HONEST DAVE SORTING YOUR MOTORING WORRIES

Q: I have to downsize my company car from a sixcylinder sedan, but would still like some space for kids and their friends. The company is paying the fuel bill, and says that as long as it costs less than the old Commodore to lease, I can have anything I like. A: Lucky you. We’d look at two cars: the new X-trail from Nissan which does a seven-seater frontdrive 2.5-litre option for just under $40,000 and is more refined than an Aussie six and should be easier on gas. Another seven-seater is the Dodge Journey, which has a 3.6-litre V6 and is as quick as the old Commodore, at least as good on gas and, like the Nissan, a wonder of packaging and stowage for an active family. You could look at Mazda CX-9, the Nissan Pathfinder, the Toyota Highlander and the like, but you’d need more cash. Q: I need a ski car. The four of us – we have teenage kids – get to the slopes four or five times a year, but would like something we can use all year around and for daily needs. Would a five-year-old Land Rover Discovery do the trick or a used Land Cruiser? A: These aren’t ski cars. On a similar budget that you’d require for these, we’d look at more frugal, more pleasant to drive and generally safer vehicles like Volvo’s XC70, the Audi Quattro, and a much newer Subaru Outback instead. They’ll use less gas, for a start, are nicer to drive in normal dry conditions and, when they do go to the skifields, their lower centres of gravity make them much more forgiving than taller, truck-based 4x4s. Got a motoring issue? email Dave.Moore@ fairfaxmedia.co.nz