Your questions answered: Why won’t the dealer fix my car?

Car trouble is never fun, but end your efforts at the local dealership’s service department if you are not happy with your treatment.

Go direct to the car company, enlist their help, and the outcome could be a pleasant surprise.

Question: My partner drives a Mazda BT-50 and the driver’s seat has worn out. He’s complained to the dealer and they have replaced the seat part but not the back of the seat. The vehicle is two years old and he hasn’t abused it, so we thought it would still be under warranty. Any advice please?
– Lisa Watson

Answer: Seats, like brakes and clutches, are usually considered a ‘wear-and-tear’ item and not covered by warranty. But two years is not enough and if one part of the seat has been replaced you clearly have a solid case for help. Go directly to customer service at Mazda Australia, with lots of pictures to support your case. A good friend had the driver’s seat in his Mazda CX-9 replaced under warranty by headquarters because of excessive early wear.

Question: I have a 2008 Subaru Impreza, bought new, and from the beginning it has had a fault where it won’t start. I have a new battery and my mechanic replaced the starter motor with a new one. Can you please tell me if that model Subaru was a lemon?
– Kristine Considine

Answer: I have never heard of any lemon with a Subaru badge. You need to get to an official dealer, also contact Subaru HQ, and get a proper diagnosis from the brand experts.

Question: I purchased a new Isuzu MU-X last September and I am just not happy its six-speed auto. It’s indecisive and I absolutely hate it. My old Ford Falcon EL four-speed was beautiful compared to this. I am actually now considering selling and trying to find a mint G6 Falcon or something.
– Evan M

Answer: Modern automatics are set to deliver economy as their priority so shift into the higher gears as early as possible. Your old Ford, with fewer choices, would have seemed more relaxed. But the auto in the Isuzu will be doing a better job.

Question: I’m about to purchase a 2016 model Jaguar XE with the 3.0-litre V6 supercharged engine, showing around 80,000km on the clock. It’s a one-owner car with the full service history at a Jag dealer. I know Jaguar has issues here and there with their 2.0-litre powerplants, but believe this particular engine is pretty robust.
– Allan Baker

Answer: I have not heard of any nasties with that engine, and the XE is quite a sporty drive. Make sure you do research through our carsales.com.au listings on the right price for the car.

Question: My wife has a Mazda3 2012 model with 61,000km on the clock and is looking to upgrade to a Mazda CX-3 or CX-30. My son, who is a Volkswagen technician, suggests she have a look at the new T-Cross. And in terms of resale value, would it be better to trade in her old Mazda or sell it privately?
– Eugene Whittaker

Answer: I’m a very big fan of the CX-30, which was one of the surprise arrivals last year for class and quality. The best advice, as always, is for her to do a back-to-back test drive. At the moment, used cars are enjoying a surge in value and she should argue for a good price at the dealership if you don’t want the hassle of a private sale. The Mazda3 is a perennial favourite.

Question: What is your opinion on the Hyundai Kona Highlander 2020? What is the estimated purchase price for a 2.0-litre model and when will prices reduce? I have also been checking out the Mitsubishi ASX and wonder which you feel is the better buy.
– Sheree F

Answer: The Kona is a very good choice, newer and better than the ASX, but it needs to work for your business and Mitsubishi is popular because of its value. Prices are not coming down and, because COVID-19 has created waiting lists for many models, even the usual sale prices at the start of the new year are very rare in 2021.

Question: My daughter has around $26,000 to spend on an SUV and she is looking at the Volkswagen Tiguan.
– Barbara Raidal

Answer: With that budget she will be buying used, so also consider similarly-sized models from Kia and Hyundai. But the Tiguan is good.

Question: We bought a caravan to be towed with our Mazda CX-9. It does the job but being petrol-powered makes it thirsty. So within our budget we are looking at a Great Wall Ute Cannon. What’s your opinion on this?
– Matt Clarke

Answer: If that’s what the budget says… But a ute, particularly a bargain buy from China, will have nothing like the refinement or quality of a CX-9. If you’re not towing all the time, you could come to regret the decision.

Question: I currently have a 2011 Toyota Aurion Touring which is a fantastic car, a perfect work-horse and nothing wrong with it. I want another Toyota sedan as I like the reliability and affordability of service and repair. Maybe something like the latest Camry V6?
– Alison Betts

Answer: The latest Camry is much more stylish than your old-timer but the basics are just the same and it’s a solid choice.

Question: I’m fairly new in Australia and just about to buy my first-ever car. I’m looking to buy either a Mazda3 from the 2012-2016 model or a Suzuki Swift. My budget is $6000-$12,000.
– Edith

Answer: The Mazda3 is a better car and there are lots about, but that budget will get you a newer Swift. Even so, my pick is the Mazda.

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