Category: Used Car Review

No comments

KIA RIO 2000 – 2013

  By ,
2012 Kia Rio hatch

Kia Rio is a small Korean model that was a relatively slow seller in its formative years in Australia. Sales picked up significantly with the launch of the stylish new model of September 2011. Not many of these will be on the used-car market as yet, but are worth hunting down if your budget can handle it. The Kia Rio is sold as either a four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback. It has good interior space and can seat four adults without too much squeezing but is much more likely… Read more

No comments

VOLVO S80 1998 – 2013

  By ,

The Volvo S80 is the model that changed the image of the Swedish car company back in the dying years of the 20th century. Once seen as the company that built safe and square, but unexciting machines, Volvo is nowadays regarded as a style leader and it was the big S80 sedan that led the way. The Volvo S80 has attractive looks that are very much in the ‘simple but effective’ Swedish manner, particularly in the cabin. The clever thing is that the curvaceous look of the new generation Volvos… Read more

No comments

HONDA ACCORD 2003 – 2013

  By ,
2008 Honda Accord V6

Japanese maker Honda sells its Accord in Australia in two different market segments. The smaller one, called Accord Euro as it leans in the European direction in handling, has a good reputation amongst those who enjoy driving and like the mix of Japanese build quality and European dynamics. The other variant, simply called the Honda Accord, is larger, American-based and leans in the direction of passenger comfort rather than sporty handling. In its latest form, released midway through 2013, it’s almost Commodore and Falcon in size. Australia is the only… Read more

No comments

SUBARU WRX 1994-2013

  By ,
2003 Subaru WRX STi

Subaru’s WRX, aka ‘the Rex’, is a low-cost high-performance machine that has been a huge success in Australia, indeed worldwide. It has been sold here since February 1994 and there isn’t the slightest sign of its popularity diminishing. The WRX has tremendous performance from its turbocharged boxer engine and that grunt is backed up by the road grip created by its all-wheel drive system. The WRX had loads of personality as its flat-four ‘boxer’ engine has a distinctive beat, and an exhaust throb that appeals to all who love hot… Read more

No comments

FORD FIESTA 2004-2013

  By ,
2007 Ford Fiesta XR4

Styling of the latest couple of generations of Ford Fiestas is bold and their stunning, almost futuristic, looks appeal to many, particularly those moving down from larger cars. The Ford Fiesta is sold as a three-door or five-door hatchback. The three-door has a sporty appearance, but the five-door certainly isn’t on the staid side. Getting into the back seat of the three-door Fiesta isn’t too difficult for the kids, but large adults will find it a hassle. Once in the back seat, occupants will find it reasonably spacious. The front… Read more

No comments

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF, JETTA 2004 – 2013

  By ,
2007 Volkswagen Golf GTi

  Those who need a sensible car, yet who also enjoy spirited driving will find the Volkswagen Golf does a good job of meeting these apparently conflicting needs. Even by Australian standards the Golf has grown in size with each new model, going from small to small-medium and finally to medium in overall dimensions. This is partly to provide the extra space needed for occupant crash protection though there is some more interior room as well. Aussies tend to regard them more as transport for a family with preteen children,… Read more

No comments

ALFA ROMEO BRERA 2006 – 2012

  By ,

Alfa Romeo is famed for making great looking sports coupes and few have ever looked better than the sensational Alfa Romeo Brera that was introduced to Australia in June 2006. As well as looking pretty it was also pretty expensive as the importer at the time was charing top dollar for everything. Sales weren’t as high as they could have been. Imports of Alfa Romeo cars are now directly in the hands of the factory and serious price cuts on many Alfa Romeo models have been carried out. Unfortunately, the… Read more

No comments

KIA KOUP 2009 – 2013

  By ,

Kia Cerato Koup, usually known simply as the Kia Koup comes from the lets-have-fun-with-names department of the ambitious South Korean car maker. The people who have given us Sorento with one ‘r’ instead of two, and most recently the wildly titled pro_cee’d GT introduced the Koup to Australia in September 2009. As the name suggests the Koup is a two-door coupe based on the Cerato four-door sedan. Its striking styling grabbed the attention of many from day one and, helped by excellent pricing, it was an immediate hit. So even… Read more

No comments

  By ,
2005 Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai Sonata is a medium to large South Korean car that hasn’t enjoyed the sales success of its smaller brothers. It’s popular with those who are happy to give up prestige and dynamic handling and get a lot of car for a modest price. Styling of the original Sonata was on the unusual side as the South Korean company was keen on establishing its own theme. These were often said to be ‘too Asian’ or ‘too Korean’ by buyers outside the home market, so Hyundai moved to more European lines…. Read more

No comments

TOYOTA YARIS 2005 – 2013

  By ,
2008 Toyota Yaris

Toyota Yaris is the smallest car in the Japanese giant’s range that’s sold in Australia. It replaced the popular Toyota Echo in November 2005, in turn Echo had superseded the not particularly popular Toyota Starlet in 1999. Yaris is a significantly larger car than Echo and can seat four adults in more comfort than you might expect. It can be used as a family car if the children are in their pre-teen year and even, with some compromises, can carry four adults. The boot is on the small side in… Read more