Ask The Guide

Nissan told us that "the battery in the Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid is covered for the same period as the new-vehicle warranty, which is three years or 100,000 km, whichever occurs first. There is the option for buyers to extend this new-vehicle warranty up to a total of six years as part of the Genuine Nissan Extended Warranty program."

It's not decided if Holden will bring in the new Malibu post-2017 when it stops production of the Commodore. It's been touted as a Commodore replacement, but there are other options the company is considering. Local production of the Cruze will come to an end, but the car will continue as an imported model. Whatever happens Holden will continue to support both cars with parts well into the future. You should feel confident that you can buy either one and not be left with an orphan.

From your description the leak sounds quite a severe one, but that means it should be reasonably easy to find. A couple of things you could try would be to drive it through a car wash and watch for water coming in, or you could have a friend hose the car while you sit inside. If you can't see water entering, check the various problem areas after the car has been hosed down to see if the leak has occurred while it has been hosed. It could be a case of trial and error until you can locate the source of the leak. If you think it could be the sunroof start there. You could also check the various seals for damage.

By negotiation. There's no hard and fast rule when it comes to getting out of a car you're unhappy with, you just need to stick to your guns and be determined to see it through to the bitter end whatever that may be.

I doubt that you would have any comeback on the yard. After all, who is to say that the damage didn't occur after it left the yard? You could try and talk the dealer into helping out, but it would be a goodwill gesture on their part if they did come to your aid.

In Mazda's defence the SP25 GT does have sports suspension which will transmit more noise, but we're hearing more complaints and hope that Mazda has addressed the noise issue when the Mazda3 is updated later this month.

Under consumer law, provided the servicing is done "by the book" with the correct standard of parts, all car companies must honour the warranty as if the car was serviced inside their dealer network. Some dealers might be a bit reluctant to help if you have not been loyal on servicing with them, but the bottom line is clear.

Mick might have found a better tyre for you, but I will be seeking answers from the Mazda3 program director this month.

Those numbers seem very expensive and the deal probably locks you into a fixed service plan with the selling dealer. For me, it's not a good deal.

Ford spokesman Stephen Kruk replies: "Vincenza owns a 2011 Fiesta with 68,000km and we have offered a partial refund of $10,000 as a dealer trade. We review each customer request for support on an individual basis as each customer experience and their vehicle is different. Comparing customer outcomes without the facts would not make any sense. We have determined that Vincenza's experience warrants our support and have worked with her to get to a successful outcome".