PUSHES MY BUTTONS

Recently my 2011 Mazda3 SP25’s push-start button flashed red as if it wasn’t recognising my key. Inserting the metal key didn’t work either. I’ve spent more $2500 having multiple things changed and the Mazda dealer told me it was fixed before the same problem reoccurred two weeks later. I can’t keep pouring in money like this, so have started looking for another vehicle for around $25,000. I’ve no children, and it’s for short trips only. I’m considering a Kia Cerato hatch because of the warranty.

Yiota Panagiota, email

Electrical gremlins can be a nightmare, but it’s mystifying why the Mazda dealer can’t resolve it. Clearly it’s more serious than just replacing the key fob’s battery, but the dealer and other mechanic should be ashamed if they’ve charged you so much and the problem remains. I’m not surprised you’re considering upgrading, but first you must get your Mazda3 fixed. The SP25 is a desirable model and still worth up to $10,000 at ten years old. The Cerato Hatch is a value all-rounder with a seven-year warranty — pick a Sport manual with safety pack for $25,990 drive away. A $27,690 drive-away (auto) turbo Ford Focus Trend is a more rewarding drive if you want to compare.

IDIOT TAX

What’s your take on the crazy tax South Australia and Victoria are planning to put on electric and plug-in cars? Countries like Norway and the UK are promoting electric, why aren’t we? I’m very puzzled.

David Pym, email

Me too. Any form of discouragement to buying electric (EV) or plug-in cars while we have such low uptake seems daft, especially if governments are paying millions installing charging infrastructure. What’s the point if very few people can afford an EV? A smart discussion is needed on how to tax EV users in future, but for now, we should look at incentives, not disincentives.

HEARD IT BEFORE

I bought a new 2012 Ford Ranger. It suffered a catastrophic engine failure at 10 weeks and was replaced under warranty. Then it suffered a ruptured heater hose at 207,000km, dumping the coolant and cooking the engine. The temperature gauge didn’t indicate a problem due to the sensor picking up the hot air where the water was. Ford sees no problem and advised me to talk to a lawyer. It cost $13,000 to repair, and I’ve read of many similar instances. Is this a design fault or just bad luck?

Ken Wells, email

As good as the Ranger is to drive, you only need talk to a specialist or visit Ford forums to see you’re not alone. You can seek help from the ACCC — I’m sure you won’t be the first to report this issue to them.

RADIO SILENCE

In 2013 I bought a new Hyundai iX35. The head unit was replaced after just three months, and now this one has started playing up. The dealer said this was a common fault and would replace mine with a second-hand one for $350 or a brand-new Panasonic for $1800. Apparently it’s a very common failure, can you help? Angela James, email

Common problem indeed in Hyundais of this vintage. After advising you to contact Hyundai customer care I was pleased to hear they looked into your case and two days later agreed to replace your head-unit with a new one free of charge. Great result.

RELIABLY INFORMED

I always thought it was a good week when there wasn’t a whinge about Jeep in your paper. My 2013 Grand Cherokee Laredo has had minimal problems, tows a 3200kg van and does a bit of off-roading when desired. They use large American disc brakes; no black dust and at 120,000km there’s minimal wear. A BMW would be on its third set.

Trevor Trewin, email

By its own admission, Jeep’s had a torrid few years, much of it self-inflicted. I’m hearing from some owners that this past year problems have been