EUROPEAN STYLE
IAIN CURRY GETS ANSWERS WRITE TO MOTORING AT CARS@NEWS.COM.AU OR PO BOX 2808, GPO SYDNEY, 2001 I’m keen on a fuel efficient, safe and smart small SUV. I really like the Volkswagen T-Roc but have heard from mechanics to avoid European cars due to reliability and scarcity of parts. Any other alternatives?
Jessica P, email
The T-Roc is a classy but pricey all-rounder. I’d not worry about reliability, especially with VW’s fiveyear warranty. I own a 2017 VW Golf and have had no issues getting parts, but they’re pricey, as is servicing. Parts are scarce for many cars right now due to supply chain delays. The entry-level T-Roc Style is the value pick of the range. Its 6.3L/100km economy (with premium fuel) is only average, but performance, cornering ability, tech and safety are all very good. It looks superb, but for the money ($37,250 plus on-roads) its cabin plastics, infotainment screen and driver display aren’t classleading. I’d cross-shop with a Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Kona, Toyota Corolla Cross or the new Kia Seltos. Try each, pick your favourite and (sadly) join the waiting list.
PARTING WORDS
Re: spare parts, Repco stocks a wide range to suit older Holdens, Fords and Mitsubishis. I’ve managed to source almost all my 2004 VY Commodore parts from Repco with no wait. Some of their parts are made in China and I’ve noticed these show metal fatigue earlier than Australian or USA parts. Many Repco parts are Australian and very good quality.
Chris Chapman, Portland VIC
Great advice Chris. Auto store websites (Repco, Supercheap, Autobarn, Burson, Autopro, etc.) have spare parts search and availability functions: far less time consuming than calling or driving around. Typically, you can buy original manufacturer and non-original parts – you pay your money and take your choice.
LANDCRUISER LAMENT
I’ve visited Toyota dealers inquiring about the LandCruiser (70 Series) ute. They said a new model is due in 2023 with significant changes but can’t tell me what they are. Will the twinturbo V6 engine from the LandCruiser 300 Series be part of the change? I’m in the dark. Robert Turner, email
You may as well try to buy the Mona Lisa. The LandCruiser 70 Series’s waiting list is around the corner and over the ocean. Toyota paused new orders in July and that’s still in place. An updated model’s just arrived, but it retains its 151kW/430Nm 4.5-litre V8 turbo-diesel rather than employing the LandCruiser 300 Series’ 227kW/700Nm 3.3-litre V6 diesel. Updates include auto emergency braking and increased gross vehicle mass (GVM). Queensland’s Creative Conversions does a 300 Series dual-cab ute conversion and prices vary depending on requirements. It’s north of $50,000, plus you’ve got to bring your own (long waiting list) 300 Series. You may have to change plans or buy used.
WEARING THIN
Our 11/2017 Hyundai i30’s boot release button needs fixing, with the dealer quoting $345 to rectify. I asked if it should be covered under warranty and was told no, it’s considered wear and tear like brakes and tyres. I’ve emailed Hyundai Australia but not received a reply. George Livanes, email
You need to be more proactive, especially as your five-year warranty’s just expired. Call Hyundai Customer Care (1800 186 306) and politely ask for a warranty fix. The boot release button’s a little pad that can fail or wear away and for it to be fit for purpose it must last longer. I see no reason why it wouldn’t be a warranty fix. If you have no joy, Partsfactoryaus.com.au has an excellent YouTube video on replacing the part (an OEM one costs about $65 online) in about one minute. Save yourself almost $300 and do this simple job yourself.
DIAMOND ENCRUSTED GPS?
Our 2014 Isuzu MU-X’s GPS screen went blank. The Isuzu dealer charged us $50 to check and confirm it was broken, and told us a new unit costs $5240 plus labour! Is this real or am I getting ripped off? Can I get the unit fixed without buying a new one?
Helena Erkkila, email
Did the parts manager deliver that quote with a straight face? Ludicrous price, don’t go near it. As I say to everyone in your situation, visit a car audio specialist and organise an aftermarket head unit to replace the Isuzu one. It will run Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to mirror your phone (it’s excellent), so GPS is always up-to-date using your phone’s map apps. It costs about $1000-$1500 fitted and sits flush in the dash to look factory-fit. Far better than an overpriced and ancient Isuzu unit.
ELECTRIC FANTASY
Re: towing a caravan with an electric SUV, everyone should Google “Airstream eStream Concept” for a glimpse into the future. It’s a self-powered battery van towed by a Tesla. Interesting, but I’ll stick to my Ford Ranger for the foreseeable. I know it refuels in ten minutes.
Brian Guille, email
Airstream really knows how to make desirable (and pricey) products. The eStream’s idea is to reduce towing range anxiety – hauling weight rapidly drains battery charge in an EV. The van itself is a full EV chassis platform, housing lithium batteries and motors that power the caravan. In other words, much less for your electric tow vehicle to do, ensuring far greater driving range. Modern problems require modern solutions and this looks clever indeed. But it won’t be cheap.