Category: Used Car Review

No comments

MAZDA6 2008 – 2017

  By ,

Mazda6 was launched in Australia in August 2002, it began as a midsize car and grew over the years with the latest models being only a little smaller than Commodore and Falcon. However, it’s significantly narrower than these Aussie icons so is better suited to two adults than three in the back seat. The higher build of Japanese Mazdas over European cars in this class was often the reason buyers told us they chose the ‘6. In this used car review we will begin with the second generation which arrived… Read more

No comments

PORSCHE BOXSTER, CAYMAN 2012 – 2018

  By ,
2015 Porsche Boxster Spyder

Porsche Boxster roadster and Cayman coupe both come from the highly regarded German maker of sports machines, being smaller, lower-cost models than the timeless Porsche 911. They are the same vehicle, except that there’s a folding roof on the Boxster and a fixed one in the Cayman. Boxster’s roof design is clever, in that the roof acts as its own cover when the top is open. Both are mid-engined, meaning the engine is installed within the wheelbase, in this case just behind the cabin and in front of the rear… Read more

No comments

NISSAN PATROL 2004 – 2017

  By ,

  Nissan Patrol is a genuine 4WD, with body-on-chassis construction for maximum strength in real off-road conditions. Patrol has been a solid seller in the Australian bush for many years and is favoured by those doing heavy-duty towing – large caravans, horse floats, big boats and the like. These big Nissans are bulky and aren’t the easiest vehicles to drive around the city and the inner suburban areas. Parking can be a nightmare at times. Outer suburbs are fine and obviously they’re in their element in the country, and more… Read more

No comments

VOLKSWAGEN POLO 2010 – 2017

  By ,
2014 Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo has the solid German feel that’s simply not felt in Asian competitors in this class. Owners we have spoken to like them for that, saying they feel safe and secure. Just as importantly they love the way they handle in a European manner. Polo was a relatively slow seller in Australia prior to 2010 when a new model was introduced in April of that year. Older Polos had been on the bland side in appearance, the new one had a bit of oomph to its shape, and potential… Read more

No comments

POPULAR BENZ GIVEN HELPING HAND FROM LITTLE BUDDY

  By ,

‘I get by with a little help from my friends,’ so the song goes. The same could be said about the latest iteration of Mercedes-Benz most popular car. The C-Class has been given a little help from a friend in the shape of petrol / electric power via a new EQ Boost on-board generator. The C 200 models – sedan, coupe, estate and cabriolet – feature the latest generation 1.5-litre petrol engine, plus a 48-volt network incorporating a belt driven starter / alternator, as sidekick. The combination of this and… Read more

No comments

KIA GRAND CARNIVAL 2006 – 2017

  By ,
2011 Kia Grand Carnival

Kia Grand Carnival first arrived in Australia in January 2006. The ‘Grand’ title is well deserved. It’s not only significantly larger than the older Carnivals (that stayed on sale alongside the Grand for a while), but also more sophisticated internally and in the way it rides and handles. The original Grand Carnival stayed on the market for nine years, perhaps a little too long as many competitors were becoming increasingly more modern than the 2006 Carnival. That all changed in January 2015 as the new model, so good is it… Read more

No comments

FIAT FREEMONT 2013 – 2017

  By ,
2015 Fiat Freemont Crossroad

An interesting alternative to Asian SUVs, the Italian Fiat Freemont shares many components with the American Dodge Journey. It was introduced here midway through 2013. The fact that the shape was somewhere between that of an SUV and a people mover didn’t do it any favours and it sold only in moderate numbers. Competition from Dodge probably didn’t help. (Chrysler Dodge got into big financial trouble during the GFC and was taken over by Fiat.) The Fiat Freemont comes with five or seven seats. The second row of seats can… Read more

No comments

MITSUBISHI LANCER 2007 – 2018

  By ,
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer

Mitsubishi Lancer began life way back in as a small car, then gradually morphed into a medium-sized model. The new model launched in October 2007 was significantly larger than its honourable ancestors and can be used as a family car. These are the Lancers being reviewed here. A four-door sedan was initially the only body launched in this generation, but was soon joined by a five-door hatchback. Mitsubishi has long been strong in SUVs and the decision to concentrate on models like the ASX, rather than the Lancer as the… Read more

No comments

FORD FAIRLANE AND LTD 1997 – 2007

  By ,
2007 Ford LTD

Ford Fairlane and LTD are stretched long-wheelbase versions of the Ford Falcon sedan. Not that the Falcon is a small car, but some buyers wanted limo-like room in the back, or simply the smoothness and near silence of a luxury car. These big Fords make excellent family cars, particularly if hulking teenagers are being carted around. However, they are better suited to four occupants than five as the centre-rear seat’s foot-space is compromised by the transmission tunnel. As all the extra wheelbase has gone into the rear passenger area, the… Read more

No comments

TOYOTA RAV4 2006 – 2017

  By ,
2014 Toyota RAV4

When launched way back in October 1994, the Toyota RAV4 was a cute and cheeky little 4WD. Over the years it expanded in size and from the third generation of February 2006 – the period being reviewed here – has become a medium-sized family wagon. While the earliest RAV4s were pure 4WDs the later models used a part time system. Toyota finally joined others in this class by offering 2WD-only versions from April 2010. There’s no low-range option in any generation of RAV4. Though Toyota RAV4s aren’t designed as rough… Read more