LIFE’S FOR LIVING
CARS@NEWS.COM.AU OR PO BOX 2808, GPO SYDNEY, 2001
Last year you responded to a reader’s letter suggesting if one wants to experience a special car, do it soon before the fun/environment police outlaw them. I took your advice, bought the Ford Mustang I’d dreamed about for a decade, and have loved every minute. Just looking at it parked up makes me smile. Thank you.
Cate Hunt, email
Dream cars, classic cars, sports cars: they may be impractical, unreliable or expensive, but don’t die wondering. Coincidentally, this week I interviewed my 81-year-old neighbour about his tiny 1970 MG Midget. His said for anyone considering similar: “Don’t think too long. We’re only here a short time, and it should be a fun time.” I wouldn’t argue.
SELF PRESERVATION
Re DIY car maintenance, I own a 165,000km 2003 Mercedes-benz E500 that looks and runs like new. It’s cost me the least and been the most reliable vehicle I’ve owned. Working as an overseas airline pilot, I’d only return to Australia once a year. A preventative maintenance trick was to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery, and when I’d return 12 months later, it started first time after re-connection. The car still has its original battery. I believe being able to maintain one’s own vehicle is important – oil filter, air filter, spark plugs, tyre pressures, etc. The dealer once quoted $1082 for a job; I did it myself in 30 minutes with the $356 parts and one screwdriver. Savings are possible for keen owners.
Robert Cassidy, Bothwell, Tasmania Incredible to think a big-drinking German 5.0-litre V8 has been your cheapest car to own. Were your others V12 Italian supercars?! But you’re spot on. Performing reasonably simple maintenance can save hundreds. It’s ideal for older vehicles, but for newer cars, certain jobs can only be performed by qualified mechanics for warranty to stay intact.
Disconnecting a battery for a lengthy period can reset the car’s computer, losing certain settings. The biggest drama can come if it affects the car’s security system, but as you’ve found with your Merc, there are usually no such problems.
EXPENSIVE CHIPS
As a warning to fellow motorists: take out windscreen insurance cover! My six-month old Subaru XV’S got cracked and the repair bill was $3360. Thankfully my insurer covers this cost as I’d paid an extra $55 for windscreen cover. I’m sure in future windscreen cover costs will rise.
Geoff Farrell, email
Ludicrous prices like that make repair – if possible – the way to go. If you see a crack or chip, get to a specialist windscreen repairer ASAP to see if it can be fixed. It’s a modern car’s driver assist technology through windscreens – cameras, sensors, radars – needing recalibrated that significantly adds to costs, and Subaru’s Eyesight system is the culprit in your case. If you don’t have windscreen cover, you can still apply for insurance and pay your policy’s excess. It’ll be a lot cheaper than $3360, but will affect your future premiums.
TYRING QUESTION
I have a Mazda3 SP25 GT: great car but awful road noise. I replaced the original tyres with the Bridgestones used on new Mazda3s, but there’s no difference. Any alternatives?
David Edyvean, email
Your previous generation SP25’S a cracking car, but boy they’re noisy. It’s not just the tyres; the poor insulation adds to the noise pollution. Michelin Primacy tyres are oft mentioned on Mazda3 forums – I’ve fitted them to a couple of cars (including my parents-in-law’s Mazda CX-3) and they dramatically reduce the noise. Also investigate special aftermarket sound-deadening foam and rubbers for the doors and boot. Positively, the current gen Mazda3 is massively improved on the noise front.
DRINKING CRUISE
Re Ronald Bright’s fuel consumption issue, cruise control may be his problem, especially in hilly country. Many cruise systems simply maintain speed downhill, then on up-hills mash the throttle, ruining economy. I’m sure I’m preaching to the converted, and all cruise controls are different, but Mr Bright may see improvement by reducing its use.
Paul Buxton, email
Very true. The best cruise controls subtly and gently adjust to uphill or downhill gradients, and most in new cars work very well. Even so, saving it for flat highways in minimal traffic is the ideal. I recall cruise control in my ’84 VK Commodore conspiring with the three-speed auto to mercilessly rob my petrol tank. Any hint of a gradient and it’d drop a gear and send the poor 3.3-litre’s revs skywards in a desperate bid to maintain speed.
KEY LOCATION
Re reverting back to a proper metal car key, this also solves the problem of the passenger exiting the vehicle with the ‘smart’ key in their pocket or handbag, leaving the driver stranded.
Darren C, email
It’s funniest when said passenger does so when being dropped at the airport, rushing to catch a plane. Good luck getting the key back. Fortunately, most cars (if still switched on) immediately beep like mad if the smart key isn’t detected in the car. But I (and many other motoring journalists) have stories of cars driving for quite some distance without the smart key inside. Technology’s great until it isn’t.