Mazda Problems

The Kuga is a good drive but, like Rob, you should get her to test drive the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson before making a decision.

The best thing you can do and the cheapest solution is to change tyres, not cars. Australian roads are notorious for generating excessive tyre noise from our coarse-chip bitumen and a tyre specialist — for example, Bob Jane T-Marts — can probably advise on rubber that will reduce your problem significantly. Otherwise, wait until we see what the new Sportage is like, based on the impressive work by Kia on its latest Sorento.

Jeep is overhauling its customer support systems in Australia and I'm much more confident in recommending the Grand Cherokee. It will also be fine for your towing and any off-road work.

It appears it's still an issue, and not just with the BT-50. Others have the same problem. If you're going to buy a one-tonner and want to work it hard consider having the rear suspension upgraded.

The limited competition provided by Ford-Holden-Toyota is having little if any effect on parts prices and that won't change. Is the headlight price on the MX-5 just an excuse to get the car you really want?

I couldn't recommend either one, both have issues with their transmissions as your homework suggests. I would urge you to look at similar models from brands such as Mazda, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai and Kia.

That's great news but no surprise on the Mazda front.

I was also a bit shocked to see the fitted price is $2609.75, but that's likely to be similar to most of the other new LED systems. LED lamps give better light intensity and control, drain less energy, and allow more flexibility in front-end design and styling, so they're not technology just for the sake of it.

The CX-5 gets The Tick and is best in class, as is the CX-3 tiddler. But if you want something sized between them then I also give The Tick to the Honda HR-V.

There's no option but to fix whatever is wrong with the ABS system, without doing that the system won't be working and your braking is affected. Without knowing what is wrong with it it's hard to comment on the quoted cost of repairs. To save some money you could go to an independent mechanic, or a brake specialist.