Toyota Problems

The quality of new-car batteries does seem to be falling but it’s more about car makers trying to save money. In my experience a quality charger, like the C-Tek one I use for my Toyota HiLux, helps by keeping the battery in the best possible condition for a vehicle that’s not in regular use.

Talk to your dealer about getting the latest version installed. The version you have was most likely the latest available when the vehicle was built or the GPS produced.

You definitely need to get the servicing done "by the book" on the number of years, not the kilometres travelled, as short stop-start runs are worse for a car than long highway trips. As for the Aurion, it's a great choice.

With your budget you’re looking at quite an old model, particularly if you want a 4WD dual-cab ute. You’d be looking at something around 2007-2008, but my concern with vehicles that old is that they will have done quite a lot of kilometres. If you want a dual-cab ute, and it sounds like the best option given your needs, go for a Toyota Hilux diesel. The alternative is an SUV, such as a Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Prado, but again you’ll be looking at older models.

The towing capacity of the 2012 Camry is 500kg if the trailer has no brakes and 1200kg if it does have brakes. Given your wanting to tow a small aluminium boat I assume your trailer doesn't have brakes, so the 500kg limit would apply. Remember though that it's the total weight that you plan to tow, which includes the weight of the trailer, not just the weight of the boat and whatever you carry in it.

The latest classy South Korean cars have been out only for a few years, so we have a while to go to match the Prados. But all the signs of good. As for lighter steel ... sounds like an urban myth.

You left out my choice, which is the Kia Sportage.

You’ll struggle to get a 2013 Kluger KX-S within your budget; you would have to go to an earlier model to find one that fits. You’re right the Kluger is roomier, but thirstier than the Outlander, which would fit within your budget. You say you’re a family of four; presumably two of those are children who might be comfortable in the rear seats. It’s probably a compromise, but it seems the Outlander would be the better choice for your circumstances.

It's not me saying it, just reporting the results of owners and car companies. In the case of your Toyota — and I'm also a HiLux owner — it's a tool and not a family car or SUV, which means a different focus on the consumable components.