How to choose the right medium SUV (the complete guide) | Auto Expert John Cadogan

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[@AutoExpertJC]

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[@johnbambo9036]

Shining an Olight on the dark web now

[@kelvinapted7032]

I think you should work on you content. And for me its none existant. so you have a sponser Nord vpn they will work it out they are the supporter of nothing

[@abastard]

Spam Alert

[@allenrj1]

John, have always loved your posts, however over the past 12 months you seemed to have developed two really annoying habits for viewers. You seem to be spending an inordinate amount of time 'playing with your paperwork'. Secondly you have developed a really annoying habit of looking away from the camera, more interested in whether your scrunched paper ball goes into an alleged bin. Talk to US, concentrate on US the viewers, otherwise it seems you are interested in anything other than those of us watching.

[@AutoExpertJC]

@@allenrj1 Nah - I like things the way they are. Everyone is a frustrated executive producer.

[@CrapToCream]

Interesting vid John, yes I was one of those people, I was a Land Rover / Range Rover "die hard", I had quite a few of them, the good thing was I had a good idea about how to fix them and known faults like oil leaks, I could usually stem the flow but never actually stop them. As technology moved on and the cost of the diagnostics increased I realised it was time to move on, the straw that broke the camel's back was changing the alternator on my 3.6 TDV8 Range Rover, beautiful vehicle, quick for an SUV and pulled like a train. However when the vehicle broke down on the way back from DPC and was eventually towed to a mechanic in a rural workshop, whose response was "if I can't see it mate I'm not fixin it", the vehicle was then transported back to Perth where I replaced the alternator through the O/S wheel arch after having to lift the engine to get the alternator out, four evenings it took me and alot of time looking at You Tube vids, that was it, sold a week later. I now drive a Kia Stinger (Red of course) after watching several vids, your reports and a couple of test drives. Towing and other stuff I have my 79 series dual cab and love it. Keep on going John you're doing a great job.

[@brucesibthorpe9443]

Great work on this one John. Love to see what can be done when someone with knowledge, training and the guts to analyse the vehicle market in Australia and say what they find. Thankyou.

[@daviddarmanin2188]

John great job explaining the reality in layman’s terms as always with a few laughs, keep up the good work!

[@AutoExpertJC]

Thanks David - will do.

[@andyedmond248]

G'day John. Terrific video as per usual. Really appreciate the mix of humour, wit and sarcasm throughout your content. Also appreciate your advice and rational conclusions reference vehicles. I personally have no real passion for 4 wheel cages, as I am and always will be a motorcycle rider (50 plus years and still alive, no missing limbs). My wife however is somewhat different ( Goes without saying really), and she does enjoy her 2017 KIA Sportage. Little heavy on fuel, but do-able. This video has certainly armed us with the information that will assist us in getting her a new SUV in the not too distant future. Thanks again mate, cheers from Nth Qld.

[@dylanmalycha3664]

Loving the latest uploads John, keep up the great work for the good of AUSTRALIA! Always informative delivered honestly. I listen to a great deal whilst at work and know you have rather lengthy videos. Any chance of time stamping a few of the key points to come back too? Cheers and all the best

[@leannebryant9962]

yes, they are quite long but certainly make cooking dinner a lot more interesting!

[@martins1329]

I was in the market for medium SUV last year and after watching your KIA Sportage video went for the NQ5 Sportage GT Line Diesel didn’t want the petrol because of the DCT . Great vehicle Thankyou John for the review on Sportage . Love the torque of the diesel , love the GTLine dash.

[@stryqx]

Another excellent job, thanks John. The only other criteria I can think of to help with the shortlist is the competency of your local dealers. You definitely need at least one who don't think of "customer service" and "competent servicing" as foreign concepts.

[@dennisjanwolterding384]

Dear John: I can " relate " to this topic. In the last 3 years, I've bought 3 SUV's, startinfg with the Kia Seltos, then to the Subaru Forester Touring, and just a week ago to the Subaru Forester Wilderness. Fortunately, I think three is a charm as the Wilderness has given me everything I can expect from a car-down to the frigging geyser-blue color. The cost of this learning curve--for trading in--has been impressive. Luckily, I'm old and have more disposable income than I deserve so I could afford the tutorial of experience.

