SHOULD I STICK OR TWIST?
IAIN CURRY GETS ANSWERS WRITE TO MOTORING AT CARS@NEWS.COM.AU OR PO BOX 2808, GPO SYDNEY, 2001
I have a 210,000km 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee, but two years ago it had a new engine fitted that’s done 15,000km. It’s a daily driver but also does a lot of heavy horse float towing. Should I sell it now to avoid higher maintenance costs of an older vehicle, or hold on to it as it has the newer engine? If I sell, would you recommend a new Isuzu MU-X LS-T or new Grand Cherokee Night Eagle? The features and price are similar.
Sidney Hoffman, email
The fact you’re entertaining the idea of selling and looking at replacements tells me you’re motivated. The new-ish engine is reassuring, but your Grand Cherokee is getting a bit leggy at more than 200,000km. If it’s serving you well I’d stick with it, but used prices are so high right now. Add a few grand over what you think it’s worth and list it for sale privately. You may do well. If so, go the MU-X LS-T. It’s a brand-new model, rich with tech and safety, tows 3500kg, is on $63,990 drive-away special and there’s stock available. A new Grand Cherokee also tows 3500kg and has decent specification, but a new-generation model is imminent, and there’ll be no diesel engine, just, it seems, a 3.6-litre petrol V6 and then probably a plug-in hybrid.
FLAT CHAT I’ve been caught out a few times over the years with car batteries going flat. With modern technology, surely manufacturers could have a warning system when your battery is low, as they do for oil? Rosalind Maskiell, email
There is a way. You can fit a monitor that tracks battery health, and it sends a warning to your smartphone if you have low battery voltage. You can buy one from auto stores for about $50. It’s rare for a car battery to die without telltales: a “check engine” light or the engine being slow to start for example. Battery life is about three to five years. It only takes ten minutes to get a free battery test at an auto store or car battery specialist.
IN THE DARK
I really like my 2011 Toyota Aurion, but its dipped headlights are really pathetic. Main beam is fine, but on dipped I have to check if the lights are actually on. Any remedies? Phil Muskett, email Other Aurion/Camry owners have reported the same as you. Owner forums suggest upgrading your headlight globes to LEDs works well. Auto stores sell a pair for your car for about $150. Not cheap, but far safer. You could try adjusting the direction of your current lights first. The owner’s manual will give instructions: a directional screw should be on the back of your lights.
FITTING IN
Re Weighty Issue, I agree with Peter Penglis, weight should be included with car reviews. It makes such a difference to fuel consumption and acceleration. The weight of ugly mega utes and SUVs must hurt the pocket at the bowser. You could easily fit Weight after Thirst and Fuel Tank Litres after Cargo. No extra room is required.
Hannes Jürmann, email We’d still need two extra lines. The design would be way too confusing otherwise. As previously mentioned, if a car’s weight is particularly high (like the “ugly mega utes” you mention) or impressively light, it’ll be covered in the story. You do make a good point, though. The mass of certain modern cars has a negative impact on driving enjoyment and the environment.
GRAND DESIGNS
We’re planning a post-Covid road trip in our Toyota Camry. I wondered could I legally attach a two-way car fridge to the towbar to save on boot space? The fridge would be 400x500x500mm and I can fabricate a suitable frame with lights and number plate lights. Your thoughts?
Roland Brain, email
You must really want those beers cold on your road trip, Roland! Such a modification would probably need an engineer’s approval to ensure design rules and vehicle standards weren’t compromised. Save yourself the headache. Mount the fridge in your boot and buy a roof box for your Camry for extra cargo space.
DOUBLE DIPPING
I recently bought a Skoda Kamiq with five-year service pack, which includes breakdown. I’ve been subscribing to RACQ’s Ultra Care for $215 which includes hotel accommodation if the car breaks down. Should I not renew this now I have the Skoda service pack?
PJ, email
You’d be mad to pay twice for essentially the same thing. Drop the RACQ membership; the Skoda roadside assist covers emergency accommodation too.