Buying a new car can be stressful.
Between the multitude of options in Australia – there are more than 50 brands here – and the sudden increase in hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electrics replacing traditional petrol or diesel engines, it’s hard to know. where to start looking.
Every week, we receive hundreds of inquiries from new car buyers trying to find their way to the ideal new car.
Here are some of the best, answered by Paul Gover.
Q: I would like your advice on buying a Ssangyong Musso ute. It seems fine to me, but understand it’s about the price.
James Shine
A: It’s definitely about the price, as the Ssangyong isn’t as good as segment leaders including the Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max. Musso is known to be tough and is considered trustworthy. In the same price range, look at LDV as it will most likely be more modern in design and finish by boosting exports out of China.
Q: Is it worth paying extra for a Mercedes-AMG A45 instead of an A35? How would you rate these cars?
Brian Williamson
A: Both sub Benzes are sport hatchbacks, with the A45 sure to boost performance by 10. So the A35 is a nice, fun, sporty car and the car The A45 is a well-equipped AMG sedan with serious speed potential.
The A45 is considerably more expensive and much noisier, so you’ll want to have the last part of the pack to give you more time to pick it up over the A35.
Q: I wonder if it’s too soon to switch to electric when I’m looking for a new car on the market. I mostly drive in the city and occasionally travel to rural Victoria.
The two options I’m looking at are the BMW X5 40i and the BMW iX 40. They have some good deals on new cars right now.
Steve Stama
A: It’s too early for most people because of the cost. But if you can afford to splurge in a BMW showroom and most of your driving time is shorter distances, the iX should be fine.
Remember to investigate all the details, including what you do about charging at home – many early Tesla users love solar – and remember that there is no guarantee of future value. or battery life.
Q: I am considering the possibility of buying a used Kia Sorento, model year 2018-2019 with a mileage of about 70-80,000 km.
It will carry three children, and sometimes friends, as well as occasionally tow a boat or camper’s trailer from 1.0 to 1.4 tons.
The number of kilometers is mainly around town and is relatively low, approx. 12,000 a year, with some freeway trips a few times a year, plus about 3000. My dilemma is whether to buy the diesel or petrol version.
I believe the diesel is the better engine, but with the relatively small trips taken on a regular basis, I’m worried I might have a problem with a clogged diesel particulate filter.
Marcus Edwards
A: The Sorento is a good car with an excellent reputation in the used car market.
It’s better to go for gas if you’re mainly doing short trips and towing – where the diesel gets high marks – shouldn’t be difficult with such a light load.
Q: I was wondering if Holdens’ supposed ceiling price service has ended? I recently serviced my Holden Commodore SS-V and was shocked at the $740 charge.
I was then told my next service would be $1,200.
Wayne Miller
A: Most limited-price service deals are for the warranty period, unless you signed an extension at the time of purchase. It is sometimes possible to purchase additional insurance from an agent but they often lock you in to a specific agent for future work.
You should always check the required work for each service — it’s in the owner’s manual — as some agents will bill you for things you don’t need. Also exchange prices with other dealers and, in addition to warranties, independent businesses can perform work to factory standards.
Q: I have a 2019 Mazda 3 hatchback that I love, but it’s not big enough for my grandchildren to run school.
It has 37,000 km at present. I’m looking to upgrade to a smaller SUV. I’ve only had Mazdas for the past 14 years and I’m really happy with them
Also, is it better to sell privately or make a trade? I’m a bit worried about the private sale.
Joan Ryan
A: If you want to stay with Mazda, the CX-3 will be right for you. But also test drive the Hyundai Venue and Suzuki S-Cross, to give you the information and experience to make an informed decision.
If you’re switching from Mazda to Mazda it makes sense to switch cars, but don’t expect a good price and make sure you buy from more than one dealer to get the best results.
A Mazda 3 like yours will be very popular with private buyers.
Q: I am looking for a car for my mother, who is over 60 years old and retired. The vehicle will mainly be used for driving to shops and occasional school shuttles.
She likes SUVs or hatches and she wants to spend up to about $20,000. What would you recommend?
Zoran Bocvarovski
A: There are plenty of small SUVs to suit, but that budget means you’ll have to be smart and buy second hand.
In terms of SUVs, the Hyundai Venue is clearly an option, but for good value and a vehicle that meets her needs, you should also consider the Suzuki Vitara. As a hatchback, the Kia Cerato is a good car and solid value or maybe the Suzuki Swift for short trips.
Q: My mother-in-law, 83 years old, liquidated her car last week and she urgently needs to buy a new car. Can you please give me some advice on what works best for her age group?
She doesn’t want a tin, but she doesn’t want a big car either. She doesn’t care about Corollas and she wants a hatchback.
Her budget is $15-20,000, so I assume she’ll just buy something used in the range?
Justine’s husband
A: It will certainly be a used car, but there is huge demand at the moment which is keeping the price high. An overpriced Corolla, so look at the Kia Cerato. It does the same job, has the same dimensions and is surprisingly good quality if you’ve never driven a new Kia and will come with some balance of pocket-friendly new car warranties. your.
Q: I am looking to buy an SUV for my wife similar in size to the Nissan Qashqai.
Ideally I would like something no more than 18 months to two years old but would consider a brand new one at the right price. My budget is around $35-40,000 but could be a bit longer if needed.
I haven’t been to physical dealerships yet but have checked online for the past few months and the Nissan Qashqai seems to be in that price range depending on the model you choose.
What amazes me is that the Nissan and a few others of this size both have continuously variable transmissions. Being old school, in my mid-60s, the idea of a single-speed car didn’t suit me. Can you please explain this to me and if they are ok?
Also, the idea of front-wheel drive doesn’t fit the fact that I’ve been flying Falcons since I got my license.
Domenic Patti
A: Just do it – get a new Qashqai. It’s one of the best in class.
The CVT is not a device, you can manually control it with artificial ‘steps’ and Nissan’s latest design is suitable for older people.
Same goes for front-wheel drive, which is now the default design for almost everything – except for Italian supercars – and is virtually impossible to choose.
Q: I currently own a 2016 Mercedes GLC 250 and I am on the list to buy a new GLC 300 2023.
I would love the combination but obviously that won’t come to Australia, which is frustrating in itself.
In the meantime, I took a look at the Kia EV6 GT-Line and was pretty impressed with what I saw. I sat in one but couldn’t test drive it because it was sold.
Since we don’t change cars too often, I suppose I’m asking if I should consider an electric car? Or should I buy another gas?
I’ve been a Mercedes owner for the past 40 years and love the brand, but I think the electric GLC is too expensive and that’s why I chose Kia.
Maureen Ries
A: It’s early to go all-electric, but it makes sense if you’re mainly taking short trips.
The Kia is a top-of-the-line car and has won many awards, but the big deal will be getting one as Kia Australia is limited in quantity and they’re going to sell out in no time.
So stay on the waiting list to buy the GLC 300 and try to get the EV6.
