Roadside Assistance: Frustrated motorists speak out

Upset by a long wait for a new model? Not sure about potential problems with your ride? Let our motoring experts help.

Car trouble? Send your motoring questions to [e-mail] and our advice columnist Iain Curry will get on the case.

TIRED OF WAITING

In March 2022 I ordered a Toyota Yaris Ascent Sport and was told the wait would be, at worst, five months. Almost a year later still no car, and a Toyota representative claims there are no Yaris Ascents available anywhere in Australia. They say they have no idea when one will be available, unless I’m willing to purchase a more expensive model. I feel very let down. Do you have any knowledge of waiting times?

Pamela Scott, email

Toyota customers often face long waiting times.

Pricemycar.com.au states the average wait for a Yaris is 319 days but that includes more in-demand hybrids, which you didn’t order. A Toyota spokesman said: “It’s not a great position (for you) to be in, we understand that. The dealer’s still best placed to inform, but they can only give out information they receive. The customer can wait, or try getting a different grade. We’re expecting better supply in the second half of the year for most models.”

Not good news for you and as the dealer’s not been told your car’s build date, it’ll still be a long time until you receive yours. Toyota has also just increased the price by $900. I’d cancel the Yaris and look at a Volkswagen Polo, Suzuki Swift or Mazda2.

Modern service requirements can be complicated.

COME CLEAN

Every time my wife’s Mazda is serviced she’s asked if she wants its injectors cleaned for $100. She always declines as she uses 98 octane fuel with cleaning additives. I agree with her decision, do you?

Michael Capek, email

I agree and so do the experts at the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC). A spokesman said: “If your Mazda performs well, fuel economy’s not worsened dramatically and you use quality fuel at the recommended RON, there seems no good reason to have your injectors cleaned. It wouldn’t hurt, but you may not notice any difference.” You can buy bottles of injector cleaner for about $15, which you simply add to your fuel tank.

Audi’s Q7 is not cheap to fix.

OUT OF THE BLUE

Our 2017 Audi Q7 diesel has an AdBlue issue. Apparently the sensor is faulty and the car’s on a countdown to stop running no matter how much AdBlue is added to the tank. Our dealer contacted Audi Australia but they’ve refused to help with the repair bill, which we expect to cost around $5-6000. We’re struggling to find this sort of money.

Ian and Gaynor Morris, email

Audi forums show this AdBlue fault is well reported and very costly. AdBlue is a fluid injected into the car’s exhaust system to reduce emissions – some diesel Audis, Peugeots, VWs, Mercs and more require it. That repair bill’s frightening. You have a few options. Contact Audi Australia yourself through its customer care line. Ask for out-of-warranty goodwill repair as your car has been serviced correctly, you use an Audi dealer and the car (and AdBlue parts) are only five years old. If no luck, request they pay parts and you the labour. If you have no luck, try challenging the reasonable life expectancy of the parts under Australian Consumer Law. Finally, I’d go to an Audi/German car specialist for a detailed diagnosis and, no doubt, a cheaper repair bill.

Space saver spare tyres are lighter than regular wheels, and run at higher pressure.

EXTREME PRESSURE

Regarding space saver spares, you say these tyres should be inflated to 60 psi. Why?

Brenton Faggotter, email

Your space saver is designed to hold more pressure. It has a smaller contact patch with the road than normal tyres, so needs more pressure to support the car. Tyres lose pressure over time, so if you start at 60 psi, those who never check their spare are more likely to have some air remaining when it’s eventually needed. As an aside, my road bike’s tyres take 120 psi, showing the pressure required on really thin tyres.

What is a 20-year-old car in mint condition worth?

ONCE IN A LIFETIME

My wife no longer drives, so we’re considering selling her showroom condition 24,475km 2003 Toyota Corolla auto. It’s always garaged so its lovely red colour is unmarked. We’d rather not sell, but we’re in our 80s and wonder what we could reasonably ask for it.

Col and Norma Hickman, email

Car tragics like me go all irrational for “retirement spec” cars like yours, especially with such low mileage. It may be a 20 year-old humble Corolla, but if it’s as perfect as you claim, an enthusiast may be unable to resist. If you’re in no rush, try $15,000 and hope someone bites. You could even contact Toyota Australia and Toyota owner clubs to see if they’re interested in your time-warp Corolla.