The Good Oil Blog

Back When a Ute was a Work Truck

Sep 15, 2021

This old digger would’ve been the ute of choice in 1981. A bench seat with auto transmission was bordering on posh back then. But compared to today’s utes with their Bluetooth, climate control and comfy seats this old boy seems prehistoric. And flat out cool. Read on...

News Reviews

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Feb 21, 2020

As you will have heard already, Holden, the iconic Aussie car brand, is being discontinued by parent company General Motors at the end of this year. There are many ramifications for NZ consumers and fans alike, from motorsport to cop cars to parts availability. But today is a day to reflect on the Aussie car that had such a big presence in New Zealand. The band is breaking up so let’s look at some of their greatest hits.

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Which Hybrid?

Some prefer to walk around for hours hitting small balls with long sticks at tiny holes with a trolley in tow. Others, however, prefer their golf a bit quicker. And there’s no quicker golf than the mighty Volkswagen Golf R. Turners Tauranga has this one for sale right now. Read on...

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Disco Fever

Jan 10, 2020

Oct 11, 2019

Remember when Hyundai first started selling cars here? Badge snobs everywhere (basically nearly everyone) wouldn’t touch them. But look at Hyundai now. Are Haval the next Hyundai? There’s no denying that the Haval H2 is a well priced, well sorted, small SUV. This 1 year old example has just 12000kms on the clock and can be driven away for $19,990. But would you? Read on...

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The Cuddly Cactus

Oct 3, 2019

For some the main thorny issues with the Citroen C4 Cactus will be its looks and, in this case, maybe its colour. But there’s a lot to like about this Cactus even if it appears the designers were partaking in a taste of the prickly plant’s juice. Read on...

News Reviews

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Volvo Wants Safety for All

Sep 27, 2019

Sixty years ago Volvo started fitting a safety product to their cars that has gone on to save an estimated 1 million lives. That product was the three point safety belt, one of the single most important vehicle safety devices.

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Aug 26, 2019

The car chase in 1968’s Bullitt is considered by many to be the best of all time. That’s a big call, but it is the granddaddy of the modern car chase and its location on the steep streets of San Francisco makes it pretty thrilling. The Ford Mustang used in the film has cult status and its whereabouts was a mystery until just last year. Now the iconic GT Fastback is going to be sold.

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Jul 18, 2019

Last week saw one of the American motor industry’s biggest stars depart the stage for the last time at the age of 94. He was the man behind Ford’s incredibly successful Mustang as well as the Chrysler Minivan, the original American people-mover.

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May 17, 2019

Buying a used car on a limited budget can be risky but not all of us can spend $15,000 on a car. Here are some tips to help reduce the risk and get the best car you can afford.

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Apr 12, 2019

Let’s face it, winter is nearly here and if there’s anything that makes a cold winter worse it’s a car that won’t start or breaks down or tries to kill you on a wet road. But you can probably prevent many of these problems without too much fuss...preferably before winter hits proper.

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Feb 13, 2019

You may be wondering why Scott Mclaughlin’s new Mustang V8 Supercar looks so different from an actual Mustang. With its droopy snout, bigger windscreen and side glass, slightly squashed body and longer tail you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s not really a Mustang at all. And you’d be right.

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Only in New Zealand

Feb 13, 2019

New Zealand’s history of designing and mass manufacturing cars is brief to say the least. There was the Trekka and, well, that was it really. However, we did once have a rich history of assembling cars, and some pretty important ones at that. We built up VW Beetles, Fiat 500s (or Bambina in NZ only), Minis, Corollas, even Vespas, and many, many more.

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Seat of the Pants Driving - 11th February, 2019

Feb 11, 2019

This pint sized supercar has pin-up good looks, goes even better, and has a Toyota engine which means it won’t be as fragile as your typical highly strung supercar. Also, like a supercar, it’s lightweight, fast, noisy, uncomfortable and bags of ridiculous fun. Read on...

