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Q: Hi Mikey, is buying a used fortuner gd6 with 150 000km and a full franchise service history advisable?
A: Yes
Patrick a Toyota is the only vehicle I would with very few exceptions recommend, even if with highish mileage. Warm regards Mike -
Q: Good day Micky. I'm currently driving a Toyota Corolla 1.8 Exclusive 2017 model. Its CVT. Had no issues for 7 years of driving. I would like to upgrade to Baic Beijing X55 Premium. Would you recommend this change. I'm a bit sceptical.
A: No
Hi Hubert I so appreciate the reach out and an absolute pleasure to assist. I always make the joke… Short answer or long answer ???? While I am not remotely Anti BAIC or any Chinese importer, the fact that you are going from a Toyota to anything else you are going “backwards” I am very open publicly and privately re my admiration and respect for Toyota. I will go further and say I am not unique in this regard. There are so many variables beyond the obvious. The Toyota Dealer Network exceeds 200 in SA and across all 9 Provinces. Therefore every aspect of ownership is easy from accessibility, parts availability and parts back up. Warm regards Mike -
Q: I currently drive a 2020 Tiguan 2.0TDi R-line as my daily and plan to keep it, I am looking at acquiring a BMW E92/93 M3 as a toy that I have always wanted, I believe those may not qualify for traditional bank finance. Are there other options other than traditional bank finance and cash?
A: No
Hi Bongani Thank you for reaching out, we really do appreciate it. I must tell you, your choice of Toy excites me (and others for sure) Regarding the amazinggggggggggggggg 2007 M3 you will unfortunately need to buy it Cash, as you rightly pointed out due to age banks wont finance it. I beg you NOT to consider rent to own type options as they are bad and take advantage of the client. Happy Motoring!!!!! -
Q: Hi Mikey, looking at buying a 2008 Volkswagen Caravelle T5 2.5 TDI (128kW) tiptronic- mileage high 333 400 km but has full service history from agents. worth considering?
A: No
Short answer NO and long answer No under any circumstances. With that mileage you will have challenge after challenge!. Previous owner is selling for that very reason I bet you! -
Q: Is a 2019 Hyundai Creta a good car to buy
A: Yes
Good evening Vinesh Lovely to meet you and glad to try and assist. I personally am a huge fan of the Creta in everyway and for so many reasons. I like the looks, I like the height and I respect Hyundai the brand. You don’t mention kms and whether Petrol or Diesel…. Both are good. The key always is where you are buying it from and as long as it’s a good garage and all checks out, it’s a definitive yes. Warm regards -
Q: Would you recommend the brand Foton
A: No
I am not a fan and for many reasons. It is untried and I don't recommend anyone to be the Guinea Pig. Then the brand is not backed by an OEM but rather a motor Group CMH. For me this is a concern as the Group has not got a customer service ethos. This is backed up by their poor HelloPeter and Google Reviews. -
Q: Is A GWM Steed 5 single cab or double cab good bakkies
A: Yes
I would Highly recommend the vehicle as a vehicle choice. Excellent brand in every way. -
Q: Is the 3.2 Duratorq Ford motor reliable?
A: No
Good evening Eswatini Nkosinathi so nice to receive another question from across our border. Let me be very open I am not a Ford engine fan and with good reason. If we deal with any engine related queries, challenges or concerns the vehicle has a Ford Badge. If well maintained and properly serviced you should be fine, however I say again I am not a fan. Overheating, oil pump issues and blow by are regular and I don’t like that. I hope this helps and wishing you the very best. Mike -
Q: Is the Ford ecosport 1.5 ambiente TiVCT a reliable car?
