Ask The Guide

Both the 1.5L and 2L Ford Escapes are rated to tow up to 750kg of unbraked trailer, or 1500kg braked. The only Escape I'd try to tow with would be the 2L diesel, which boats 400Nm of torque. Still, the Escape isn't really a good choice for towing a boat as even many small boat and trailer combos will weigh over 1500kg (combined), which is over the Escape's maximum potential tow rating.

It is actually quite hard to buy a "bad" car these days, but quite easy to buy a "bad car for purpose". Ford's Escape is one of several light SUVs on the market that would suit many suburban Aussie families to a tee. That is to say, doing a little light four-wheel-driving, taking the kids camping, or eating up thousands of kilometres on a road trip. If you're wanting a tar-burning performance machines, or something to tackle the local black diamond-rated 4x4 course, buy something else.

The Mazda CX-5 is certainly a popular car for families. If you're looking for something to go fast in, do serious off-roading or tow anything more than a very large sandwich, then look elsewhere. However, as a suburban runabout the CX-5 is going to get the job done admirably.

The current-generation Mazda CX-5 measures 4550mm in length. Other dimensions are 1675mm (height), 1840mm (width), and 1645kg (mass).

For models with later models you pop the bonnet, then turn the cover on the back of the headlight a quarter-turn anti-clockwise. Put on gloves, then pull the headlight and wiring out. Use a flat-head screwdriver to remove the H7 globe from the plug and mounting ring. Place mounting ring on new headlight bulb, push until it clicks, then refit. Older models are simpler. Pop the bonnet then pull the wiring plug away from the back of the headlight. Spin the cover anti-clockwise and then pull the H7 Halogen globe out with the cover. Do not touch the globe with your bare hands as it will shorten the lifespan of the new globe. Because of this, and the tight confines of the work space you should wear gloves when doing this job.

The petrol Qashqai is rated to tow up to 1200kg, while the diesel is rated to tow up to 1400kg.

Hyundai showed the next-generation Tucson at the 2018 New York Motor Show only a few months ago. While an official launch date hasn't been confirmed for the 2019 model it is expected to reach Australia in the third-quarter of this year.

Using a pair of trim removal tools pry the top trim panel above the radio unit from the dash. Start from the edge on the passenger side and be prepared to use some muscle as the panel is clipped in very securely. Remove three Phillips head screws from the top of the radio unit, then the two small plastic clips near those screws. The fascia and two vents beside it can be pried out of their fastening clips. There are four Phillips head screws holding the radio unit in place. Undo them, unplug the unit and it slides out.

Mazda3 spare parts are generally considered about average in terms of their expense. Regular wear items like tyres, brakes and wiper blades are often cheaper than European marques like Mercedes-Benz or Volkswagen, but not as cheap as some Korean or other Japanese brands. Because the Mazda3 has been so successful in Australia there are a lot of parts available from wrecking yards, which are cheaper than buying new parts from a dealer.

This is really a job for experienced home mechanics, or the local Mazda dealer. Improperly adjusted headlights can be a major safety hazard as they can blind other drivers on the road, or not illuminate obstacles in front of you.