Suzuki Swift Problems

Both are fun cars to drive, they’re relatively new, so should be reliable. I would prefer the Swift; I reckon you’ll get a better run out of it.

Do not buy a Cruze, or buy a European brand. They will prove costly. It's best to go for the cars that are well proven over many years. The Lancer is a good one, but so too is the Toyota Yaris or Corolla, Suzuki Swift, Mazda2 or 3, or Mitsubishi Colt.

Take it to a Suzuki specialist mechanic, or an auto electrician, who might be able to identify the connector for you.

You're not alone feeling the stress of choosing a new car. Toyota's Yaris is the safe choice but you should test drive the Suzuki Swift, since it also gets The Tick. Bargain hard on your favourite.

The cars you have been looking at are all good, sound and safe ones that have no serious issues to be concerned about and would give you reliable service for many years to come. Note that all of them are from Asia; I would suggest that you rule out anything from Europe. Another to consider would be the Mitsubishi Lancer.

I'd take it to an independent Suzuki specialist mechanic, or a suspension specialist, and have them wheel align it for you. They won't necessarily adjust it to the factory specs; they will probably set it a spec that will stop the wandering.

There is good news. Suzuki's Ruth John says: "In the case of a manufacturing defect within the warranty period, Suzuki Australia will certainly honour the warranty. In terms of the missed service, it isn't an issue in this case as the missed service in no way contributed to the transmission issue."

I would not buy a Golf in the second-hand $10,000 range. The Mazda3 is the best car but he'll probably get better value in a Swift, as it's a size smaller. Buying private will mean better value, but ensure he gets an independent mechanical check.