Reports

Hi John,

We have to replace our old Toyota Camry wagon and are looking for a similar car maybe a Forester or similar maybe one with a few kms on it, something under $30,000, I need large boot space , I am an artist and carry lots of paintings and art materials. A text message is preferred as I am hard of hearing.

Thanks,

Don

Hi John,

I have owned a 1997 Daihatsu Terios since new. I only paid around $17,000 for it and it has been a hardworking, reliable vehicle. I will be sorry to see it go. I loved it from the moment I first time I sat in it. However, I know it's getting very close to the time I will need to replace it, and I'm dreading having to fork out double the price for a new AWD or 4x4 vehicle.

We live in rural NSW on a dirt road about 20km from town. The road is frequently corrugated and there are always potholes even on the bitumen, so I really do need a vehicle with good ground clearance and good "grab". I love the size of my little Terios, it's easy to drive & park, but still roomy enough for my husband, groceries & our Staffy.

I would like a vehicle that has seats I can fold flat to make maximum use of the available space. If I can afford it, I'd prefer a diesel as I think diesel engines are sturdier. Can you make any recommendations that won't break the bank? It'll probably be my last vehicle as I'm 58 now.

Thanks,

Gloria

Hi John,

I am looking for a split-tailgate mid size car, AWD or 4WD. Needs four doors, diesel preferred but petrol OK. I had a 1998 Sport range rover which was perfect (perhaps a little bigger than I needed) but wanted something newer (no more than 5 years old) and cheaper to run and service. Needs to tow a standard trailer or surf boat.

Thank you, 

Kristina

QUESTION

In August we sent you an email asking your opinion on the new VTiL Honda and you very kindly phoned my husband to discuss this along with some other options.

We still haven't made a decision re the choice of new car but yesterday had a look at the new Mercedes-Benz CLA 200. A report in Saturday's Daily Telegraph was most complimentary and we  like the look of it.

Have you had a chance to drive one John and if so what is your opinion?

Robin and Dianne

ANSWER

You're buying a new car. It's an endurance event. Towards the pointy end of the deal, three of the most useless offers will be made to you - guaranteed. It's got me stuffed how they can do this to you with a straight face ... and expect you to come back and purchase a car next time. The three rip-off offers (which are tidy little earners for the dealership) are: 

The Australian car industry is racing to oblivion

Making cars in Australia has gone steadily downhill since about 1970, although recently the pace of that decline has accelerated.

See also Why Holden Should Hang its Head in Shame. 

Incredibly, in 1970, we managed to make 475,000 cars Down Under. During that decade, Australia produced a broad range of cars including Minis, Leylands, Valiants, Chryslers, Nissans, Renaults, and Volkswagens … as well as Fords, Holdens and Toyotas.

Fast Forward to 2011: Just 224,000 cars...

Too much sucking on the taxpayer teat; not nearly enough viability, sales or job security. Here's the backstory

Holden should hang its head in shame. Stevie Wonder could see that this mob is preparing an Australian exit strategy, and yet it keeps begging for more public funding. Even this week, Holden has the gall, the arrogance, the extreme corporate hubris to do so within just a few days of sacking another 100 Australian workers.

OPEN STATEMENT TO KEVIN RUDD & CHRIS BOWEN

Gentlemen, your car industry policy is a betrayal of the national interest. It's policy as PR, selectively enacted to re-elect Kevin Rudd. Your decision to eliminate the 20 per cent FBT concession on new car purchases, in the absence of any industry consultation, has had two immediate effects. First, you have effectively terminated the jobs of 300 voters employed in the salary packaging car finance sector. You gave this industry and these people no time whatsoever to prepare for the dramatic change you’ve foisted upon them.

Kevin Rudd (a.k.a. Tantrum Man) has hurled a major speed hump in front of the car industry – and it’s a big problem for you if you use salary sacrifice to help pay for your car. 

For 27 years now we’ve had ‘salary sacrifice’ concessions. Tax-efficient car ownership. Ongoing stimulus for the car industry. This week, think again. Salary sacrifices, novated leases - they’ve basically just been taken out the back and executed, North Korean-style.

Queensland farmers' concessional loans are being described as a "hand up, not a handout". Whereas, at Fisherman's Bend in Victoria, where Holden's head office is based, handouts with no strings attached from Federal and state governments, are just a regular day in the office. Business as usual.Holden's not actually in the business of making cars any more. It's in the business of hosting subsidised 'jobs'. The cars are just an unfortunate cost of doing business.

Enough's enough - it's time to break this welfare dependency cycle.  There's no way Holden's manufacturing operation can survive.