Mazda 3 Problems

I have experienced the problem, both when the system cannot hook to a satellite and when the road mapping is not accurate. If it's just in one small area, it should not be a big problem.

I wouldn’t recommend the Focus or the Golf, European is not the way to go. The best choices are the Mazda3, Mitsubishi Lancer and the Hyundai i30.

Typically you're looking at a car around 2010 vintage for that money, so it's got a few years on it and will have done a few kays. With that in mind it's best to go for a car that's going to give you a good run for your money over a few years. Steer clear of European brands, that includes Ford as its small cars come out of Europe, and go for a solid brand with a good reputation for reliability. In my view that means a Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Kia Rio, Hyundai i30.

With your budget you’re looking at quite an old model, particularly if you want a 4WD dual-cab ute. You’d be looking at something around 2007-2008, but my concern with vehicles that old is that they will have done quite a lot of kilometres. If you want a dual-cab ute, and it sounds like the best option given your needs, go for a Toyota Hilux diesel. The alternative is an SUV, such as a Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Prado, but again you’ll be looking at older models.

The size difference in both width and rolling diameter on a space saver is one reason they are called "temporary" spares and it's why they are not recommended for use on a vehicle's drive wheels. They are intended to be driven for only 80km, which will not affect the car's mechanicals.

So many options. It's great to hear that you have had such a good run out of your Corolla, and that you would happy with another one. The Corolla is certainly a good option. So too is the Mazda 3, which would satisfy all of your needs. Both cars would be good choices. The Mazda CX-3 is a different car in that it is an SUV and gives you the advantages of a high driving position for good visibility and the flexibility of a wagon style body. It too would be good option, and I would suggest that you had a test drive of it to see if does what you want. All three are well built, reliable and I would expect them to give you many years of good service.

Mazda spokeswoman Karla Leach recommends that owners contact their dealer to ensure the latest free-of-charge update of the MZD Connect is fitted. "As mobile phones and their operating systems are continually evolving, thanks to the introduction of new models and updates, on occasion there may be connectivity issues," she says.

A Hyundai i20 for the daughter, because it's cheap and reliable; a Mazda3 for the mother, because its a great secondhand buy and ideal for her needs; and Holden Commodore for the father, because it's a great drive and the V6 is surprisingly economical.

Thirty or more years ago I would probably have said don't touch it, but 180,000km isn't a lot for a car today. It does to some extent depend on how long you plan to keep it, but if it's in good condition and has been regularly serviced I would expect that you should get 100,000km and out of it, and probably more.

Drive the VW Golf to calibrate yourself with the best car in the class, but go ahead and buy the Hyundai because it's the modern-day Corolla and definitely gets The Tick from me.