A: No
Short answer is NO and long answer is Ford Engines are giving a lot of challenges and stay away from them. -
Q: Should I purchase a 2015 X5 with 120000 kilometers
A: No
Good evening Lebeko Nice to meet you and thank you for the mail. My personal feeling is no and for many reasons. The vehicle is super expensive to maintain to the levels needed. That car was out of Motorplan 4 Years ago already and I will guarantee you as of 2020 only the necessities were done. You will be buying a headache and Grandpa and Panado together wont be enough. Warm regards -
Q: Hi Mikey, Is Toyota Quantum 16 seater better that Nissan NV350 16 seater in terms of performance, longivity and reliability ? Thank you
A: Yes
Good afternoon Kwena Thank you for the enquiry and it is my pleasure to assist. There is not a shadow of doubt the Toyota is vastly superior in every single way. I specialize in the sale of these to Schools and there is not a School that does not prefer the Toyota. They are simply better made, more stable and longer lasting. If you can go for the Diesel I strongly advise you do as it is far more Fuel efficient in every way. Mike -
Q: I wish to purchase a vehicle to replace my RAV4 which was a write-off due to an accident. Do you think that CHERY Tiggo 4 CVT will be a good choice or is a Toyota Crossover a better option.
A: Yes
Sorry for your loss, I am a huge fan of the Chery Tiggo 4 in every way and openly so. However there is not a shadow of doubt the Toyota is a superior product! Chinese products world wide are of an exceptional level but Toyota is and will remain on a higher level. -
Q: Is KIA Grand Sedona 2.2 CRDI a reliable car and cheap to maintain like Toyota Fortuner?
A: Yes
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Q: My 2017 Audi A3 1.0 Steptronic has about 103000km on the clock and is out of plan now. Is it a good idea to purchase something newer with full warranty / service plan? I heard the Steptronic gearbox can become problematic at this age / mileage.
A: Yes
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Q: I am thinking of buying a Suzuki Swift GL AMT for my daughters. Is the AMT a good option. Does it roll back on an incline.
A: Yes
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Q: Morning sir I intend buying a new car. I have a family member @ Toyota where I can get dealer pricing except on Hybrid vehicles. My heart tells me to buy Hybrid however the discount is an incentive. In my situation would you recommend hybrid for the long term value? Regards
A: No
Go with the best discount you can get. Petrol has been around since just after Jesus and Moses played Golf :) and with good reason! -
Q: Hi Mike is it worth purchasing a GWM P SERIES or should I go for a lesser spec known brand?
A: Yes
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Q: Can i get a car with low credit score
A: No
Through traditional finance most definitely not! Word of advice, do not go for the Rent to own options! -
Q: I am buying a MotorBike for R45 000 off the ChangeCars website. Would you recommend I take vehicle insurance.
A: Yes
Insurance is absolutely critical for many reasons. Your financial protection in terms of a total loss through theft, write-off etc. In addition it protects you from a claim should you be at fault in an accident. -
Q: Can my 11 Year old safely sit in front of a car with an Airbag. I must add we keep the seat right back and my son is really tall for his age. 1.62m
A: Yes
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Q: Can one safely fit a Turbo Charger to an engine that was not "designed" for one.
A: No
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Q: I hate stop start feature on modern cars. In your opinion does it cause unnecessary wear and tear on the components.
A: Yes
Stand in line behind me... I hate it more and so does every person who hates being irritated. Whoever created this absolute rubbish should be sent to wherever they send silly people! -
Q: In your opinion is it safe to buy a car on FaceBook Market place.
A: No
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Q: I want something different. Renault or Peugeot. My feeling is Renault am I correct?
A: Yes
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Q: Is a Kia Picanto better than a Suzuki Swift?
A: No
Hi Zama... The short answer is no its not better. However it is also not behind. I rate both products highly. -
Q: I know that We Buy Cars are competition to you. My question and I would value 100% honesty. When selling a car, are they a good choice. I have a 2009 Mercedes C Class with 87 000km.
A: Yes
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Q: Will fitting non genuine parts such as tail lights and headlights affect the way a Dealership values my vehicle.
A: Yes
There is not a shadow of doubt that there are some superb Non Genuine parts. However a copy of the Mona Lisa is not the Mona Lisa. -
Q: I am looking at a Mazda CX-3 and a Tiggo 4 top of the range. My feeling is long term the Mazda is better. Would you say Yes or No.
A: Yes
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Q: My 2018 Audi has only 41 000km. Not given me a days trouble. For R37 000 I can extend the time by three years and still to 100 000km. Would you advise i do?
