Should I Buy a Suzuki S-Cross?

I am interested in buying Suzuki S-Cross for general around town shopping , and possibly going on to sandy beaches. I notice that the S-Cross primarily uses front-wheel drive, with the rear wheels only being used when required by driving and engine operating conditions. Just how good is the 4WD system on the S-Cross?

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John CadoganComment
Abolish The Luxury Car Tax

If Luxury Car Tax hit only the richest one per cent, we’d all be okay with that. But it doesn’t. Plenty of ordinary car buyers find themselves kicking the Luxury Car Tax tin. You could easily pay it, next time around. Cars are the only consumer item in Australia, with a levy imposed on their alleged luxury. Luxury Car Tax is out of step, and extortionate. This is what happens when too much fluoride leaches into the water in Parliament House...

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John CadoganComment
Why Regular Servicing of New Cars is Critical

I got an e-mail from a lady named Leanne the other day (below), which highlights the false economy of letting your services slide. As a consequence, Leanne is looking down the barrel of a likely $14,000 repair bill on her Holden Cruze - which is still under warranty. Worse still, it looks like Holden is completely justified in its decision not to support the repair.

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How to Deal with Police at the Roadside

I am listening to your show on the radio right now and some of your advice from both yourself and your participants is wrong. Under the Australian Road Rules when requested by a Police Officer you are obliged by law to supply the name and place of abode of the driver. You commit a serious offence if you do not supply those details. There are only two acts of parliament in Australia that compel you to supply certain details when requested, Australian Road Rules and The Taxation Act. 

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John CadoganComment
How to Get Out of a Speeding Fine

My wife received a speed fine two months ago for 70 in a 60 zone. She paid the fine. In 35 years of driving she has never received a speeding ticket. She has a clean record. After hearing your comments on 2UE I thought I would ask you a question. My wife has resented the fact that her clean record has been tarnished plus the loss of point(s). We did not even know you could apply for a leniency. Is it possible to retrospectively for leniency on that tarnished record? 

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Should I Fit a Hiclone to Save Fuel?

I have found a company called Hiclone Air Management Systems. They saying by fitting one or two of their products she could save 10-20 percent on fuel and a boost in performance. Have you heard of this company or products and if yes your thoughts please. They cost around $230 each so are not cheap. 

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How Do I Replace my BMW Engine Outside the Warranty?

My BMW 325i 2008 model - Purchased from BMW dealership in Sydney and regularly serviced and maintained by BMW and is now out of the 3 yrs warranty period. Present reading 88,000km. I recently had trouble with the engine and I have now been told by BMW that the four pistons will have to be replaced at a cost of $9500. 

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Which Engine Oil Should I Use in My Old Car?

Hi John, I highly respect your opinion on anything relating to cars. A fellow who has an original owner's manual for an EH Holden says it recommends to use an SAE 20 or a 10W30 engine oil. My local auto accessories store owner who has a number of classic and vintage vehicles says 10W30 oils weren't around then so I don't know who to believe. He has suggested I go with Penrite's HPR30 (20W60). Penrite's lube guide recommend the 20W60 oil, Valvoline recommend a 10W30, Castrol recommend a 15W40 or a 20W50, Nulon recommend a 15W40 and Chief Oil recommend a 10W30. Penrite seem to be at odds with the others, it's a very thick oil but it is full zinc. I'd be interested to know your opinion and what way you'd go. Thanks, Chris

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Should I Repair or Replace My Cargo Cover?

I need to buy new grey retractable cargo cover for my 2007 Toyota RAV4. They are very expensive in Australia. Would the cargo covers make in America be the exact same size as the one I can buy from Toyota in Australia? My cover won't retract any more and I don't know of anywhere that may be able to fix it. 

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John CadoganComment
Should I Buy a Skoda? Is there an Octavia Lag Problem?

Hi John, I have recently driven two Skoda Octavias, the 103kW and the 132kW - both have the 7 speed automatice DSG gearbox. The main criticism is that when you planted the foot the car was sluggish for the first few seconds. I did a little research and it has been explained as an issue with the DSG. In all other respects I enjoy this car but I shouldn't have to manage the gearbox manually from a stop to avoid this 'lag'. Am I overreacting/over critical?

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Is there a Road Rules App?

G'day John, my son has just turned 15. We are now preparing him for his path to obtaining his NSW Learners Drivers Licence. We have the Handbook. I wonder John is there a NSW road rules app? Or even better a NSW road rules quizz app? I think an app like this would be great for new drivers like my son and old school drivers who need to refresh and/or sharpen up their knowledge. I would love to know if there is anything like this.

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John CadoganComment
Modern Cars Unsafe? How Safe Are Old Cars?

With reference to motorists over the age of 60 allegedly driving dangerous older cars, Mr Cadogan this is age discriminatory and frankly in many instances it is untrue - many more young drivers drive old cars - however to say that new cars are safe is rubbish - because they crumple say you. Mr. Cadogan - I have a hardy 1985 Subaru Leone which because of its build save me from a severe accident. So please be more careful when you use age - it is a reportable discriminatory comment.

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Is There an Exciting New Car that Fits Three Kids?

I'm also looking at moving on from my current car (Alfa Giulietta QV) to something a bit bigger, and I'd love to know what your recommendations are for something similarly exciting that'll fit 2 kids plus a baby seat across the back for around $50k-ish. I did want to hang on for the forthcoming Alfa Giulia, but that doesn't seem to be coming any time soon. 

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John CadoganComment