Ask The Guide

It is increasingly normal and many dealers are asking to be paid up front before doing any diagnostic work. I don't agree with the practice, I think they should do the work before charging for it. The diagnostic work has to be done to determine what has caused the engine problem, so there's no getting around it.

You will get great value and a classy car in the Suzuki Grand Vitara. The CR-V also goes well and is slightly better value than a RAV4.

I can understand your concern but there is a growing number of cars that now run on premium unleaded. You won’t use much in the Veloster, which is pretty economical.

From my experience, the Grand Vitara has the best reputation for reliability and for you it ticks the boxes. Next would be the Honda CR-V, then the Dualis with the ASX definitely last.

That's a smart tip, as lots of CarsGuide readers are raising concerns about their tyres.

The peeling of the wheel covering is a known problem on some Hyundai models and Mr Wood got a replacement wheel after I contacted Hyundai. We will just bypass the dealer, who probably deserves a kick, and I will do the same for you with Hyundai headquarters.

My best suggestion would be to find a window tinting company to put a strip across the top of the screen to cut the glare. It needs to be done carefully to ensure there is no legal complication or obscuring the view. No one makes the old-school external visors as they are noisy and adversely affect fuel economy.

You are not the first to complain about a Kia pulling to the left, including one of my big bosses. I'm told it's important to also check the rear wheel alignment. Kia Australia spokesman Kevin Hepworth says: "There is no identified systemic problem with Sorento steering pulling to the left. If an owner feels their car is not performing to specification they should, in the first instance, take the car to a certified Kia service centre to have the wheel alignment specifications checked. It is important in attempting to adjust the wheel alignment those specifications aren't exceeded."

Our trade contacts don't report any significant issues on the Santa Fe auto at this time; they've only done low kays to this point. Hopefully Hyundai replaced the transmission under warranty, so you're not out of pocket. Maybe if other Santa Fe owners have had this problem they might contact us and tell us about their experience.

SAABs have fallen off the radar since the company exited the market, but that doesn't necessarily mean they should be avoided. With their discounted price they could be a good buy. When the brand was taken out of the market guarantees were made that parts would be available for 10 years, so that should ease your mind a little. But even if parts weren't readily available there are enough second hand parts around to keep your car going, and there are specialists who know the brand backwards and know were to find any part that might be needed. The 9-3 is getting on in years so look for rattles and squeaks, particularly in a convertible, which isn't as rigid as a sedan or wagon. It's important also with a convertible to check the operation of the roof to make sure it's working, and working smoothly. They can be expensive to repair if they don't go up and down as they should.