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

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John CadoganComment
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

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John CadoganComment
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

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John CadoganComment
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

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John CadoganComment
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

 

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John Cadogan Comments
Best SUV with a Split Tailgate?

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

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John Cadogan Comments
Should I be Worried About My Daughter's Volkswagen Golf?

 

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

 

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John CadoganComment
The Honda Accord, or the Mercedes-Benz CLA 200?

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

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John CadoganComment
Three Car Dealer Rip-offs to Avoid

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: 

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John Cadogan Comment
Zero Per Cent Car Finance Trap

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.

 

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John CadoganComment
Local Car Makers Face Oblivion

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...

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