Ask The Guide

On a current-generation Corolla, go to your dealer and have the car serviced. If that is too much hassle, turn your Toyota Corolla on and cycle your odometer display through the trip meter (A and B) until it displays overall kilometres travelled. Turn the car off, then hold the trip meter reset button in and - while holding the reset button - turn the ignition to position 2 (where the red lights come up on the dashboard) without starting the car. Hold the button in until the display cycles through and returns to showing the odometer.

Ford Rangers are a workhorse commercial utility vehicle first and foremost, popular with Aussies for their ability to take a tonne of payload in the back, and pull tonnes of tow loads with ease. This heavy duty capability comes at the cost of ride and handling compared to conventional cars and 4x4s, as the suspension is set-up to handle heavy loads, not take corners and ride smoothly. Any work done to make a Ranger ride smoother, like replacing shock absorbers, changing to passenger car-style tyres, or replacing springs with softer rates, will reduce the Ranger's ability to handle loads. You should also check any parts are legal to use on the Ranger before fitting them so you don't void your warranty or are defected by police.

Reprogramming an un-coded new key for a current-generation PX (2007-current) Ford Ranger can be done at home if your model is an early 2007-2011 Mark 1 model. You simply get your two original keys, sit in the car with the door closed, and then turn each key to position 2 on the ignition barrel (with the red lights showing on the dash), then remove each within 10 seconds per-key. You then insert the new key, turn it to ignition position 2 and remove it within 10 seconds. You can then re-insert the key and start the car. However, if you have a later model Ford Ranger you need to have a Ford dealer program the key to your specific car and this cannot be done at home as it involves communicating with the car’s ECU. Different dealers can charge different amounts to supply and code a key, anywhere from $350 to $1500, so ring around your area. You will need this done to be able to unlock your Ford Ranger without a key.

The Volvo XC90 is a terrific luxury SUV, one that offers plenty of high-end technology and luxury appointments, plus with enough room for seven adults if need be. It's an inescapable fact that the Volvo is on the expensive side - if you consider a petrol engine version with sporty styling - the T6 R-Design would be the go-to option - and at about $105,000 before on-road costs and options, you're likely to see a lot of value in a like-for-like comparison against the Mazda CX-9 Azami AWD (which is about $65,000 before on-road costs, and there are hardly any options to choose). 

The Volvo doesn't excite the senses as much as a Mazda CX-9, and if that's important to you, then we'd suggest the Japanese seven-seat SUV is the better option. But it is hard to argue against the Volvo's driveway cred, and if you can afford it without stretching the budget, then it's definitely worth a test drive. 

It’s on the surfaces most exposed to the sun, and it probably a problem with the clear coat. Have your Holden dealer check it, and perhaps show it to a painter, or pant specialist to assess the problem.

It’s more than the average kilometres for a 2013 Dualis, but that’s not necessarily a problem. If it’s been serviced regularly it should be fine.

If it’s starting ok at other times then it won’t the fuel pump. It’s more likely to be a sensor that’s at fault, the computer isn’t getting the message that it’s cold and it’s not giving any cold enrichment, which the engine needs to start and run while the engine warms up. Have your mechanic check the temperature sensor.

There are no ‘lemon’ laws in Australia, but there are laws to protect consumers in the case of faulty products. Contact the ACCC for info on those laws. You don’t say, so I will assume the problems with the air con and the infotainment system have been rectified, and the oil leak is under investigation. On that basis I don’t believe you have cause to think you have a ‘lemon’. Fix the oil leak and carry on.

I think you can be confident that the replacement will go the distance. The warranty applies to the replacement parts, which is a standard 12 months.

It is a six-year-old car and things can go wrong with them, no matter the price tag when it was new. All carmakers have a responsibility under law even after their own warranties have expired, so you could try and negotiate a deal with them over the unit, but I doubt you’ll succeed.