Ask The Guide

In order, I would suggest you consider the VW Tiguan, Kia Sportage, and Mazda CX-5. All are reliable, drive nicely, and are well equipped.

You need to get it fixed, without doing that you car is seriously devalued. I would approach Holden, either through your Holden dealer or directly through the company's Customer assistance service and try and negotiate a deal to have the gearbox replaced.

On average a 2007 Patrol is valued at between $15,000 and $17,000 in a private sale. Yours has relatively low kays for that model, and is well equipped, but that dash is a problem. You could easily knock a couple of thousand dollars off the price because of that. I would have it replaced if it were mine.

It sounds as thought the air-conditioning may not be working. Take it back to the dealer and have them check the system for you.

There are plenty of SUV choices to look at, such as a Toyota Prado or Jeep Grand Cherokee. Both should serve your needs well.

As I am sure you have been told clutches are considered wear and tear items and as such are not covered by the warranty. If it's found the cause is something other than a worn clutch rectification would possibly be covered by the warranty, but if it's shown to be a worn clutch you will be up for the cost of repairs, which will include the cost of tearing it down. I don't see there's any escaping that cost.

When a globe in one of the indicators goes out the other indicator on the same side as the one that has failed will flash quickly. At the same time the indicators in the instrument cluster will flash quickly and the audible indicator will click quickly. Turn each of the indicators on and check that they are working. If they aren't it suggests a deeper problem, which could be a fault with the cluster. One thing for sure it won't fix itself. If you want to get a second opinion take it to an auto electrician.

The Civic is so good — one of the best Japanese cars I have driven for a very long time and a definite for The Tick — that I wouldn't bother about the Nissan.

You raise a good point on brake wear but people still need to be wary about being over-serviced.

Rodney Jane of Bob Jane T-Marts reckons tyres are a grudge purchase and people nearly always want the cheapest rubber — but there is a sweet spot where you can get good value without compromising safety.