A: Yes
Absolutely do it. The Audi Freeway Plan is a superb product and your R37 000 will be superbly spent and you will recover it all I guarantee you! -
Q: I am on the fence regarding Stop Start technology. Simply put is Mikey a fan of it.
A: No
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Q: In your opinion is it wise and safe to buy a car privately off the Internet.
A: No
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Q: I follow ATM every week and I often see you on the track... Do tyres play a huge role in the cars ability. Many people say all modern tyres are superb.
A: Yes
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Q: Are you a fan of heads up display.
A: Yes
There is no reason not to like a feature that offers huge safety benefits. -
Q: Would you recommend the over the counter leather care on the market.
A: No
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Q: I travel less than 600km a month. Should I have comprehensive insurance?
A: Yes
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Q: Some people say no need to change oil. In your opinion should i service the DSG box every year,
A: Yes
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Q: If my airbag light is on. Will the Airbag still work in the event of an accident?
A: Yes
I firmly believe it will and with very few exceptions it generally does. However the light is on for a reason and a check at the experts is advisable! -
Q: I am interested in a used Audi A3 with 137 000km. My friends all say way to high. Your opinion is a Mercedes the better option than an Audi.
A: Yes
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Q: Is the 2017 vw Caddy panel van 2.0 tdi a better choice to the petrol version for daily driving
A: Yes
I personally am not a fan of Diesel, have never owned one and never will. However there is a place and application for Diesel and in your case no question Diesel is the better option! -
Q: I have a vw caddy panel van 2016 model. Can i fit 17inch Rims on it?
A: Yes
As stated many times I am not a fan of aftermarket products that cheapen a vehicle. While they can be fitted, I say rather don't! -
Q: In your opinion is it wise to take a linked rate.
A: No
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Q: I saw you recently on Buyers Guide on channel 189. The team always strongly reccomends CHERY and GWM. I have never once heard anyone reccomend PROTON. Is PROTON as safe a choice as their rivals in your opinion?
A: No
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Q: I am looking at a Kia brand new. Am I making a wise choice. I must add I live in Tzaneen.
A: Yes
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Q: Is a Proton Saga as good a choice as a Suzuki E Spresso?
A: No
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Q: I know you are the owner of CHANGECARS and I like the site very much. Do you believe that CHANGECARS is the safest site available.
A: Yes
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Q: Is it safe and advisable to "protect" my 5 year old daughter by letting her ride in the passenger seat of a airbag equipped vehicle.
A: No
I have often stated that I am a huge admirer of this incredible life saver! However a Airbag is so powerful on detonation that it will severely injure a young child. My personal feeling is anywhere over 10 and ideally 12 is perfect! -
Q: Does fitting a set of after market mag wheels add value to a vehicle.
A: No
I am personally not a fan of aftermarket mags. In my view it actually de values a vehicle. -
Q: I have a 1983 Corolla 1.8GLS and I want to fit power steering. In your opinion is it a good idea.
A: No
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Q: Do you recommend Leather care products for looking after my X5 Leather.
A: No
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Q: I have seen on the All Things Motoring TV show you like the Michelin brand. Do you believe that Michelin is the best Tyre brand available.
A: Yes
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Q: Would you recommend a Residual to reduce my payments.
A: No
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Q: Mikey is a Kia a good brand and as good as a Toyota
A: Yes
To be as good as Toyota, you need to be equal best. Kia in my opinion you are just that! -
Q: If my car is 8 years old but no Airbag warning lights on is there any concerns.
A: No
If it ain't broken it truly is not broken! -
Q: I drove a Cayenne Turbo with heads up display. I was impressed until I saw the pricing. My question is as follows . Besides being a nice to have does it actually add value in your opinion.
A: Yes
It is a huge safety feature as your eyes are always focussed on the road. On the road is where they should be and heads up display is a superb feature! -
Q: We see that your sister brand endorses Discovery. No doubt there is a commercial arrangement. I am personally with them also. My question is do you in your heart of heart believe they are the best in the industry.
A: Yes
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Q: Ceramic brakes cost a fortune as a new "option" for a performance car that is NOT driven hard would you recommend it.
A: No
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Q: I have heard that roof racks will affect fuel consumption. Is this true in your experience.
