Jeep Problems

You can have your car serviced by the companies you are considering without affecting your warranty, so that's an issue. It comes down to the level of confidence you have in those independent service people to do a good job. I would suggest you use the dealer for the servicing until the warranty expires and then look for another mechanic after that. Using the dealer can make it easier if you have a problem with your car late on and want to make a warranty claim.

So things are improving but a 12-month wait - while Jeep sorted transmission problems that affected hundreds of thousands of Cherokees - is still not good.

Fiat Chrysler, which handles Jeep in Australia, is working on what it describes as a "transparent" pricing program for its vehicles. It's close but I do not have an introduction date yet.

Fiat Chrysler Australia boss Pat Dougherty replies: "I have asked my guys to expedite and we will call Mr Haman directly to advise. If there is a delay for any reason I will call (the US supplier) to get it resolved."

It's a known problem, there is a simple fix and I'll report your unhappy situation to Jeep headquarters to get an early response.

So the technology is spreading even faster that I thought.

I wouldn't recommend a Captiva. The quality is not great, neither is the driving or fuel economy, and the Holden warranty does not come close to Korean-badged cars. If she's against a "cheap Korean car" point out that the Captiva is actually a Daewoo, from Korea.

Yes, it is a common-rail diesel engine and turbocharged.

You should go with the tyre placard. That's the official figure from the company that designed and built the car.