Ask The Guide

There is a problem with the electronics of the car, it could be the ECU or a sensor, and it's causing the car to go into "limp home" mode. By turning the engine off and restarting you are rebooting the computer. Take it to a mechanic and have them hook it up to their diagnostic equipment and they should be able to identify the cause of your problem.

An older BMW I know of doesn't use any oil at all between services, but I'm told that it's quite common for the newer engine like yours to burn oil. It's generally held that a consumption of up to 1 litre per 1000km is normal. If you are concerned that yours might be too high do a check of the actual consumption. That way you know for sure how much it is burning.

Boxer engines are known to use oil because of their design and the Subaru mechanic we spoke to said the consumption you are claiming isn't alarming. He isn't aware of a problem with oil consumption, but told us that it is important to have the car serviced as per Subaru's schedule and to use the recommended oil.

Recalls only happen when there is a potential safety issue involved, the clutch problem on the dual-clutch transmission in the Focus isn't considered a safety problem and as such isn't recalled. That's where our pathetically weak consumer laws let us down, because carmakers can get away with selling a known faulty product knowing there is little likelihood anything will be done about it. It was only the public backlash about the problem with its dual-clutch gearbox that forced VW to act. The trade-in price guide for your car is $9300 to $11,100, so Ford has offered you a high-end trade-in price. But you're right that you have been offered what is in effect a wholesale price for your car, and no doubt you are being asked to pay the full retail for the new car. Ford isn't doing you any favours, so I wouldn't be rushing into a new Ford. Assuming the clutches have been replaced and the car is currently driving normally I would consider trading it on a car from another brand. If you do, try and avoid a car with a dual-clutch automatic.

I doubt that Holden would agree to replace the transmission free of charge, even though I think they have a moral responsibility to do so, given that there is long history of this problem that suggests that it is a flawed product. I would recommend that you contact Holden's customer assistance people and ask them for help.

If it's just a smear I wouldn't be too concerned with it, I'd simply keep a close eye on it, but if it's more than a smear I'd have it checked out. Most people find out about the transmission problem when they lose drive. By then it's too late, the transmission has been damaged.

You're not alone feeling the stress of choosing a new car. Toyota's Yaris is the safe choice but you should test drive the Suzuki Swift, since it also gets The Tick. Bargain hard on your favourite.

The run-out Cerato is a terrific deal and definitely the value pick. The 2.0-litre update is good but probably not a big deal for a budget buyer, although I give The Tick to both the Kia and the Hyundai.

It's an unproven brand, which is why they are cheap. It was the same with Great Wall and their resale values reflect the way owners and potential owners feel about them. I wouldn't do it.

Good for you and thanks for the news. I agree updates should be free, even if car makers argue they have to pay for the data and uploading.