Ask The Guide

I agree that Mazda's response is unsatisfactory. It remains Mazda's responsibility to carry out repairs on your car. I can only suggest you persist to the extent the dealer and Mazda know that you won't go away until they give you a satisfactory response.

Go back to the dealer and ask to see the results of the test, so you know what they are, and whether or not they reflect the results you get. The average you are measuring is crazily high if it's correct. It's not at all normal, which suggests there is a problem, possibly with the engine management system, which needs further investigation.

There have been a number of reports of engines failing because the oil has become contaminated with diesel fuel, so you're not alone there. I would urge you to request a goodwill payment from Mazda for at least part of the cost of a new engine. As your car is eight years old and has done 120,000 km you're unlikely to get a new engine from Mazda, but I think you have a good claim for a part payment. Once the engine is replaced I would suggest you change the oil more regularly than is recommended by Mazda.

Start by finding out why the claim was rejected. Talk to the dealer first, but don't hesitate to go to Toyota directly for an explanation. Once you have that explanation you can determine the way forward.

We contacted Toyota on your behalf and they would like one of their staff to call you and take you through the process of setting up Toyota Link Assist.

The dealer should have told you that the extended warranty is not a Ford product; that it's a warranty provided by an independent insurance company, in your case Allianz. Ford has no role to play when it comes to the Allianz warranty; you need to talk to Allianz and the dealer. You should also read the warranty to establish exactly what is covered and for how much. Aside from the warranty issue Ford has a responsibility under Australian consumer laws to cover the car, even if the new car warranty has expired. You could try for a good will or part payment of the repair costs from Ford.

We haven't had any other reports of the same problem. The only thing you can do at this stage is to work with the dealer in trying to a remedy for the problem. Press him to enlist the help of Mitsubishi head office.

You have to consider what type of four-wheel driving you want to do. If it's heavy-duty then go for an older Toyota Landcruiser or Prado, if it's less taxing then a lighter model might do for you. I would suggest a 2006 Toyota Landcruiser Prado or a 2007 Mitsubishi Pajero.

We contacted Hyundai on your behalf and were told that at after listening back to all their phone recordings at no point did their Customer Care say to you 'there is no solution'. They went on to tell us that if you could present the vehicle to your local dealer, they will give it a thorough check and this might point to what's causing the issue.

For reliability and no-fuss driving it's best to go for an Asian brand rather than a European one. Euros can be expensive, particularly when they get older. I would suggest a 2013 Kia Rio or Hyundai i30, both are good cars, both have electronic stability control and fit within your budget.