Roadside Assistance: From Skoda being slammed, e-scooter unfairness and Honda Accord love
Our Roadside Assistance columnist Iain Curry can help solve your motoring problems. Send questions to cars@news.com.au.
How can you sleep at night, recommending someone buy a Skoda? I'm a mechanic with my own business for over 30 years and there are certain brands I tell people to avoid: Skoda, anything from Holden ending in 'a', all small Fords, all Rangers and all Nissans. You suggesting Skoda to an elderly person is just crazy. No resale, harder to get parts, harder to work on and generally a piece of crap car. They may be nice to drive, but that doesn't make them good. Don't believe me? Ask another mechanic.
Geoff Gallon, Townsville
Despite the confrontational tone, I won't challenge a mechanic working on these cars – you're at the coalface Geoff, so if that's your experience, fair enough. I did ask another mechanic. 'No worse than other euros, and less drama than most Euro prestige brands,' my mechanic said of Skodas. If other mechanics want to share their thoughts, please write in. Here's my personal experience. I bought a Skoda Fabia in 2015. Great little cheap wagon, never any trouble, and I sold it in 2020 for $5000 less than I paid for it new. Excellent resale. And I reckon an elderly person buying a brand with seven-year warranty is quite savvy. I'd love to know which brands/models you'd recommend Geoff? You only list vehicles you'd avoid.
Please, No More
I've just returned from a Malaysian holiday with a rented Proton X50 SUV, which I liked. Have you ever tested Protons, what do you think and will they come to Australia?
Peter Webster, email
Proton sold cars here from the 1990s, with the Jumbuck ute being the standout, albeit with structural integrity and safety to rival a wet newspaper. Last Proton I tested before it quit Australia in 2017 was the Preve sedan. It was cheap and altogether dismal. New Proton stuff looks okay, but do we really want yet another brand here to join the 80-odd fighting for our dollars? Chinese giant Geely owns a 49.9 per cent stake in Proton, there's been lots of recent investment, and last year there were rumours it could return to right-hand-drive UK. But I reckon we could cope without them.
Now Half Price
Our 55,000km 2022 Haval was in for a service, and I received the dreaded call from the dealer. Front brakes were down to 30 per cent and needed replaced for $1078. I declined and went to a brake specialist where the same job – brakes and rotors – cost $570. How much profit must dealers make?
Robert Adamthwaite, email
Big difference. In fairness the specialist may have used non-original (OEM) Haval brakes, typically reducing price. Certain consumables I'd never use a dealer for: tyres, brakes, windscreen wipers, key battery, etc. unless you've a great relationship with them and want to reward by paying their (usually) higher prices.
Play Fair
Re e-bikes and e-scooters, they have a propulsion system which can travel legally to 20km/h, and illegally at no limit. Why do I pay rego and insurance, have a licence, and display a number plate for my car or motorcycle when they do not?
Peter Haslett, Cashmere
This question needs to be asked and properly answered by every politician, transport and main roads authority and police officer in the country. There are laws in place, but it's obvious to anyone with eyes they're not being effectively enforced. Illegally modified e-bikes and e-scooters are everywhere, people ride two-up, without helmets, on phones, and seemingly can't be pursued by the police. Being electric, riders can zoom away at great speed without fear of being apprehended. I've spoken with my local politicians and police and they talk about their actions and success on the issue, but reality is they've lost control. I'm happy to show graphic evidence to any who disagree.
Easy Fix
I bought a new Skoda Karoq last year, and the driver's side windscreen wiper doesn't clean well. It makes an awful noise and leaves water beading, while the other wiper cleans fine. I contacted the selling dealer and was told wiper rubbers are not included under warranty. What other parts aren't included in a new car warranty?
John A Acott, email
First up, sounds like your wiper needs a simple adjusting, or at worst, a new rubber. This is cheap and easy, and I'd expect any half decent dealer to sort this for free on a near-new car. Consumables aren't warranty covered: tyres, brakes, filters, belts, spark plugs, fluids and the like, but if serviced correctly, the engine, gearbox, technology, trim and paint are. There are some exceptions, so brands offering 'bumper to bumper' warranties are best. Infamously, numerous brands' audio systems have been warranted for less time than the rest of the car, much to owners' bewilderment when they expensively fail. Making modifications, skipping services or participating in motorsport are ways to void the warranty.
