Mercedes-Benz Problems

For me, your best choice would be a Mercedes-Benz GLA (above left). It is the SUV of the baby Benz range, with good space and comfort, the space, safety and seats you need with a hatch to get access to the boot. It definitely gets The Tick from me.

Mercedes-Benz Australia admits there is a problem but has no timeline yet on a solution. I'm not a fan of the Keyless Go in any case and my solution is to plug the electronic key into the slot beneath the silver start button. Remove the plastic cap first.

The GLA is actually my favourite of all the baby Mercedes-Benz models and I reckon it should suit her fine. It gets The Tick from me.

It sounds as if you want a sporty SUV and, with that budget, I’d be advising a late-model BMW X5.

It really comes down to finances and your needs. Personally, I would get out before 160,000km and the new C-Class is definitely a great choice. But don’t go overboard as even the basic C200 is a ripper and would be my pick.

The X3 would be fine but you should also - perhaps surprisingly - consider a Volvo XC60 which I rate as slightly better than the BMW as a secondhand choice.

It’s the GLC by a clear margin. It’s completely new, more refined in all things from the cabin to the suspension, and better value. It gets The Tick from me.

If you want to have your cake and to eat it too, then you need Airmatic. It will improve comfort, and also agility in the Sport suspension setting, but it will cost you around $2500.

You're clearly not getting anywhere with the dealership, which appear to have given up on you. It's time to take your complaint further up the company tree and contact Mercedes-Benz directly. Ask them to have a technician from head office assess your car. Phone them on 1300 730 200.