When it comes to efficiency, practicality and affordability, nothing beats the Nissan Note. You will be hard-pressed to find an alternative that can match it across these parameters. In New Zealand, the demand for the Note is shooting through the roof but historically, the Note has not been stellar. It takes a hit when it comes to long-term reliability and stories abound of how it does not age gracefully. Its engines have also been fingered to be less than stellar when it comes to longevity. Is this still the case or has the Note improved? This is the question we seek to answer.

The Nissan Serena has become very popular due to its affordability and versatility. It can be adapted for various applications such as transport – both passenger and cargo and as a camper van. It’s however one of the most misunderstood minivans in the market and there’s a lot of conflicting information on its reliability. In this guide, we set the record straight on its reliability and how it compares with its closest rivals such as the Toyota Noah and Mitsubishi Delica D5. We also delve into the engines that come with it and tell you which ones to avoid. We tell you about the common problems to look out for when buying a used Serena plus and how to spot these problems.

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, and nothing exemplified this more than the Nissan X-Trail. It thrived in simplicity and owners here in New Zealand loved it for its DIY maintenance. However, this has changed and the current X-Trail is nothing but simple. It’s laden with the latest technologies such as idling stop and an array of safety systems that make it a complex SUV. These systems are good when they work but problematic when they don’t. If you are a buyer looking for a used X-Trail, you need to be knowledgeable and meticulous in your search. This guide will equip you with useful information that you need along your ownership journey.

The Subaru Impreza offers exceptional 4WD capability that cannot be matched by any of its competitors. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is an ingenious technology that gives the Impreza unparalleled performance in slippery conditions. This is what sets it apart from a crowded playing field that includes the Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Auris (Known as Corolla Sport in later years), and Mazda Axela. In this guide, we give you a detailed comparison of these storied hatchbacks and tells you which one comes on top. We also tell you about the new FB engines that come with the Impreza, why they can be problematic and what to do to avoid such when buying a used Impreza.

The Subaru XV excels in off-road performance, an area where most of its rivals and even many of the so-called big SUVs struggle. The Ingenious symmetrical AWD gives the XV exceptional traction making it one of the most capable compact SUVs in the market. On the flip side, there have been issues reported with the FB engines and the CVT transmission and it generally needs a buyer to be extra careful when buying a used Subaru XV. In this guide, we will delve into these issues and how to avoid them when buying a used XV.

In the ever-changing landscape of automotive engineering, the Suzuki Swift stands out like a sore thumb as one of the few cars that has maintained its simplicity. This simplicity however comes at a cost as simpler cars are often less safe than the complex ones. It’s a double-edged sword and a dilemma that most buyers grapple with. Should you choose a simpler car that is reliable but less safe or should you choose a complex car that is safer but less reliable? Nowhere is this dilemma more acute than when buying a Suzuki Swift. Worry not, this is the main question that we address in this guide. We go into detail on the safety of the Swift and tell you about its safety and reliability. We delve into the engines that come with the Swift, these are the 1.2-Litre DualJet K12C Engine (Petrol), the 1.0-Liter BoosterJet K10C Engine (Turbocharged Petrol) and the 1.2-Liter DualJet Hybrid (Hybrid). We tell you about their performance and efficiency in real life scenarios. We compare the Swift with its closest rivals such as the Toyota Vitz, Honda Vitz, VW Polo and Mazda Demio.  At the end of this guide, you will be empowered to make the right decision.

The Toyota Aqua, also known as the Toyota Prius C in some markets, is a compact hybrid hatchback that offers exceptional fuel efficiency and a range of innovative features. Its market positioning in New Zealand revolves around affordability, eco-friendliness, and urban practicality. Its small dimensions make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Additionally, the Aqua offers a comfortable interior with ample cargo space, making it versatile for both daily commutes and weekend adventures.

The Aqua is widely recognized as an affordable and low maintenance car which makes it an attractive option for buyers on a budget. Compared to its larger sibling, the Toyota Prius, the Aqua comes at a lower price point, making it an accessible choice for those who want to experience the benefits of a hybrid vehicle without breaking the bank.

It combines a conventional gasoline engine with an electric motor, resulting in significantly lower emissions and excellent fuel efficiency. This makes the Aqua an environmentally friendly choice for car buyers who prioritize sustainability and want to reduce their carbon footprint. But, it goes without saying that hybrids are much more complex than conventional cars and buyers need to take extra precaution when buying a used hybrid such as the Aqua.

In this guide, we equip you with the right information to navigate the hurdles of buying a used Aqua. We delve into the problems that bedevil the Aqua and guide you on how to check for them and avoid them. Our information comes from New Zealand’s best car mechanics and they give you insights you wont find anywhere else. If you are considering the Aqua as your next car, then get this Buyer’s Guide. It will save you money and the headache of buying a problematic car. Through it, you will unlock the full potential of the Toyota Aqua.

The Toyota Aqua, also known as the Toyota Prius C in some markets, is a compact hybrid hatchback that offers exceptional fuel efficiency and a range of innovative features. Its market positioning in New Zealand revolves around affordability, eco-friendliness, and urban practicality. Its small dimensions make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Additionally, the […]

The Toyota C-HR is an eccentric car that appeals to a wide clientele thanks to its sporty and SUV-like profile. It’s popularity in New Zealand has been climbing steadily and it’s now a top selling car. It comes with a choice of engines that are frugal on fuel but powerful enough to give the C-HR excellent speed. It’s an enjoyable car to drive and you will get compliments wherever you drive. In this guide, we tell you about the engines that come with the C-HR, their pros and cons and the one we recommend. We also talk about its long-term reliability and its maintenance costs here in New Zealand.

The Toyota Camry is a time-tested workhorse that has defied the winds of change to remain one of the bestselling sedans in the New Zealand market. It ticks all the right boxes such as reliability, affordability and efficiency making it a top choice for many buyers. However, many buyers struggle to select the right engine and a wrong choice can spell doom to your ownership. Most complaints we see are about owners that are not happy with the power of their engines. In this guide, we will tell you how to select the right engine that fits your lifestyle plus a lot more information that you will find relevant in your search for the perfect Camry.

The Toyota corolla is a time-tested icon that has straddled decades of history and remains one of the most popular cars in the New Zealand market. It has a long history that is intricately intertwined with the trust that we Kiwis have in Toyotas. It comes with various engines and body types which makes it a versatile and practical car that can fit many applications. But with modern technology, the Corolla has become ever more so complex with the introduction of modern engines such as the 1.2-Litre 8NR-FTS turbocharged engine and the 1.8-Litre 2ZR-FXE hybrid engine. This presents buyers with a challenging landscape to navigate when buying a used Corolla. A slight mistake can lead you to make a choice that you will regret. It’s now more important than ever to pay attention to the car you are buying.

The Toyota Hiace is a successful van that has dominated New Zealand’s commercial transport for many years. It boasts of exceptional reliability and a level of utility that’s second to none. However, the Hiace is among the most heavily used vehicles and many that are sold in the used market tend to hide problems. It takes a trained eye and a bit of knowledge to spot these problems. This includes problems such as DPF failure and EGR valve issues. This guide will empower you to spot these problems and be able to buy the right Hiace.