Ask The Guide

It sounds like it could have the dreaded Cruze auto transmission problem. Take it to a Holden dealer, or an automatic transmission mechanic and have them check it.

Skoda's Kodiaq mid-size crossover SUV is built in the Czech Republic, China, India, Russia, and the Ukraine.

Dodge the cheap Chinese imports and go for a reputable brand from Michelin, Bridgestone, Khumo, Dunlop. They all offer good all-round performance.

Poor reliability, a nearly non-existent support network, bloated styling, terrible on-road performance, and no resale value all combine to give you the full Saab 9-5 experience. You would be better off putting your money in a bag and setting fire to it than buying a second-hand Saab. While some people love their Saabs I find them as appealing as eating a hamburger made of broken glass and battery acid.

It’s losing coolant. Is it running ok? Does it get hot? If the answer to those questions is ‘yes’ and ‘no’ then look for a leak from the radiator, radiator hoses, cooling system fittings on the engine. If the answers are ‘no’ and ‘yes’ then check for a leaking heard gasket.

The things to look out for are overall condition of the body and paint, a service record showing regular maintenance, is the odometer reading lower or higher than you would expect, and the condition of the interior trim. Things that can indicate a crash are a mismatch of paint between adjacent panels, overspray, do areas of the body look fresher than other areas. Bartering is just that. Work out what the car is worth and what you are prepared to pay for a car and make an offer perhaps lower than that so you’ve got some room to move if the seller makes a counter offer.

Proton's Preve comes with an 80kW naturally aspirated 1597cc (1.6-litre) four-cylinder, or a 103kW turbocharged 1561cc (1.6-litre) four-cylinder.

You can’t. It’s filled with fluid in the factory and that’s it for the life of the car. If you want it checked or changed an automatic transmission mechanic could do it for you.

Nissan X-Trail, known as the Nissan Rogue in North America, has been a staple of the compact SUV class since it first landed on Aussie shores. With regular servicing and sympathetic driving the Nissan crossover four-wheel-drive should last you many years of reliable motoring. Don't expect it to be any good in serious off-road conditions, but light beach or firetrail duties should be fine if you prepare accordingly.

It’s hard to put a number on the price reduction you could expect on a car without a compliance plate. People suspect the car could be dodgy when the plate is missing. Who is to say that the missing plate isn’t out there somewhere on another car? I would be reluctant to buy a car without a compliance plate.