A: Yes
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Q: Mikey do you think Diesel vehicles will still be around in 10 plus years.
A: Yes
No question they will be as they have a place! Having said that, the place they have is not in my garage! -
Q: I am on a tighter budget than is ideal. I drive a 2013 BMW X3. I need to replace all 5 Tyres and want the best advice. I have been quoted R6000 less in total on Kumo Tyres than Michelin. I do not drive fast or hard in anyway. In your opinion is Kumo suitable for my Beemer.
A: Yes
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Q: I am getting conflicting advice re my Power Steering Fluid. I believe it should be changed and others say no need. In your opinion is it wise to change the fluid on a 8 year old vehicle.
A: Yes
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Q: I see a major car rental company is having a sale on their Polo fleet with under 50 000km. My friends and family have also said do not consider it. Your opinion is it a good option.
A: No
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Q: Would you recommend at a huge cost saving non genuine brake pads and brake discs.
A: No
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Q: I have heard that the DSG Gearbox gives issues. Then I hear people say they are superb. In your opinion is it safe to buy a car with a DSG if it was a well maintained car.
A: Yes
I am a huge fan of DSG and their equivalent! To this day i personally have never come across or dealt with anyone who has had an issue. I assure you I am not living in a cave! -
Q: Do you personally prefer Automatic over Manual
A: Yes
Personally in every single aspect. More Fuel efficient, quieter, smoother ride and all-round safer. If anyone prefers a Manual car... hire them as they clearly are a hard worker! -
Q: I know that when it comes to mechanical parts non-genuine should be a no no. With regards to body parts and fittings can i consider quality non-genuine.
A: Yes
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Q: In your opinion is fully synthetic oil worth the extra money if used on a high performance engine.
A: Yes
This is the easiest question to answer YES to. Synthetic oil is so superior to Mineral oil. It literally is one of the best things you can do for your car. -
Q: Would you advise buying an ex Rental vehicle if price is the same as a non Rental vehicle!
A: No
There would be no logical reason to do so as there are better options. Ex Rental cars have in certain instances been abused. Equally it is a guarantee that they will have had more chance of spray work being done on them! -
Q: Are modern Automatic vehicles fuel efficient?
A: Yes
Absolutely yes and yes again. I will bet my bottom US Dollar that all modern Automatics are more fuel efficient than a manual equivalent! -
Q: I have a chip on my windscreen that has not run. Should I replace it!
A: No
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Q: Are Petrol cars as fuel efficient as Diesel vehicles?
A: No
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Q: Is the Discovery Maintenance Plan worth the money.
A: Yes
I am a huge fan of the company that is Discovery! Open disclaimer we endorse them! However we had choices and we chose Discovery for a reason! -
Q: Do I need to be concerned if my Airbags are older than 10 Years
A: No
Airbags are a lifesaver and i am a huge admirer of this incredible "Invention" -
Q: Is a 4x2 vehicle sufficient to Travel off road in Kruger
A: Yes
I can confidently say that in all but absolutely unforeseen conditions a 4x2 and normal car is more than good enough. -
Q: I am looking at buying a vehicle for my kids would you recommend that I buy them an automatic as their first car instead of a manual
A: Yes
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Q: Would you recommend that I start looking at replacing my vehicle after 7 years if my kilometers are under 100 000
A: No
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Q: Simply put are you a fan of Electric cars!
A: No
For a myriad of reasons I do not like Electric! I hate how soulless they are, I detest the lack of noise, feel and most of all the lack of range! If Electric vehicles disappeared tomorrow it will be to late! -
Q: I have been debating for a number of years regarding car insurance would it be of value to me to shop around every 4 years to try and get better cover for my car as my vehicle would depreciate each year
A: Yes
No question that "the best" priced insurance is a ever moving target. I am very pro Discovery Insure as a product! -
Q: Do you suggest ordering a car with Navigation
A: Yes
I love the navigation feature on a car as it adds a lot of class. Yes you can use your cell phone. However its not the same! -
Q: Is the new X1 fuel efficient
A: Yes
All modern cars by and large are fuel efficient! BMW in particular make some of the most fuel efficient vehicles in their class!