In Accord
Re Eric B looking to replace his 2020 Honda Accord, my suggestion is just keep it. They are wonderful cars. I'm regularly asked when I'll change my 2008 Accord, but no way. I'll keep it until it 'falls over'.
Geoffrey Clarke, Lindisfarne
I'm a big fan of car loyalty. There's lots to love about a new car, but why chop in a vehicle that's served you so well? My owned-since-new VW Golf's nudging a decade old and isn't about to be sold. Coincidentally, I'm in a 2025 VW Golf rental car this week, and my wife and I agree our 2016 Golf is nicer to live with – no warning beeps to turn off and it has proper dashboard buttons!
Cancel the Uber
I'm considering a new four-door sedan that won't get me confused with a taxi or ride share. With a budget around $65,000, I'm considering a BMW 2 Series 220 Gran Coupe, Skoda Octavia or Volkswagen T-Cross R-Line. What's the best option?
Toni G, email
Ah, the Uber specials. No Toyota Camry for you. Firstly, the T-Cross is an SUV, not a sedan, so that's out. The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe ($62,900 the 220) best suits … for $65,000 you want prestige. These 1 Series sedans have lovely interiors, but I'm not sold on their looks, and colleagues who've driven them say the ride's harsh. Instead, I'd consider an ex-demo 2024 Audi A3 35 TFSI sedan with roughly 1500km showing. Dealers are trying to shift these for well under $50k, or about $10k below list price. Larger but not quite as premium is the Skoda Octavia Sportline at $46,490 on the road. It's a hugely practical liftback sedan, and with reassuring seven year warranty, so is the pick with sensible hat on.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News.com.au
an hour ago
- News.com.au
V8 pit stop one weekend a year, charming Qlder the rest
If the sound of V8s gets your motor revving, check out this character-filled Queenslander that hit the NQ property market just in time for the Townsville 500. The three-bedroom property backs onto the Townsville street circuit between turns 10 and 11, sitting on an 878 sqm block at 20 Flowers St, Railway Estate. It is listed for sale for offers over $529,000, which is almost half of the Brisbane median house price of $1.015m. Imagine hearing the roar of V8s from your own back deck – only once a year, mind you – or being able to stroll to the race from your front door. Selling agent Ben Waugh of Elevate Property Partners said there were glimpses of the track from the back deck of the home, but with some lifting and renovations, the home could be the perfect spot for a Supercars party. 'You'd almost be able to feel the cars with how close (the property) is to the track,' he said. 'The area also has completely restricted street parking for residents only when the V8s are on, but this home has big side gate access, which means there is plenty of parking for friends and family.' The elevated house has three bedrooms, an open plan kitchen and dining room, a separate lounge and a sunroom running along the front of the house. Out the back there is a large deck looking out over the yard and swimming pool with glimpses of the track through the trees. The home has plenty of character with timber floors, VJ walls, high ceilings and stained glass windows. Downstairs there is a laundry and loads of storage space with breeze blocks adding further character. Mr Waugh said when the Townsville 500 wasn't on, Flowers St was a quiet pocket close to Townsville CBD and walking distance to Queensland Country Bank Stadium. 'It's a hugely wide, tree-lined street and the area is largely owner-occupier,' he said. Mr Waugh said the home had been listed for sale for just two days and had already attracted huge interest from investors and owner-occupiers. 'The sub-$550,000 price point is very attractive to buyers,' he said. 'It's also a great location, and you're getting a large almost-900 sqm block and a structurally sound home with a brand new roof and gutters. 'You've also got an in-ground pool, side access and plenty of room for a big shed.' Mr Waugh said he was opening the house at 5pm on Thursday afternoon, to allow potential buyers through the property before street access was restricted for the V8s. 'I'm looking forward to this early open home … we've had a lot of interest already,' he said.
