Ask The Guide

There are no issues of concern with the 2010 D-Max, just the regular issues of wear and tear on a vehicle that is almost 10 years old. It’s a good idea to have a mechanic check it for you before you buy it so that any issues that might need attention can be identified.

Your consumption is about right for that model Magna. It’s a relatively large and heavy car with a big, powerful V6, and 2001 engine technology. They aren’t a popular car today; they don’t have the safety, economy, or appeal of other, newer cars.

No, there’s nothing built into the Cerato that might assist you in finding your car.

I doubt that there will be a recall any time soon; it’s not the sort of safety issue that might trigger a recall. I wouldn’t be overly concerned about driving your D-Max from Perth to Brisbane, providing it has been serviced, the oil changed regularly, and it is in sound overall condition.

Ah, the perennial fast speedo! It’s a problem that affects every car on the road, as carmakers are not allowed to make a speedo that is slow. But it is allowed to sell a speedo that is fast, at least within a specified tolerance. It can’t simply be fixed, you have to put up with it. Presumably you have an alternative device that gives you a more accurate speed-reading and you should rely on that.

It doesn’t have daytime running lights.

It has remote opening, not closing.

I wouldn’t have even started talking to them about fixing it; I would have walked away and refused to take delivery of the car. But having started negotiating with them about a fix they have recommended the touch-up guy, that’s then their responsibility and you have the choice of accepting the work done or rejecting it. By going to another panel shop you are taking responsibility for the repair and I’m not surprised that Renault would refuse any warranty on the panel and paint thereafter. Have them do the repairs, don’t get involved yourself; you are only muddying the waters.

You have to approach it as a car that’s more than 10 years old, one that will have normal mechanical wear and tear. Fortunately Porsche engines and gearboxes are durable and don’t unduly wear. Check for signs of a hard life; make sure the car you want to buy has been well maintained with regular servicing, and that things like brakes are not in need of immediate replacement. It’s a good idea to have a Porsche expert check it out for you.

The 2012 Holden Captiva LX was AWD and had a 4-star ANCAP rating.