Your questions answered: Should I swap my LandCruiser for a BMW X5?

Waiting lists on new cars may be subsiding a little, but some brands are still keeping buyers in the dark about when their new ride will arrive.

That's also contributing to sustained strong values in the used car market, prompting one of our readers to consider selling his near-new Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series for a large luxury SUV like the BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE – and pocket considerable savings as a result.

There's also plenty of interest in hybrid and electric cars, especially in the SUV space. One person is even itching to head off on the Big Trip in an electric car.

Plus, we’ve got questions about differentials on EVs and whether smaller electric cars not designed to tow can take a bike rack.

Question: I have a 2021 Toyota LandCruiser VX with only 21,000km, which is probably worth in the vicinity of $120K. The car is in immaculate condition and is washed weekly.

My question is should I back trade this vehicle to a BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE or ML with around 60,000-70,000km which I could purchase for around $50K.

I tow a 2.4-tonne van a couple of times per year and these Europeans should do this. Would it make sense to back trade and put these extra funds into the bank? I don't need to do this for financial reason, just thinking my vehicle is largely underutilised. – Michiel P

Answer: The numbers are quite compelling, but it comes down to how much you want or need the particular attributes of your Toyota LandCruiser. The Toyota will tow better than both the Euros; the LandCruiser's tow capacity is 3500kg while the X5 and GLE are up to 2700kg.

The LandCruiser is also a known quantity – in terms of reliability and history… If you do choose to buy one of the Euros, make sure it's one with a solid service history – and don't expect the same durability you’d get in a LandCruiser. A pre-purchase inspection is also a good idea.

Also check that the down ball weight of your van as it's currently set up does not exceed the allowable on the BMW or Benz… Euros sometimes don't allow for the 10 per cent of the overall tow weight that is the norm in Australia.

That said, both the BMW and GLE will be much nicer to drive when not towing. Another one to stick on the shortlist is the Volkswagen Touareg. It doesn't have the badge but it's got serious luxury inside, as well as grunty turbo-diesel options.

Also keep in mind you’ll likely do without a full-size spare tyre (or any spare at all) on some of those Euro luxury models, something that could be an issue if you’re off the grid.

Question: I ordered a Lexus NX 350 AWD Hybrid in February 2022. 15 months ago. Still not even a make date released. I realise the delays are out of control for the dealers. Should I keep waiting, will it be worth the wait?

I live in the Hunter Valley, love a good long drive once a month, but main driving is short trips around Maitland and Newcastle. I like the idea of a hybrid. Toyota do hybrid well! I don't feel country driving is ready for full electric in my area just yet. I’m a nurse and there is no electric charging at the hospital where I work, 40km from home.

Currently drive top-of-the-range Mazda CX-5 which has been a fabulous vehicle. Done 145,000km, six years old. Should I just wait, or could you suggest an alternative? – Sue K

Answer: The Lexus NX is a good hybrid, but if the dealer can't lock in a delivery time for you (get it in writing!) it could be time to look elsewhere.

If you get an EV with 500km-plus of claimed range (for 450km-plus of real-world range) it should easily do what you need. You could easily get to Sydney, for example, or explore the Greater Hunter. And charging from home will mean you don't have to worry about charging at work.

Check out the Kia EV6 or Tesla Model 3, both great with different strengths. A Polestar 2 is also worth a look and the Swedish brand (it was a spin-off of Volvo and the cars are built in China) is currently doing some deals.

If you’re still wary of an EV then check out the Volvo XC40 line-up. It's a very convincing SUV and is available as a hybrid (or full electric).

Question: We are planning to take one-to-two years off for an adventure around Australia. We want to do it in an electric 4WD and go off-road quite a bit. We’re not keen on towing a caravan, but maybe a trailer.

When will we have some viable 4WD options in Australia and what will they be? It would be great if you could share your thoughts. – Cameron

Answer: It depends how far off-road you want to go. Beyond the issue of charging in remote areas – something that can be done pretty much anywhere, as long as you have plenty of time to spare – there's the challenge of how far the current EV crop is designed to go beyond the blacktop.

There's nothing currently on the market and the only thing due soon that would come remotely close is the Kia EV9 that due later this year. As with other EVs, it doesn't look like it’ll have a spare tyre, but you can theoretically pop one on a roof rack or in the boot (depending on how much luggage you’re carrying).

Ground clearance looks okay (exact specs haven't been released) but it’ll likely not be set up for proper beach driving and adventuring.

If you’re looking beyond about 2025 there should be some electric 4x4 utes arriving soon after that, although exactly when the likes of the Rivian R1T will arrive is still up in the air. Also expect some bigger American 4x4 pick-ups to arrive before too long.

Some of the EV versions of traditional mid-size utes – including the upcoming Kia ute – should also be adventure-ready. They’ll likely be well suited to EV off-roading.

Question: My wife and l have recently retired and are ready to purchase our last new vehicle. We are interested in three hybrid SUVs, which enable easy access due to back issues. We also require built-in GPS and digital radio.

