BUMPER CROP
I’m alerting readers that Holden doesn’t carry spare parts for smash repairs in country Australia. My Acadia had rear damage and I’ve already waited seven weeks for parts and don’t have an estimated time of arrival. There are two components to the rear bumper needing replacement, and a reversing sensor.
Tony Redden, email
That’s too long for parts for something as likely to get damaged as a bumper. Holden responded quickly, saying: “We are having issues with supply of some parts from the US. The recent United Auto Workers Union strike has caused production delays and a backlog of orders.” A spokesman says the repairer now has a painted rear bumper bar waiting for you, as well as reverse sensors if needed. The bumper’s chrome lower section is taking longer but is expected within a week.
START/STOP THIS NONSENSE
Re stop-start batteries, I bought a $100 battery charger that I connect monthly. It takes a few hours to bring the battery to full charge and keeps it in top condition. S. Maxwell, email
That’s a decent option for those not going on regular long drives. These chargers are designed to keep your battery in prime condition, extending their life and giving what the maker calls “optimal reliability”. Stop-start tech isn’t very eco if it kills batteries quicker. Thank goodness some car companies are removing the function in their latest models.
THE BAD OLD DAYS
Re lemon laws. Our consumer protection’s a lot better today. My first new vehicle was a 1976 Ford TD Cortina wagon. The speedo cable broke the night I took delivery, a front shock broke after four weeks and the passenger’s feet got soaked when you turned a corner. After three years the exhaust collapsed and auto transmission died. I upgraded to a 1980 Toyota Corona that needed only regular servicing and wear and tear parts until I sold it 17 years later.
Gary Brewer, email
It’s clear how Toyota started forging a reputation for reliability back in those days. I owned a 1976 Corona Wagon, drove it 5000km across Australia and spent a grand total of $13 on repairs. Its exhaust fell off, too, but a couple of wire coat hangers fixed that.
NO PROTECTION NEEDED?
For some years now there have been very few new cars sold with any side protection from car park dings. That said, I’m finding door dings surprisingly rare. It’s nice to think that despite road rage, motorists clearly alight with consideration for the car beside them. Michael Cemm, email
Shopping centre parkers are clearly more considerate in your town than mine, Michael — I just paid The Touch-up Guys (really) $400 to sort the dings and scrapes on my car’s paint. Those old body side protection mouldings on cars look dodgy but they serve a purpose.
DRIVEN AWAY
Re Expensive Fit. It’s not only prestige dealers overcharging. Our Subaru dealer said my Forester needed new rear brake pads, while the fronts had only 10,000km left. I said don’t replace them, then took the wheels off myself and inspected the pads — both sets were less than half worn and 15,000km later our independent workshop said they’ve probably got another 15,000km remaining. When will dealerships realise their behaviour drives us to independents where the service is on the car, not the bill?
Peter Lion, email
After my main dealership left a sump plug finger-tight and leaking, I use my friendly local garage, which does a better job and is cheaper by a fair margin. We need to be treated as good paying customers.
Ronald C Lee-Harris, email
There are bad eggs among dealers and independent mechanics alike. As professional businesses, none should be excused for excessive or unnecessary charges or poor workmanship.
PURPOSE FIT
Your advice is universally sound with a dose of common sense but saying an independent garage should use “original BMW parts” is a little misleading. Australian consumer law states that parts must be “fit for purpose”. I’d suggest a mechanic fitting a RYCO oil filter instead of an original BMW one isn’t failing in his duty of care.
Alex Gallacher, email
Fair point. I should have specified the use of “BMW approved parts”.
REXTON THE LIST
I’m replacing my 2015 Isuzu MU-X LS-T, with 110,000km. When looking at the latest MU-X, I saw the SsangYong Rexton Ultimate SUV at the dealership. I was impressed with the finish and all the extras — it’s far more luxurious and quiet to drive than the Isuzu, for about the same price. It’s built in Korea and has sevenyear warranty, capped price servicing and roadside assist. I love the Isuzu but don’t think you get many creature comforts for the money. What’s your opinion?
Maurice Kemp, email
I’ve not driven the Rexton but can see its appeal with high specification for the money, plus I’ve heard good things about cabin quality. It’s also reassuring that the brand now has a factory-owned distributor here. You do a lot of kilometres, so be aware the SsangYong dealer network can’t compete with Isuzu’s. The Rexton’s poor resale value will sting and it hasn’t been crash tested. Staying loyal to Isuzu makes sense if the MU-X has served you well but, even considering the above points, being tempted into the SsangYong is understandable.