[@kenc8359]

I'm glad you included Subaru. I still drive my 2004 Liberty GT wagon, first owner, almost 250,000 km. Just replaced the front lower control arms, to replace OE dampers with Bilsteins next. I intend to hang on to it. It has been pretty reliable.

[@ellfra2]

OEM were Bilsteins.

[@MrEtnorb]

The old Commodore and Falcon station wagons were a lot more functional and went much better than just about anything on the market now . I could easily sleep in the back of either.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Yes - they were cavernous in the rear. There is, of course, a joke there somewhere.

[@kevinbarry71]

We have these things called beds

[@petesmitt]

@@kevinbarry71 fit wheels and tow it?

[@kevinbarry71]

@@petesmitt there's a proper separation. Perhaps you were unaware? Houses, hotels.

[@fawshaw3361]

Even better were the panelvans.

[@NicholasCox85]

The 2.5 Turbo in the Mazda CX-5 is the best engine/trans package in the class by a long way. It's a phenomenal drive.

[@minemine7902]

Thank you so much for your advice on buying a new car. I was confused about which one to get in November last year. I did all the things in this video and still came to the same conclusion as to which car to buy. All I need to do now is wait for it to arrive. Again, thank you.

[@patsyypatsyy6458]

Absolutely NEED that bin cam John!!!

[@ckjnr]

Hi John, reached out several months ago regarding the no go with towing for most performance vehicles including the i30n. Pulled the pin a couple of months ago on the cx5 turbo, now awaiting delivery. It's no i30n but it has kick and can do the required towing. Glad that in the end, my choice of brand was on Santa's nice list! Thanks for the vid.

[@karlfarrugia1204]

the best segment you have done.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Thanks, Karl.

[@BradGryphonn]

You've been a busy producer these past weeks, John. Some very interesting content with a no MooPoo approach.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Thanks, Brad.

[@imagineaworldwithdecentpeople]

I'm glad to see you calling out the 3-3.5 tonne caravan nonsense. We've done plenty of travelling and seen the lots of near misses. It's not just the sway issues either. The near misses with overtaking!! Especially with road trains in the mix. The weight is a huge problem with overtaking. Just in case you're interested we have purchased a lightweight solid sided camper (a Mobi xl) that is just over one tonne when fully loaded. It's all you need, unless you can't leave home without all the crap. It is so much safer on and off road and saves a fortune with fuel too. One other thing I wanted to mention is with the hybrid electric thing. There's actually a RAM charger on the horizon that's going to make heavy towing with a hybrid/ev a real option.

[@andrewwhite6586]

When you went through the mainstream list of 22, l cut it down to 3 in about 15 seconds. Forester, Tuscon, Sportage.

[@carlmoll3345]

Best advice so far! Thanks John .

[@AutoExpertJC]

Thanks Carl.

[@jaysnkr]

John super insightful as usual. Kindly consider doing one for premium SUVs

[@WebProfitSolutions]

Thanks Doctor John

[@gauravsobti11]

Thank you so much for this. Love to receive the proper knowledge.

[@rhomacity]

I am on my second Subaru, a Forester, 2015 model. Works perfectly. Dealer is great to work with. My wife has a 2008 Impreza which is still running fine, although Canadian winters are tough on exterior and we had to replace rocker panels eventually and spend some money on upkeep. Each of us owned a prior subaru wagon, both lasted 14-15 years...maybe hers was 18, I can't remember. Always bought the base model to avoid expensive and un necessary frills which just end up as things to fix in the higher end models if you keep cars for a lomg time, as we do.

[@neilhoradagoda9148]

Well done John. Much appreciate the advice. .

[@rickeybartolomei7196]

I did a lot of research before I bought my Kia Sportage SX it suited my needs. The boot space is great, fits three child seats no problems, and most importantly I was able to get it as a manual. The only other car that has manual was the cx5 downfall was the boot space was smaller and the space saver tyre or as I call it. THE DOUGHNUT OF SHAME!

[@mvubu6823]

3 child seats? Crikey, sucker for punishment

[@lowerclassbrats77]

In the US they're not providing any spare to reduce weight to help meet Authoritarian fuel efficiency demands.

