Car Servicing

Subaru XV 2013: Using lots of oil?
By Paul Gover · 07 Oct 2014

One year ago I bought a brand-new Subaru XV. I notice I have to add over one litre of oil between services, which are 12,500km apart. Subaru service tells me this is normal.

Read the article
Problem with Fairlane starter motor
By Graham Smith · 03 Oct 2014

When I turn the key to start my 1995 Ford Fairlane and all I hear is the starter motor engaging, but it wont turn over. Any ideas?

Read the article
Civic brake pad life
By Paul Gover · 29 Sep 2014

Your infatuation with European cars - not another Audi! - and bias against Japanese cars is clouding your judgement. My utterly reliable and fine handling -06 Honda Civic Sport has just had its first change of front pads at 182,000 kilometres and the discs are fine. Total cost - $30. So European cars have softer pads, which wear out the discs quicker. Take off the blinkers.

Read the article
Subaru Liberty flat throttle?
By Graham Smith · 26 Sep 2014

My 2006 Subaru Liberty has a flat spot just before 2000 rpm when I accelerate. Can you tell me what might be causing it?

Read the article
Daihatsu Sirion clutch wear?
By Carsguide.com.au · 26 Sep 2014

The 2001 Daihatsu Sirion that I have owned since new has now done 105,000 km. Can you tell me the average life span of the clutch for this type of car? Most of my driving is short distance urban with lots of gear changing as opposed to long distance highway, which I guess would have less wear and tear on the transmission.

Read the article
Toyota HiLux 2005: Should I need a new air-conditioning pump at only 93,000km?
By Paul Gover · 22 Sep 2014

I’ve got a 2005 Toyota HiLux workmate ute and I’ve had to put in a new air-conditioning pump and harmonic balancer at just 93,000km. Have I got any claim on Toyota?

Read the article
Peugeot 508 brake wear
By Paul Gover · 22 Sep 2014

I drive a 2012 508 Peugeot and at the 40,000km service was told the rear pads were down to metal and were replaced. It seems like low mileage to me when I used to get 80,000km at least out of my previous vehicles. Is this normal given it is an auto and I am not hard on brakes?

Read the article
Volkswagen Amarok 2012: Fix for brake wear?
By Carsguide.com.au · 19 Sep 2014

At 20,000 km I had to replace the brake pads on my 2012 VW Amarok. I fitted non-original, softer pads, and now at 45,000 km the problem seems to have been corrected. Why hasn’t VW corrected the problem? This problem increases maintenance and it is very simple to correct. VWs are very expensive to maintain already, and this wear problem affects its reputation.

Read the article
Jeep Grand Cherokee 2014: Thumping rear suspension
By Carsguide.com.au · 18 Sep 2014

I've had a Jeep Grand Cherokee from new in January and it has a really noisy thumping rear suspension that has troubled others. But I was told by my dealership that they are not aware of any reports or issues. Can you please shed light on this issue?

Read the article
Toyota LandCruiser: engine rebuild
By Graham Smith · 12 Sep 2014

When our 200 Series 2007 Toyota Landcruiser VX went in for a 180,000 km service it was discovered that the compression was down in three cylinders and the vehicle requires a rebuild. The apparent cause was dust. This vehicle has never been off road and sees very little dust and is sold under the banner of "king off the road" anyway, so a bit of dust should not be a problem. Toyota has offered to pay 50 percent of parts only. As this appears to be not uncommon, going by web forums, does Toyota have a case to answer and should they cover more of the cost to fix? Quote is $25,000.

Read the article