Toyota Problems

CORRECT. No one has done the testing to certify the Kluger on LPG. You could ask a system importer or manufacturer to develop a system on your car, but they would need the car for six to eight weeks, which may be inconvenient.

IT SOUNDS like a problem with the fuel supply, so I would have it checked from tank forward. Make sure nothing in the tank is causing a blockage of the fuel pickup; check the pump, the lines and every part of the fuel system through to the injectors themselves.

IT DEPENDS on the size of van you need to accommodate your ``things''. If you can get away with a small van, go for a VW Caddy, which is based on the Golf and drives like one. You can buy the Caddy with a diesel engine, which will cut your running bills, and you will find it a most comfortable van to travel in. If the Caddy is too small for your needs go for a larger European van, such as a VW Transporter, Mercedes-Benz Vito or Renault Traffic. All are good to drive, comfortable and, with diesel engines, economical to run.

DRIVING around Australia today is a very different proposition to what it was in the 1970s. The roads are much better, communication has improved out of sight, and there are more dealers and service agents on the route you're likely to take. Back in the 1970s you went in a big Aussie six because they were tough and unlikely to break down. They were also easy to fix on the side of the road, and parts were relatively easy to get in the middle of nowhere. Today, if you're sticking to the blacktop, I would take a Commodore or Falcon and there are plenty available within your budget. But if I were going off the beaten track I would think about a four-wheel drive with its higher ride height for ground clearance, its ruggedness, and its drive system. Early Nissan Patrols, like an MQ, or early LandCruisers would be good, reliable and tough transport.

THE answer depends on the condition of the cars. Without knowing that it's hard to make an accurate call, but my feeling is the Camry has too many kays on it, the Leganza is too expensive and the long-term durability of Daewoos is unknown to a large extent, which leaves the Saabs. Of the two, I would go for the one with the lower kays, though there isn't much in it.

INSTALLERS say that there are no issues with converting the Prado to dual-fuel. There are a number of quality brands available and any will do the job. Most will offer you a gas-injection system, which is easily the best, but it will cost you more. Generally an injection system will set you back $3500 to $4500.

THE only reason to buy a Prius is to protect the environment, not to cut your running costs. That's because of the purchase price. It would take some time at the mileage you do to recoup the extra money you would pay out to buy the Prius in savings at the fuel pump. Same with the diesel. As a rule of thumb, it generally takes about 70,000km to recoup the extra you pay to buy the diesel over a petrol-fuelled car. The LPG option is probably the best one, because you would recoup the cost of fitting the system within a couple of years.

IT'S A Toyota, so be assured it will be reliable provided it has been serviced according to the Toyota schedule. The first thing is to check the service record to make sure everything has been covered. Because it has been promoted as an off-road vehicle, make sure it has sustained no damage as a result of being thrashed through the bush. The RAV4 will handle some light off-road driving, but is not designed for really heavy going and is prone to being damaged by someone intent on pushing it beyond its limits. As for cost, $9000 is a fair market price for the car at your local yard, but you could try to negotiate it down to $8000.

ANY new model will be more expensive than the last. That's the way it works. As for reliability and maintenance, I think they are very similar. The Mazda is a well-built car, as is the Camry, and both drive well. I would go for the Mazda6 over the Camry for a better driving experience.

THOSE early Camrys are tough, reliable cars, but they won't survive long if you don't service them. The main thing is to change the oil and the oil filter, something you could do yourself. If it has other problems, take it to a mechanic. As for its value, your car is getting close to the end of the road. Depreciation doesn't come into it at such an age, its value is determined by its condition. If you don't service it and have the problems fixed you will have trouble selling it. In good condition it will probably be worth $1000 to $1500.