News Reviews

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Dec 17, 2018

There’s been recent talk of lowering speed limits on some of our roads but if you want to take direct action then this 25 foot long 1979 Oxford caravan is sure to slow traffic behind you wherever you tow it this summer. As caravans go this is a mansionvan with all the questionable tastes of 1979 interior design still very much intact. Read on...

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A Bargain Future Classic? 14th December, 2018

Dec 14, 2018

Playing the “Future Classic” game is tricky but with this 2005 low mileage Mazda RX8 it could be a game worth playing for two reasons. Firstly, pretty much every rotary powered Mazda has become collectible and has increased in value over time so the future should be bright for the RX8. Secondly, these are simply really good cars at low prices that’ll be fun to own and drive. So is there a downside?

Reviews Auctions

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Big Crowd for the Classics - 11th December, 2018

Dec 11, 2018

Saturday’s classic auction at Turners Christchurch was a resounding success with some standout performers being snapped up by the large crowd in the room as well as many more bidding online. Here are a few of the highlights. Read on...

News Reviews Auctions Classic Cars

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You’re Ready for a Holiday but is Your Car?

Dec 7, 2018

It’s been a long year and you’re ready for a holiday. But it has also been a long year for your car. So is it in need of some loving before you hit the long hot NZ summer holiday period?

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Aug 29, 2018

With Tesla’s Model 3 making its first appearance in NZ this month and Hyundai’s new fully electric Kona on sale now it appears EVs are likely to be the latest automotive game changer. So we thought we’d look back on some of the other automotive game changers that significantly altered the motoring landscape.

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Jun 28, 2018

Where the Audi RS4 looks like a comfortable family car that belies its brutal performance, the RS5 coupe looks like it could be quite fast and it really, seriously is. But it still has an understated elegance that hides some of its true nature; a velvet hammer if you like. Read on...

News Reviews Auctions

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K Pop Chart Toppers - 25th June, 2018

Jun 25, 2018

A few short years ago Korean brands were looked down on by car buyers who saw them as inferior. And, to be fair, who can forget the awful Daewoo Nubira or the Hyundai Pony? But in J.D Powers latest American new car customer satisfaction survey Korean manufacturers took out the top three spots. Read on...

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Holy Horsepower, Batman - 20th June, 2018

Jun 20, 2018

Mazda’s third generation RX7, or Batmobile as it is commonly known, is probably the best looking of the series and came from the factory with a decent number of horses (around 250) galloping out of the 13B rotary engine. But for some that was merely a small gathering of ponies when nothing short of a herd of wild stallions would do. Like this one at Turner North shore. Read on...

News Reviews

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Famous Footballer Cars of the past

Jun 15, 2018

With the Football World Cup kicking off in Russia and the crazy pre-season transfer market in full swing we are once again reminded how much today’s football superstars get paid and the outrageous cars many of them insist on driving. Christiano Ronaldo has $11 million dollars worth of exotic motors, Lionel Messi also has an impressive supercar garage, and John Terry collects Ferraris. But what about the superstars of the past? What did they drive?

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Fuel effeciency

Jun 15, 2018

Petrol vs Diesel. Hybrid vs Electric Vehicle. Ever wanted to know whether petrol or diesel vehicles will get you more for your money? There's so much to consider when buying a vehicle, with fuel efficiency just being the start...

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Avoiding Pressure at the Pump

Jun 14, 2018

With fuel prices at a four year high and regional fuel taxes on the way it might be time to look at your car’s drinking habits. Is it a quiet sipper or is it a heavy drinker with a taste for the top shelf stuff? If it’s the latter then is it time for a change?

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One for the Ambulance Chasers - 11th June, 2018

Jun 11, 2018

If any vehicle carries good Karma then it has to be an ambulance. Sure a few passengers may have shuffled off this mortal coil in the back but many more will have been saved, comforted and reassured on their way to hospital. So it may have covered a few kilometres (not as many as some) but they’ve all been travelled for the greater good of Humanity. Read on...

