Shopping for a brand new automotive could be disturbing.

Between the overwhelming vary of choices in Australia – there are greater than 50 manufacturers right here – and the sudden inflow of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electrical options to conventional petrol or diesel engines, it may be laborious to know the place to begin wanting.

Each week, we’re despatched a whole bunch of questions by new automotive consumers looking for their solution to the perfect new automotive.

Listed here are a couple of of the most effective, answered by Paul Gover.

Q: I needed to ask your recommendation about shopping for a Ssangyong Musso ute. It appears to be like OK to me, however perceive it’s in regards to the worth.
James Shone

A: It’s positively in regards to the worth, because the Ssangyong falls wanting the category leaders together with Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max. The Musso has a rough-and-tough repute and is taken into account dependable. In the identical worth vary, have a look at the LDV because it’s more likely to be extra trendy in design and ending, because of a robust export push out of China.

Q: Is it price paying the additional cash for a Mercedes-AMG A45 over the A35? How would you charge these automobiles?
Brian Williamson

A: Each the infant Benzes are sporty hatchbacks, with the A45 positively turning the efficiency dial as much as 10. So the A35 is a pleasant, gratifying, sporty-ish child automotive and the A45 is a full-on AMG go-fast mannequin with severe pace potential.

The A45 is significantly extra expensive and rather more raucous, so you’ll must be wanting the intense finish of the bundle for extra of the time to select it over the A35.

Q: I’m questioning if it’s too quickly to go to electrical as I’m out there for a brand new automotive. I primarily do metropolis driving and occasional journey to the Victorian countryside.

The 2 selections I’m wanting are the BMW X5 40i and the BMW iX 40. They’ve some good offers in the mean time on new vehicles.
Steve Stama

A: It’s too early for most individuals, due to the associated fee. However when you have the money to splash in a BMW showroom, and most of your driving is shorter distances, the iX must be high quality.

Bear in mind to analyze all the small print, together with what you do about residence charging – many Tesla early adopters are huge into photo voltaic – and keep in mind there are not any ensures on future values or battery life.

Q: I’m wanting on the attainable buy of a used Kia Sorento across the 2018-2019 classic with roughly 70-80,000 kilometres.

It might be to ferry three children, and generally mates, in addition to sometimes towing a ship or camper trailer of between 1.0 and 1.4 tonnes.

The kilometres are largely round city and are comparatively low, approx. 12,000 a 12 months, with some freeway journey a couple of instances a 12 months which provides roughly 3000. My dilemma is round whether or not to buy a diesel or petrol model.

I consider the diesel is the higher engine however, with comparatively small journeys being achieved frequently, I’m apprehensive I could have points with the diesel particulate filter blocking up.
Marcus Edward

A: The Sorento is an effective automotive with a superb repute on the secondhand market.

Higher to go petrol when you’re doing largely brief journeys, and the towing – the place the diesel engines scores extremely – can be no drama with such gentle hundreds.

Q: I used to be questioning if the supposed capped-price servicing of Holdens had come to an finish? I lately had my Holden Commodore SS-V serviced and was shocked on the $740 payment.

I used to be then instructed my subsequent service could be $1200.
Wayne Miller

A: Most capped-price service offers are for the size of the guarantee interval, except you signed for an prolonged bundle on the time of buy. Generally it’s attainable to purchase additional protection from a vendor however they normally lock you to the precise dealership for future work.

It’s best to at all times verify the obligatory work for every service – it’s within the proprietor’s handbook – as some sellers will pad the invoice with gadgets you don’t want. Additionally cross-shop the value with different dealerships and, out of guarantee, impartial companies who can do the work to manufacturing unit requirements.

Q: I’ve a 2019 Mazda 3 hatchback which I really like, but it surely’s not sufficiently big with my grandchildren doing the college runs.

