Ask The Guide

There is a glitch in the car’s computer system. Restarting it reboots the computer. If it’s not doing it when the car is at the dealer’s and nothing shows up on their diagnostic check it’s hard to trace and fix. It’s probably going to be a process of elimination until the cause is found.

The transmission is the same as the one being replaced. Will it be any better? Maybe.

You need to mount a case for compensation with Holden’s Customer Care service (1800 033 349). It is a known problem, but you have to remember your car is six years old and the warranty expired a long time ago.

Ford’s responsibility is to fix the problem. If you haven’t already contact Ford’s Customer Relationship Team (phone: 13 3673) and register your problem with them and give them the full picture of what’s happened to date. If you think the problem has gone beyond talking to Ford consider going to the Consumer Affairs people in Victoria.

Don’t mess about, if it hasn’t been fixed take it back, and continue to do so until it is fixed. Don’t let up, and if the dealer isn’t doing what you think he should go to Hyundai’s customer service people (phone: 1800 186 306). It is Hyundai’s responsibility to fix the problem.

You need to consult a qualified automotive engineer with experience in safety that should be able to assess the wreck and hopefully give you the information you want. Try Vicroads for the names of possible engineers.

Not significantly. If you’re interested in a current model Quashqai I would wait until just before the new model is due and take advantage of the run-out sales that will surely come.

On average I would expect a 1999 Falcon to have done 200,000 to 400,000 km.

Most cars today have convex mirrors to give you a broader view of what’s coming up from behind. It’s something you should get used to; once you do it’s not a problem. If you really want to change it for a flat mirror you could talk to a glass merchant, who might be able to do it for you. Subaru won’t do it.

Kia originally introduced its long warranty to overcome the belief held by some people that it was a cheap-and cheerful brand selling cars of dubious quality. The company was so confident in the quality of its products that it was prepared to back them for seven years. It’s been a successful move, but only because the cars are indeed of a good quality. The long warranty does give Kia a huge advantage over others with a shorter warranty.