Category: Used Car Review

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MAZDA MX-5 1989 – 2014

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2005 Mazda MX-5

Mazda MX-5 totally changed the thinking in the automotive world when it was introduced to a surprised world in 1989. Prior to that most car makers felt that ever stricter safety regulations meant it was all but impossible to make a car safe unless it had a roof. Mazda proved it could be done and the MX-5 has since become the biggest selling roadster of all time. The rest of the world’s car makers took a close look at the engineering (and sales) of the little Mazda – and today… Read more

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FORD FALCON 1997 – 2014

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2008 Ford Falcon FG G6E

Not a lot of new Ford Falcons are sold these days, so there’s a shortage of late models on the used-car scene, but certainly no lack of offering built prior to 2010. For many years Falcon was a huge seller in Australia as the car suits the needs of many local buyers, particularly those in country areas. Built tough for Australia may sound a bit corny, but Falcon certainly answers to that description. Falcons have seating for five occupants, though four works better if they are all adults because the… Read more

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BMW 1 SERIES 2004 – 2014

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2009 BMW 118d

It goes without saying that all BMWs are aimed at those keen people who like to drive, so the little 1 Series uses sporty engines combined with rear-wheel drive to help make even the most boring of commuting a good experience. A drawback of rear-drive is that it steals space from inside the car and the load area. This is exacerbated in the 1 Series by a stretched engine bay to fit straight-six engines. There’s good legroom in the front seats, though foot-width is restricted by the gearbox housing. There’s… Read more

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KIA SPORTAGE 1996 – 2014

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2011 Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage has been popular in Australia since it arrived downunder in 1996. Almost a ‘real’ 4WD to begin with, it later joined the ever expanding throng of soft-roaders. However, it can still handle fire trails, beach driving and the like provided you don’t ask too much of it. As a weekend explorer for the adventurous family it works very well. Prior to 2007 the Sportage has not only a tough ladder-frame chassis, but also a dual-range transfer case. These are regarded as ‘real’ 4WDs by those who are serious… Read more

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PEUGEOT 307 2001 – 2008

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2005 Peugeot 307 HDi

The very French Peugeot 307 is stylish machine, though it retains a fair touch of conservatism in its shape to try and make it a timeless design. That has succeeded, the 307 reached us downunder way back in December 2001 and still looks fashionable enough today. The Europeans frequently use Peugeot 307s as family transport, partially because of the extreme crowding in French cities and town, but also due to the very high cost of fuel. In Australia the 307 usually bought by couples or singles, though some may use… Read more

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2000 ALFA ROMEO 147

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2006 Alfa Romeo 147 GTA

Thanks to its very Italian styling the Alfa Romeo 147 five-door hatch is often mistaken for a two-door sports coupe, but is actually a reasonably practical family car, if the kids are pre-teen, that is. The Alfa 147 is also sold as a three-door hatch – with an even sportier look. While interior room is fine in the front. Rear seat access in the three-door is about average for its class, meaning it’s easy for the kids, but anyone older may find it a pain. On the road the little… Read more

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TOYOTA COROLLA 2000 – 2012

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2012 Toyota Corolla hatch

Well known as a safe buy, Toyota Corolla has been a major player in Australia since the mid 1960s. The Corolla was built in Melbourne until 1999 and fully imported from Japan since then, probably to the regret of the Australian branch of Toyota in recent years. Having been pulled from our market to make place in the factory for the not very successful Toyota Avalon, Corolla has recently become the biggest selling vehicle in Australia. And it’s made overseas… Ah, well, hindsight is wonderful! Corollas made in Australia had… Read more

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HOLDEN COMMODORE 1997 – 2014

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2004 Holden VZ Commodore SV6 sedan

Commodore was the best selling car in Australia for many years so there are hundreds of used family Holdens on sale at any one time, meaning that smart buyers can take their time and find exactly what they want. Australian designed and built Holden Commodore is very well suited to local driving conditions and has exactly the kind of feel that keen Aussie drivers demand. This is a genuine five-seater, though the person in the centre-rear seat may find foot space compromised by the bulky transmission tunnel. Boot space is… Read more

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HOLDEN VECTRA 1997-2006

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2004 Holden Vectra sedan

Holden Vectra was designed and built by Opel, the German division of General Motors. Some models were assembled by Holden in Australia with some changes to suit Australian driving conditions as well as Australian drivers’ tastes. The Vectra was medium sized when launched in Australia in June 1997. From March 2003 it became significantly larger, being close to the first generation Holden Commodores, (1979 to 1988) in size. Vectra became increasingly expensive and sales slowed significantly, forcing Holden to cut prices in 2004 and again in 2005. Things didn’t improve… Read more

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NISSAN X-TRAIL 2001 – 2013

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2011 Nissan X-Trail

By EWAN KENNEDY CAPTION:     A. B. C. 2011 Nissan X-Trail BODY COPY Though often used only as an on-road station wagon, Nissan’s X-Trail is pretty competent as an SUV. While not intended to be used in extreme 4WD conditions, it can handle most recreational off-road driving with little trouble. Providing enjoyment to adventurous families while doing so. Nissan X-Trail uses a complex 4WD system that offers good traction through a variety of driver selected settings, or can be left to its own devices under Auto. Unlike many all-wheel-drive systems,… Read more