Maintenance neglected in tough times

We have noticed an increase in poorly maintained vehicles being offered to us for sale. We’ve also seen more attempts to disguise problems or cover up known problems. Flood damaged vehicles are also being offered for sale in increasing numbers. So, be extra careful right now if you’re buying, especially privately. Get a mechanic to […]

Most popular passenger vehicles

The Toyota RAV4 remained New Zealand’s best-selling new passenger vehicle in June 2024 with 556 registrations. It was followed by the Mitsubishi Outlander (255), Mitsubishi ASX (252), Suzuki Swift (202), Kia Seltos (189), Hyundai Kona (181), Hyundai Tucson (174), Toyota Highlander (153), Kia Sportage (136) and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (136).

Ford Fun

The Biggest Displacement Ford V8 Engines Ever Produced That Ended Up In WWII Tanks (hotcars.com)

Speedo check

Chances are, your speedo will not show your correct speed. It’s worth checking against a satellite such as Google Maps.

China does it again

This time, New Energy Vehicles (NEV). This one from BYD. Watch this space. See below: BYD Explorer No.1 embarks on maiden voyage • Autotalk

Potholes

Pothole-Pro arrives to fix NZ’s roads  | TRANSPORTtalk: Truck and Industry Equipment News

EV Tax

Problems forecast around EV drivers paying RUC | EVs & Beyond (evsandbeyond.co.nz) Not before time.

New Mitsi Triton – yum

New Zealand’s third best-selling ute, the Mitsubishi Triton, is about to be replaced with an all-new model to be unveiled in Thailand on July 26 to global markets. In the lead-up to the global premiere Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has released some teaser pictures of the all-new sixth-generation Triton and a YouTube video.

Fuel Saving Tips

From an AA article. Might seem obvious but a good reminder. “The best way to save on fuel is to use another way of travelling rather than driving if you can, but that obviously only works in some situations. “For the majority needing to use a car, it’s worth shopping around for fuel. There can […]

RUC discount ending

Tēnā koutou The Government’s temporary transport relief package, which included a reduction to road user charges (RUC) rates, ends on 30 June 2023. From 1 July 2023 standard RUC rates will apply. Waka Kotahi will be auditing and invoicing RUC users for excessive RUC purchases made during the reduction period. www.nzta.govt.nz/ruc-reduction-scheme

Insuring hybrids and electric

It’s a bit of an ad but some interesting reading            Insuring your electric or hybrid vehicle     Electric vehicle registrations in New Zealand are increasing each year according to the Ministry of Transport, with Kiwis insuring electric cars, SUVs and even motorcycles.  This includes entirely electric vehicles (think Nissan […]

All in a split second…

Click on the link, scroll down and watch the video clip: http://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/131609590/watch-car-launched-into-the-air-after-a-wheel-detaches?cid=app-android

RUC’s

See following message from NZTA. Temporary RUC reduction to be reintroduced soon The Government has announced it’s extending its temporary transport relief package until 30 June, in response to concerns about the cost of living. The package includes cuts to the cost of public transport and fuel excise duty, and a reduction in RUC rates […]

Demerit Points

In addition to the risks associated with speeding, it’s useful to be aware of the demerit points you will also collect: Not more than 10km/h – 10 More than 10km/h but not more than 20km/h – 20 More than 20km/h but not more than 30km/h – 35 More than 30km/h but not more than 35km/h […]

Fuel Octane

A useful article from Z Energy below: When times are tough, it’s natural to look for savings, but before you reach for the lower octane – and lower-priced fuel – make sure you understand what you’re putting into your vehicle.  Simply put, it is vital you use the fuel recommended by your car manufacturer. Using […]

RUC Reductions Extension

Further extension to temporary RUC (road user charges) reduction The Government has announced that it is further extending the temporary transport relief package. The package includes cuts to the cost of public transport and fuel excise duty, and a reduction in RUC rates by 36 percent (equivalent in savings to the fuel excise duty cut […]

