I was a Commodore man all my life. 12 yr old car had head gasket problems and dings ,cost more to fix than it was worth.

I have always disliked SUV's, thought they were pretentious and hard to see around at intersections. Visited a few car yards for a second hand car, saw an Audi Q3, took it for a drive, loved it.

Did not do any research into other brands even though I should have and websites like Caradvice recommend other SUV's ahead of the Audi.

Bought a 2012 model private sale, had done 11,000, paid $30,000 14 months ago.

I don't drive much but super happy with it, needs servicing once a year and quit reasonable if you don't go to Audi dealer, a new car has a warranty anyway, not as long as say Kia which has 7 years.

Also the dimensions of the Audi Q3 are less than the Commodore and how good is the rear parking camera, just brilliant.  Of course the 2018 model would have many more goodies than mine.

maybe not but the extras do add up

Not into the SUV scene so can'rt comment.

I purchased a new Dualis TiL a few years back. A little over 30k after trade and it was top of the line. All the bells and whistles you could ever want.

The only problem is it is a town car. Terrific on the H'way and around town but where I live I needed a 4x4 to tow a horse trailer and c'van so got rid of the Dualis.

It was the best car I have ever driven, and I had 2 new commodores before it. Great town car.

The Dualis is now called the Qashqai.

My local mechanic told me to never buy a VW because they need to be serviced by specialist mechanics that are trained by VW. And good luck finding one when travelling around the country areas.

Good luck mate. Some very nice cars available in your price range.

Is he a car expert as well as finance guru, building tsar, sporting club committee wunderkind, $500, 000 worth and countless other areas of expertise ?

rhetorical question , of course he is  

LOL   I had an 84 Corolla with 400,000Ks on it and still going.  Only ever broke down once when a hose broke.   Finally traded and got $500 for it ,,,,,and now the cops are using it for spy work .   You are right. They dont make them like they used to !

I know someone who has one and I'll second that recommendation in the price bracket . If you do test one have a look at the Hybrid version as well .

 It's much cheaper to run and tried and tested over a number of years . 

if you are talking about this one, a poor review

http://www.caradvice.com.au/604982/2018-lexus-ct200h-f-sport-review/" rel="nofollow - http://www.caradvice.com.au/604982/2018-lexus-ct200h-f-sport-review/

Better reviews for Toyota Prius Hybrid and this one

http://www.caradvice.com.au/630986/2018-hyundai-ioniq-premium-hybrid-review/" rel="nofollow - http://www.caradvice.com.au/630986/2018-hyundai-ioniq-premium-hybrid-review/

I've driven one and I believe they are very reliable option . As the review says there may be better options for the money but may be worth a test drive in that price bracket . 

I stuck with Nissan acacia and went for the Navara D40. 4 cylinder turbo diesel.

Power to burn and equivalent to a commodore in fuel economy.

Very happy with it to date.

Dual cab ?

Dual cab and the Thai chassis.

The chassis built in Spain rust and break.

That is interesting you would think it would be the other way around. good research to find that out, I cannot understand how a company like Nissan has such slack, varying quality control.

Is the chassis replaced free, guess it would be very expensive, and how long does it normally take to break , well past warranty date no doubt ?

My Cousin bought a brand new Hyundai Tuscon, in Sydney,  last year. Paid cash on the nose and drove it off the lot.   It had 2 thousand Ks on it when he drove it here to visit.  Long story but went out to go down the town and the oil light was on, so drove it to the local NRMA agency/garage to get it filled, all of 1 K away.  The mechanic there checked, a full oil tank,  and freaked when he heard the noise,,,,engine buggered .  Nrma put it on a truck and took it to the closest Hyundai place in Maitland,,,,after 2 days they didnt want to know, so loaded it up and took it to Newcastle.  They loaded it up and took it to Sydney.  All the time my cousin talking to them about a car while it was off the road.  Between Hyundai and NRMA ( that he has been a platinum member of for 42 years ) They messed him about badly and he ended up getting the train back to Sydney.   He is 6foot 5 inches tall and all they were offering was a small Accord ( I think ) which he cant get into.  And he had to go to Maitland to pick it up.  An hours drive over country roads.  In Sydney they told him they would have to put a complete new motor in, and he said he would prefer a new car, which they flatly refused to even discuss.

3 weeks later he got his car back with no sorry for all the messing about,  or not one word of apology from either Hyundai , or the NRMA, who at first argued he wasnt even a member !!

It isn't just the Navaras that can break a chassis. Most dual cabs have the same problem.

The rust is because of the steel used in Europe from what I've read. And the broken chassis aren't all because of rust. Poor towing practices are a contributing factor. Too much weight will break any chassis.

Triton.

This one a Navara.

But the Spanish built Navara has the worst record.

The Thai built chassis is as close to perfect you will find for a dual cab.

Isaac come back, all is forgiven 

I have no idea. There should be a VW forum floating around the internet though, that's the best place to start looking.

Here's one from a VW forum. ausamarok. I don't seem to be able to load the website put the photo is on the Google search under 'amarok broken chassis'.