Ask The Guide

Check the air/fuel ratio to see if it’s running rich. I would guess it thinks it’s running cold, but as you’ve changed the oxygen sensors and the temperature sensor I would focus on the ECU.

That sounds like a system that’s well out of date, one that should be updated by Kia. You might have an argument that it’s not fit for purpose under our consumer laws, so if you want to take it further you could contact the Queensland state consumer affairs people and seek their advice.

The transmission in the Cruze has been a major problem, but it seems that Holden has accepted that it’s an issue in your case by offering to replace it. But to link the cooler failure to the transmission problem you need evidence, and you don’t have that. If you feel strongly that Holden hasn’t responded the way it should have you should take your case to the state government consumer affairs people.

The Focus convertible holds its value quite well, but the market value of a car hinges on a number of things, such as age, mileage, condition, history etc. A car that has low mileage, is in good condition with a good service history will carry a higher value than one that has done a lot of kays and has been neglected.

I’d guess there’s some serious internal trouble and that you should take it to a transmission specialist to have it assessed.

The main pack has three leaves.

It’s a high price compared to the average, which would be $9000 to $10,000, and with only a month of rego, but to compensate the kilometres are lower than average. The cost of maintenance is no higher than other, similar cars, so that’s not a problem. If you’re not sure about it have it checked by a mechanic, or the RACQ.

All of them would be good choices, but I would prefer the Mazda CX-5 or the Kia Sportage. Either would be fine.

Both are fun cars to drive, they’re relatively new, so should be reliable. I would prefer the Swift; I reckon you’ll get a better run out of it.

I wouldn’t recommend a used BMW with that sort of mileage on it if you plan to keep it for an extended time. They are expensive to service and repair, something you must be prepared for in the future as the kilometres climb. I would definitely recommend that a dealer, or preferably an experienced BMW mechanic check it if you did decide to buy it. Go for a 7-seat SUV from a Japanese brand.