Latest from Buyers Guides
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Top Tips for Buying a Used Ford Falcon/Fairmont XA-XC (1972-79)
Ford Falcon XA-XC values have improved significantly, but these cars still don’t match the popularity of earlier XW-XY versions. Basic cars still don't generate enough money to justify high-value restorations and can often be stripped for any usable parts.
Top Tips for Buying a Used Holden HD-HR (1965-68)
Prices for Special and Standard versions of the HD and HR begin below $20,000, with utes costing around the same as sedans, but panel vans are scarce and 30 percent more expensive than passenger versions.
Top Tips for Buying a Used Datsun 1600 (1968-72)
When it arrived in the late ’60s, the Datsun 1600 boasted strong levels of standard equipment, a grunty four-pot engine, front disc brakes and independent rear suspension, positioning it closer to a BMW on paper than any of its Japanese contemporaries.
Top Tips for Buying a Toyota LandCruiser FJ40 (1976-83)
Early LandCruisers are fair dinkum commercial vehicles, with little in the way of creature comforts. However, for those brave and hardy souls prepared to endure such privations, a well-preserved FJ40 has a style and presence that is utterly unique.
Top Tips for Buying a Used Subaru Brumby (1984-94)
Subaru began selling its versatile 4WD Brumby utility on the Australian market in 1977, but it took until 1982 for a more powerful and comfortable second-generation version to arrive.
Top Tips for Buying a Used Datsun 240-260Z (1970-78)
Buying a Datsun 240Z or 260Z for the long-term means staying ahead of returning rust and not skimping on repairs. Those cautions aside, these are a car with inbuilt longevity, that are relatively easy to maintain and very enjoyable to drive.
Top Tips for Buying a Used Honda Prelude VTI-R (1994-2000)
The third-generation Honda Prelude launched in Australia in 1992 as an unassuming but effective sports coupe. Early Si versions had a 118kW four-cylinder which was deemed ‘adequate’ by people who were buying the Prelude as much for its stylish good looks as its performance. But there was a more performance-oriented element that thought the sweetly-balanced Prelude chassis could deal with more pow…
Top Tips for Buying a Used Mazda RX-7 (Series 1-3)
Mazda’s first production rotary, the Cosmos 110S was a sporty two-seat coupe and Mazda didn't build another one in significant quantities until 1978 when the RX7 appeared.
Top Tips for Buying a Used Nissan Skyline R31 (1986-90)
In the mid-1980s Nissan Australia was in a pitched sales battle with other local manufacturers Ford, Holden, Mitsubishi and Toyota, as well as rival importers. The company badly wanted a large ‘family car’ contender and in 1986 reconfigured the Japanese-spec Passage sedan to meet local needs. At the same time, it designed a competent and attractive station wagon version which Japan didn’t have.
Top Tips for Buying a Used Toyota Celica (1990-97)
After 15 years of conservative, rear-wheel drive Celicas, the model switched in 1986 to front-wheel drive and brought with it a sexy new shape. The 2.0-litre engine with fuel-injection and twin-overhead camshafts produced 103kW of power and the liftback SX came loaded with features including alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes and power steering. Most were optioned with air-conditioning and that…
Top Tips for Buying a Used Mazda MX-5 (1989-99)
Born in 1989 and with cumulative sales in late 2023 totaling more than 1.2 million, the Mazda MX-5 is the world’s most successful sports car. Today, the fourth-generation ND model remains true to the original NA’s ethos of being a lightweight, fun and affordable sports car, ensuring a MX-5 of any era should be on every driving enthusiast’s 'must have' list.
