Latest from Buyers Guides
Top Tips for Buying a Used BMW E36 M3 (1994-1999)
The first M3 to be officially sold in Australia, it took until 1994 for the E36 M3 and its extraordinary straight-six engine to arrive after the standard car launched in 1991.
Top Tips for Buying a Used Holden VB-VH Commodore SL/E (1978-83)
The Commodore SL/E was the top-spec Commodore prior to the HDT models and came with everything from a 3.3-litre straight-six to a 5.0-litre V8.
How To: Essential Tips for Test Driving a Used Classic Car
Test driving is the single most important aspect of the classic car buying process. Even a brief amount of time spent driving a car will reveal faults that could cost money.
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.
