Ask The Guide

First introduced in 1966 as a sub-compact model, Toyota’s Corolla has become the worldwide standard-bearer for compact cars, selling over 40,000,000 examples up to July 2013. Japanese-market E160-series Corollas are produced by Toyota subsidiary company Central Motors, in the Japanese Miyagi prefecture. The E170 models are built in plants around the world, including: Indaiatuba, Brazil; Ontario, Canada; Guanzhou, China; Cumana, Venezuela; Bidadi, India; Shizuoka, Japan; Karachi, Pakistan; Durban, South Africa; Zhongli, Taiwan; Chachoengsao, Thailand; Adapazari, Turkey; and Mississippi, USA.

Currently made in sedan and hatch, there are two basic versions of the Corolla: the Japanese-only E160 model, and the export market E170. Australia sources its Corolla sedans from Thailand, while the hatches come from the export-only production facility in Shizuoka, Japan.

Since its launch in 2008 the Holden Colorado has been built in Rayong, Thailand. Interestingly, the Isuzu D-Max it shares its platform with is built in different factories all over the world, including Chile, China, Ecuador, Egypy, Nigeria, The Philippines, Portugal, South Africa, Thailand (Samrong-Samutprakan), and Tunisia. Produced in Wentzville, Missouri, the Chevrolet Colorado is an American market vehicle. It features different engine options as well as front-end sheetmetal to look more like the full-size Chevy Silverado pick-up.

Holden’s five- and seven-seat SUVs were built in a General Motors facility in the South Korean city of Bupyeong-gu. The replacement vehicles are primarily US-designed, with the Chevrolet Equinox taking over from the Captiva 5, and the GMC Acadia replacing the Captiva 7. The Equinox is currently built in Canada, China, and Mexico, while the Acadia is built in Spring Hill, Tennessee, USA.

First launched in October 2010, the current-generation Australian-designed T6 Ranger is built by AutoAlliance in Rayong, Thailand, though it is also built in several factories around the world. From Buenos Aires in Argentina, to Michigan in the USA, as well as Nigeria and South Africa, the third-generation Ranger has been extremely popular with buyers who have purchased more than 33,000 T6 Rangers in Australia alone!

Hyundai has spent 30 years building its brand from an entry-level player into the modern premium offering it currently is. What this means for buyers is an excellent range of well-made, well-engineered cars, and the i30 is a ripper. The previous-generation has taken home awards for being the Best Small Car for six years on the trot, and the Korean manufacturer has just launched a redesigned new-generation model to rave reviews. Hyundai consistently out-scores prestigious European brands in consumer satisfaction surveys around the world, and in reliability surveys. So, yes, I’d count the i30 as a good car.

Changing the battery in a current Mazda 3’s key fob is a simple job once you know the process. Start by locating the small button on the back of the key near the silver metal key ring lug, and depressing it. You can then tug the metal key ring lug out and pull the manual accessory key out of the key fob.

Take a flat-bladed screwdriver and twist it gently in the slots where the manual accessory key is located. This starts separating the two halves of the key fob, allowing you access to the battery, though you will need to run an old credit or gift card down each side of the key fob to fully separate the halves.

Once you have the case open you will see the thin, round Panasonic CR2025 battery which has a rubber weather-proofing cover. Once you’ve removed the old battery and switched the cover to your new battery, you can start reassembly by putting the new battery in the key shell, with the positive side facing up.

Snap the key fob halves back together, push the accessory key back in, and then test to make sure the keyless entry works on your car.

It is important to note that this guide is for the current fob-style key and the process will be different for earlier pop-out keys.

 I would expect that you would feel the brakes were spongy if a caliper was leaking significant amounts of fluid. I doubt it was leaking when you bought the car, as I’m sure the brakes would have been affected.

You’ll get market value, and on the Focus that will take into account the transmission problems it suffers. I don’t believe you can escape the fact that it has issues.

Yes, the Honda Jazz would be a good choice for your needs. It’s well built, commendably reliable, and should do everything you want it to.

Yes, it is a good car overall. The best thing is to have it checked by a mechanic experienced in Nissans.