EV Tyres

An interesting article (click on link below). Worth asking the question when you’re purchasing an EV. https://www.carscoops.com/2022/05/ev-owners-face-challenges-when-its-time-for-new-tires/

RUC Discount Extension

Extension to temporary RUC reduction On 19 May, the Government announced in the Budget that it was extending the temporary transport relief package. The package includes cuts to the cost of public transport and fuel excise duty, and a reduction in RUC rates by 36 percent (equivalent in savings to the fuel excise duty cut […]

Common Problems

No make or model is without its quirks or issues. Google ‘common problems with’ the vehicle you’re looking at to get some independent feedback from owners and critics

20 Drawbacks of Electric Cars

We are not anti-EV per se. However, it is important we have the facts to make informed decisions which affect us, future generations and our environment. Our view is that improved public transport systems are the best way to get vehicles off the road and the only way with current technologies we will make lasting […]

RUC Concessions 21 April to 21 July 2022

  RUC discount The RUC part of the package involves reducing RUC rates by 36% between 21 April and 21 July 2022. The Government set this figure because it offers equivalent savings to the fuel excise duty cut of 25 cents a litre. In general terms, if you buy a RUC licence between 21 April […]

Hazard Lights

Might sound silly, but it’s a good idea to know where the button is. If you have to brake in a hurry, it’s a great way to let the vehicle behind know

Clean Car Discount

The Clean Car Discount applies to vehicles registered from 1 April. The Clean Car Discount consists of rebates and fees based on CO2 emissions for imported new and used vehicles the first time they are registered in New Zealand. High CO2 emission vehicles will be charged a fee, the higher the CO2 emissions the greater […]

Electric Vehicle (EV) Tax

Given it’s important to have the facts to make an informed decision, why has Government not told us how much tax we will be required to pay on our EV’s to contribute towards building and maintaining our roads? Note, too, EV’s are heavier than their non-EV equivalent so they’ll be harder still on our roads […]

Clean Car Discount Scheme

From 1 April 2022, the Clean Car Discount scheme will mean rebates and fees are applied to imported new and used vehicles based on their CO2 emissions. It does not affect vehicles already on the road in NZ. Having said that, because new and used vehicles new to NZ will be dearer, the price of all […]

Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI)

This is what we’ve always referred to as a mechanical warranty. New cars are sold with protection; used vehicles should be as well. Personally, I would never buy a used car for private use without one. If you’re buying privately, talk to us about setting you up with an MBI. We’ll explain what is and […]

Damaged Imports

It’s useful to know if your vehicle was imported as a damaged vehicle. A dealer is obliged to tell you. If you’re buying privately, though, go to Vehicle History Check Help I Damaged Import I MotorWeb™ NZ and check before you buy. It’s not necessarily a problem because it needs to meet strict standards before […]

Intermittent Faults

These are horrible. Apart from anything else, you can bet when you take it to the mechanic it won’t do it. Finding faults like this can be time-consuming and expensive. Ask your mechanic to, where possible, disable whatever components they can and, one by one, re-activate them. That way, you’ll be able to isolate the […]

Money Owing Check

While a car dealer guarantees clear title, if you buy a car privately with money owing, you’re liable. To save you the drama, click on the link below and follow the prompts. It only costs $2.00 but could save you the cost of the car if it’s taken off you with money owing. Remember, the […]

Car Ownership Check

There are plenty of good reasons to buy from a dealer. We’ve covered some of those in another blog. However, if you do buy privately, there are things you need to watch out for. One is make sure the person you’re buying from is, in fact, the owner. Click on the link below and fill […]

Timing Chain

Like cambelts, timing chains don’t last forever. Over time, the chain can stretch causing it to skip a gear on the cam or crankshaft. This can cause the engine to misfire, lack power or just run badly. Other signs could be small bits of metal in the oil (although that can be other things as […]

Ignition Barrel

Not something we normally think about but too many keys on your keyring can damage the ignition barrel. 1 to 4 or 5 keys is ok. But, by the time you add a keychain, more keys, a pocket knife, a flashlight and so on, you may well find that, one day, the key won’t turn […]

