Should I Buy a Citroen?
French carmaker Citroen is a very small player in Australia on the Australian automotive landscape – just 1500 sales annually. That’s less than 0.2 per cent of total vehicles sold. So: who would actually want one? I taste tested the top three cars in the range to find out
How Does Zero Per Cent Finance Really Work?
Those zero per cent new car finance offers you’ve seen. Don’t waste your breath enquiring. They’re a complete rip-off. Here’s why.
How do I Sell a VW Polo Lemon?
Volkswagen's outrageous record of engineering failures continues. Here's yet another tale of woe from yet another disgruntled owner. Seriously: Vee-Dub should just give the business to the Japanese to run properly.
Should I Get Paint Protection for my New Car?
No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. Noooooooooooooooo. Here's why.
Are Automatic Engine Stop/Start Systems a Joke?
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yessssssssssssss. Absolutely. Here's why:
Another Hyundai Sunroof Shatters Spontaneously
Two shattered sunroofs now. Is it time to declare: 'Seoul, we have a problem?'
How to Avoid Used Car Buying Problems
Get organised and protect your own best interests when you buy a new car - otherwise this could happen to you...
How Do I Become a Product Reviewer?
You could become a reviewer - if having a real job doesn't work out
Hyundai’s Latest Sunroof Shatter Scare
Product problems are one thing; disgraceful customer service is quite another
Bad Credit Car Loans Explained
Yes - reputable lenders do lend money to people with bad credit histories ... provided you meet key criteria
Does My Car Have a Drinking Problem?
How come the official fuel consumptionnumbers are always wildly optimistic?
Why Official Fuel Consumption is Rubbish
Many car owners contact me after getting frustrated that the actual fuel consumption of their shiny new car fails to live up to the fuel consumption claims at the point of purchase. Is the car defective, or are the official tests out of step?
Australian i-MiEV Electric Car Price "Outrageous"
$53,000 in Australia. $13,845 in the USA. What gives?
Australia's Cheapest New Car - Just $8 a Day
The Suzuki Alto is Australia’s cheapest car. (However, Suzuki probably prefers the terms ‘inexpensive’ or ‘affordable’.) It's just $11,990 – drive-away. Here's how you can own it for just $8 a day.
Should I Replace my Camry Wagon with a Subaru Forester?
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
Help: I Need a Cheap New Car for Dirt Driving
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
Should I Buy the Lexus IS 300h?
Hi John,
Please give me your thoughts on the Lexus F300 h Sport - pro and cons. I like a car with a bit a oomph and a bit of economy. Novel isn't it? Are service fees and spare parts in a reasonable price range? ( In anyone's eyes!!). I drive a Toyota Avalon (pipe and slippers) and would like a bit of careful excitement in my life. A car with great aversion to garage visits is what I'm after. Maybe some alternative choices in car?
Love your Sunday motoring program on Radio 2UE.
Cheers,
Hans
My Husband Misses the Brake - and says it's OK...
Hello John,
My husband (who has a clean driving record) has recently occasionally started to miss the brake pedal and consequently press the accelerator, which has been somewhat scary.
He tells me that he pivots his foot between the accelerator and the brake, and has always done so. I have always lifted my foot between pedals. I have tried his pivoting but the accelerator is lower than the brake (even more so when driving) and my foot (shorter than his ) just bumps into the side of the brake when I try to pivot.
Is pivoting OK? I think it's dangerous. What is your advice to my husband?
Thanks,
Betty
Help: Hyundai i30 Excessive Fuel Consumption
Hi John, I'm in desperate need of your help as Tynan Motors and Hyundai Australia want nothing to do with me. I traded my V6 Toyota Kluger to save on fuel. Was told that the i30 will do at least 500km per 50-litre tank. My car has never reached over 380km per tank.
Should I buy a Nissan Elgrand?
Hi John,
I listen to you on Radio 2UE and really enjoy the show. I am really interested in a Nissan Elgrand, in my opinion they have style and comfort but being a "grey import" I am hesitant. On the face of it they offer great value for money and every Elgrand owner
I speak to seems to be happy with them. What do you think?
Kind regards
John