Car Servicing

My Ford Territory, when cold, will not go into reverse. It will when the car is warmed up and will engage after a small delay after a couple of seconds. We bought the car new and had a full replacement gearbox under warranty after only 25,000km. The car has now done 101,000 kms.

I have a Toyota Corolla, 2012 model, which has done 112,000kms. I am not sure if my car has chain or timing belt. Do I have to change it or replace it in a major service? If yes, how much it going to cost me?

I recently had my car serviced by a VW specialist and the person that serviced it advised me that the water pump had some sweating. I subsequently took it to a dealer for a second opinion. They advised me that there wasn't a problem with it. I have been monitoring the coolant levels and haven't noticed any movement. I know these cars can have problems with water pumps but the vehicle I have has only travelled 14,008 kms and is serviced religiously. My question is do I get a third opinion?

My 2014 Pajero has been regularly serviced, and recently got a new fuel filter, new tyres, new rear brake pads and a service two weeks ago. However, yesterday, the exhaust was blowing smoke, and the car would only do 60km/h with the pedal down, and was jolting in between gears. Listening to it, it wasn’t running right. It’s done 160,000 kms. Are they known for issues?

My daughter and I both have 2014 Mitsubishi Mirages and they are both making the same noise. The belt has been changed on both cars as this was what Mitsubishi told me the problem was. But this only fixed the problem for a short time. It’s a squealing noise on acceleration. Any ideas, as they can’t tell me at this point?

I have a 2001 AU Falcon ute. It's a 4.0-litre single cam and it's got a miss. It seems to be cylinder number six. I changed the plugs, but within 500km the miss has returned a few times. Is it the ceramic part of the plug cracked, or is the spark-plug fouling? Any thoughts? Also, can this car run on e10?

I have a new Triton GLX auto and am experiencing a shuddering through the car when travelling at a steady speed. The suspension has had an upgrade but it is still present. Any ideas on the cause?

My 2005 Holden Astra has trouble starting the first time, when left sitting for anything like six hours plus. Doesn't matter if its day or night, cold or hot days, once it is started there’s no issue what so ever. I’ve been to two different mechanics and still have the same issue.

What vehicle best suits my needs? I work for a large organisation that sources vehicles primarily from Toyota. Our people travel across regional and remote Queensland to deliver services and are restricted by budget. I am seeking advice on what is the best type of vehicle for the type of driving we do. Here is a specific example and I am trying to determine if a 4WD provides an advantage or is unnecessary:

- servicing central and western QLD;

- travelling from centres like Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville west to Longreach, Winton and Cloncurry;

- on the road for between 3-5 days maximum twice each month;

- driver and 1 passenger;

- carrying resources and service information appropriate to the need (largest item would be a portable marquee);

- mainly sealed roads, some dirt roads (condition unknown);

- high likelihood of encountering wildlife (Roos, Emus, cattle, wild boar).

This will give you an idea. While I would like to provide 4WD vehicles to all services, it is cost prohibitive and I don’t have it clear that a 4WD is required. Can you help me?

What are the pros and cons of a 2018 MG ZS?