May

The Ford Falcon BA FPV GT-P has a bulge in its bonnet so big it begs the question ‘is that a big V8 under your bonnet or are you just pleased to see me?’ It’s a big V8, a very big, quad cam, 5.4L 290kw V8. This car is now a modern classic, maybe it always was, and this 2005 example in Vixen red with rare 6 speed manual transmission is being Auctioned by Turners Timaru. Read on...

The Jaguar F-Type was meant to be Jaguar’s spiritual successor to the E-Type, one of the greatest looking cars in history. And I think it’s fair to say they succeeded in creating the best looking Jag since the E-Type. But this car, like the E-Type, is more than just a pretty face, and at this sort of money ($39000 - $43000) it’s a very tempting proposition. Read on...

The Bedford TJ was once a very common sight on New Zealand’s roads. With the many different body configurations it was used in pretty much every commercial situation where a medium sized truck was needed. But over the years the hard work took its toll and these days they are rarely spotted outside of old automotive graveyards. But this ex-prison service fire truck, like most fire trucks, is in great shape with incredibly low kms. It’s now a stone cold (or piping hot) classic and it could be yours. Read on...

Hey kids, the Toyota Camry has been around longer than you think and is more than the white hybrid taxi you know today. Is this important? No. Should you care? Probably not. But once upon a time, in the 80s, Camrys roamed our roads in great numbers, driven by sales reps, mid level management and, in the case of this top spec ‘Ultima’ model, retired people. Rarely seen today but a pleasant sight when one of these handsome devils makes an appearance. Like this one. Read on...

The Defender has long been the go-to vehicle to make posh people look more rugged. But make no mistake, this is one tough beast from a time when the Defender was a stripped back, no nonsense, work truck. The new Defender is actually posh. It’s all modern and flash and it probably doesn’t even leak oil like it’s supposed to. And costs north of $150k. Turners Invercargill has this one that could be yours. Read on...

The Suzuki Jimny is a giant killing off-road vehicle in more ways than you’d think. They are incredibly capable on the rough stuff and they hold their value like some rare, exotic supercar. They may be basic, small and not exactly comfortable but they are depreciation busting mud pluggers. Read on...

Putting a big engine in a little car is not a new trick but it is a good trick. The 135i dispensed with the 4 pot engines usually found in the 1 series and squeezed in a 300hp twin turbo straight six and sent all the grunt to the rear wheels. It’s a trick that never gets old and it’s not all that expensive either. This example at Turners Tauranga provides plenty of bang for buck. Read on...

The BMW F10 M5 is a supercar for the whole family at a very un-supercar price. It has an 8 cylinder, twin turbocharged engine that pumps out 550hp with a sub 4.5 second 0-100kph time. But unlike other supercars it also has plenty of room for the kids and a couple of dogs, all of which will be truly excited/terrified every time you hit the loud pedal. All of this with an auction estimate of under $16k. Read on...

The Suzuki Swift is one of our favourite small hatchback. They are affordable, cheap to run and fun to drive. And the Sport version may be the last old school hot hatch. Whether you have $5000 or $15000 you can get yourself one of the most rewarding lightweight hot hatches on the market with a manual gearbox. There is always plenty to chose from, too. Here are two at Turners right now. Read on...