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Cat in a Camaro - 8th June, 2018

Jun 8, 2018

You will probably have heard the story of the Auckland cat that survived a 4.5 hour trip stuck behind the grill of a Chevy Camaro this week. There are a couple of questions that need to be answered here: Ford fans will be asking how a Chev managed to drive non-stop for 360kms? But more importantly, why was the cat there in the first place? Well this scenario is not that rare at this time of year so read on...

News

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Apr 16, 2018

Let’s face it, winter is nearly here and if there’s anything that makes a cold winter worse it’s a car that won’t start or breaks down or tries to kill you on a wet road. But you can probably prevent many of these problems without too much fuss...preferably before winter hits proper.

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Mar 6, 2018

If you need a big van then the Mercedes Sprinter 313 with high roof and long wheel base is hard to beat. But that size and the three pointed star don’t come cheap. However, this one offers potential savings in the thousands of dollars. Read on...

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Quick Quattro - 26th February, 2018

Feb 26, 2018

Stuck in the wilderness of not yet classic and not really modern this 2003 B6 Audi S4 Avant still cuts a handsome figure and sports an attractive price tag. It goes like stink, too. Read on...

News Reviews

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A Different View Every Day - 19th February, 2018

Feb 19, 2018

At first glance the price tag of $115,000 for this 2011 Keystone Springvale caravan might appear expensive, and sure, it is serious scratch. But look take a second look – you get a house AND a car for less than a deposit on an average Kiwi house and your backyard is New Zealand. Not so crazy when you think about it. Read on...

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Beach Hop, a festival

Feb 15, 2018

Next month sees the return of Beach Hop, a festival that celebrates 50s and 60s Rock and Roll, retro, nostalgia and old cars. Over the years it has grown into a major event that attracts over 1000 hot rods, classic cars, motorcycles, caravans and more Brylcreem, bobby socks and beehives than you can shake a gearstick at.

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Bullitt Mustang Found

Feb 15, 2018

The car chase in 1968’s Bullitt is considered by many to be the best of all time. That’s a big call but it is the granddaddy of the modern car chase and its location on the steep streets of San Francisco makes it pretty thrilling. The Ford Mustang used in the film has cult status but its whereabouts has remained a mystery...until now.

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Nov 28, 2017

It’s the Supercar for those that want a bit more comfort and refinement but still want the looks and the epic sound of a Ferrari built V8. The Maserati GranTurismo coupe is a grand tourer, but with 450hp and a trick transmission it ain’t no show pony and this one is for sale right now at Turners Penrose. Read on...

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Nov 3, 2017

The bumper sticker says “Be SMART of the Revolution” which may not be the most elegant play on words but you get the idea. I’m not sure that the Smart car brought about revolution but you’d think grid-locked Auckland would be awash with them, but it’s not. However, a walk around the inner city streets of somewhere like Rome suggests the Smart has its place. Maybe it has a place in your life. Read on...

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Retro Cruiser or Cafe Racer - 31st October, 2017

Oct 31, 2017

The Honda CB has been around for Donkeys and although this CB400 SS looks straight from the pages of a seventies magazine it was actually built in 2002. However, it’s not just a retro themed modern bike. No, the CB400 SS is kick start only with a carburettor and chrome. It’s genuine old-school and it’s lightweight, simple and looks cool. And it could look even cooler. Read on...

Reviews Auctions

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A Full Squad of Highlanders - 30th October, 2017

Oct 10, 2017

Despite a name that conjures up images of Scotland and a Rugby team from NZ’s deep south, the Toyota Highlander is actually an American made SUV – more burger and fries than Haggis and Speights. It’s big and tough but it also has finesse and comfort in spades. And Turners has the full team available for sale at very keen prices. Read on...