We drive from Adelaide to Melbourne twice a year, the remainder of the travelling will be the Adelaide metropolitan areas only. Please provide your opinion/advice on the following vehicles we are considering to purchase and test drive.

Reliability, ongoing costs to maintain hybrids, PHEV are not an option for us. So… Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos Hybrid 4WD, Honda Z-RV e:HEV VTi LX and Nissan X-TRAIL Ti e-POWER. – Rosemary and Mark

Answer: If saving fuel is your goal then the Toyota Corolla Cross is a clear winner, but it's a smaller vehicle than the other two on your list, so you’d expect it to be economical. Still, the Corolla Cross is a great alternative if you don't need quite as much space as a RAV4.

And while wait times for the hybrid models are shorter than those for a RAV4, you may still have to twiddle your thumbs for a few months while waiting to get hold of one.

As with the other two cars on your list, though, the Corolla Cross AWD Hybrid does without a spare wheel, something that is not ideal for those Adelaide-Melbourne trips. The only real way around that is to buy a non-hybrid.

The Nissan X-TRAIL is the biggest of your shortlisted trio, something that translates to a usefully spacious cabin. It's well-presented, too. As for the e-POWER drivetrain, it's a very different hybrid because the engine never drives the wheels; instead it's used purely to create electricity to power two electric motors.

That makes for more immediacy in its response to throttle inputs and also endows it with handy acceleration, even at freeway speeds. Combined with a low centre of gravity it makes it a terrific SUV to drive.

As for the Honda ZR-V, we haven't driven it yet so can't go into detail. We’ll be getting behind the wheel soon but for now can only comment on the equipment levels and specification announced so far, all of which look solid. The hybrid drivetrain may not have the outright on-paper grunt of rivals, but it boasts impressive claimed average fuel consumption of 5.0L/100km.

If you want the best car, the X-TRAIL e-POWER is bigger and more upmarket than the Corolla Cross. But the Toyota fights back on frugality. We’ll reserve judgement on the Honda until we’ve driven it.

Question: I am looking to upgrade my car this year and was hoping to get your advice on the best one or potential alternatives I may have missed.

I currently drive a 2020 Mazda CX-3 Akari AWD which was my first new car. While it is a nice car, I am missing the kick of a turbo engine and would really like to upgrade to a premium Euro brand. I am looking at spending up to $80K and my top three options are the Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 and Audi Q3 40 TFSI S-line and Volvo XC40 B5 Ultimate Dark.

I am not too fussed about keeping AWD, however I want something that is bigger and sits higher than my CX-3. At this stage I am leaning towards petrol power again, if this is still a good idea? However, I am potentially open to an EV, as long as it has a Euro badge and is not a Tesla.

Answer: A few good choices on your shortlist. We’d be leaning towards the Volvo of the three. Packs plenty in for the money, it's a practical size and comes well equipped. Plus it drives really well.

The GLA 200 may not have the punch you’re yearning for. The Audi certainly will, although it's shaded by the Volvo in some key areas, including bang for buck.

Also have a look at the Cupra Formentor. In its higher performance versions it's a pretty attractive mix of SUV practicality and hot hatch grunt.

As for an EV, if you can easily charge at home then it's well worth a look, particularly considering the state incentives and the federal government's FBT exemption on novated leases. Sounds like you don't want to hear it, but Tesla currently has the best options, which is why they’re selling well.

Outside the Tesla sphere, there are plenty of worthwhile alternatives, but many (including the BYD Atto 3 and upcoming Hyundai Kona EV) don't have the Euro badge you want. So check out the Cupra Born or upcoming Fiat 500e. Or there's the Volvo XC40 Pure Electric.

Question: With reference to the Mustang Dark Horse 2024 model, will all NSW dealers be given Dark Horses Mustangs to sell in limited numbers? I live in the Central West, NSW. When should the arrival date be? Any prices yet? – Ron H

Answer: It's not yet clear whether the Ford Mustang Dark Horse will be a limited-edition per se (a la Mach 1 or Bullitt), but regardless it will likely be in high demand.

I would talk to your nearest dealer as soon as possible to see if they are expecting an allocation, but it would also be prudent to speak with a number of dealers to hedge your bets so to speak. With limited-edition models like this the manufacturer usually ensures all dealers get at least one car, but the overall allocation is often linked to sales of other models (something that could benefit city dealers).

Now for the bad news. First S650 deliveries are now delayed until 2024 and we would be surprised if Dark Horses were in the first batch. The other thing is brace yourself for a substantial price increase, beyond possibly even what the supercharged R-Spec retailed for.

Sorry we can't offer more detail at this stage. Keep an eye on the carsales site for more info as we’ll be publishing it as soon as we have it.

Question: Do EVs use a conventional mechanical diff or do they use electronic smarts to solve the issue of differing wheel track radii? Is there any accruing detriment to battery life caused by super-fast charging or fast charging for that matter, as opposed to slow charging from house/domestic chargers? Is there higher risk of the cells getting out of balance as the speed of the charge increases? – Neil M

Answer: Yes, EVs typically have a traditional mechanical differential that performs the same role it does on an ICE vehicle. It even requires oil!