News.com.au
8 hours ago
- News.com.au
Melbourne Cup prizemoney to be paid from first to 24th after $10m race confirmed
Racing Victoria has confirmed prizemoney increases for Australia's most famous and best races. Melbourne Cup prizemoney has officially increased to $10m with all starters to share in the bounty. The Cox Plate has also been boosted to $6m – up from $5m – to mark the historic last weight-for-age championship on the traditional Moonee Valley Racecourse before a major redevelopment. Racing Victoria is set to confirm prizemoney schedule for the 2025-25 season on Thursday. This masthead on Monday revealed the Melbourne Cup and Cox Plate prizemoney decisions. VRC chief executive Kylie Rogers has welcomed the Melbourne Cup prizemoney increase. 'We are thrilled to finally be able to allocate the prizemoney the Lexus Melbourne Cup deserves,' Rogers said. 'It's the 'People's Cup' and frankly $10m allocated across all participants from one to 24 keeps the dream alive for all local, domestic and international participants.' Prizemoney historically for the Cup has been paid down to 12th place from $4.4m to $160,000. While the status quo remains for the top half of the Cup field, from the first Tuesday in November this year 13th to 24th will each receive $100,000. Last year the Melbourne Cup carried $8m prizemoney and a $750,000 18-carat gold three-handled trophy. Rogers praised VRC chief racing officer Leigh Jordon for the new payment structure. 'It takes a lot to get to the Cup,' Jordon said. 'Spreading it right down to the bottom gives everyone a chance in the race domestically and I think internationally it will help a little bit too … it takes a bit to fly out here and participate in the Cup. 'It's good for our grassroots participants here in Australia and New Zealand … it's the People's Cup and we want everyone to be able to run in it.' The VRC has also officially recognised the Geelong Cup and Moonee Valley Gold Cup as 'win and you're in' Melbourne Cup qualifiers. 'Geelong Cup and Moonee Valley Gold Cup have historically delivered, naturally, Melbourne Cup starters and so we thought we would richly reward them and formalise them as part of our golden ticket program,' Rogers said. 'Now we have a $10m Melbourne Cup with 10 golden tickets leading in.' An industry-wide collaborated and approved 'strategic reallocation' has allowed RV to maintain the overall prizemoney pool while also being able to boost select races from grassroots to elite level. A reduction in All-Star Mile and Australian Cup prizemoney – now $2m from $2.5m last year – has boosted the Newmarket Handicap ($1.5m to $2m) and Melbourne Cup.
ABC News
20 hours ago
- ABC News
Two flown to hospital, more injured after vehicle flips in three-car crash at Sale blackspot
Two people have been flown to Melbourne by air ambulance and three others are in hospital after a three-car crash at a notorious intersection in eastern Victoria. Emergency services were called to the intersection of Cobains and Gibsons roads, Sale, about 1:40pm on Wednesday and found a car on its roof and two others badly damaged. Two people were flown to Melbourne's The Alfred hospital with serious injuries while three were taken to Sale Hospital. Wellington Highway Patrol First Constable Kurt Caddy said the circumstances of the crash were under investigation. "It's a pretty notorious road, unfortunately," he said. "It is a 60kph zone. We do have stop signs in place — it's just another unfortunate accident and the investigation will determine whether it was preventable or not." First Constable Caddy said it was too early to say if speed was a factor. "We'll just need to establish that … and hopefully we'll determine that soon," he said. Locals at the scene called for the intersection to be turned into a roundabout to reduce crashes. Philip Smith, who lives nearby, saw the ambulance helicopter fly over his backyard. "My stepdaughter said, 'There's an accident on the corner,'" Mr Smith said. "Really, they need to put a roundabout or something there to slow down the traffic. Mr Smith said the intersection was busy, with a basketball stadium and soccer ground nearby. "They've got to do something about it," he said. Sale Accident Recovery manager Gary van Duin said it was the 10th serious accident he had responded to at the intersection as a tow truck operator.
