The Hyundai Kona Electric is a great choice for drivers looking for easy access and uncomplicated tech - Matt Vosper Photography LtdDear Alex,I require a used electric car that is two or three years old. I want a smaller SUV type for ease of access due to my age, with five doors and five seats.I'm not interested in tech gadgets, but I like a digital speed display. I also want air-conditioning, parking aids, speed sign recognition and sat nav. I do mainly local journeys, with very occasionally a longer journey of 100-plus miles. Which EVs would suit?– JHDear JH, The car that best suits your needs is the Hyundai Kona Electric as even the most basic model has all the equipment you require. It has a real-world range of between 220 and 260 miles, depending on the weather, so your longest journeys can easily be achieved without having to recharge.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe entry-level Advance model minimises the tech gadgets. One of the things I like most about the Kona is that its interior has lots of physical, easy-to-use buttons rather than relying on touch-sensitive pads or a touchscreen.What's more, the Kona's buttons are grouped in such a way that it's easy to find the function you want without too much distraction. To drive, the Kona is hassle-free and comfortable, while it also has plenty of space inside and a decent-sized boot.My only concern is that you wanted a smaller size. The Kona is about 4.4m long, so about the length of a Ford Focus hatchback – not huge, but not the smallest car by any means.If you feel the Kona is a touch on the large side, consider the Renault 4 E-Tech. It's 30cm shorter than the Kona, while having the higher seating position you desire.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe real-world range will be slightly less than the Kona's, between 175 and 200 miles, but it should still have more than enough battery capacity for your longer trips.The most basic Evolution+ specification keeps gadgetry to a minimum yet includes rear parking sensors. Upgrading to the Techno+ adds a rear-view camera, as well as a snazzy contrast roof which lifts the 4's neat retro looks further still.Personally, I'd go for the Kona – but if it's too large or you prefer the more stylish option, the Renault would be ideal.One reader faces a delayed gearbox repair on his Kia Soul - AlamyDear Alex,Our Kia Soul, bought in 2011, was reliable until the automatic gearbox dropped out of "drive" into "neutral" briefly on a motorway. During the following week the problem recurred, particularly when cold or going uphill.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe service centre said they would swap the gearbox, but a new one wasn't available, so they procured a second-hand item. This was apparently so bad they immediately looked for another, which was found and fitted.We drove the car for a week before having it towed back, as the gears couldn't be budged. We are now waiting for the original gearbox to be repaired (which is what I originally wanted, but was told it would be too costly).Is this a common problem on Souls of this vintage? Could it simply be the electronic sensors? It transpires the gearbox oil change scheduled for 2022 was omitted. Do we have any leverage because of this?– RHDear RH, Had you asked for a gearbox oil change at the time and one not been carried out you might have had a stronger case, but at the end of the day a garage's job is to undertake the work the owner asks it to do.AdvertisementAdvertisementIt can recommend additional work (and, assuming it's a main dealer, it dropped the ball somewhat in not doing so), but the ultimate responsibility for a car's maintenance lies with the owner, so the onus would have been on you to ensure that the dealer carries out the correct services and to request a gearbox fluid change had one not been offered.It sounds more like a mechanical issue than a sensor fault, although I doubt that the missed fluid change was the sole cause. I've not heard of a high failure rate among Soul autos, but these are old cars now and automatic gearboxes can – and do – wear out.While I understand that the course of events has been frustrating, I can also see what the garage has tried to do. Reconditioning a gearbox is expensive and I imagine most owners of cars of this age would baulk at the cost, so the garage has tried to find the most economical way of dealing with the problem.That would usually be the fitment of a second-hand unit – but as your dealer has found to its cost, finding a good used gearbox can be problematic, with no way to test the unit and little guarantee as to its mileage, it's easy to get lumbered with a duffer.AdvertisementAdvertisementReconditioning the gearbox proved to be the better option in this case, although at considerable additional cost, which you were prepared to pay because you wanted to keep the car.Sometimes, it's not the option that makes the most economic sense that turns out to be the most sensible one. But I don't blame your dealer for attempting to solve this in a less financially injurious way for you.Do you have a question? Contact [email protected]Try full access to The Telegraph free today. 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