Ask The Guide

You need a 5/8 plug spanner.

The Focus is a good car with a serious flaw; it has a dual-clutch automatic transmission that gives trouble. I would happily have a 2012 Focus with a manual gearbox, but I wouldn't buy one with a dual-clutch auto. I'd be looking at a Japanese or Korean brand and going for something like a Mazda 3, Honda Civic or Accord, Hyundai Elantra with a good record of reliability.

The price is higher than average for a 2005 Grange, but the kilometres of the car you're looking at are less than the average.

On the surface it seems a good buy if it is a genuine HSV Grange and the odometer is correct.

There's not a lot that goes wrong with them, so focus on things like condition, which is paramount in an older car, and servicing is equally important.

There is an update that's only a week or so away. All we have been told is that it will have some very minor spec changes.

All model years 2008-2013 appear to be affected.

We understand a new tensioner was fitted from 2012.

The Soul ticks a lot of boxes. It's roomy, comfortable, safe and practical, with a high riding seating position and good visibility. But it's not the most economical, and it has a space-saver spare wheel. For more info check the reviews of our road testers.

It's probably easier to eliminate those that don't stack up, those being the VW Golf, Holden Cruze and Ford Focus.

All have transmission questions over them.

The best options would be the Mazda 3 and the Hyundai i30.

I would expect the local speed limit to be shown.

The over-speed warning appears to be set with a margin so it doesn't go off when you're driving on the limit when it would probably annoy you.

I don't believe there have been any changes to the drivetrain.

None of the owners we have spoken to have had any trouble with the drivetrain, the issues they have had have been fairly minor build quality things rather than major mechanical problems.

The starting problem could be the result of an alternator that's not charging the battery. Have an auto electrician check it.

Trying to find the cause of the engine warning lights coming on is a tough one.

If they are on all the time then take it to a dealer or a mechanic with diagnostic gear to check the system. It must be either a wiring problem or a sensor malfunction.