Tips and Advice
Q&A;: Which tyres are best for my car?
![AFR FIRST USE ONLY PLEASE AURION AFR 060207 PIC BY JESSICA SHAPIRO... Toyota is set to launch its new Australian built six cyclinder sedan, the Aurion, at the Melbourne International Motor Show on Thursday. Story by Peter Roberts. EMBARGOED until Thursday 9 February, 2006 GENERIC car market, performance, manufacture, auto, wheel, body, tyre, chunky, headlights, drive, travel, muscular, buy, export, sales, sell, local, industry, jobs. AFR FIRST USE ONLY PLEASE SPECIALX 46882](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/12/20/5024739/dt_tyre_320-20131220110524191934-90x60.jpg)
Kevin is looking to reduce the road noise created by his Dunlop tyres.
What seven-seater should I buy?
![Toyota Prius V.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/12/17/5016670/prius-v_320-90x60.jpg)
CAMERON MCGAVIN Barb needs a seven-seater that isn’t too big or thirsty.
What P-plater car should I buy?
![Kia Cerato](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/12/27/5037261/kia-cerato_320a-90x60.jpg)
CAMERON MCGAVIN Stefano is about to turn 18 and has decided a small hatch with a manual transmission will be his first car.
What family car should I buy?
![The Honda Odyssey is still one of the best family cars on the market.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/12/06/4986064/odyssey_320-90x60.jpg)
Cameron McGavin Emma needs a city car with a strong kid-carting focus and country-driving abilities.
Q&A;: Am I being overcharged?
![TOYOTA CAMRY FOR SUNDAY DRIVE.
(NO CAPTION INFORMATION PROVIDED)](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/11/29/4965629/dt_98-20camry_320-20131129101115528310-90x60.jpg)
Jim wants to know if he is paying the right price for a replacement drive shaft.
What SUV car should I buy?
![Subaru XV](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/11/28/4960127/xubaru-xv_320-90x60.jpg)
CAMERON MCGAVIN Margaret needs a camping-friendly car that won’t be a pain around town.
What SUV should I buy?
![Mazda's CX-5 is a competent urban SUV.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/11/22/4945118/mazda-cx-5_320-90x60.jpg)
CAMERON MCGAVIN Peter has an SUV in his sights but isn’t sure whether to buy new or used.
What compact SUV should I buy?
![The Honda CR-V is a more than capable SUV for a growing family.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/11/15/4926263/honda-cr-v_320-90x60.jpg)
CAMERON MCGAVIN Amanda is looking for an efficient compact SUV to fit her two teenage sons and two dogs.
Q&A;: No reversing camera
![Reversing camera](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/11/15/4925789/dt_reversing-camera_320-20131115100530625433-90x60.jpg)
Martin has been waiting a month for Jeep to install a reversing camera which was supossed to come with his Grand Cherokee.
Q&A;: Correct wear-in of bores/piston rings
![engine](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/11/08/4906333/dt_engine_320-20131108123312940309-90x60.jpg)
Daniel is wondering which is the correct way to wear-in the bore/piston rings.
Q&A;: Engine knock?
![Subaru Outbackl](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/11/08/4906446/outback_320-90x60.jpg)
Graham's 2000 Subaru Outback has developed a knock sound from the negine when free revving.
What lovable wagon should I buy?
![The Mazda6 wagon](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/11/08/4905747/mazd6-wagon_320-90x60.jpg)
CAMERON MCGAVIN Jack wants to love his new ride, but it must be a practical motor.
Q&A;: Territory rear suspension
![SX Territory](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/11/01/4882473/sx-territory_320-90x60.jpg)
Stephen's 2006 Territory has developed a rear thump, and he is wondering whether this is a common issue.
What family cars should I buy?
![Kia Rondo Si.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/11/01/4882077/kia-rondon_320-90x60.jpg)
CAMERON MCGAVIN Narelle is trying to lock down two cars to cover off her family’s varying needs.
Q&A;: Brake light sensors?
![brake light](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/10/25/4859704/dt_brake-light_320-20131025113834961754-90x60.jpg)
John is wondering why brake light sensors aren't installed in all cars as standard.
Which family car should you buy?
![Man and girl (6-8) loading luggage in car, woman and boy (6-8) in car family holiday school holidays grandparent grandafther generic families suburbs suburbia vacation kids children summer grandparents
Picture by PETER MASON OF GETTY IMAGES
ROYALTY FREE IMAGE PURCHASED BY SHD SUNDAY LIFE
http://www.gettyimages.com](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/10/26/4862638/dt_family-20holiday_320-20131026095203413429-90x60.jpg)
DAVID MCCOWEN Drive surveys four classes of vehicle suited to a range of needs.
What compact SUV should I buy?
