Why it pays to shop around when you’re getting your car serviced

Prices vary widely for logbook services, so it’s best to get a couple of quotes before you book the car in.

Ford Everest Titanium

In the past I have always taken my cars for all the book services to the dealer who sold me the vehicle. A friend refuses to use the local Mazda dealership to service his CX-5 diesel due to the exorbitant costs. My Ford Everest diesel is almost due for its 30,000km service.
I obtained a quote from a recommended local diesel mechanic, who guarantees to complete the service to Ford‘s specifications. His quote was $260. The local Ford dealer’s quote was $560. Guess where I will be going.

Robert, email

It’s always good to shop around, perhaps also pressuring the dealer for a better price.

 

PUT IT ON THE CALENDAR

Do you have any idea on when the 2018 Volkswagen Touareg will be released here?

Doug Phayer, email

You have a while to wait, as its arrival is set for September. The likely starting price is in the mid-$70,000 range.

 

EASE OF ACCESS

I would like to buy a second-hand small SUV about two years old. I just need it for the ease of getting in and out of and for driving around locally.

Lorraine Byatt, email

The Subaru Forester should be top of your list. It gets The Tick from me because it drives like a car, is safe and reliable and has the slightly elevated driving position you need.

 

GET WITH THE GAME

Re preparing to drive overseas. I found it pretty easy to adjust to driving on the other side of the road in Hawaii for the first time. I put it down to playing video PC games for years as a teenager. The driving games were also mostly set in the US so my brain was pretty used to it. I also prefer the road manners of drivers in Hawaii and California and even Mexico to those back in Australia. Aussies need to chill out.

Adam Aldous, email

Parents who worry about excess gaming have just discovered a surprising benefit.

TRAFFIC TRAPS

The danger of driving on the wrong side of the road is obvious on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, where there are “We drive on the left” signs for people pulling out of the numerous parking areas. My husband would drive on the other side of the road in English-speaking countries where we could understand the signage — but after one trip in Canada he drove on the wrong side of the Great Ocean Road. Luckily it was at night and there was no other traffic, which is probably why it happened. He found that driving in traffic overseas was OK but extra care and awareness was needed when entering an area with no other moving vehicles.

Melva Stott, email

There are similar signs heading south from Perth to Margaret River where there are plenty of scenic stops similar to the Great Ocean Road and lots of overseas tourists.

 

APPLIANCE, NOT SCIENCE

I believe we have become almost immune to the weasel words issued by the motoring companies but the reply by Lexus about the cost of upgrading navigation maps certainly takes the cake. Have a look at the satnavs in any local electrical store and there are brand-new models from about $100 up to nearly $300. Many of these, including some of the lower-priced ones, come with lifetime free upgrades. For Lexus to quote $717.34 is unbelievable. Upgrades should be offered at any service for a reasonable cost, as it would only really cost a technician’s time to perform the task, once the manufacturer receives the new maps and distributes them to all the dealers.

Peter Mayne, email

We’re trying to shine a light into the darkness on this topic.

A change of tyres has solved a noise problem for an owner. Pic: Supplied.

TAKE COMFORT

Mercedes-Benz has fixed the tyre issue on my GLC 43, which had a grinding noise when it was turning at low speeds. Last week they fitted new tyres, though I suspect a lot more was involved as they had it all day. The issue is now fixed and it drives how you would expect it to. I’m told the examples now arriving in Australia do not have the problem.

Stephen Bates, email

Changing from a grippy “sports” tyre to something in the “comfort” range, with a softer sidewall as well as a harder rubber compound, will definitely cut noise because the tyre is not scuffing against the bitumen when you turn. It can easily take a whole day at a dealership for a minor job, even changing tyres.

 

FILTHY FILTERS

Re an airconditioning filter being replaced three times in as many years — was it the pollen filter? If that is the case, it is not abnormal to replace them annually. Just like engine air filters they get rather dirty and I replace the filter in our family car every year and always find it’s filthy. The problem is with manufacturers and their stupid fixed-price servicing not including these types of consumables.

Matt Rafferty, email

It is indeed the pollen filter but far too many dealerships are now changing these when it’s not required. Capped price servicing — not fixed, which is not allowed under consumer law — has been a giant benefit to car owners.

Wise choice: Skoda Superb. Pic: Supplied.

 

FORWARD THINKING

I am considering buying a Skoda Superb 206 TSI all-wheel drive. What is your opinion on this vehicle?

Peter Huleatt, email

The Superb is excellent, hugely spacious in the rear, and it’s from the VW Group. It gets The Tick from me. Unless you really want AWD, look at a lesser spec front-driver. If you want to cross shop, look at a Subaru Outback.