[@johnnobloke3419]

Cheers for your thoughts and expertise. I traded in my Ranger last October. Sold the caravan and boat lost nothing in the fun category because I live regionally in Good old Bunbury WA, plenty of things to see and do without much travel and I have my very own 2 acres of my very own dingo piss to pretend camp then sleep in a real bed. At the time my dog was recovering from knee surgery and we wanted something easier for her to get in and out of. That and a car my parents did not need a ladder and push to enter plus a shopping trolley. I did my research but it did not take long to eliminate most. Full size spare was a priority as was the ability to tow a small garden trailer. In my opinion skinny spares should equal a reduction in the safety rating and are a danger on regional roads at least. I nearly fell down laughing when told this or that car could not tow, period. I eventually chose the Subaru Outback partly because you gave it a reasonable review(not interested in hooning so Boxer was and is fine) and it was readily available to both test drive and buy. I bought the sport because the top model comes with a sun roof and meh not interested in baking without the beach. It has turned out to be exactly what I expected so happy with the purchase. Was not happy to hear that Toyota is messing with Subaru but what do you do? One thing annoys me a bit, I call her Hyacinth because she is forever asking me to watch out for the cows! I do sometimes feel like a new tech Guinea pig but all in all a good solid car. Peas love and full size matters. Blokeout.

[@dougsullivan9022]

Another great video, John. Very predictable for those who regularly watch your channel and I don't mean that as a criticism. You brought together many of the things that you have separately covered in other videos. What I would like to know is this.....when will you give us a tour of your workshop. I'm sure that I'm not alone in wanting to see your workshop and what you do in it.

[@ar12.]

Got an xc60 t6 as my first car, it’s safe quite refined and decently quick (just under 7 seconds 0-100)reliable only negative is fuel consumption 15l 100 around town and the average handling thought not bad with the awd system.

[@ar12.]

@@Matthias_Fischer the irony of your name being mg and the issues they have across the range is hilarious and no I think I should be fine already had the windshield leak fixed under warranty and no issues either way my savings are enough for any issue.

[@pontusheimdahl5353]

I can definitely see your point in all of this. I just feel like the issue is more complicated than this. I've owned a Kia Rio and a Ford Focus out of warranty. Kia gave me the finger when I asked for support, Ford did not.

[@rajTrondhjem10]

Amazing video.. thanks for making it!

[@Neosahater]

After our trip to Australia, and experiencing Kias first hand, we bought the diesel sportage. It's fantastic on our Uk motorways, none of that getting blown into the central reservation issues, overtaking lorries on a windy day. Totally agree with your review. It's also cheap to run and the customer support is the best I've seen, over here in Blighty.

[@terrydear4038]

I opted for the CX5 - my niece bought a new Forester and it’s been a POS with the dealer not playing nicely at all. My previous was a Tiguan and the dealers were hopeless and disinterested in any form of support. Keep up the great work.

[@18_rabbit]

my inclination is that , ie Mazda over Subie and VW

[@0HOON0]

What problems is the Forester having?

[@bryanmurphy3328]

Spot on John The many issues that are raised here are spot on. I used to work for the Australian Auto Industry. The industry was not perfect, as you know . However they did react on locally designed product when the feedback came in and put design changes in place as soon as possible. Not perfect , but they cared . They also were really upset as how the dealers would treat their customers. Many of my workmates are now working for some of these low volume brands that you spoke of and they despair at how they treat the customers and the lack of support . Look at the Vehicle , the brand and what is behind it. It's a trifecta that you can win with.

[@peterryan7340]

This video is 💯 correct! Thanks, John.

[@AutoExpertJC]

No worries Peter, thanks for watching.

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

We bought the Kia Sportage, having test-driven the Sportage, CX-5 and Rav4. The Tucson went out on the basis of the similarity with the better-looking Sportage, and the Forester just seemed a bit "meh". We haven't regretted our decision in the slightest - especially after living with a Rav4 as a hire car for two weeks. The Sportage interior feels a lot nicer to sit in for longer periods, the ride is very, very smooth, and the whole thing just feels a bit more luxurious. That said, the only reason we bought an SUV is because my fiancee has a few mobility issues, so the taller loading height is a big deal. Otherwise, if you want a Kia that comfortably seats two adults, two kids plus some luggage, then their best model is absolutely the Kia Cerato Sport+.

