Kia Problems

You could look at all small models from the mainstream carmakers, like Mazda, and you won’t go wrong. The Mazda2 is a good choice, but you could also look at the Toyota Yaris, Hyundai i20 and Kia Rio.

The warranty is still current and would normally cover it, but there would be a question mark over the service as you only have a partial history. If the history were complete I would say the warranty would cover it.

That Tiguan is getting old and a customer complaint is not unusual for Volkswagen. If he wants the best car then, it's the CX-5 but the Hyundai ix35 and Kia Sportage also get The Tick and are the value champions.

The two new arrivals this year, the Mazda2 and Jazz, both get The Tick from me. The Jazz is better value in the basic car and the Mazda rival has a more substantial feel. Go for the Honda.

Hyundai will have a prestige flagship, the Genesis, in showrooms soon from about $60,000 and it's getting great reviews overseas. Sadly, there is no impartial rating of road noise because it varies so much with tyre brands and the actual road surface.

The Forester has been a top choice but these days I would rate it behind the Hyundai ix35 and Kia Sportage for class and value. And the best car in that class is now the Mazda CX-5.

The Cerato is good choice and the long warranty makes it an easy decision. I get lots of complaints about the Cruze and would not recommend it.

If any services have been missed you're leaving yourself open to dispute in the event of a warranty claim later on. I would want to know why the service history is lacking.

1. Tariffs only drop from 5 per cent, so don't expect any price cuts. 2. only Hyundai has the potential to match the Kia warranty, at least in the short term. 3. The engine could move at the next full model change.