The Good Oil

A 400hp V8, a top speed of 270kph and 0-100kph in 5.6 seconds, and the comfort of an interior that feels like a classy Italian lounge bar. This 2006 Maserati Quattroporte is an exotic grand tourer for a very un-exotic price. Read on...

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.

For many of us, buying a brand new car is not an option and a near new car is still beyond the constraints of our current budget. But the thing is, there are many good cars out there for the budget conscious, it’s just a matter of identifying them. So let’s take a look at a cross section of makes and models that can be snagged for $6000 - $8000 that will give you good value for your hard earned money. Of course one person’s value for money will be different to another’s. Some will value reliability and fuel economy above all else, some will sacrifice some running costs for speed and power, while others will seek prestige with loads of fruity extras and be prepared to compromise a little on reliability and economy. So with this in mind here are just a few examples that cover the bases but

This classic 1970 MG Midget is a sad and sorry sight. What looks to have recently been a superb example of this British classic has since had some of its panel work forcefully realigned. Is it curtains for the little nipper or can it be saved? Read on...

If you are an important person in Japan, such as the Prime Minister, then chances are you get ferried around in a Toyota Century. This 2006 model is hard to distinguish from an original 1967 model, but under the bonnet sits some rare Japanese V12 madness. If you want to look important while having your butt massaged then read on...

The Ranger may be top of the charts in NZ but the big daddy of pick-ups is Ford’s F series. It has been the biggest selling car in America since dinosaurs roamed the planet. Currently Ford sells 41 billion dollars worth of F Series trucks every year yet they are a comparatively rare sight on NZ roads. This one hails from the lone star state of Texas and it really is a thing of functional beauty.

For most of us a standard Subaru WRX will fulfil our need for speed and perhaps even exceed it. But if you’re one of those maniacs who feel a standard WRX lacks punch then this Kiwi new WRX in 555 blue that’s huffing the laughing gas could be just the thing to bring a smile to your face. Read on...

With the four cylinder engine from the Focus RS the Mustang 2.3 Ecoboost seems at odds with what we’ve come to expect from the iconic pony car. That is, a V8 engine, the V8 rumble and the wallet emptying fuel consumption. But before you right it off as “not a real Mustang” there is much to admire about this little pony. Read on...

By American standards the 1971 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400 is a very rare car. Only 7802 were built in ‘71 and with the passing of 47 tough years most of those have no doubt succumbed to the ravages of time. Not this one though. Oh no, this one is something really quite special and you can buy it. Read on...