Roadside Assist
HYBRID CHOICE GROWS
We’re seeking a comfortable hybrid wagon or SUV as we are travelling 700km per week for medical treatments. Our budget’s between $45-65,000 and we’re very confused. What can you suggest?
With roughly 35,000km annual kilometres, good fuel economy is important. The obvious choice is a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2WD. Its 4.7L/100km fuel use is exceptional. The RAV4 Hybrid Cruiser ($51,410) brings decent comfort and luxury and we’re assured waiting times have now dropped to a tolerable six months. Also consider the just-launched Honda ZR-V LX Hybrid ($54,900 drive away). It’s spacious, well equipped and fuel use is just 5L/100km. The smaller Hyundai Kona Hybrid’s also a good shout – the Premium’s $43,500 and has exceptional 3.9L/100km economy. Sadly, there’s no hybrid wagon suitable.
HOLDEN’S HERO
I have my late son’s 2011 Holden VE Commodore SV6, showing 55,000km. Will its value increase or should I sell it now? Colleen A, email
The VE was an Aussie car to be proud of, but realistically, only rare, limited editions HSVS will be the high-value versions. A lowkilometre SV6 like yours should currently fetch about $20-25,000. I’d sell it unless it’s going to be used regularly. Leaving it dormant means it’ll need recommissioning later, which would get expensive.
TOPCOAT TRAUMA
The paint topcoat on my 2019 Nissan Qashqai’s bumper began peeling off in early 2023. The dealer took photos, sent them to Nissan Australia, and I was told it could be months before anything’s done. I had to chase it up, had the dealer inspect it again, and then nothing. I called Nissan’s customer service and was told the claim only arrived two weeks ago – six months after my initial complaint. I believe they just want me to go away and forget about it.
Jim Peel, email
Nissan says “repairs have already been preauthorised as a warranty claim,” and its customer service team has “asked the dealer to get in touch with Mr Peel directly to arrange repairs as soon as possible.” You’ve since told me the Qashqai’s booked in for next month, you’ll have a courtesy car for four days and you’re pleased things are finally moving. As a lesson to others, be the squeaky wheel.
RISE OF THE MACHINES
Can you see a time when people won’t be able to own a motor vehicle, and need to call for a qualified driver or driverless car? Norman Warren, email
I joke with my kids they’ll probably look back on this current time, amazed we were allowed to have total say over a car’s speed, steering and braking. I do see more Orwellian control of vehicles in future, especially in cities and on highways. Speed-limited zones seems the most obvious, where a car’s electronics would be overridden with strict speed controls.
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