Ask The Guide

It has a timing chain, so there's no need to change it.

I wouldn't recommend the Polo, it requires the more expensive Premium unleaded, it's got the dual-clutch auto, which can be troublesome, and it will be more expensive to service. The Mazda 2 or the Toyota Yaris are better choices.

The T30 X-Trail is reliable and durable, and many owners are reporting no problems, even at high mileage well in excess of the 164,000 km of the car you're considering. The good thing is that the T30 has a regular automatic rather than the CVT of the later models, which did give some trouble early on. I wouldn't buy one with a manual gearbox, as clutches are a problem.

If the suction control valve is worn or there is contamination present the fuel pressure will be affected and so will the drivability as a consequence. The car will sometimes go into limp home mode when this happens. It is a relatively common complaint on common-rail diesels, and the only thing to do is to replace the valve.

Based on the claimed average fuel consumption of a hybrid and a petrol equivalent, and the current difference in the respective purchase prices, the hybrid would come out marginally ahead over four years.

Thanks John. While nobody likes visiting a dealer for warranty repairs, it looks like Holden is looking after you. No doubt this will instil confidence for anyone else with a similar issue.

The problem you have got is that the car is now 12 years old and could be expected to have some issues with body and paint. Ford has already come to the party three times, and I reckon that demonstrates the company’s support for owners with the problem. If you really want to pursue it go to the state government consumer affairs department and seek their advice.

There is a new model on the way, as you say, and we would say hold off if you can.

That is appalling service. If the required parts were not available here they should have been airfreighted in. Contact Renault's customer help service and ask for their help. (Ph 1800 009 008).

It is hard for a dealer to replicate a problem if it doesn't happen with any regularity, so persist with the dealer, and if that doesn't result in your satisfaction report the problem directly to Toyota (ph 1800 869 682).