We get what we pay for

A vehicle is a big purchase and you want it to last. Cheap and good don’t usually go hand-in-hand. While it’s tempting to hunt down a bargain, remember a car has 10,000 moving parts. It really is worth paying a bit more, if you can, for a vehicle which has been well cared for. It […]

Clear coat peel

As we know, NZ’s sunshine is hard on us and our cars. It’s not always practical to keep your car out of the sun or under cover. However, if you wash your vehicle regularly, say once a week, with a product as simple as Armor All Wash and Wax, it will help protect the clear […]

Finance – term of loan

We are not financial advisors so seek your own advice. However, we often see people finance their vehicles over a longer period than they would normally keep their vehicles for. Some finance companies are now financing vehicles over 7 years! Owing money on a vehicle when you go to sell it limits your options, especially […]

Service Record

When you go to sell your car, it’s great to be able to show a good service record. If you can demonstrate you’ve looked after your car, you’ll sell it more easily and get a better price. So, importantly, get your mechanic to stamp the booklet which comes with your car. If you don’t have […]

Tyre Rotation

For longer life and safer riding, rotate your tyres every 10,000km’s. No matter what, tyres do not wear evenly. Apart from anything else, there are different loads on front and rear tyres. Remember, too, to have your wheels aligned from time to time. Uneven or fast tyre wear, pulling to the side or even squealing […]

Water in Fuel Tank

Sometimes, a misfire, sputter, poor acceleration or rough idle can be as simple as water in the fuel tank. Some water in the tank is normal but more than that will cause a problem, sometimes more so when you let the tank run low. This could happen when you’re filling up at the pump or […]

Glow Plugs

As you’d expect, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) glow plugs are more expensive than aftermarket ones. Before you buy the cheaper ones, check the specs against OEM. If, for example, the aftermarket plug takes longer to heat up than the OEM one, the timer will time-out before the plug reaches the right heat. That will make […]

Cabin Filters

Located in or around the glove compartment, cabin filters remove dust, pollens and prevent smells from entering the vehicle. When they get dirty, they restrict airflow through the vents compromising demisting and so on. It’s a good idea to change them every second service or more if you’re in a dusty environment. They’re cheap and […]

Engine Thermostat

An integral part of the cooling system for your vehicle, the thermostat is an inexpensive item which, if it fails, could cause catastrophic engine failure. Often overlooked, it’s a good idea to change it when you change your coolant. Given hoses outlast thermostats, if your hoses need changing, your thermostat probably does too. While there […]

7 Things to Think About Before Buying a Ute or Van

DEFINE WHAT YOU WANTo More seats or a bigger tray?o Fuel. Petrol is increasingly popular with the rising cost of Road User Charges. But if you do high km’s and/or tow heavier loads, diesel is bettero Tonneau cover, hard lid or canopy all have their pros and cons in terms of load size, weather and […]

Tow Balls

There are two sizes of tow ball commonly used in New Zealand – the NZ standard 1″7/8ths (47.5 mm) and the 50mm. The 50mm is commonly found on European and American vehicles. The larger tow ball will not fit a smaller coupling. But, take care not to use the smaller tow ball in a larger […]

Turbo Maintenance

Maintain a regular maintenance routine. Keep to manufacturers guidance for oil change frequency and grade. Harsh driving and/or environment conditions may require more frequent oil changes. Replace the oil filter with a high grade filter each service. Turbo’s are also particularly affected by oil level. Avoid going beyond high and low oil levels on the […]

Towing

How much can your vehicle tow safely? This guide is for cars, vans, station wagons, utes, 4-wheel drives and light trailers (vehicles whose maximum laden weight is less than 3.5 tonnes) or load weights less than 500kg. For trucks, heavy trailers or loads of more than 500kg, refer to: The official New Zealand truck loading […]

Petrol or Diesel

With Road User Charges having gone up, we’ve noticed customers who would never have considered petrol doing so now. But, as with anything, there are things to think about first. A vehicle will go further on a tank of diesel. So, the more km’s you travel, the more viable diesel becomes. If you’re travelling much […]