Ask The Guide

The two cars you’ve selected are equally sound and reliable, and there are no issues to be concerned about when buying a used example. Either one would do what you want. The best course is to test drive each and decide which one you like best.

On average a 2012 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring would cost around $25,000, which makes yours a little expensive. But against the odometer reading is well below the average, which compensates for the higher asking price. If you have any doubts about the car have an RACV inspection done.

They should be pressed out; bashing them out will most likely damage the control arms. Take the arms to a local mechanic and have him press them out.​​

It was quite a common, and rather expensive issue when the Alloytec V6 was first released. Holden made a change to the chain in May 2007, which was claimed to have fixed the problem. I wouldn’t be put off buying a VF.

It will be an ongoing issue when towing. Drive to the conditions, don’t try and tow up hills in overdrive gears when the engine will work harder, and if you’re worried have a heavy-duty transmission oil cooler fitted.

The Skoda Kodiaq is available with either a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine or a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. The claimed fuel consumption of the turbo petrol engine is 7.6 L/100 km; the consumption of the turbo- diesel is 5.9 L/100 km combined.

In the old days I might have said it was due to fuel surge, but that doesn’t happen with fuel injection. It could perhaps be a connection in the wiring that is separating when the car swings to the left. It needs investigation.

Use a 5W-30 from any of the premium brands.

No, I think it’s too much. It would be a better deal at around $7000.

It’s worth around $5000, and I wouldn’t hold on to it in the hope the value might eventually go up. I doubt that it will, and even if it does, it will take a long time for it to happen.