Ask The Guide

Chrysler products suffer from a reputation for having hit-or-miss reliability, being that some cars are fault-free gems while others are nightmares of continual issues. Dodge vehicles are no longer sold new in Australia, so I'd suggest looking to options from Kia or Toyota, as well as the Chrysler Grand Voyager if you're desperate for an American van.

Is it a minor service? Perhaps it’s a major one? The cost depends on what needs to be done. The best thing to do is to ring around and check a number of service places, from main retails outlets like Kmart, Repco, Ultra-Tune etc., and some specialist Mercedes-Benz mechanics. That would you a good guide.

Audi has made TT models in both front wheel drive and all wheel drive in the model's history. Apart from some racing cars there haven't been any rear wheel drive models. The 4 wheel drive models are available with petrol engines, while the diesel models are front wheel drive only.

Generally they’re a good driving car, solidly built, safe, and reliable. The one issue to be aware of affects the DSG automatic transmission. Before buying one carefully test drive it and observe for any hesitation when shifting, or surging when driving or accelerating.

Safer options are cars like the Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla.

Position four stereo removal tools on the top and bottom corners of the radio, running horizontally rather than vertically. Gently pull outwards on the tools and the radio should slide forward. Release the tools from the locked-in position by depressing the area the tool has locked into, then slide the unit further forward and you can then unplug the radio and the airbag warning light.

Your budget will limit you to an older model, around 2008/2009, which will have higher kilometres, and be less safe and less reliable than a later model.

It’s hard to go past a Toyota HiLux, but try to find one that hasn’t been beaten up by a tradie, or used extensively in the bush or off-road.

The warranty expired a year ago now, and had expired when you approached Mercedes about it last April. Talk to Mercedes and try to enlist their help, but I doubt you will have any success.

You’ll be waiting quite a number of years for the value to climb to any degree, so if you’re selling it it’s probably best to get out of it now. But if you like it why not keep it and enjoy it? But if you do, keep it for those special days and don’t drive it daily.

Remember though, you have to keep it in pristine condition and well maintained, so don’t park it and forget about it.

I can’t say for sure what has gone wrong with the car, a mechanic would need to assess it firsthand to be able to tell you that. But the transmission is a CVT, which can be troublesome, but it might be as simple as changing the oil, or it might be that it needs to be replaced.

I wouldn’t be buying a Murano that’s done a lot of kilometres without having the transmission assessed by an expert mechanic.

The VN Group A was a special run of Commodores to homologate the car for racing. They’re now collectable and worth $37,000-$45,000 depending on condition, kilometres etc.