Ask The Guide

It won't be a leak of visible damage; it does sound like an internal gearbox problem. It could be a worn bearing. Get another mechanic to check it for you.

Have the battery checked to see it is in peak condition, and also check the alternator to see that it is putting out what it is meant to be putting out.

A Ford spokesman told us: "The 10-speed automatic will be available in the 2018 Mustang, which is due in Australia most likely around mid-2018 at the earliest. An evolution of the current Mustang, the 2018 model will benefit from increased Driver Assistance Technology, including Autonomous Emergency Braking and Lane-Keep Assist. We would not speculate on the outcome of any potential future testing, but would reiterate that consumer safety is a priority for us, and we are constantly developing more safety technology for consumers. The 2018 Mustang will benefit from such advancements." With respect to a safety rating we can't say what it will be until the new Mustang has been assessed by ANCAP, but you would expect it would be given a higher rating than the Mustang currently has.

Show the dealer your record of reports and battery replacements to back up your claim and request a goodwill payment to cover the cost of replacing the alternator. If that isn't successful you could consider going to VCAT.

The oil fill with the filter is 5.5 litres, or 5.0 litres without.

If only we had a crystal ball. Unfortunately it's impossible to say with any certainty if the foreign variants of the Monaro will become classics. If any do I would guess it would be the Pontiac with its connections to the GTO, Vauxhall's image in Australia is one of a cardigan wearing, pipe-puffing old timer, and the Chevrolet Lumina doesn't get the pulse racing.

To be sure take it to a Land Rover dealer and have them check it for you. Alternatively contact Land Rover's customer assistance people on 1800 625 642.

By your description it's a ute or a van rather than a Statesman or Caprice, but you don't tell us anything about its condition. Is it a good original jigger, an old clunker, or a fully restored beauty? The value would vary enormously on the condition, anything from $2000 to $10,000. You're best to contact an insurance company for a valuation.

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The current run-out deal is pretty good. If it suits your needs, why wait?

It's not an unusual requirement with a diesel with a DPF. The DPF normally cleans itself automatically without you even knowing, you don't have to do anything. But if you don't do the sort of driving that invokes the automatic regeneration you then have to take action as recommended by Holdens to do it. Diesels don't work at their best when tooling around the ‘burbs at low speed, and anyone buying one with that sort of driving routine should ask their dealer about the suitability of the vehicle for them.