Ask The Guide

Before you make an expensive car switch, try changing to a quieter tyre. You don't say which model Mazda3 you have, but some sportier versions have aggressive tread for grip and they can generate quite a lot of noise including drumming from the rear. Otherwise, I've just driven the all-new Honda Civic and it's very quiet and comfy.

Dealers are now looking for ways to boost profitability, with all sorts of added-cost extras that are good for their bottom line but not for owners or their vehicles. The bottom line is simple: if the car is operating fine, and the suggested service is not on the list of manufacturer requirements, then say a big NO.

The RAV4 is generally bulletproof, so if the family mechanic clears it then it should be a good choice.

Andrew Chesterton again: "FCA Australia's technicians have contacted this customer to arrange a like-for-like loan car and a longer test drive of this vehicle to determine exactly the issue so we can fully resolve it under warranty."

It's because it is a legislated laboratory test, done on a "rolling road" and not in the real world. For the moment it's the best way to get results that are directly comparable between various makes and models. There are three figures — for city, country and combined — and it's often possible to beat the combined number with our test cars.

Apparently your problem was never correctly reported to Fiat Chrysler's head office. Company spokesman Andrew Chesterton now replies: "This issue is anything but a common occurrence. I'm please to say this customer's sunroof has been fully replaced under warranty."

An older i30 should be fine, and far better value than a Corolla that everyone chases. You also should check out a more recent Hyundai i20 or Kia Rio. They are smaller but still good cars and would have some factory warranty.

Most 4WD utes are able to tow two tonnes or more, and they will deliver the fuel economy you appear to want.

Today's utes are all more comfortable than the boneshakers of old, but they still ride relatively hard because of the load they have to carry. The high-end models are generally more comfortable than the lower level models aimed more at the tradie, so perhaps look at those. If you're not concerned about brand, consider the Nissan Navara.

There are no rules as to the margins dealers set. It can vary considerably from dealer to dealer, one with a glitzy showroom and an army of salespeople might have less of a margin compared to one who works alone in a no-frills yard. It really comes down to your negotiating skills. Sometimes cash isn't a big incentive, because it rules out finance deals and the like that add to a dealers return.