DARK HORSE WITH A LIGHTER SIDE

I’m 80 and have driven SUVs for 25 years as they’re ideal for my purposes. I’m looking to replace my BMW X3 with something cheaper. I think the Suzuki Vitara 4WD turbo is a good size and has a less boring design inside and out than rivals, but I don’t see the model in your SUV comparisons. What are its downsides? John Reid, via email

The Vitara is a good little thing, capable of some off-roading and certainly funkier than most small SUVs, but the competition is fierce in this segment. It lacks the latest safety kit and the cabin feels a bit cheap in places, something you’ll particularly notice coming out of the X3. But the Vitara has a perky engine, is good value and handles well on road. Try out a Subaru XV for an AWD comparison; it has much higher ground clearance than the Suzuki.

NUTTY RESPONSES

Re: lost locking wheel nut key, your advice to hammer a 12-point socket onto the locking nut frequently does not work as the outer rim of a lot of these things spin. Most tyre shops shy away from this job. I had this problem and after contacting five Ford dealerships, Q Ford in Springwood had a spare set of sockets for the job, did the work in five minutes and at no charge. All four locking nuts were removed and replaced with ordinary ones bought from the parts department.

Ray Shackleton, via email

Re: locking wheel nuts, if you search “Twist Socket” online or on eBay these are great for removing lock nuts from wheels if you’ve lost the key. I’m an ex-service station owner and they work a treat.

Carl Botha, via email

OUT COLD

I bought a Mercedes-Benz GLS350d this March, and before heading to Mt Baw Baw on holiday I spoke with the Benz salesperson about adding Alpine fuel or additives for cold conditions. I was advised not to put in anything and stick to regular diesel. On the way home the car shut down, and on inspection it transpired the diesel had turned to gel in the cold weather, crystals had formed and broken the injectors. The cost for injectors repair is $15,000. Due to faulty advice I was given I expect Mercedes to repair my car.

Vaibhav Satyeprive

It was incredibly unfortunate you were not given timely advice on driving a diesel car below zero. When I talked to Mercedes-Benz Australia the advice was “winter/Alpine diesel fuels with improved cold viscosity properties are available in selected locations in Victoria and NSW. The diesel fuels have a reduced tendency for crystal formation… tanks should be filled with at least 75 per cent Alpine diesel upon arrival at the Alpine destination.” We’ve subsequently learned you’ve been told by Mercedes they’ll pick up threequarters of the repair costs as a goodwill gesture, still leaving you about $4000 out of pocket.

GOODWILL HUNTING

I’ve owned my 2011 Holden Commodore Berlina since new, it’s travelled 60,000km and the fuel pump module has failed. The dealer charged $150 for diagnosis and quoted $825 to replace the module. I know the car is out of warranty but should the module fail at relatively low kilometres and should Holden help with repair costs?

Geoffrey Kennedy, via email

A shame the module failed at 60,000km, but being a few years out of warranty it would need Holden’s goodwill to help with costs. I’m pleased to learn after you contacted Holden Customer Care on our advice that Holden is replacing the module free of charge and you’re delighted with the outcome.

NATURAL CHOICE

I’m considering a new Mazda6 with the 2.5litre turbo petrol engine. My annual mileage is 10,000km, mostly suburban short trips. Is a turbo engine best suited or should I stick to the naturally aspirated model?

Mike Swan, via email

Great car the Mazda6, and it sounds like your typical drives wouldn’t warrant the extra performance of the turbo, despite it being the more fun motor. Stick with the naturally aspirated model. It’s more economical, cheaper to buy and there’s no turbo to potentially go wrong down the line. The Touring grade is the value pick for price.