News Reviews

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Feel Good as you Drive to Work

Oct 5, 2017

This old digger would’ve been quite the catch in 1978. A factory V8 Kingswood Ute with power steering was bordering on posh back then. But compared to today’s Utes with their Bluetooth, climate control and comfy seats this old boy seems prehistoric. And flat out cool. Read on...

News Reviews Classic Cars

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Aug 14, 2017

It was known in Australia as the Brumby, in America as the BRAT (Bi-Drive Recreational All-Terrain Transportation) and elsewhere as the MV and the Shifter. In NZ it was simply a Subaru 1800 GL and it has a bit of a cult following. The trouble is you very rarely find one that hasn’t been beaten to death through years of backbreaking work. This one looks pretty well preserved though. Read on...

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High End Hot Hatch - 7th August, 2017

Aug 7, 2017

The fifth generation Golf GTI is seen by many as the best one Volkswagen has produced. And now you can buy a really tidy NZ new one for less than the price of an original first generation GTI – a lot less actually. This one can be driven away for just $8990.

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The Durable German - 4th August, 2017

Aug 4, 2017

In 2004 a Greek taxi driver donated his 1976 Mercedes W115 240D to the Mercedes Benz museum in Stuttgart. He figured he’d got his money’s worth out of it and the big German car giant might like it. Why? Because it had travelled 4.6 million kilometres. Old Mercs were built to last and this one in our National Classic Car auction looks to have plenty of miles left in it. Read on...

Reviews Auctions Classic Cars

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Jul 6, 2017

Who says sailing is a rich person’s sport? It might be for some but with this old P-Class, getting started in New Zealand’s new favourite sport is possibly cheaper than a season of cricket, rugby or Netball and definitely cheaper than cycling or motorsport. Sure you won’t be foiling but you will be learning... Read on

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So Much Posh, So Little Money - 3rd July, 2017

Jul 3, 2017

Porsche ownership is something most of us assume is for those people with stacks of cash or an appetite for crippling debt. But you could join the club for about the price of a four year old Toyota Corolla...read on

Reviews Auctions

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An i-Car for u? 29th June, 2017

Jun 29, 2017

An i-Car for u?

News Reviews Auctions

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Hole in One, 27th June 2017

Jun 27, 2017

Hole in One

News Reviews Auctions

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Is this the Next Escort Sport? – 20th June, 2017

Jun 20, 2017

Is this the Next Escort Sport?

Reviews Auctions Classic Cars

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May 16, 2017

Classic caravans are super popular right now, much like the housing market but with wheels. This 1962 Cresta Craft needs work, but, like an old Villa in Ponsonby, it’ll be worth it. Once you’ve sorted out the shell and running gear you can let your imagination run wild when it comes to paint and decor. Read on...

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Apr 21, 2017

Nest or invest, add your own touch, worst house on the best street, cosy romantic pad, location, location, location, home handyman delight, live the good life, bring your tools and imagination, stunning views...and any other real estate clichés you can think of. Thing is, this caravan is the size of a small house, and like most old houses it needs work. So is it renovate or detonate? Read on...

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Mar 28, 2017

If any vehicle carries good Karma then it has to be an ambulance. Sure a few passengers may have shuffled off this mortal coil in the back but many more will have been saved, comforted and reassured on their way to hospital. So it may have a few kilometres on the clock but they’ve all been travelled for the greater good of your fellow men, women and children. Read on...

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Mitsubishi Evo Lite - 23rd March, 2017

Mar 23, 2017

It looks like an Evo X but without the as much power, the steep price tag and a bit more everyday drivability. But while the Galant Fortis Ralliart is not the Evo monster it does still pack a punch and it looks the business...read on

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A Severe Case of Heartburn - 21st March, 2017

Mar 21, 2017

It’s had a fire under the hood and it looks like it has been given a black eye. Life hasn’t been good to this old Corvette of late but maybe you could restore its confidence...and its burnt engine bay. It otherwise looks like a solid car that’d make a great winter project. Read on...

