Ask The Guide

The transmission in your car is a CVT and changing the oil is definitely recommended. If you doubt that the full service hasn't been done go back to the dealer and ask for an explanation.

 There have been other reports of BT-50s and Rangers shutting down, but they can usually be restarted. The problem with that is that the problem doesn't exist when the car is taken to a mechanic to find the cause, but because yours wouldn't restart the mechanic might be able to identify the cause.

It seems there is no fix for this problem. Ford has come under intense scrutiny for its handling of the problem and treatment of customers with problem cars. Even the ACCC has decided to get involved, which is very rare. You could ask Ford for a refund or a replacement car, but as the ACCC chairman pointed out the deal Ford offers customers looking to get out of their cars isn't a great one. If you don't get any satisfaction from Ford go to the state government's consumer affairs department for advice, or call the ACCC.

The Corolla is a good choice; they are generally reliable and cheap to run. One word of warning, however, is that they used the Takata airbags, which are the subject of one of the biggest recalls in history. Should you buy a Corolla check to see if the airbag has been replaced. If it hasn't have it replaced, if it has check to see what the replacement airbag was as this might need replacing sometime in the future. I would recommend against buying European, cheap Euros tend to be expensive in the long run.

Mining company utes operate in the harshest environments there are, so I wouldn't take a lot of notice of hearsay reports of problems. The chassis might indeed crack under the stress of the mining site, but that's a far different environment than anything you will encounter in your travels.

The updating of sat-nav systems in cars of all makes is a problem. My view is that the system should be updated to the latest status during pre-delivery at the dealer, then automatically updated as needed when the car is taken in for service. The cost for these updates should be minimal, but car companies seem to view as a way making money and they’ll charge whatever they can get away with. I also sometimes think Australians are taken for dummies as well.

The 6-speed DSG doesn’t appear to have the same problems as the 7-speed. We’re not aware of any changes to the 1.4-litre timing chain.

It needs to be a 12-volt battery with a capacity of 700-750 cold cranking amps. It also needs to fit into the battery box and have the appropriate terminal alignment. Buy a good quality battery. Any battery retailer should be able to help you.

Your budget of $5000 is a problem. Whatever you buy will be old and have a lot of kilometres on the clock. I wouldn’t recommend an early Kia Carnival, they had engine troubles, the Tarago would seem your best, even though the car you buy will have a done a lot of kilometres. Toyotas are generally reliable over the long term, parts are readily available for them, and they’re easy to work on for the average mechanic.

Our checks with Ford suggest there is no shortage of supply of the Focus, so shop around at other dealers.