![Mazda CX-5.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/10/25/4859494/mazda-cx-5_320-90x60.jpg)
Cameron McGavin Sarah's mother needs something easy to get in and out of, so they're thinking a compact SUV or high-riding small hatch will be best.
Q&A;: RX-8 suspension?
![Mazda RX-8](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/10/25/4859689/rx-8_320-90x60.jpg)
Darren is wondering if the 2003 Mazda RX-8s have any common suspension problems?
What medium-size car should I buy?
![Mazda6](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/10/24/4856111/mazda6_320-90x60.jpg)
CAMERON MCGAVIN Chris needs help sorting the mid-sized wheat from the chaff.
What new small hatch should I buy?
![Kia Cerato SLi hatch.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/10/18/4840433/cerato_320-90x60.jpg)
CAMERON MCGAVIN Should Wayne buy his new small hatch now, or wait for something better?
Q&A;: Engine noise?
![BA Falcon](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/10/18/4840491/ba-falcon-320-90x60.jpg)
Peter's 2003 BA Falcon engine is making a strange sound and he thinks it might be the timing chain.
What diesel wagon should I buy?
![The Ford Mondeo wagon](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/10/18/4840014/ford-mondeo-wagon_320-90x60.jpg)
CAMERON MCGAVIN John needs an efficient family hauler for long road trips to replace his Land Rover Discovery 2.
What long-distance driving car should I buy?
![Kia Cerato SLi sedan](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/10/11/4821504/kia-cerato_320-90x60.jpg)
CAMERON MCGAVIN Holly is looking for a smallish sedan that is willing to do a lot of kilometres.
What affordable family car should I buy?
![Hyundai i30 Tourer](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/10/09/4815098/hyundai-i30-tourer_320-90x60.jpg)
CAMERON MCGAVIN Mel is trying to pin down the right car for impending family duties.
What dual-cab ute should I buy?
![Mitsubishi Triton](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/10/03/4798877/triton_320-90x60.jpg)
CAMERON MCGAVIN Patrick is looking to fulfil his caravanning ambitions with a dual-cab ute.
What family wagon should I buy?
![Ford's Mondeo wagon while technically a mid-sizer has as much back-seat space as a Commodore and has plenty of boot space.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/09/27/4782228/mondeo_320-90x60.jpg)
CAMERON MCGAVIN Matthew is looking for a fuel-efficient wagon which will accommodate the kids to replace his two Commodore sedans.
Q&A;: Why are autos more expensive?
![Volkswagen Touareg R50 6-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox
SUPPLIED PIC](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/09/27/4782523/dt_auto-20gearbox_320-20130927111438335552-90x60.jpg)
Robert is wondering why automatic gearboxes across all cars cost so much more than manual transmissions.
What fun small car should I buy?
![2013 Ford Fiesta ST](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/08/27/4695745/FIESTA-088_320-90x60.jpg)
CAMERON MCGAVIN Nick is looking to brighten up his daily commute with something small and sporty.
What family off-roader should I buy?
![Holden Colorado 7](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/09/20/4763886/colorado_320-90x60.jpg)
Cameron McGavin Adam is looking for a tough 4WD to taxi the family around on some rough stuff.
What small car should I buy?
![Kia Rio](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/09/18/4756975/rio_320-90x60.jpg)
CAMERON MCGAVIN Ankit is after a highway-friendly light car with new-car benefits.
Do I need premium unleaded?
![Fuel pumps / petrol pumps.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/09/17/4753704/dt_petrol-pumps_320-20130917103559788707-90x60.jpg)
It's more expensive and claimed to keep your engine in better shape, but do you really need to put premium unleaded in your car? Got a question for Drive's experts? Email qa@drive.com.au
What comfortable small car should I buy?
![Nissan Dualis](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/09/13/4744243/dualis_320-90x60.jpg)
CAMERON MCGAVIN Noni needs a car that’s easier on her back than her old Ford Laser
Used car jargon defined
![Journalist David Morley in the role of used-car salesman. Pic Neil Newitt.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/09/14/4747342/dt_salesman_320-20130914111344821827-90x60.jpg)
MATT CAMPBELL We help you translate well-worded car ads to help figure out what you’re getting yourself into.
What reliable and sporty small hatch should I buy?
![Ford Focus Sport.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/09/13/4744219/focus_320-90x60.jpg)
CAMERON MCGAVIN Annette is after a sporty, modern and trouble-free small car to replace her old Alfa.
Q&A
Q&A;: How do I know which car is safest?
![Honda Accord crash test.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/08/19/4673183/Honda-crashed_320-90x60.jpg)
Drive Team With so many cars achieving the maximum five-star safety rating, what should people look for to ensure they are buying the safest car possible? Got a question for Drive's experts? Email qa@drive.com.au
What sporty car should I buy?