[@erniefoster7116]

Good advice John as usual, we are currently looking for a replacement for our 2006 Hyundai Terracan that we love by the way. And have sort of settled for Subaru but that could all change if she who must be obeyed doesn’t like the colour. But never mind all that I want your workshop. Anyway keep up the good work and mate.

[@georgetirebiter6437]

The fact is you defined the whole category as Rav4. Genius marketing. I have one too. My brother got a Subaru. A step up from his Honda. Great support up here in the NE US, where you can’t swing a dead cat without hitting a dealer. > research The Car Care Nut and Weber Auto sold me on mine.

[@ianfossett4482]

I am in the UK but still great to watch and much of what you say is very valid here . Bit confused with the MG you said HS in the preamble which changes to ZS in the final analysis. Incidentally i own an HS which so far is a brilliant car

[@darrenkeyter698]

Thanks

[@shaker7804]

Great advice, thanks matey!

[@nickprohoroff3720]

What a legend. Thank you Johan.

[@manxman8008]

my current strategy (yes retiring, auto, petrol) I'm hiring several for real trips, post research of features. Yep hyundai tucson, cx3, and kia, on my list. Thx for confirming.

[@richardlove4287]

It took me 8 months to choose my Outback 3.6…..I’m glad I took the time as it’s exactly what I was looking for…in fact it’s better!

[@inquisitor4635]

Excellent vid. Thanks.

[@petermottram9918]

Thoroughly enjoy your no BS approach and outside the box thinking when providing car reviews and analysis of the current car industry. There is a lot of underhanded and shonky dealers out there at the moment (in truth, there has always been). Even to the point of some charging 10k+ over MRRP because of the shortage in the market. If any of my family or friends are in the market for a car. My advice is to firstly jump on your channel and do a search. Thank you for your moments of clarity in a never ending realm of "look at my right hand, whilst I stab you with my left" sales and marketing tactics.

[@markbeard143]

Have had Toyota’s & Subaru’s for decades, arrived back after 10 months in our mobile toilet meeting beard strokers… dude there are so many out there… My handbrake wanted a new car, ( after all she did put up with me for 10 months in the QEII on wheels ) found the new Forester ( I’ve had XT Premium before) out dated, yes still had the goods but boring. Looked at Mazda found it so uncomfortable, so did the handbrake. The very best was the Hyundai Tucson Highlander N Line, ticks all the boxes & ordered it in December. Never owned a Hyundai before but serviced & worked on plenty. Great vehicles, correct me if I’m wrong, 2nd highest seller to Oh What A Feeling? That should keep the handbrake happy & me off the naughty list… for a while. Sensational Report JC. Thanks you.

[@sanityone649]

Well done. Good advice.

[@wiktorjespersen971]

Correct my choice was proche cayenne 2019 a couple years ago. Still happy with it. Had 2 problems with it. Both got covered by insurrance.

[@BradGryphonn]

The colour, and position of the cup holder are very high priorities for some people when deciding what SUV to buy.

[@mazcatii]

Couldn’t have been better timing for this subject mate, I’m at the end of my comparisons with three of the top mentioned vehicles and have decided on the Mazda. I’ve been looking at it from a different perspective as a tow truck operator. New car reliability and the attitude of the dealership when I deliver a problem car played a significant part in my decision. Cx5 has been improved upon over the life of the model and I think you’ll find it to be a great option. Some people disagree and say it’s a dated platform but I see the refinement over the years as a good thing.

[@SayItWellOrShutup]

I hardly watch a 50 min long video, but this one is different, very well done John and thank you! I’m a Subaru Forester owner and couldn’t be happier with the car. In Canada, we get the Japan made Forester unlike the US, which in my book, make a difference, maybe it’s my non factual old time perpective. I differ with you on the road test piece though just from a seat comfort perspective, but I agree with everything else you said. I eliminated the Hyundais and Kias because of the engine set in fire due to fuel leak, but I really liked the Sportage. Thanks again!

