January Newsletter

Unless built for a James Bond film any sort of Lotus, replica or original, is not designed to go underwater. Sadly, the weather gods didn’t get the memo and flooded the garage where this Chevron Lotus 7 replica was living. Can it be saved? You’d think so. Read on...

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 recent years brands like Kia and Hyundai have skilfully turned around perceptions by building decent, if not overly exciting, cars. And then Kia get cocky and took on the Europeans with the Stinger. Is it any good? You betcha. Read on...

If you remember the Isuzu Bellett at all it’s the simple 4 door sedan that your weird uncle and aunt drove when you were a kid. But scouting around the outer edges of Turner’s stock has thrown up this battered and rusty coupe version with its overhead cam engine and twin carbs. It was also the first Japanese car to wear a GT badge and front disc brakes. Read on...

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...

Last week we featured a 10 year old Merc and compared the price to that of a new Ford Focus. This upset at least one commenter (something about fruit) so this week we’ll feature a Ford Focus and compare the price to that of a new Mercedes (we even?). Seriously though, if you want to be seen, go fast and have fun while still having 5 doors for the family then this Focus ST is for you. Read on...

This Mercedes SLK350 is an exercise in looking filthy rich for less than the price of a new base model Ford Focus. It’s fast, exclusive, comfortable and very pretty. It’s also low mileage and NZ new and under $30k. You’ll need to sharpen up your wardrobe and get a haircut because you’ll be in a different league. Read on...

Isn’t it fun looking at the fringes of what is for sale or auction at Turners? We could focus on the usual Ford Rangers and Suzuki Swifts but who really cares? The answer may very well be many more than care about the Peugeot 505 but I’m going to put that down to many not knowing what a Peugeot 505 is. So please, read on...

Now before you give your hot take on this oddball gem in the comments section, remember, car lovers have diverse taste. And with Britain’s Festival of the Unexceptional fast becoming one of that country’s most popular car shows maybe we should celebrate the unexotic AND affordable. I give you the Suzuki Cultus Convertible. Read on...

To many it’s just a scruffy old Holden like the one grandad used to have. But to others it’s a symbol of better times when cars had no air conditioning, rust was a thing and stubbies were acceptable summer attire for blokes. Reliving the glory days doesn’t come cheap but if it makes you feel younger... Read on...