Mazda Problems

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.

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.

You've read my mind. After a back-to-back last week with the CX-5 I'm now recommending the Sportage as top in its class. Both get The Tick from me. I think the Sportage is as impressive as the Kia Sorento people-mover that's our reigning Car of the Year.

Until this week I would have said the Passat was fine but I've just run into a problem with a VW test car. I would now punt for the Liberty, which has just been updated and gets The Tick.

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.

Stick to respected brands like Mazda and Toyota. A 2007-2008 Mazda 2 or Toyota Yaris would meet your requirements and would be good reliable cars for your daughter.

Mazda spokeswoman Karla Leach has good news: "After reviewing the customer's case, we have refunded the cost of the driveshaft."

Mazda released a so-called “fix” for the problem you have. It involves a new dipstick and modified software for the diesel particulate filter. The operation of the DPF was said to be the cause of the problem according to a Mazda spokesman when the “fix” was released. Go to your dealer and have the rework done.