[@louisferdinand5776]

I watch every second of this video John, even though I’m not in the market for a medium size SUV, your information is so interesting, Keep up the good work. Two thumbs up from me. P.S I’d be looking out for future videos of vehicles being able to take me to dingo piss creek.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Thanks very much, Louis. I'll work on that one.

[@joelbowden3207]

Just bought a new X-Trail. Had the kia and Hyundai on the shortlist but decided on the Nissan. Worth pointing out, with my dealer at least, my car came with a 10 year warranty like Mitsubishi on the condition that it gets serviced at that specific dealer in that time. Not quite the same as Mitsubishi offering it with any mitsi dealer, but still a bonus seeing as I don't intend on moving anytime soon.

[@marklittle3551]

Love my bogan vf ss ute. Definitely a keeper

[@paulwoods1950]

One again top work old chap. On this subject, have you come across any info (documented incidences of occurances) regarding the cause of lithium battery fires, eg fault in power supply, faults in BMS safety systems, or external damage from prior incidences. I ask as in a previous job for Worley Parsons AES (alternative energy systems) we had to significantly overvolt and over current batteries whilst charging inaddition simultaneously disabling BMS safeties, (voltage, current and temp shut down to get battery's to burn furiously. The best way to cause catastrophic instantaneous immolation was extreme physical penetrative attack. I have never seen a Li chemistry battery go off in any other circumstances. I believe most home storage batteries are Lifepo4 chemistry which are reportedly less prone to thermal runaway. However after your video I will be moving my Lifepo4 batteries to outside storage, thanks again big guy.

[@davidfield4432]

Great stuff John. Any chance you could do the same for large SUV’s please mate? 👍👍👍👍👍👌👌👌👌👌

[@danielphilips2226]

Wow, seriously fantastic, thankyou

[@shifterzx]

Excellent video and advice. Happy I got a Mazda

[@vladimirproksch2894]

This is a great review that raises important issues.i have to reassess my bying strategy. I always liked the CX-5, but the CRV is more comfortable. However, I can't take the risk, so it's back to the CX-5. Thanks.

[@johnnumbat9782]

Good accurate report JC - my father and I worked in the avionics industry in VIC and spent many dinner table conversations discussing the merits of cultural influences on a country’s product - we concluded that two countries that lost major wars were Japan and Germany that eventually rose to produce even higher standards of engineering being driven by intelligence and very importantly cultural attitude to what they make (Ford/GM/Holden bogan brands fail) - my choices would only be Subaru, Toyota, Mazda.and Hyundai/Kia.

[@daweigo6851]

Toyota and Mercedes now getting left behind quality wise as the world changes

[@southernsandgroper3423]

Good advice.. I’ve been trying to buy my next SUV “objectively” for the last two years - considering the pro’s and con’s offered through your feedback (and that of others too). I’ve got my target, but its now overpriced and I’ll probably be waiting a while before its delivery - if I buy new (the far reaching impact of COVID).

[@18_rabbit]

covid and other economic factors globally over the past five to ten years really, is when inflation started creeping, and access to things started to become a problem. Not really as new a problem as most ppl think. This war has everthing to do w/ the continuation of the trends

[@DTGTDetectingTheGoldenTriangle]

Hi John I watch a lot of your content and have picked up that you have a dislike toward Honda's? From a mechanics point of view there extremely reliable and good to work on.

[@madness8556]

He also doesn't seem to have much love for Nissan either, or how he pronounces it, NISSARN! 😂

[@atnit86]

Hey John Can you please do a video for small SUVs too? Thanks

[@napoleonnz]

Thanks John, very good and sensible advice. I would love to see the same process for the next level down in size, especially when compared with similar hatchbacks, for example Kia Niro vs Cerato or Hyundai Kona vs I30. Most other mainstream brands have similar hatchback vs SUV issues.

[@ianc6233]

Likewise, appreciate that you're prepared to give opinions and back them up with helpful information to aid decision making. Small SUV comparison, Kona equivalents would be helpful, including some consideration of the supply issues with chips impacting features.

[@georgethomas6550]

As usual very informative John your the best in the business I'm looking for a small suv and using your process of elimination and looking at what the best few are like I've come down to 2 the kia seltos and the corolla cross it's a toss of a coin between the 2 do have any leaning to either personally?

