Subaru Problems

The CX-3 is the best in the baby class and gets The Tick. It’s not great for value and could be a bit small. You should also check the latest Subaru Forester, which is much improved.

Fitting non-factory accessories by dealers is normal practice, so I'm not surprised that the dealer did that on your car when you asked to have a camera fitted. You assumed it would be a factory camera, but you should have asked and specified that you wanted a factory one fitted. Still, the camera they fitted should be covered by a warranty and if it is malfunctioning you should be able to have it repaired or replaced.

Audi already has the Q3 but the smart choice for someone on a relatively tight budget and who needs some ski-field security is a Subaru Forester.

Boxer engines are known to use oil because of their design and the Subaru mechanic we spoke to said the consumption you are claiming isn't alarming. He isn't aware of a problem with oil consumption, but told us that it is important to have the car serviced as per Subaru's schedule and to use the recommended oil.

Your budget limits your choices, but the Liberty is certainly worth considering. You could also look at a Mazda3 MPS, a Honda Accord Euro, or a Mini Cooper.

The Sorento is a long-term CarsGuide favourite and one of the best things is the basic package is so good you don't have to spend big to get a car that will work well for the long haul. It definitely gets The Tick.

I've just driven the latest Liberty and Forester and can report Subaru's CVT is vastly better than past versions. The cars are also a step up in quality and refinement. I recommend getting the EyeSight safety package.

An Outback with the four-cylinder petrol engine has a private price guide between $19,500 and $22,000. At 50,000 km yours has done less than the average, so it would most likely come in at the higher end of the range.