A LIGHTER CHARGE
Re hybrid car battery replacement, the current cost for a Toyota Camry Hybrid battery is $2771 + GST, plus fitting. Not $6000 as reported. We also have a $500 rebate when the old battery is returned. Hybrid battery warranty cover is eight years or 160,000km. Orlando Rodriguez, Toyota Australia Easier to stomach for those considering a used hybrid. I also contacted Honda for replacement battery module prices on its older hybrids. Examples include $1907 for a 2010-13 Insight (plus 2.8 hours labour), $2512 for a 2012-14 Civic Hybrid (plus 0.8 hours) and $1907 for a 2013-14 Jazz Hybrid (plus 2.1 hours).
BUYING ON A BUDGET
I’d like a reliable and cheap-to-run used car for shopping and weekend trips away. My budget is $5000. What should I get? Julia Mitchell, email Your budget means cars about 10 years old are your target and you’d be better with a small rather than city car for trips away. Consider 2008 Toyota Corollas, VW Golfs and Mazda3s, or a 2010 Ford Focus. Need bigger? A 2008 Ford Mondeo sedan or wagon suits. For prestige, try your luck with a 2005 BMW 1 Series. Reliability is key. Search for cars with low kilometres, an impeccable service record and roadworthy/safety certificate. Have a trusted mechanic look over any you’re considering.
NOT GOOD VIBRATIONS
I have a new Holden Colorado 4WD dual-cab ute. At about 1500rpm the rear vision mirror vibrates, making it difficult to see behind. It’s very distracting and I consider it unsafe. The dealer replaced the mirror, making things worse, and the service manager reports the same problem in his Colorado. Holden Customer Care says it happens in all Colorados and I have to live with it. I will most likely trade the Colorado for an alternative ute. Steve Stanway, email You’re right to say this is a safety issue, so keep pushing the dealership for a fix. A mechanic friend has cured similar issues with a 10-cent sized rubber O-ring. He places a part of the O-ring where the mirror mounts to the windscreen, wedges it in with a screwdriver then trims the rest away. Worth a shot if you’re at wit’s end.
DOWN A SIZE
We’re an elderly couple seeking an SUV smaller than our Mazda CX-5 with reasonable ground clearance, space and safety features. Mazda’s CX-3 is too small, so we’re considering a Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, Subaru XV and Hyundai Kona. Which is best? Maggie and Vince Catterall, email Try to get a 24-hour test in each to check which is most suitable for your needs. All on your list are good SUVs. The Subaru XV is a talented candidate with the best ground clearance but the boot’s small. The Honda HR-V is most practical inside.
SPARE US
After a frightening, dangerous experience caused by not having a full-size spare wheel, it’s now my prerequisite for any future car. You always state space-saver spares are “not ideal”, so why recommend cars with them? Ted Perry, email Full-size spares are most relevant on vehicles such as 4WD SUVs and space-savers have their benefits beyond cost saving for a manufacturer. Most importantly, it forces you to get your tyre fixed straight away. Some car companies offer fullsize spares as options.
NUMBER CRUNCHING
When you review cars, why don’t you say what RON fuel they require? It can cost up to 20c a litre more to fill with 95 than 91. And let’s not even start on 98… Eric Vadarlis, email We try to highlight required petrol octane in reviews but sometimes space limits it. As a (very general) rule of thumb, if it’s European-built it probably will need 95, if it’s high performance it’s 98 and all else should be regular 91.
REQUEST FOR UPGRADE
I own a 2013 Mercedes-Benz B200, my first European small SUV. I’m looking to upgrade to something of similar size and safety. I average 9000km annually with the odd country trip. Do you have any advice? Graham Morcom, email Your B-Class is actually more of a small peoplemover than SUV and its cabin and boot space will be hard to replicate. You could buy the new generation B-Class (from $43,100) and you’ll appreciate improved styling, ride quality and technology. Merc’s new A-Class is a gem if you could handle something smaller. If you want a plush SUV with good space and safety, try a Volvo XC40 or Volkswagen Tiguan.
TOP GRADES
I’m interested in the Honda CR-V VTi-LX. What’s your opinion and what comparable SUVs should I look at? Maggie Forehan, email Hey big spender, you clearly like range toppers with all the fruit. If you want the CR-V, go for it. It’s comfortable, roomy, drives beautifully and this top grade has strong safety kit and all-wheel-drive. Try a Subaru Forester 2.5i-S, Mazda CX-5 Akera, Hyundai Tucson Highlander and VW Tiguan Highline to compare.