Ask The Guide

To fully answer that I would need to know more about the car; is it a 4WD, dual-cab, which diesel engine, and its condition and price, but in terms of longevity and reliability the Hilux diesel is generally a good deal. The key to future reliability is regular servicing, so make sure the car you buy has been regularly serviced and hasn’t been neglected in any way.

Both would be well suited on the basis of what you have told us. The top Sportage is more expensive than the top XV, but it’s more economical, the service intervals are a little longer, and it comes with a 7-year warranty compared to the XV’s 3-year deal. If you planned to keep the car for a number of years I would suggest the Sportage is the better choice, but if you turn your cars over regularly I would probably go for the XV.

1500 kg where the trailer has brakes; 750 kg if it doesn’t.

The demand for manual gearboxes is so low today that it’s not worth car companies doing all the compliance work needed when they know they would only sell a handful of cars. You might have to loo at something like a Holden Commodore.

No one seems to be prepared to say what the maximum towing capacity of the Elgrand is; the best we could find is that the tow bar available for the Elgrand is rated at a maximum towing load of 1400 kg. That effectively limits the towing capacity of the vehicle to 1400 kg.

It could be any number of things, the only way to find it to remove the door panel and take a look. I’d suggest you get a workshop manual to find out how to remove the door panel; they’re readily available on line.

You could drive it on the beach, but it depends on the condition of the sand. If it’s hard packed you shouldn’t have any trouble, but if it’s soft you’re almost certain to get bogged. Best talk to the locals and get their opinion.

The Pajero is a rugged vehicle that is very good on-road and off, it is roomy, safe and well equipped, while the Prado is a large, reliable, and tough seven-seater. It’s very comfortable, but the diesel’s performance is lacklustre. It’s hard to beat the Pajero.

There are no major problems to be concerned about, the iLoad is generally sound, but the vehicle you are thinking of buying has done 200,000 km in three years. That would suggest it has been used as a delivery vehicle, so look closely at its history and the possibility that it has had a hard life. Before doing anything make sure it has been regularly serviced. Given regular servicing there is no reason the iLoad won’t do 400,000 km.

The Ranger, and its cousin from Mazda, is a tough, durable and reliable truck. Neither have any major problems that should concern you. Buy on condition, look for one that has been used privately rather than for work, and make sure it’s been well serviced.