Ask The Guide

I’m guessing the transmission your transmission is a dual-clutch unit, which although it’s called an automatic it’s really like a self-shifting manual gearbox. If you can imagine you’re driving a manual and you take off, there’s a moment before the clutch takes up that the car is free to roll forward or back. That’s in effect is what is happening in your Tucson. There should be a hillhold function to stop the vehicle rolling back and the time this function holds the car before releasing can be adjusted. Check your owner’s manual to see how it can be set to stay on a little longer.

There is nothing to suggest the diesel is a problem, and I would question your mechanic’s advice. The high fuel pressure of today’s diesels can result in worn injectors and they can cost upwards of $2000 to replace. Other than that there’s nothing to be overly concerned about.

It could be a problem with the diesel pump, it might be a problem with the turbocharger, or it could even be an internal problem with the engine itself. Get it to a diesel mechanic for a proper diagnosis.

I assume the noise you are unhappy with is road noise. You could try a Michelin tyre, which is probably your best option, but the tyres are run-flats, so you won't get a soft ride whatever the brand you fit.

Start with the owners manual and familiarise yourself with things like finding and using the jack, changing a tyre, checking the engine oil and coolant in the radiator. I wouldn’t worry too much about making temporary repairs on the trip; there are plenty of mechanics that can help you if you strike trouble. There will also be plenty of other tourists who would be only too happy to help a fellow traveller in trouble. Have your car checked before you leave, so everything is in fine working order when you hit the trail. Make a note of the Toyota dealers along your planned route, and if you are going to remote areas make a note of where you will be able to get fuel, and the mechanics along the way who might be able to help you in an emergency.

For starters you should tell her not to drive into floodwaters. I would suggest a small hatch, something like a Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, or Hyundai i30. All are reliable, economical, safe, and within your budget.

It’s not unusual for mechanical damage to occur in a crash, and most insurance companies cover that damage when it can be shown that it was caused in the crash. Your problem seems to be that your insurance company is saying the mechanical damage wasn’t the result of the crash. Get another opinion from an expert and once you’ve got that you can decide if you want to pursue your claim.

There are any number of possible reasons, from a shot battery to a faulty starter, and a multitude of other things in between. Take it to a mechanic and have it checked.

Forget the old rules that applied when the car was new, now the ’88 model is just an old clunker and the Ghia pulls about the same money as the GL. When buying a car as old as this the most important thing is not the fruit and features it had when it was sold new it’s the mileage done and its condition that matter.

Don’t buy a Focus, they are plagued with automatic transmission troubles, don’t buy a Holden Cruze either, as they also have problems with their automatic transmission. The Lancer is fine; you could also look at a Mazda 3 or Toyota Corolla.