdowns last year as workers were asked to isolate or socially distance (meaning less workers on production lines) in lockdown at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Volume-selling manufacturers affected include, but are not limited to. Mitsubishi, Volkswagen and Kia.

There are other reasons too. Jaguar Land Rover is currently grappling with an aluminium supplier about to fold, some models built in low volumes have proven more popular than expected, and sometimes the manufacturer just cannot meet pent-up demand for the replacement of a trusted and long-serving model in the range.

Question: I purchased a Kia Sorento GT in January and was informed that delivery would be in April. Then it was June and then August. I now have been informed that the Sorento GT manufacture date is unknown, however the Kia Sorento petrol is the only one to go into manufacture in late August 2021. I cannot understand why Kia Australia and car commentators keep advising the public to purchase a car that is not available until who knows when. I am extremely frustrated as the Kia Sorento GT is a great SUV and nobody will tell me when we will receive it. – Trevor B

Answer: It’s not just Kia. Most popular models are on back-order at the moment and Toyota is among the worst, particularly for the upcoming Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series. Our job is to recommend the best cars, not just something that is cheap or easy, and the Kia Sorento is not only last year’s winner of the carsales Car of the Year, but has also taken out the Best Family SUV for 2021. It is currently best in class and worth the wait.

Question: My wife’s Mitsubishi Lancer will be 11 years old soon with 42,000km on the clock. Normally we have it serviced annually, but it has done less than 4000km since the last service and the oil looks brand-new. I was thinking about servicing it every 10,000km to reduce our motoring costs as we are now retired. We now only have one car so the Lancer will be doing more kilometres annually than in the past. – Allan C

Answer: All servicing is recommended on the basis of time/kilometres and many things deteriorate even if the car is just sitting. It’s rubber seals and hoses, brake fluid and more. How the oil looks is definitely not the way to be judging things. Remember that regular servicing can also be insurance against future major dramas, so even if you’re doing low kilometres a yearly service is a good plan.

Question: I have a 2015 Hyundai i40 petrol sedan that has travelled 90,000km. I’d like to know if I’m looking at huge repair bills in the future. I’m very happy with the car but should I move on? It’s always been serviced at Hyundai and is just out of warranty. – John B

Answer: There are no guarantees about anything in the car world, but Hyundai has a great reputation for reliability. Just ensure you keep up with the factory servicing requirements.

Question: I’m thinking of buying either a Subaru XV or an Audi Q3. I am leaning towards the Subaru, but wanting your thoughts please. – Gail H

Answer: The Subaru XV is a very good choice and far better value than an Audi Q3. If you like the XV it’s a winner.

Question: What do you think of the Kia Seltos? I’m thinking of the Sports Plus model with the 2.0-litre engine, or is the 1.6-litre turbo a better option despite its extra $4000 price tag? – David S

Answer: Only go for the Kia Seltos turbo if you are a keen driver, although it does come with all-wheel drive – one reason for the extra cost – which would be better if you intend to go on lots of dirt roads or travel to the snowfields.

Question: I’m looking to possibly lease a vehicle in the coming months as I do a lot of country driving between Yarrawonga, Albury and Melbourne and would like all expenses managed in one place. But which car would you recommend from these medium SUVs? I’m looking at MG HS mid-range model, Volkswagen Tiguan, Audi Q5 or Kia Sorento. There is an obvious difference in price and will therefore affect my leasing price, but would like to know which you believe would best handle this and be the best to go with. – Erica O

Answer: The Kia Sorento is excellent and would be good for the long trips, but as a seven-seater it’s bigger than the rest, so the Volkswagen Tiguan is the best choice. The MG is obviously cheapest and not horrible, but the Tiguan is better in almost every area and it’s also cheaper than the Audi Q5, which is mechanically similar but costs extra for a premium badge.

Question: For medium towing capability, drive comfort, fuel efficiency and service costs, I’m looking at two 2016 models. They are a Volkswagen Touareg or Jeep Grand Cherokee. Which would you suggest? – Lindsay B

Answer: The Jeep Grand Cherokee is far better than its reputation suggests, tainted by multiple recalls and poor customer service under the previous management. Depending on pricing, and if you’re doing a lot of towing, it would be the one.

Question: My son is looking at either a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta or a Mazda3 SP25. – Paul M

Answer: Definitely the Mazda3 in cars from that time. From memory, the SP25 was a really fun drive back then.

Question: I am looking at downsizing to a four-cylinder car for mainly city driving and looking at the 1 and 2 Series BMW models. Specifically, an M235i as a 2020 or 2021 ex-dealer demonstrator model. Can you advise if this is a good car for the money or suggest something else? I am trading a 2012 Holden Commodore SS-V ute. – Tony B

Answer: If you’re currently in a V8 Holden ute you are probably a keen driver, in which case the BMW M235i will be a mix of good and bad. It’s well equipped and relatively punchy in the engine room, but the cornering grip and feel might be disappointing. Best to take a long test drive before you commit.

Question: I’ve been hearing about low-profile tyres and their effects on ride comfort. I have had many back issues for some time now and when I ride in vehicles such as four-wheel drives with harder suspension my pain is worse. I drive a Holden Calais V 2017 sedan and also a Calais V wagon and was wondering if I could change the tyres for a softer ride without upsetting the cars’ performance and safety. I’m not sure I should tamper but I have often driven a Toyota Camry and the ride seems much softer to me. – Victor H

Answer: There is huge variation in tyre compliance, even for V-model Holden Commodores with sports suspension and large-diameter wheels. You could look at something like the Michelin Primacy 4, which provides plenty of grip with comfort and less road noise.

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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