IAIN CURRY GETS ANSWERS

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.

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 dealt with far more effectively. And like yours, get a reliable Jeep and they’re impressive machines.

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