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The Good Oil - Issue 5 March 2010
This month’s issue is all about value for money… Or, more precisely, just how far can we get a dollar to stretch! Check out our feature on great buys under $3,000, and our head to head comparison of two popular medium-sized sedans. For those with a bit more pocket money to spare, we’ve also reviewed some great two-wheeled automotive toys that have gone under the hammer recently. Enjoy!
• Tight budget? What could you get for $3000?
• Head to head – Honda Accord vs. Mazda 6
• An Indian summer – Hamilton classic motorcycle auction
Tight budget? What could you
get for $3000?
 Have you ever wondered about those adverts where the product is described as "affordable"? What does that mean, exactly? Surely anything is affordable if you have enough money?
Of course, "affordable" is marketing speak for "cheap" or "budget". But in the world of car advertising, affordable cars are still out of reach for many of us. So make no mistake, today we’re talking about "cheap" cars - $3000 cheap to be precise.
I armed myself with $3000 of imaginary money (because I couldn’t find any real money in my wallet) and went to the Turners website in search of a good reliable car with current registration and WOF.
So what could I buy? Find Out >>
 Head to head –
Honda Accord vs. Mazda 6
 Every month we’re going to run a head to head comparison with two popular models that are regularly sold at Turners. This month it’s two class leaders of the medium sized car sector; the Mazda 6 GSX and the Honda Accord Euro.
Both are attractive, well equipped and extremely popular used buys today. We've compared a 2006 example of each model to tell you what you'd expect to pay for one at auction and what you'll get for your money.
Mazda 6 GSX Auto Sedan
Engine size: 2.3L – 122kw
Transmission: 5 Speed auto
Fuel economy: 4 /6*
Co2 emissions: 3.5/6*
Safety rating: N/A
Features
8x Airbags
ABS
Cruise control
Premium audio with multiple stack CD player
Air conditioning
Price when new: $42975
Est. auction price
70000-90000 km
$15500-$17500
*From rightcar.govt.nz |
Honda Accord Euro
Engine size: 2.4L – 140kw
Transmission: 5 speed auto
Fuel economy: 3.5/6*
Co2 emissions: 3.5/6*
Safety rating: 4/5*
Features
6x Airbags
ABS
Cruise control
Premium audio with multiple stack CD player
Air conditioning
Price when new: $36000
Est. auction price
70000-90000 km
$16500-$18500 |
Verdict
These cars both drive exceptionally well. The Honda has the edge in power while the Mazda is more economical. Both have very similar equipment levels and above average reliability ratings. The Mazda may be slightly cheaper at auction due to more availability. Both cars represent good buying in this class but you might also consider a Ford Mondeo which really is the bargain used buy in this sector at around $4000 - $6000 cheaper than the other two.
An Indian summer – Hamilton classic motorcycle auction
 If two wheels is more your thing than four, here’s something a bit special that recently went under the hammer at our classic motorcycle auction in Hamilton...
Most New Zealanders will be familiar with the Indian brand of motorcycle through the hugely popular film, "The World’s Fastest Indian" about Burt Munro and his quest for speed records. Burt’s famous Indian was a 1920’s Scout. This Indian Scout is a later 1942 741B and it was an absolute bargain for one quick-witted bidder who managed to pick it up for just $8,000 at the classic motorcycle auction.
Another 1925 Indian went for $17,800, at that price it was the most expensive buy of the day – but no doubt well worth it to the discerning.
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If you need to move a car from A-Z then give the team at Toll a call...
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 Future cars – The Volkswagen 1L
In another regular feature, we’ll look over the automotive horizon to what we might be driving in the not too distant future. First up - the Volkswagen 1L.
This stunning two seater was first unveiled as a concept in 2002. Its name is a reference to its fuel usage target of just one litre of Diesel per 100km. It uses hybrid electric/diesel technology to make what will be the world’s most fuel efficient production car.
The 1L is scheduled to hit the market in 2013 and we reckon the queues at Volkswagen dealerships will be pretty long. Apart from being a technological masterpiece and easy on the environment, this is one of the prettiest cars we’ve seen in a long while.
Prices are not known at this stage but with all this technology and carbon fibre, we’re predicting it’ll knock you back a wee bit more than a Corolla. With beauty and brains, we reckon it’ll be worth it.
More details and photos here >>
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YOUR MECHANIC OF THE MONTH  Last month we asked you, the readers, to nominate your favourite mechanic and it turns out that many of you like your mechanics.
This month’s winner is Harris Ishikawa and his mechanic Pat, from Waikowhai Motors. Apart from being a good spanner man, Pat, the apprentice, knows how to communicate with his customers. In this case, Harris’ chosen communication medium was Facebook and Pat was happy to oblige. We think that’s pretty cool. We’ve known mechanics that find using the telephone a nuisance.
Congratulations Pat – we hope you enjoy the glory! And Harris, a $100 Mitre10 vouchers is on its way.
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