AUTOMATIC CHOICE
A little self-shifter answers an age-old query
I am about to turn 15 and dad is stressing about what car to get when I turn 16. Is it better to learn on an automatic or manual car? As most cars are now automatic, is there any reason for my first car to be a manual? Depending on that advice, could you also please recommend some cars for learning to drive?
Josh Anderson, email
More than 80 per cent of new cars are now automatic so that’s the best way to go. In the days when it was better to learn on a manual there was also more tolerance on the road of youngsters coping with clutches and gears in addition to traffic. If you’re buying new, a Hyundai Accent is a good learner car.
PARTIAL RECALL
My Jeep Grand Cherokee has been subject to a safety recall with an issue with the brakes. I was told by the service department they couldn’t carry out the repairs because there are no parts available and they have no idea when they will be. Head office has failed to reply to me. Surely this is unacceptable corporate practice.
Glen Fearnett, email
I am chasing a solution but there are times when recall work is held up while parts arrive. Honda recently had the same issue with airbags, But some dealers avoid warranty and recall work because they are paid less by the car maker.
DEAD AIR
Re faulty radios in the Toyota Prado. My 2018 Prado has had the odd radio glitch, going blank for a few minutes at a time, but now seems to go dead for longer, especially when it is hot. Did you get to the bottom of the problem? Carl Bigley, email
We have a Toyota Prado GXL, delivered in December 2013. Our radio issue began early in 2017 and our dealer said it needed a software update. I think they knew there was a problem. Did you have any luck with Toyota Australia? Chris Wilson, email There was no solution from Toyota. Several readers have been successful in asking their dealer for a warranty claim from the radio manufacturer.
CLEANLINESS COUNTS
The stop-start on my 2014 Subaru XV works seamlessly and efficiently. On my weekly commute of up to 500km, there is about 150km of generally unrestricted freeway. So the stop-start saves me about 1.4L a tank which equates to about $72 a year in fuel. I haven’t had to replace a battery yet but wonder about the longer-term expense. So it becomes clear that, unless a driver is in stopstart traffic all day, he will never get a payback if he has to replace a battery and that the main benefit of stop-start technology is to allow a manufacturer to claim reduced fuel consumption of about 0.2L/100km. Stewart Eldridge, email
You are right but stop-start tech has a measurable benefit on emission reductions and that’s the main reason they were developed.
ROVER AND OVER AGAIN
Re the Rover 75 as a secondhand orphan – most Rover 75 owners have already been to the money pit and back. The model became notorious for several annoying design flaws, many needing costly replacements of faulty radiator fan motors, camshaft sensors, plastic thermostats and clogged inlet manifolds. However, reasonably priced spares are readily available, including from specialist overseas suppliers. The other good news is that generally the most common Rover 75 problems have been fixed by caring owners fitting upgraded parts, so the surviving cars are now going stronger than ever. With its ageless retro styling and luxury appointments, a well-maintained example is now a viable purchase option. The Rover 75 is already being hailed by some UK motoring writers as a coming classic.
Pete Barrett, email
You’re obviously an owner and enjoying your 75.
FIRST-NAME TERMS
As an alternative to the Rover 75, I bought a 2000 Jaguar S-Type V6 about seven years ago with 128,000km. It now has 226,000km and is going well, valued about $5000$6000. My tip is to use a specialist Jag mechanic for maintenance.
Bob Hellyar, email
A lovely car, perhaps, but still a significant gamble. I’m sure you are on first-name terms with your mechanic
have been big news since the moment the first locomotive rolled down the track must mean there’s something in it that too many cool dudes are missing.
Maybe it’s just the joy of being the overlord of your own tiny town? It’s probably cheaper than therapy when it comes to working through those control issues, at least.
But back to the monster buy and sell, most items are pre-loved, but there will also be some new products for sale.
So it’s the perfect opportunity to start your new happy hobby on a budget – with a little brand new bling thrown in.
Be sure to bring the kids for the allday event and explore a whole new tiny world.
There’s plenty of free parking, plus there’s a sausage sizzle and cold refreshments provided by Lions GC Tallebudgera – another old school group we should support.
WHERE: 9am to 3pm tomorrow at Nerang Bicentennial Community Centre, off Nerang Connection Rd, Nerang CONTACT: 5534 3304 or 0408 887 766
PRICE: Free entry