It has 37,000 kilometres presently. I’m trying to improve to an SUV on the smaller facet. I’ve solely had Mazdas for the final 14 years and I’ve been actually pleased with them

Additionally, is it higher to promote privately or do a commerce? I’m a bit nervous about promoting privately.
Joan Ryan

A: If you wish to stick with Mazda, the CX-3 will work nicely for you. But additionally check drive a Hyundai Venue and a Suzuki S-Cross, to provide the data and expertise for an knowledgeable resolution.

Should you’re going from Mazda-to-Mazda then a trade-in is smart, however don’t anticipate an excellent worth and make sure you store multiple vendor to get the most effective final result.

A Mazda 3 like yours can be highly regarded with non-public consumers.

Q: I’m after a automobile for my mum who’s in her late 60s and retired. The automobile can be largely used for driving to the retailers and the occasional college pick-up.

She likes the SUV sort or hatch and he or she desires to spend as much as about $20,000. What would you suggest?
Zoran Bocvarovski

A: There are many small SUVs that can work, however that finances means you’ll have to be sensible and shopping for secondhand.

On the SUV entrance, Hyundai Venue is an apparent decide, however for good worth and a automotive that can do what she wants you must also be taking a look at a Suzuki Vitara. As a hatchback, the Kia Cerato is an effective automotive and strong worth or possibly a Suzuki Swift for brief journeys.

Q: My 83-year-old mother-in-law has written off her automotive within the final week and he or she urgently must buy a brand new automobile. Are you able to please give me some recommendation on what’s finest suited to her age group?

She doesn’t need a tin can however she additionally doesn’t need a big automotive both. She doesn’t thoughts the Corollas and he or she desires a hatchback.

Her finances is $15-20,000 so I’m assuming she would solely get one thing secondhand within the vary?
Justine Huby

A: It’s going to positively be a used automotive, however there may be large demand in the mean time holding costs excessive. A Corolla is overpriced so have a look at the Kia Cerato. It does the identical job, is similar dimension and surprisingly good high quality when you have not pushed a late-model Kia, and can include some steadiness on the new-car guarantee at your finances.

Q: I’m wanting to buy an SUV for my spouse related in dimension to the Nissan Qashqai.

Ideally, I need one thing that’s no older than 18 months to 2 years however would contemplate a model new one on the proper worth. My finances is round $35-40,000 however can stretch a bit extra, if want be.

I haven’t gone to bodily have a look at sellers for vehicles but however have checked on-line over the previous couple of months and the Nissan Qashqai appears in that worth vary relying on the mannequin you go for.

What has thrown me is that the Nissan and some others on this dimension all have constantly variable transmissions. Being old-school, in my mid 60s, the concept of a one-speed auto doesn’t sit proper with me. Are you able to please clarify this to me and if they’re OK?

Additionally, the concept of front-wheel drive doesn’t sit nicely with me having pushed Falcons since I obtained my licence.
Domenic Patti

A: Simply go for it – get a brand new Qashqai. It’s one of many highest within the class.

A CVT will not be one gear, you may take guide management with synthetic ’steps’, and the most recent Nissan design is ok for older-timers.

Identical with front-wheel drive, which is now the default design for nearly every part – wanting an Italian supercar – and virtually unimaginable to select.

Q: I presently personal a 2016 Mercedes GLC 250 and I’m on the record for the brand new 2023 GLC 300.

I’d have cherished the hybrid however apparently that’s not coming to Australia, which is irritating in itself.

Within the meantime I’ve seemed on the Kia EV6 GT-Line and was fairly impressed with what I noticed. I sat in a single however was unable to have a check run because it was offered.

As we don’t change our vehicles too usually I suppose I’m asking if I must be taking a look at an electrical automotive? Or do I purchase one other petrol?

I’ve been a Mercedes proprietor for the previous 40 years and have cherished the model, however I believe the electrical GLC is way too costly and that’s why I seemed on the Kia.
Maureen Ries

A: It’s early to be transferring to totally electrical, however it could make sense when you’re largely doing brief journeys.

The Kia is a top-class automotive, and a number of award winner, however the huge downside can be getting one as Kia Australia solely will get restricted shares and they’re nearly an on the spot sellout.

So keep on the ready record for the GLC 300 and push to get an EV6.