6 days ago
Roadside Assistance: From Skoda being slammed, e-scooter unfairness and Honda Accord love
From a mechanic's view of Skoda to debates over e-scooter laws, warranty woes and second-hand car smarts, this week's letters reveal what's really driving Aussie motorists.
Our Roadside Assistance columnist Iain Curry can help solve your motoring problems. Send questions to cars@
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.
