Ask The Guide

It’s good insurance, particularly if you are going to be towing, as you plan to do.

On average a 2010 model should have done 200-250,000 km, so you are correct in thinking it is high. The BT-50 is generally reliable, but having done almost 400,000 km you have to hope for the best and be prepared for the worst. Having a good service record is a bonus.

There is no definitive answer to your question. The recommended fuel for your car is 91-octane regular unleaded, and that will give you as good a life as any.

It’s telling you there is a problem with the engine, and the loss of power is most likely because it’s going into limp home mode. You need to get it to a mechanic and have a diagnostic check carried out.

I would question the dealer’s competence and seek a second opinion from another mechanic. I suspect they misdiagnosed the problem in the first instance, and think that perhaps it wasn’t a faulty injector. If you go ahead and give them the approval to pull the engine apart you will be liable for the costs, and you will be liable for any costs for repairs that come out of that.

If it’s a 1.4-litre turbo you should be using 95-octane PULP, if it’s a 1.8-litre you can use 91-octane unleaded.

The short answer is yes, but you would need to get another wheel to mount the new spare tyre on, and you might have to think about where you might carry it in the car.

The key to getting a decent run out of the iLoad is to change the oil more frequently. Change it every 5000 km. But if you’re not sure about its reliability certainly walk away. The HiAce is probably the best bet for you, but you could consider a VW Transporter, Mercedes-Benz Vito or Renault Trafic.

The CX-7 is a well-built, roomy, medium-sized SUV with the choice of 2.5-litre petrol engine and a 2.2-litre diesel. The diesel is the more economical of the two. Reliability is not a concern, you can buy with confidence.

You say it is a slight vibration, which makes me think it’s not serious. It could just be caused by wear. I wouldn’t be concerned about it if it were my car, after all it’s not a new car.