Reviews Auctions Classic Cars

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Classic Auction – Futuristic French - 17th March, 2017

Mar 17, 2017

In these days of cars filled with clever gadgets and innovative engineering it’s a good time to reflect on a car that was truly ahead of its time. The Citroen DS/ID was so ahead of its time when launched it shocked the motoring world. More than 50 years on it still looks gloriously bonkers. Read on...

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Nov 8, 2016

Leather upholstery, hand stitched by goddesses using thread made from the hair of baby pandas, a boot larger than many Auckland apartments and wood trim made from a walnut tree planted by God himself are just some of the features of this Rolls Royce Silver Shadow. And it’s being sold at the Turners National Classic Car Auction this month...

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The Crown Jewel - 4th November, 2016

Nov 4, 2016

Continuing our series highlighting cars from the Turners National Classic Auction later this month today we look at a Toyota. In years gone by a Toyota Crown would not be seen in a classic car auction, even a coupe like this one. Times have changed and a car once considered old and ugly now looks strangely attractive. This one is an absolute stunner.

Reviews Auctions Classic Cars

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Rare Cobra Looking for a New Charmer - 2nd November, 2016

Nov 2, 2016

The Shelby name is synonymous with performance Mustangs. They are the rare, hand built cars made at Carroll Shelby’s own workshop and sold as limited editions that bear the iconic Cobra snake badge on the grill. They were rare in their day and today they are even more so. Throw into the mix that none were sold new in NZ and you get an idea of how seldom an opportunity to buy one is. But one opportunity has arisen at Turners in the National Classic Car Auction...

Reviews Auctions Classic Cars

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Wolf in Dad’s Cardigan - 28th October, 2016

Oct 28, 2016

It may look like the equivalent of dad’s cardy with shoulder pads fitted but this mighty Audi RS4 Avant is a bit like Clark Kent – one minute it’s a sedate family wagon, the next it’s a supercar. And it doesn’t need a phone box for the transformation.

Reviews Auctions

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Dream Police - 25th October, 2016

Oct 25, 2016

Whether you’re a fan of the Blues Brothers, CHiPs or any number of American movies and TV shows from the eighties, you’ll recognise the black and white police cruiser. It’s as much a part of popular culture as it is part of everyday American life. Owning this car won’t give you the right to arrest criminals, engage in car chases or shoot unarmed innocents but you can but dream.

News Reviews Auctions

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A More Affordable Classic Falcon? 14th October, 2016

Oct 14, 2016

It’s all about the Falcons at the moment, what with the last one rolling of the assembly line in Australia last week and then the news of the genuine 1970 GTHO Falcon coming up for auction at Turners soon. The old Aussie Ford hasn’t been this popular in years. Of course the GTHO will be out of most peoples’ reach but there are other opportunities to join the rush to own the now extinct Aussie Icon.

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Jul 15, 2016

It’s considered by some, including the old Top Gear, to be the only true Japanese Supercar. Its performance puts it up there with some of the most exclusive supercars in the world. It’ll sprint from 0-100kph in around 4 seconds and keep going to over 300kph. And you can have all this for less than the price of a used Commodore Clubsport.

News Reviews

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Jun 24, 2016

Usually, the worst thing about buying an imported American car is the placement of the steering wheel on the passenger’s side. It may not seem like too much of a hassle until you have to overtake a truck or get in or out of a barrier controlled car park on your own. But this 1993 Chevrolet Corvette 40th Anniversary edition has been properly converted to right hand drive, and that makes all the difference.

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Apr 19, 2016

If you fancy living the life of a Member of Parliament without having to deal with elections, select committees, tricky portfolios and Patrick Gower then you could make a start by snagging yourself one of 32 Crown BMW limos up for Tender at Turners starting next week.

News Reviews

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Sep 20, 2012

If they’re good enough for Cameron Diaz and Julia Roberts…

Reviews Auctions

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Godzilla vs. Turners North Shore

Sep 15, 2012

Godzilla vs. Turners North Shore

Reviews Auctions

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