[@robskelly64]

Hi John, Well Done !!! Fantastic review on mid size SUV, there should be no grey areas now for these buyers. Now could you please do the same on large 4WD wagons as this will greatly assist me and many other viewers who “tow a caravan”, yeah I know sorry, hey I don’t have a beard but people similar to me want to get out of a ute. My current tow vehicle is a 2018 GLS Triton Dual Cab 2.4L Turbo Diesel Auto (has been a great vehicle but not as comfortable as a wagon. The caravan is dual axle weighing 2200kg fully laden for our monthly trips. We have been looking at a Nissan Patrol V8 Ti-L and Ford Next Gen Everest V6 Platinum. Not your favourite brands but for the money $85-$105K we cannot see anything else in that price range. This is a genuine call for help. Really enjoy your videos and cheering you on from the sideline. Kind Regards Rob

[@boonhung6337]

I had 2017 kia Sorento Turbo Diesel, 7 year 366,000 km. Only my Automatic change 3.8k recodition. It still runs well except now 7-11 City and Highway 6-9 km

[@pauldevey8628]

Love our Mazda CX-5. Great in the snow and great in the hills. Nicely appointed.

[@rrocketman]

I'm happy with Forester

[@maxherbert5173]

I really like your biased research and enjoy your comments looking at 6 mths to purchase many thanks John

[@davecarkeet5691]

Hey john, this video is extremely usefull, any chance of a 2023 update?

[@mickzed6393]

Waiting for your current take on the Hyundai/Kia fire class action. Probably bigger than any of the negatives, you report on other makes.

[@samboelliott1]

Incredibly good timing John

[@sjsheridan1]

Entertaining as always! Apologies if I’ve missed this in the comments but is there a trustworthy reliability and customer satisfaction survey published in Australia? I’m thinking of something like the JD Power index in the US …

[@Eck02]

Hi there! I'm the very proud owner of a 2009 Subaru Forester Xt Premium. Love the power (especially at the lights) and have always loved Subaru's symmetrical awd. My Forrester has never let me down, however, it is getting older (like me) and with the cost of fuel (I have always used 98 premium), l have committed myself to buying a hybrid. I love a bit of research, and know that Toyota have been building hybrids for a long time. I know that they could look at reviewing the hybrid power train ,however they do have the best hybrid for fuel economy. Therefore I have set my sight on a rav4 cruiser hybrid with awd. Was sad about no symmetrical awd like my baby and the space saver. I will investigate further to see if I can fit a full size something, in the boot, without worrying about the extra drop down room available. Haven't paid yet as has been on order since April 2023. I have the opportunity of getting it one month earlier (mid June 2024) as the guy before me has cancelled his order. I have been quoted a trade in on my baby (as last April) for $9,000. Just wanted to say, 'thank you' for confirming my thoughts on the next car I buy. Loved watching your review, as well as the one on the 20 worst cars to buy. Was a real eye opener. Cheers, Erika

[@farken7467]

Great advice John. I did the crap brand triage, then narrowed down to a few brands, then models that had a decent diesel engine, Japanese build, epicyclic automatic, timing chain and full sized spare. I then contacted car hire companies and spent $500 hiring the final contenders. Best $500 ever and I got as close as I could to being spot on and there's nothing in the market today that comes close. That's how you do it and I ordered my car online and avoided dealers.

[@MrPetehoward78]

What did you get?

[@farken7467]

@@MrPetehoward78 A Non Neesan Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed Diesel and it's been trouble free. It's not perfect but as close as I could get, the electric handbrake and various beeping safety devices I could do without, but it comes standard with the Exceed. Mitsubishi is very under rated and equally as reliable and well built as any Toyota, my previous experience with a RAV4 Diesel ended very badly with a seized engine, rust in the wheel well and various trim items that fell off. I've owned Toyotas and Hondas during their Halcyon days and if I wanted to replace the Outlander, I'd possibly go a little larger for a Pajero Sport or a KIA Sportage.

[@grittsy]

@@farken7467 I think you will find it is pronounced Neesarn. Yup

[@davidoldboy5425]

Truly excellent summary mate, but no trip to Barcelona this year for you lol.

