SWITCHING SIDES

I think I’m succumbing to the SUV trend and am considering a small or medium SUV for around $35,000. I’ve considered the Mazda CX-3 and CX-30 (I don’t know the difference between them) and Hyundai Venue, or should I stick with a hatch/sedan like a Hyundai i30, VW Golf or Mazda3? I want something of similar size to my 13-year-old Honda Civic. Kristine Harvie, email

You don’t need to be an SUV sheep. You’ll pay a few grand more for a jacked up version of the brand’s hatchback. I’d only recommend this if you need the higher height for ease of entry/exit or you can’t resist the more in-vogue SUV shape. The CX-3 is far smaller than the CX-30: they’re based on the Mazda2 and Mazda3 respectively. The CX30 is very good, but I’d pick the Mazda3 over one if rear seat and boot space aren’t important. The 3’s a superb, classy, beautiful-to-drive car. The new Golf’s too expensive, but check out the Hyundai i30. The sedan, especially, has good space and interesting looks. Get the Elite for luxury or the NLine for a sportier drive.

PRICE SHOCK

I’m looking at used cars not more than four years old. Are they too expensive at a car yard? I’ve heard they’re overpriced. What about buying privately? Still expensive? Should I wait until used prices correct themselves? If so, when might this be?

Matt W, email

Used prices – just like new car prices – are significantly higher than pre-covid as demand outstrips supply and I can’t see things changing for at least a year. Towing SUVS, all-wheel-drives and dual-cab utes have seen higher percentage growth as more Australians holiday at home. In troubled times, “safe harbours” such as a Toyota

Corolla or Hyundai i30 are in high demand and priced to suit. For (relative) value, search for less mainstream/popular brands (anything French, Honda, Skoda, Suzuki etc.) and for less in-vogue body shapes, namely sedans or city cars. For 2018/2019 models, I’d look at private sale Toyota Camrys, Holden Astra hatchback/wagons and Ford Mondeos, but have a pre-purchase inspection done.

DECADE OF COVER?

Re your reader with the failed CVT gearbox in his Mitsubishi Outlander, didn’t Mitsubishi offer a ten-year drivetrain warranty?

Andrew Hanlon, email

They certainly did, but dropped this marketleading dangling carrot in September 2012, so Mr Barrell’s Outlander just missed out. Incidentally, the 10-year drivetrain warranty had a 160,000km limit and wasn’t transferable. In 2020 Mitsubishi introduced Australia’s only 10 year warranty (up to 200,000km) – five years normal, plus an extra five if all services are done through the dealer network.

TIME TO SHIFT GEARS

We’re looking to upgrade to a small or medium SUV with manual gearbox. Are there any good SUVS with a manual transmission, or electric vehicles that will use a manual?

Crede Harrison, email

Toyota has filed a patent for a manual transmission for electric cars, but only concept EVS and ‘electromod’ classics currently have them. I can’t see one on a production EV anytime soon. Manuals are hen’s teeth rare in Australia on petrol and diesel SUVS, but a few entry-level models have them. I’d try a Mazda CX-30 (about $33,100) or Mazda CX-5 Maxx ($36,000) for style and drive quality; a Mitsubishi ASX ES ($26,490) for value and warranty, or Suzuki Vitara GL+ ($28,990) for funkiness. All prices are drive-away.

EYES EVERYWHERE

I own a 2020 Honda HR-V which has rear and left side cameras but no right side camera. I have a spinal issue that’s starting to make turning my head to the right painful. I’ve looked at the 2022 Honda HR-V Hybrid which has a light and noise warning system rather than side cameras. Would this be good for my circumstances or should I get an auto electrician to install a right sided camera? Dana James, email

Buying a new HR-V seems drastic, but the 2022 Hybrid has blind spot monitors (the lights and noise you mention) and rear cross-traffic alert, which would be useful in your case. The new HR-V doesn’t have the “Lanewatch” passenger side camera of your car; a shame, I rate this system. Unless you really want a new car, I’d favour an aftermarket blind spot monitor – an auto electrician should be able to fit one for a few hundred dollars. That said, have you tried a stickon small convex mirror for your driver’s side mirror? This should eliminate your blind spot so you don’t need to turn your head to the right.

DODGY CRUZE

Three months ago my wife bought a $6000 2011 Holden Cruze auto for her grandson. Her sister was the only previous owner, it’s done just 80,000km and been regularly serviced. The car’s now stuck in second gear. What would be a good plan to get the car fixed? Mark Schroeder, email

Typically, my only advice to Holden Cruze owners is “sell it” and to those thinking of buying one: “don’t”. In 2019 I wrote a Cruze used car guide and gave it my lowest ever score: 1.5/5, stating “automatic transmission failures are woefully commonplace, costing thousands to replace.” Your only option is a diagnosis from an auto transmission specialist – perhaps a fix will be less than the car’s value. Considering its low kilometres, contact Holden customer service and see if they’ll cover parts costs – it’s a known issue.