Honda Problems

It's becoming a broken record, because the CX-5 gets The Tick and is best in class. The new Vitara is roomy and well built, just flawed by an awful automatic gearbox.

The i30 gets The Tick from me, is definitely not a throwaway, and is a better choice than the smaller and less refined HR-V, despite the flexibility of the Honda's cabin.

There's nothing to worry about with start-stop technology. It's been around for years and everybody has it. As for your choices, I'd put the CX-3 well ahead of the ASX and just in front of the HR-V but I wouldn't buy either. For me, a mid-level Mazda3 is bigger than the CX-3, has more power, more room and is better to drive.

There are still baby cars with five-star safety and, given few trips and tight parking, I would recommend a Mazda2.

Putting ride-handling up against comfort will mean a compromise on one side, as sporty-feeling SUVs tend to be a bit harsh in the ride with tyre noise as well. The Mazda CX-5 is the benchmark in the class, but the Honda HR-V could be more comfortable and flexible in the cabin.

For your needs, I would recommend the Subaru Forester. It is a great country drive, comfortable and safe, and gets The Tick. The Koleos is getting very dated.

Call Honda directly on 1800 804 954 and tell them of your experience. Dealers should not be pressuring you to have your car serviced at the same time they are fixing a recall item. That's just grubby money making on their part. Honda is required to rectify the problem with the airbags; the dealer is the company's agent in carrying out the work. I would also talk to Honda about getting a loan car while yours is laid up at the dealer being worked on.

You could use a 0-30W oil, which is readily available.

The Qashqai is the right pick because of its bigger cabin, even if the Honda has lots of flexibility in its magic seats, but I would not commit without driving the Mazda CX-5, which is the class leader.

If you only had to spend $452 on repairs over the 12 years you've owned your car you've had a very good run out of it. You really need to decide if you're going to keep it or not. If you're going to keep it get the dents knocked out and tidy it up. If you're going to move it on don't bother. A dealer won't give you any more for it if it was undented than he would if it has a few bumps and scrapes. Given its age it's probably best to trade it in on a new car.