[@clubgus07]

John i widdle it down to less i was told MG not a good choice for resale value, but otherwise thats a nice list Toyota Rav 4 Mazda 5 and Mitsi Outlander are perfect for ride share Hybrid, Mazdas Diesel and that Mitsi 7 seater advantage. I dont see much of the twins at rideshare but i guess they good for your general family SUV getting from A-B. Leaving us with Subaru if you want go off road and adventure and up an embarkment and full sized spare to dingo piss creek. I took the adventurous path and went with a sube.

[@AutoExpertJC]

It's 'whittle' dude.

[@dougstubbs9637]

“Skoda….the Volkswagen for people who should have gone to SpecSavers…..” ( insert laughing emojis here, except John intensely dislikes emojis)

[@AutoExpertJC]

It seemed appropriate, non-emoji-ing (real man) Doug.

[@operation4wheelz]

@@AutoExpertJC”non-emoji-ing“ is not a word John.

[@mongolike513]

My only trip to Europe 10 yrs ago gave me the opportunity to ride in the back seat of a Skoda taxi. I fell in love instantly because I had never experienced so much knee room in a backseat before! I was impressed and have obviously never forgotten.

[@eddiefowler3521]

​@@AutoExpertJC0

[@goggo43]

John is so right about warranty issues with VW. Best advice I can give is to buy a different make.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Owning a VW is like playing Russian roulette with four chambers loaded.

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

My mechanic's advice was to only buy VW if you absolutely love it AND you can afford to sell before the end of the warranty period.

[@TimWraight]

Brilliant, John. We are moving from the private ownership to leasing through work sal sac for the Toorak Tractor. Both are in your shortlist. Both have space savers. Utterly ridiculous - SUV (aka 4WD) with 80km/h space saver tyres. How do we end that lunacy? We also have a real, manual, V8 manual passenger car (wagon) so I guess I am a bogan :-)

[@geofflawrence7917]

Interesting report. I would like to know why you discounted the Outback.

[@lokendarsingh1814]

My Mazda 6 2014 Altenza diesel engine (2.2T) also broke. The good part is Mazda offered the full replacement for full cost with a hired car. However, the service centre still asked me to fix some parts related to the engine, which cost me ~$800.

[@MattBlack6]

I tow a lot of cars with a flat tyre, and no spare from factory. And it's surprising to me that many of these owners had no idea they had no spare tyre until they got a flat.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Yeah - I ran into one just the other day. I think we exchanged comments about that.

[@russellchristison8425]

Subaru Outback?

[@MattBlack6]

as in has it got a spare? I've got a late model Outback on right now, I'll look when I take it off.

[@mindfreeze0838]

So i get the reasons for the chops you did in your list, I would argue that a manufacturer taking user feedback and actually doing something tangible with it. Many times a reviewer or an actual customer might have an issue with something in a vehicle and the manufacturer will just ignore it(ex. renault and their compromised right hand drive glove boxes because they refuse to move the fuse box somewhere else). I would argue that while Haval does not yet have the Market share but they tick the other boxes. Example, a niggle persons and esoteric reviewers had with the H6 was that the DCT was jerky, since then they have sorted it an the 2022 models that came in after had it smoothed out.

[@bkkbob2]

Hi John, Any chance you can follow up with How to choose the right SMALL SUV in 2023. It would be fantastic if you could. Regards, Bob.

[@gilbertcatral6658]

Hi John, What hybrid car do you recommend best?

[@SMSFgraham]

Some Outlanders have the space saver so were off my list. The Tucson diesel, Sportage and Outback made my short list. Missus has a bad back and loved the Subaru which had just landed at the dealer, And it was White, choice made. Damn good car and on wet twisty roads down here in the forests of southern WA it is very good. I don't understand why John likes the Forrester and not the Outback.

[@all_roads_europe]

The 2.4t or the 2.5i?

[@madfjuuri]

Interesting listen. Not from Australia but I think many points apply. Bought Sportage in July 22. I got the top spec hybrid version with 6spd automatic (1.6turbo petrol+44kw electric). Ordered in April, was told 5months, which was at my patience limit, but someone drops his/hers order so I got mine way earlier. One my criterias for evaluating cars was not driving test (I fully agree that most of them drove the same with the exception of Cupra which was noticeably better and 5008 which for noticable worse) but what kind of quality of life I get for my money. Now, I am not 100% satisfied with the car, there are some really odd choises (for example door mirror position is not save with seat position) but generally it is a nice old person car to drive. Comfy and nice. Hopefully the reliability is acceptable. No experience with KIA servicer around here but I guess I will find out. I immediately ruled out all CVT transmissions. I find it such a depressing transmission type. Its either DSG/DCT whatever or classical automatic.

