July

Fiat’s modern take on the original 500 is a cute little commuter car, somewhat in keeping with its great grand dad. But there’s also a fast Abarth version, also in keeping with its ancestor, and despite its spritely performance, modern tech and safety features it is also cheaper than buying one of the old timers. This 2014 500 Abarth, with its 133hp turbocharged 1.4L engine, reading just 41370km, has an auction estimate of just $14,200 - $15,000. That’s less than a quarter of what you’d have to pay for a 60s example. Read on...

If you need a car for your daily commute then this Jeep Wrangler Unlimited will be perfect for you... if your commute involves war zones, mountains, or boulder strewn muddy fields. It will also be perfect for the school run if the school is located on top of a mountain with no road access. This 2016 NZ new example is available now. Read on...

When you mention Renault to many NZ drivers you, perhaps ironically, get a very Gallic shrug of the shoulders or a dismissive wave of the hands. This is odd because when it comes to hot hatches Renault has got form, seriously good form. So while others are stumping up big dollars for hot Golfs or Focuses the Renault Megane RS can be picked up for a snip. Read on...

Small, sporty cars are the most fun. They may not be the fastest, most comfortable or quietest, but they bring the joy to driving. An SUV may give you comfort and a sense of security but it won’t be as much of a hoot over a windy country road as a little car like this 2018 Volkswagen Up! Gti. And with an auction estimate of $5000 - $7000 you could argue that it’s cheap fun, too. Read on...

Everyone remembers the Datsun 240Z, the Japanese E-Type with prices to match. Twenty years ago a really nice 240Z could be bought for under $20k and we all thought they were outrageously expensive then. Well try buying one now. So does this bode well for the 240z’s younger, bigger boned, Cousin? This very original survivor is available at Turners Hamilton. Read on...

If your name is Bobby-Joe, Jim-Bob or Darlene, you love Nascar and own more than one gun, then this 1999 Chevrolet Silverado could be just what you’re looking for. But, to be fair, whilst trucks like this used to seem huge in NZ, now they are merely very big compared to the modern Ranger and Hilux utes that grace our roads today. This one has spent it’s life in NZ and is supercharged. Read on...

Some people will never get their heads around Alfas and they’ll be sure to let you know about it at every opportunity. Some of the criticism is fair but much of it has been gleaned from Dave at the pub who’s brother’s mate’s dad had one in the 70s and it went rusty. And whilst many of the gripes about Alfa’s relate to cars from decades ago, and will have no bearing on the this 2015 Giulietta QV it’s probably best not to ask Dave for buying advice on this one. Read on...

The cheapest way into a Porsche sports car with the engine behind you has long been the Boxster. And these days, as 911s get further from reach for most of us, it makes even more sense to give the Boxster a go. Despite the deriding comments from those that see them as a poseurs car, it’s very hard to find a bad review from anyone who’s owned or driven one. Turners’ Otahuhu branch has two NZ new examples in the same auction next week – one manual, one auto – and both are pretty tempting. Read on...

Cars are often used as status symbols, or a “personality” extension. Maybe they have to be some-what practical but, above all, they must look good, be comfortable and, according to the ads, take you places that no other car can. Or there’s the Toyota Probox, a car that will take you to the places you need to go with no admiring glances, minimal comfort and zero fanfare. It’s whiteware on wheels. It says “I need to carry stuff and my personality requires no extension”. Sound like you? Read on...