Ask The Guide

It should run on 91-octane fuel without pinging; the knock sensor should ensure that it doesn't occur. Running it on higher-octane fuels makes it less prone to pinging, and again the knock sensor should have it running on the edge of pinging without actually doing it. I would keep the pressure on Kia to fix the problem, and at the same time get the help of an independent mechanic.

Modern engines do use some oil, and it's wise to check the oil level regularly, say once a month. Some engines also use more oil during the run-in period, which is what you're going through now. It's hard to say whether your car is using too much or not. I suspect it's not, but if you are concerned about it have the dealer conduct an oil consumption test to determine exactly how much it is using. That's the only way of telling if it's too much or not.

It sounds like the seller might have known there was a problem, and decided to get out of it. There have been reports of problems with the gearbox. You could approach Ford about helping out with the repairs, but because it's out of warranty, and you bought it secondhand from a private seller I don't fancy your chances of success.

It's always a good idea to check where your car would be serviced before buying it. There isn't always local service coverage with some brands, which could mean you have to drive long distances to have it worked on when needed. The best thing you can do is to contact Renault directly and explain your dilemma to them, and hope that they respond favourably to your request.

There have been other reports of rust in the Triton. When Mitsubishi was approached with a similar problem in 2015, the company offered the owner a full inspection and a Mitsubishi representative present and the promise that it would be rectified in line with the company's warranty. On that basis I would suggest you contact Mitsubishi headquarters direct and request similar action on your vehicle.

Have your dealer contact VW first and have them register a request for a goodwill claim to cover the repairs to the engine. It's a common problem with the 1.4-litre twin-charge engine and the company should at least cover part of the repair costs. If your claim is rejected, then go directly to VW to pursue it further. You will have a battle to get any compensation, so be prepared for rejection.

I have no personal experience but know that car bras can chafe, potential cause overheating and can be difficult to fit and remove. Personally, and knowing that companies such as Porsche fit the clear plastics to all of their demonstrator cars for paint protection, I would choose it ahead of a car bra.

Owners have been reporting transmission failures in the Cruze to me for several years and Holden has been quietly replacing them through that time. If the car is still under warranty that's an even bigger incentive to have the transmission properly assessed, not by the dealer but someone from Holden's head office, and replaced if necessary.

A 1.4-litre turbo will give the power of a 2.0-litre engine on demand, but the fuel economy of a 1.4 when taking things easy. So it's the best of both worlds, and goes right through to new turbo engines in Porsches and Ferraris. The badge on the back is typical of car companies, who like to tell all about things.

The Kia Sorento, our Car of the Year in 2015, gets The Tick from me. It has everything you want and need and is a good drive, with a seven-year warranty. If it's out of your price range, go for the smaller Kia Sportage.