![Toyota 86](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/09/06/4724185/86_320-90x60.jpg)
CAMERON MCGAVIN Patrick is looking for sporty car that gives some serious driving pleasure.
Q&A;: Vinyl wrapping
![viynl wrapping](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/09/06/4724353/dt_viynl-wrapping_320-20130906112323212971-90x60.jpg)
Darren is considering vinyl wrapping but is worried that it may damage his original paintwork.
Q&A;: Bird dropping stains
![birds](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/09/06/4724352/dt_birdsg_320-20130906112727325648-90x60.jpg)
Sue has noticed that her paint work seems to be damaged by bird droppings and is wondering if anything can be done.
What rugged compact SUV should I buy?
![Nissan X-Trail](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/09/02/4712126/xtrail-1_320-90x60.jpg)
CAMERON MCGAVIN Geoff wants a compact SUV that can rough it up without being a pig around town.
Q&A;: Snow chains
![snow chains](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/08/30/4705408/dt_snow-chains_320-20130830103738715865-90x60.jpg)
Drive Team Michaela is wondering whether she needs snow chains for her Subaru Impreza, and if so how to fit them.
Q&A;: Changing Insurance
![insurance](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/08/30/4705370/dt_insurance_320-20130830103317860147-90x60.jpg)
Drive Team Pam is wondering whether it would be beneficial to shop around or stay with the same insurance company.
What baby-friendly car should I buy?
![Kia Rondo](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/08/28/4699669/Kia-Rondo-Si_320-90x60.jpg)
Cameron McGavin Dave needs to upsize from a city runabout to a more family-friendly car - but it needs to be good on fuel.
Q&A;: Steering pulling to the left
![Hyundai steering wheel](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/08/23/4686047/dt_hyundai_320-20130823104806919609-90x60.jpg)
Drive Team Is it true that right-hand drive cars are set-up to pull to the left for safety reasons?
What heavy-duty 4WD should I buy?
![Toyota Prado](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/08/21/4679349/09Prado-073hr_320-90x60.jpg)
CAMERON MCGAVIN Judy wants to downsize from her Toyota LandCruiser but can’t compromise on toughness, rough-road comfort or off-road ability.
Q&A;: Do airbags have a shelflife
![Airbag](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/08/09/4647507/airbag-_320jpg-90x60.jpg)
Drive Team Do airbags have an expiry date? Or do they need to be serviced?
What small hatch should I buy?
![VW Golf](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/08/16/4666723/golf_320-90x60.jpg)
CAMERON MCGAVIN Alison is after a roomy small hatch that's right at home on the highway.
What rural-friendly SUV should I buy?
![What car should I buy?](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/08/08/4641897/nissan-x-trail-2_320-90x60.jpg)
CAMERON MCGAVIN Paul is after a compact SUV well-suited to life out of the big smoke
This week's best new car deals
![Pulsar ST hatch](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/08/02/4622840/pulsar-st-320-90x60.jpg)
MATT CAMPBELL Massive bargains on small cars from Nissan, Hyundai and Ford.
What efficient rep-friendly wagon should I buy?
![Rav4 GX Diesel](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/08/02/4623290/rav4-gx-320-90x60.jpg)
CAMERON MCGAVIN Paul is after a wagon or SUV that will stand up to his high annual kay counts and be cheap to run.
What comfortable SUV should I buy?
![Mazda CX-5](http://web.archive.org./web/20140101081741im_/http://images-2.drive.com.au/2013/08/02/4622780/mazdacx5_320-90x60.jpg)
CAMERON MCGAVIN Claire and her husband are after a compact SUV that’s easy on the body.
Features
Drive Glossary
An easy-to-understand guide to deciphering car industry jargon.
Buying a car
Here's how to take the stress out of buying your next car.
New car buying tips
Dealing with car dealers can be daunting, but not if you go in with a clear understanding of your needs - and your rights.
Used car buying tips
Follow these simple steps and you'll emerge with your dream car and not a nightmare on wheels.
Getting a new-car bargain
Drive reveals their secrets on how to score a deal.
Choosing a car
Choosing your next car from the hundreds of models available can be bewildering.
Where to buy?
Buying from a dealer, privately or at auction each have benefits and pitfalls for the unwary.
Car brokers
Drive examines the swings and roundabouts of paying someone to negotiate a sharp price.
How to test drive
Never rush your first encounter with the car that could become your best friend or worst enemy.
First car for the kids
Give yourself some peace of mind as you set your children on the road with their first set of wheels.
Trading in? Don't get ripped off
Going in prepared is the best way to maximise your old car's value.
Drive Car of the Year 2012
View all the winners from the 2012 Drive Car of the Year Awards.
Drive's motoring Q & A
Drive experts answer all your automotive queries.
Drive Green motoring guide
All the latest on driving that's friendlier on the environment.