There are some exceptions, especially when you have two electric motors on one axle. In that instance – such as the rear axle of the Audi e-tron S – each motor is operated independently to account for the different speed of each rear wheel when cornering. And, obviously, all-wheel drive EVs do without a centre differential because the front and rear motors operate independently.

As for the state of the battery with fast charging… Yes, repeated fast charging will degrade the battery sooner, especially if you’re talking upwards of 150kW charging. All EV manufacturers recommend slower AC charging where possible to extend battery life.

That said, even if you charge your EV at the fastest rate for every single charge you’re unlikely to get it below the 70 per cent capacity guarantee that most eight-year-plus battery warranties offer.

As for some cells getting out of balance, we wouldn't be worried about that. All EVs have sophisticated software monitoring charging state, temperatures, cell voltages and so on. It's all about ensuring the battery is treated as gently as possible.

Question: We have put a deposit on a Cupra Born. We have a tow ball-mounted bike carrier with bike less than 80kg. The Born has no approved towing capacity in Australia, however various online sites advertise fitting a Born aftermarket European tow ball for a bike carrier. – Andrew L

Answer: Cupra says it doesn't offer anything or recommend any alternatives. As your online searches have shown, it's certainly possible to get some sort of tow ball fitted to the Born, as it is with the Volkswagen ID.3 with which the Born shares its architecture. Plenty of people also do it to the Tesla Model 3, which is not rated to tow in Australia (although it can tow overseas).

But we’d be concerned about the legalities of carrying a load on a tow hitch when the car is not certified to carry one. The NSW regulations on carrying a bike rack, for example, state that people should "not exceed the maximum weight specified for the tow bar assembly". Given there is no certified tow bar assembly we reckon a diligent copper who isn't one for humour may take a dim view.

Your better option might be to spend the money you would have spent on the tow hitch on a roof rack and bike attachment.

Question: I am looking at buying a new Haval but am sceptical about it. The other two options I was looking at was a Mitsubishi or a Nissan, all five-seater SUV. I need the car to last 10 to 15 years and the reason I am looking at the Haval is the amount of extras you get in it. Some helpful advice would be greatly appreciated as I know nothing about cars. – Tony T

Answer: The Haval SUVs have terrific showroom appeal. The Haval H6 mid-size SUV not only looks good but, as you’ve figured out, it's loaded with gear. It's less impressive once you get it moving, in part because the driver assist systems – such as lane departure warning and auto braking – are poorly calibrated, so give false warnings regularly and generally make urban driving more difficult than it needs to be. The drivetrain and dynamics also don't match the best in the class.

As for how long a car will last, it's impossible to say without seeing the real-world experience, something that could take years. Early indications are the latest GWM-Haval models have a decent reputation for reliability and having the back-up of a seven-year warranty also suggests the cars are built to last.

The Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-TRAIL share plenty beneath the skin (suspension architecture, engine, etc) but the X-TRAIL scrubs up better in the way it's tuned. Both are great value in a competitive segment of the market, too. The X-TRAIL e-POWER is a tempting hybrid offering that drives well and saves fuel.

Question: I have a BMW X5 45e and my question relates to recharging. Should you wait till the battery completely discharges before hooking up the recharger? There is a school of thought that the battery will last longer if totally discharged. – Michael J

Answer: The full-discharge-and-recharge was the thinking with older nickel-metal hydride batteries in phones and other devices a long time ago. Newer lithium-ion batteries (now used in devices and EVs) don't require the full discharge. In fact, with the NMC battery chemistry it's often best not to let the battery fully discharge, although most EVs aren't really empty when they say they’re empty.

So short story is: top it up whenever it needs it and let the car's computer do the battery TLC thing.

Question: I have a 2012 Golf VI 2.0 TDI which has done around 270,000km and I need to replace it asap as it just went back to the repairers for a EGR fault (which they did for free because I have spent so much on the car in the last two years).

I had been considering a Toyota Corolla but you have previously mentioned that Toyota was experiencing supply issues. I am looking for a hatchback and the Golf is now outside my price range as I am looking at spending up to $40K.

I am looking for some suggestions including whether I can get a new car for this price or am I looking at a second-hand car? One of the relatives suggested a Hyundai i30. – Zofia D

Answer: You’ll definitely get into a nice new Corolla for $40K Yes, Toyota has supply issues but the Corolla isn't affected as badly as some other models in the line-up. Call a couple of dealers to get an idea of wait times. Also check on the waits for the hybrid, which could help lower your fuel bills.

While you’re chatting to Toyota dealers ask them about wait times on the Corolla Cross. It's an SUV but relatively compact and could make for a more spacious alternative to the Corolla (which won't be as roomy as your Golf).

If you’re open to a Hyundai i30 then consider a new one. Also stick the Kia Cerato on your shortlist; it uses the same mechanicals as the Hyundai but gets a longer warranty.

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