Reviews

BMW’s first EV was launched in 2013 and despite being out of production for two years, the i3 still stacks up as one of the best in its class today. It’s a small car by today’s standards but is roomy and has thoroughly interesting modern styling. Older examples are still consistently hitting their range targets and they have a pretty good reliability reputation. The BMW i3 might just be a canny used EV buy. Turners Westgate has this one coming up for auction. 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 around $150k. Turners North Shore has this one that could be yours. Read on...

So you find the regular Nissan Note E-Power a bit bland? Well they also do a Nismo edition, and it’s a blast to drive. Unlike most hybrid vehicles, the Nissan Note e-Power is the perfect compromise for those wanting the EV driving experience without the need to plug in. But can it really be a driver’s car? Well yes, actually. Read on...

If you were very successful and wealthy in 1972 you probably had your heart set on a luxury car. A Rolls Royce was maybe out of your range, or perhaps a bit ‘old money’ for your taste. Indeed, what you really wanted was the Mercedes that was the forerunner to the famous S-Class line, the W108/109. And if funds could be stretched you really wanted the 3.5L V8 option. It said to the world you had class and taste. Over 50 years later this 280SE V8 still projects good taste and is perhaps more classy than ‘class’. And it could be yours. Read on...

Look, sure, it’s a tiny Toyota with a tiny engine at Turners Timaru, but it’s also, basically, an Aston Martin. Will your neighbours even know the difference when they see it parked in your drive? Will they think you’ve won the lottery? Well probably not. But Aston Martin did make a version of the Toyota iQ and it didn’t go well. But why did they do it in the first place? Hint: it’s a bit cynical. Read on...

The fourth generation Toyota Hiace was such a popular van in NZ during its 15 year production. Most came with little to no comfort options, drove okay, and were likely to be lethal in a crash. But it was bomb proof (if not always rust proof), dependable, and didn’t depreciate like most cars. But when was the last time you saw one with under 100,000kms on the odo? Well Turners Tauranga has one and it’s for sale now. Read on...

It’s one of the most popular modern classics and certain versions are very highly prized. The BMW E30 comes in a myriad of specifications, starting with the 316i sedan all the way to the M3. They are all popular but the difference between the bottom to the top is significant, and is the reason why this car will likely be saved. This NZ new M325i has had a whoopsy to its front end and has been written off and deregistered. Will it be saved? I think so. And I imagine the auction will be a competitive affair. Read on...

It may seem obvious now but the Ford Capri was indeed designed to be the European Mustang and was designed by Mustang designer Phillip T Clark. Like the famous American Pony car, it was a big success, but it didn’t last as long as the Mustang which is still made today. Both models have their fans and both of these cars are being auctioned at Turners Christchurch. Would you choose the retro car favoured by seventies UK cop shows or the muscle of this Roush edition US Mustang? Read on...

Most people aren’t familiar with Honda’s first generation Insight, which is hardly surprising. It was a sort of real world ‘test of concept’ car, built in small numbers and mostly sold in America. But the Insight is a significant car, one built out of engineering obsession – to build the world’s most fuel efficient car. And they succeeded. And a rare example has come to auction at Turners Wellington. Read on...