It’s unlikely that Toyota Australia would introduce the Crown down under. That car is more or less a Japanese domestic-market vehicle and is considered too narrow for Australian (and North American) tastes. But plenty of Aussies have imported their own Toyota Crowns in recent years and, in fact, there are businesses in many locations devoted to importing these vehicles and selling them here. With that in mind, there’s less risk in buying an imported Crown than in owning some parallel (unofficial) imports because there’s a whole industry out there involved in parts and service for the model.

Perhaps another way to go would be to have the seats in your car re-padded to better suit your requirements. Maybe even a set of plush seat covers would provide the extra layer of comfort you’re after. If not, test drive the current-model Toyota Camry; it’s very Lexus-like in its refinement and comfort and, thanks to modern packaging, it’s huge inside. The hybrid version is excellent value and if more people test-drove the Camry, we reckon there’d be a few less SUVs sold.

There is no bad XV40-series Aurion. As a V6-powered version of the ever-reliable Camry, it is a strong, smooth and powerful sedan with plenty of getup and go.

Our only recommendation would be to ensure that all service intervals were carried out, as this 3.5-litre V6 engine is a sophisticated piece of engineering that needs proper maintenance. If the car has been neglected, walk away. Always buy on condition.  

The AT-X was the base model, so it might be a little light-on in terms of luxury features, so go for one of the Prodigy, Sportivo/ZR6 or Touring versions.

In 2011 the second-generation Aurion brought a few more safety and luxury features, so if you can stretch to that it is definitely an improvement, albeit one on an already impressive car.

Boy, there’s a big difference between a Toyota CH-R and an Isuzu MU-X, Kathy. Rarely would both those models make it to the same short-list. In any case, the problem you’ll face is that buying any brand-new car involves waving goodbye to a large chunk of its residual value the same day you drive it home for the first time.

Who is advising you to get rid of the Toyota? I’ve seen plenty of V6 Toyotas with more than 300,000km showing and still going strong. And if the mileage does worry you, what about finding a low-kilometre second-hand Aurion and pocketing the many thousands of dollars you’ve saved by not buying a brand-new car? You already know you love the way the Aurion drives (and its reliability is beyond question) it’s big enough for grand-kids and it’ll handle its share of dirt-road action.

If you can’t find an Aurion, a V6 Camry is a good alternative, offering a similar level of interior space, performance and lots of value for money. A later-model example will also have side-curtain air-bags to protect rear-seat passengers. And when the word honesty is used in the context of cars, a Toyota Camry is one of the first mental images to appear.