Ask The Guide

The original centre bearing probably just wore out; the replacements might not have been installed correctly. I would take the car to a BMW specialist mechanic and ask about installing a quality reconditioned drive shaft. That way you know the centre bearing is installed correctly.

Buying any car is a gamble when it comes to reliability; no brand is immune from problems.

VW has had some very high profile problems over the last few years that have affected people's perception of the brand. The current and on-going scandal about emissions cheating isn't a reliability problem; it's a corporate thing. The problem with the DSG gearbox was another that knocked the company's reputation, and that was a reliability issue.

It has to be said that the DSG problems were associated with earlier models and don't appear to affect current ones, like the Tiguan. I wouldn't be too concerned about the reliability of VW at the moment.

Honda, of course, has a reputation for quality engineering and reliability, which makes the CR-V a popular SUV. The CR-V gets plaudits for its roomy cabin, practicality, boot space, and dash.

Against that it's 2.4-litre engine is a tad thirsty, and the auto is a five-speed, both of which hold it back. Safety-wise it has five stars with pretty much everything you could want.

Range Rovers are great, but they can be expensive to run and service.

I would strongly recommend the Sorento, particularly if you find it gives you the comfort and support you need.

A VW spokesman told us that the revised Golf (Mark 7.5 as it's become known) arrives in July, followed by the GTI and R in August. He added that while they would like to get the GTE as well, it won't arrive before 2018.

Toyota spokesman told us that there have been "no service campaigns or recalls related to the components referenced", but he would like to have a member of his team reach out to gather more information on your "concerns and organize a time to give the vehicle a thorough inspection." I suggest you contact Toyota's customer service people and arrange for that inspection. Other than that you could consult suspension experts like Pedders to see what they might be able to suggest.

The tare mass of the V6 model is 1527kg; the four-cylinder model is 1434kg, which might help explain the discrepancy.

That's a tricky one. Vicroads won't allow the vehicle to be transferred to a new owner until they can verify that it isn't dodgy, and that's fair enough, but I can't see why it should take weeks or months for Ford to trace the other car. All you can do is to try and keep the pressure on Ford to sort it out.

To register the vehicle in Victoria you will need to get a roadworthy certificate, pay a transfer fee of $38.50, and pay duty. The duty is based on the market value of the car, and is calculated at $8.40 per $200 of that market value.

All of the vehicles are worthy choices, but you need to be careful about the towing ratings of them. The Kia Sorento, which would be my choice, is rated at 2000kg, which is right on your towing requirement. Others, such as the 2WD Everest, are rated to tow much more. Others, like the Mitsubishi Pajero and Toyota Prado, are full-on 4WDs, and would seem beyond your needs.

All of the models you list would do the job you want well, so it comes down to personal choice. Add in the Kia Sorento and you have the field pretty much covered. The Sorento generally gets the most ticks from CarsGuide reviewers.