Reports

Product problems are one thing; disgraceful customer service is quite another

Yes - reputable lenders do lend money to people with bad credit histories ... provided you meet key criteria

How come the official fuel consumptionnumbers are always wildly optimistic?

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?

$53,000 in Australia. $13,845 in the USA. What gives?

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.

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

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

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.

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

QUESTION

Hello John,

I heard you on 2UE talking about a lady that had her Golf off the road for 14 weeks and having a dispute with VW Aust and her insurance company. Just wondering what has happened as I bought my daughter a VW Golf 2011 TSI and it is now being taken to VW Group for 1 month to try and fix a problem re fuel injectors...they think??? and will also fix the gearbox re: the recall.

Do you think that there maybe a connection with the two cars? Would appreciate our opinion.

Enjoy your show on 2UE at the weekends......and Gazza.

Kind regards,

Victoria

ANSWER

Dealer delivvery charge: $2k to deliver a car worth less than $40k? You've got to be kidding me - that's a thinly masked rip-off. Here's how to avoid it.

Interest rates are at record lows, and new car marketing campaigns centred on zero per cent finance have arisen. It’s an effective selling tool, but if your IQ is in fact greater than the room temperature there’s something decidedly wonky about zero per cent finance. Here’s why.