[@rogerpearson9081]

Spades of good advice John. Especially re the test drive. Not much good having a great test drive in an unreliable shit box and then suffering shit service but hey it drove well on the test drive. Ditto the buyers looking at past glories and blinkered to the real quality eg Mercedes or Honda. Some brands have leant on their laurels for way too long. I have been fortunate in 9 years of ownership to only visit the dealer for yearly servicing so I haven't had to test the brand support. Just lucky but I got a good car in the first place. Still love our diesel Sportage. The driving experience is worth the extra money. Even my budget minded wife agrees it was worth springing for diesel. The best description of driving is lazy V8 style without having to rev the tits off to go anywhere. 140k with no unscheduled visits to dealer helps our continuing enjoyment.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Thanks Roger. Here's hoping that reliability run continues, mate.

[@kevinquinn7645]

I saw a medium SUV model I'd never seen before riving on the highway yesterday - Renault Arkana. I'm not sure who'd buy it but they sold at least one.

[@burgerbirger2221]

It's interesting looking at the car market on the other side of the globe compared to us up here in the ice planet of Hoth (read Norway). Many of the models you are referring to was popular here just a few years ago, like Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi PHEV, Nissan X-trail. Now these models are completely dud. Even Nissan failed in 2022 with the Leaf 2. Now the only hybrid vehicle on the top 15 list is the Rav4, the rest is EV's. And the most selling car is the Tesla Model Y followed by VW id.4, Skoda Enyaq, BMW iX, Toyota Rav 4 , Audi e-tron, Ford Mustang Mach-E, BMW i4 M50, Hyundai Kona and Ioniq5 and finally MB with it's EQ models. Toyota had some issues with their first EV, the BZ4x which is a collab with Subaru and the Solterra model. Also they are a bit late to the party, since they strayed down the path of Hydrogen.

[@marksukkar8758]

Your straight on mate, how will you rate the MG HS ?

[@terrystarr3012]

Great report John, I'm stuck between rav 4 and cx5, think I'll buy a bike.

[@Low760]

Cx5 turbo. Or Mazda 6 wagon turbo.

[@robertceroli3512]

CX-5 unless you want to wait up to 2years and cop multiple price rise

[@robcig]

Ditto CX5 GT turbo. Awesome car.

[@nx196067]

Rationality, it's simply logical . . . You have tipped me over from emotionally driven to rationality sustainability. Late next year I will be buying a new vehicle. I have research to do and your shows steers me in the right direction. Subaru has been in my sights along with MG, however, the twins look like prey too. . . . Live Long and Prosper.

[@leeenfieldsmle]

John, You are on the money with the Tuscon.I bought the Highlander Diesel N Line, and couldn't be happier. The fuel cost offset is palpable. I am getting around 6.5L/100 ks city and 5's highway on ECO. I recently put about 100KS on a BMWX5M(Avis) and apart from the silent turbine grunt of the beemer, I cannot see the logic in spending $140k on one. The Tuscon has just as many bells and whistles for a fraction of the price.

[@zhiyako4032]

The beemer is more stable, quieter, more powerful, more refined and more comfortable It's just a more advanced SUV. The tucson does fine for its price point, though.

[@TheSPazCORE]

There is only one reason: status symbol.

[@trav33333]

John, you missed out the Ssangyong Korando for the shortlist. You didn’t eliminate it or include it on the shortlist.

[@jl6693]

Awesome video mate! A bit long though.... I thought so before watching it... but yeah definitely worth it! You are kind of defying club greta by wasting all that paper though your face after a hit or a miss it priceless! :) Just tell club greta you are recycling it :)) See you right away, I am checking your other videos.

[@BernardSolomon]

Will there be a guide for large SUVs soon, John? Thanks for this one.

[@AutoExpertJC]

It's essentially the same process.