Which used station wagon should I buy?

Car prices have gone through the roof in recent years, making it tough for buyers to find a genuine bargain. But there are some good options.

The Skoda Superb is an excellent used car buy. Picture: Supplied.

Got an issue with a car dealer, or just want to get something off your chest? Our expert Iain Curry will answer any motoring related questions, whether its a warranty complaint or advice about car repair and maintenance.

A SAFE AND RELIABLE WAGON

I’m looking for a safe used car, a post 2010-model, with good load-carrying ability and priced around $10-12,000. A wagon or van would be great, but commercial vans seem way too expensive. We’ve checked out some Subaru Liberty and Outbacks, but what others do you suggest?

Anthony Brinkley, Cheltenham

Safety’s important and commercial vans of that vintage had minimal safety features. A good wagon’s hard to look past. Check out 2014 and later Skoda Octavia wagons – they’re safe and surprisingly spacious. The Skoda Superb from 2009 to 2015 is massive, safe and in budget. VF Commodore wagons are reasonable load-luggers too: your budget snares 2013/14 models. As with all cars this age, have a mechanic do a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

The Skoda Superb wagon is a good safe bet for a second-hand vehicle. Picture: Supplied.

END IN SIGHT

My Kia’s warranty expires in June this year. For over two years, my Kia dealer’s been trying to fix a noise coming from the steering or front suspension. The dealer advises Kia Australia will no longer warrant the unfixed problem after the warranty expires. This doesn’t seem right to me.

Eric Wake, email

That’s not right. If the Kia dealer’s acknowledged there’s a problem and has tried to remedy it, it shouldn’t matter when your warranty expires. You’ve reported the issue during the warranty period: it’s not your fault they’ve been unable to fix it. You must speak with Kia Australia yourself (131 542) for clarification. The only grey area I can see is if the noise is due to wear and tear, rather than defects in materials or workmanship. Finding the cause is paramount. Perhaps try a different dealer?

GOODWILL HUNTING

Sometimes loyalty is rewarded. I bought a Nissan Pulsar new from Essendon Nissan in 2013. Four years and 40,000km out of warranty the CVT gearbox failed and I asked the dealer if they’d contribute to a replacement. They secured approval for a new CVT supplied and fitted under goodwill, with no cost to me. Fantastic result.

Graeme Pearce, Avondale

That’s very impressive. Goodwill is a funny thing with many variables. It helps if you’ve stayed loyal to the dealer network and your kilometres aren’t too high. Not everyone who asks will receive but your experience is a reminder that there’s nothing to lose by asking.

It’s always worth asking your dealer to share costs on a repair, even if the car is out of warranty. Picture: Supplied.

SPARE TIME

Re: Mazda3 owners wanting a full-size spare, I managed it on my 2017 version. For under $200 I bought the same-size wheel from a wreckers and a good condition tyre. I used a threaded bar cut to length, and two nuts extended the hold-down clamp. Fill-in foam (not cheap) raised the boot floor by 120mm to allow the full-size spare to fit.

Ken Moschetti, email

Very industrious, Ken. Others have sent me similar DIY instructions and there are tutorials on YouTube for those keen on trying.

A BOOT FULL

Re: full-size spares, we bought a steel rim from a wreckers and a good used tyre for our Mazda3. It’s stored in the garage, then on extended trips we put this full-size spare in the boot along with our two suitcases – a better solution than limping along at 80km/h on a space saver to the next town. Simple solution.

John Lebsanft, email

Fair call, but I’d compel you to tie that spare down in a hatchback. It’d be incredibly dangerous in the event of an accident. If you’ve got the sedan, no worries.

Full-size spare tyres are disappearing from our roads. Picture: Supplied.

AUTOMATICS FOR THE PEOPLE

Re: no more manual gearbox Mazda3s, there are two sides of the coin. My father had to switch to automatics as his left knee went and it was painful to push in a clutch. We forced him to buy an automatic Corolla and he realised it brought pain-free driving.

Peter Haslett, Cashmere

If a manual change causes pain, or all your driving is in stop/start traffic, an auto is unquestionably the way to go. What Mr Hagley (and I) bemoan is having the choice removed. My (manual) 2017 VW Golf family car hasn’t been replaced because viable alternatives are now auto only.

SAFETY MANUAL

The pros of manual gearboxes? Firstly, towing. Secondly, have you ever heard of a manual car going through a shop front? Third, kids won’t steal your car as they can’t drive manuals.

Tim Smith, Mudgeeraba

Brilliant. Who needs steering locks or immobilisers when you have three pedals?

INFORM YOUR PUBLIC

Nigel Tice is absolutely correct; I too am amazed and saddened that serious road accidents aren’t fully investigated and the results published, including what actions are taken to prevent them reoccurring. Are government departments and politicians taking things seriously?

Barry James, Douglas, QLD

They should. Last year was the highest Australian road toll since 2017, despite significant vehicle safety improvements and ever-more “safety” cameras in those five years. The government’s road deaths database at bitre.gov.au gives you location, type of victim (passenger, pedestrian, etc.), speed limit on that road and more. It also breaks down the type of accident – head-on, single vehicle, etc – and deaths where drink driving, drug driving or wearing no seatbelt played a part.

Originally published as Which used station wagon should I buy?