BUM STEER ON BATTERIES
I’ve been looking for a new car for some time. Initially I considered EVs, but range and price dissuaded me. Next, I looked at hybrids, but car salespeople say batteries have only a seven-year lifespan and I’ll have the expense of replacing them, or trying to sell a car needing new batteries. I’m now considering petrol mid-size SUVs, but would like one with lower fuel use.
Jo Smith, email
Those salespeople are misleading you, I’m afraid. A hybrid would work for you given your desire for good fuel economy. Toyota hybrid batteries have ten-year/unlimited kilometre warranties, provided you visit a Toyota dealer (after five years) for an annual “hybrid health check”. That should give you peace of mind. A hybrid will give you much better economy than a regular petrol SUV, particularly around town. I’d target a Toyota RAV4, although wait lists are notoriously long. A hybrid version of the Corolla, Corolla Cross, C-HR or even Yaris Cross may work for your needs.
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
Years ago, you recommended a Holden Astra for my tall son-in-law and my daughter. They were facing a hefty bill as their 2017 Astra RS-V, bought as an ex-demo, needed a new gearbox and display screen. She was cursing her decision to buy a Holden. The warranty had expired but I suggested she contact Holden for goodwill repair. She did and both were replaced for no charge whatsoever. Well done Holden: a pity you’ve stopped selling cars here.
Stephen Harrington, email
When motoring writers recommend cars, sadly we don’t have a crystal ball to see which will prove reliable long-term. A few Astra owners have reported gearbox and engine dramas but otherwise the model’s holding up well. I’ve recently heard of numerous goodwill repairs on correctly serviced out-of-warranty Holdens: it appears GM is keeping promises.
SMART THINKING
My 2020 Subaru Forester has a smart key. I could leave my previous car key in a magnetic box under the car while I went sailing. The Subaru key doesn’t fit the box, and the box won’t block the smart key’s signal. I can’t find an alternative. Any advice?
Neil Bilsborough, email
A common conundrum for surfers and all taking to the water. Key security lockboxes with signal blocking are readily available – try someone like Surflogic. Or you could remove your smart key’s metal blade and take it with you (securely zipped away) while sailing. Then hide the rest of the smart key inside your car, ideally inside a signal-blocking Faraday bag. I use a waterproof car key case that I attach inside my wetsuit. You could do likewise with your sailing jacket.
SMALL SURPRISE
I thought my 2018 Subaru XV was fitted with a full-size 18-inch steel spare wheel but after replacing all my tyres, I noticed it’s only a 17inch temporary spare. The Subaru dealer claims the smaller tyre is okay. What are your thoughts?
Tony Arnold, email
The fact you’ve not needed to use your spare wheel in four years (partly) justifies the manufacturer’s decision not to fit a full-size alloy spare. Your temporary spare is limited to 80km/h but is otherwise fine to drive on for a short period while you get the flat repaired or replaced. The space saver looks terrible on the car, which compels most people to have it repaired promptly.
TIGHTEN YOUR BELT
I’ve owned my 2010 Hyundai i30 Sportswagon since new. The dealer advised it’s due its 144 month/180,000km service which involves a new timing belt but the car’s only done 39,000km. We can’t get a definitive answer as to whether the belt change can be left until a later date.
David Carney, email
It’s really not worth the risk. If that belt snaps your engine’s toast. Although your i30’s done minimal kilometres, things such as the timing belt degrade with time as well as use. The i30’s must be done every 90,000km – I hope you had the first belt swap performed then. Use an independent mechanic rather than a dealership if cost’s a factor.
SUV MISCONCEPTION
My nephew was recently shunted into another vehicle by an inexperienced driver behind him. His mother and I think an SUV replacement would be best. What’s a very safe, high-up SUV? He’s a doctor travelling interstate but doesn’t want to spend a fortune.
John Dobinson, Brisbane
There’s a misconception SUVs are safer because they look larger but their higher centre of gravity increases their chances of rollover. Their (usually) greater mass means they need more braking distance and cause more damage to other vehicles or pedestrians in a collision. The Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester SUVs score highly in crash tests, while the Mazda3 and Skoda Scala hatchbacks perform well also.