Audi Problems

You should never just buy a badge. The CX-5 is a better car, and considerably better value, than the Audi Q3. It's best in the class, gets The Tick from me, and is far better value than many prestige SUVs.

The Veloster has just had an update and is better, the A1 is all right but the Polo is a ripper little thing that gets The Tick and is my choice.

That's an interesting group. All three are good, but I'd say the CX-3 is too small and the A6 is too costly, leaving the Outback for family duties.

I am not a great fan of the Q3. The CX-5 gets The Tick and has also just had a slight update with several improvements. The Mazda is also bigger and cheaper, which makes it a no-brainer for me.

I was able to come up with a long list of mechanics claiming to specialize in European brands, including Audi, simply by searching online. That's a start, with that in hand you need to go around and talk to them to get a feel for their capability. Talking to other owners who use them can tell you a lot about them as well.

The kilometres are at the low end for a 2007 model, so it's probably worth a little more than the average A4. Without seeing it, it's probably worth around $13,000.

Audi spokesman Shaun Cleary says the ball weight for the Q3 is much lower than either the Q5 or Q7 as it's not designed in Europe for towing. Sorry.

In that size and price class, I'd go for a Mazda CX-5. It gets The Tick from me, you can get front-wheel drive variants and there are ample choices on equipment.

On seven-seaters, the Territory runs last, the Kluger is fine and reasonable value and the Audi is definitely the car to reward yourself, but the Q7 could get very expensive if anything goes wrong.