Ask The Guide

As promised when you first contacted us we got in touch with Mazda about the problem with your GPS, and we finally got a response. Unfortunately, it doesn't answer your question. A company spokesman told us that: "without actual car details (of your car) it is difficult to comment or provide accurate feedback, so we would highly recommend that the customer (you) contacts Mazda Customer service, which allows us to look into his situation and communicate with him direct." So, get on to Mazda and put your request directly to them.

No, not in 2004, but a four-wheel drive model, the MPS, was introduced in August 2005.

It's all about condition with an old car. The Kingswood isn't a particularly valuable classic car, unless it's in good condition with low miles on the clock. Your uncle's seem to fit that bill. If you go by the trade value it's worth around $2000, but to a Holden enthusiast or someone looking for a cheap classic to enjoy it could worth $6000-$8000. It might be worth showing it to one of the insurance companies that provide cover for classic cars and see what insurance value they would put on it. You'll also find more details on the pricing & specs here.

If you've checked the battery and that's ok, check the starter to make sure there's no problem with that, and then pressure check for a blown head gasket. It's not unknown for a head gasket to blow on the 318 and you can get an hydraulic lock in a cylinder that will make it difficult to start if that cylinder is the one that's on compression when you go to start it. It doesn't always show up on the temperature gauge as overheating, but it is sometimes evident with white smoke from the tailpipe when the engine is cold.

They're getting on in age now and many have high odometer readings, but if you shop around and find one that has relatively low kays, say 150,000 km or so, and has been looked after they are a good car. You can get a Series III for $5000 or less.

It is 90,000km. The service interval was reduced from 100,000km to 60,000km in the preceding TS model after a number of serious engine failures caused by broken or loose belts caused by a problem with the belt tensioner. In AH the service interval was increased to 90,000km. When it's replaced mechanics usually find that the water pump is leaking, and they replace it, which adds to the cost of the job.

Space-savers are intended for emergency use to get you to a place to repair or replace the punctured tyre. They're not intended to be driven on for long distances, or at high speeds. Nissan has undoubtedly tested them and they are rated for the X-Trail, so I don't have any problem with them, although I would prefer a full-sized spare.

MY17 Outback is on sale now. There are no major changes from MY16 model.

Contact the Roads & Maritime Services and they should be able to give a list of accredited engineers who could inspect your car.

At 1 litre per 1000 km your engine was already consuming too much oil, at double that rate of consumption it is way too much. VW/Audi engines have a reputation for using oil and need to be checked regularly to ensure you don't inadvertently cause damage by letting it run low. You could try appealing to their sense of goodwill and ask Audi to cover part of the cost of repairs, but as your car is seven years old I don't believe you have much chance of success.