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 Used Chrysler Valiant AP5-AP6 (1963-66)
Chrysler joined the locally-manufactured Australian family car market in 1962 with its radical R Series Valiant, but less than two years later had reverted to a design that was equally remarkable for its conservatism.
Retro Rides Presents Ford Falcon EA-ED: Why it Makes for a Great First-Time Classic Purchase
Even if you’re not a typical blue-blood Ford fan, early 1990s Falcon make for a great first-time classic, provided you watch out for a few common pitfalls.
Top Tips for Buying a Used Ford Falcon ED-EL XR6 (1993-98)
Adding XR6 and XR8 options to Ford's EB Falcon range encouraged product planners to again get serious about selling cars to car enthusiasts who wanted a Falcon that looked different to the rest of the horde and had extra performance to boot.
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Top Tips for Buying a Used Holden Torana LC-LJ GTR (1969-1974)
At its launch, the GTR reigned as 'King of the Hill' for the growing legion of Aussie enthusiasts attracted to the idea of a stylish, nimble and undeniably quick machine.
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.
Top Tips for Buying a Used Holden Torana LX SS V8 Hatch (1976-78)
The local motor industry was more than a little shocked in 1976 when Holden’s LX update of its mid-sized Torana included a stylish new hatchback body style. Versatility was the reason Holden had gone with the hatchback, expanding the Torana’s appeal and giving the car maker a player in a segment populated by Japanese models like Datsun’s 260Z 2+2 and Toyota’s Celica.
Top Tips for Buying a Used Chrysler VG Pacer
Chrysler’s budget-priced Pacer appeared in 1969 with bright colours, distinctive ‘Tombstone’ seats and a three-speed floor-shift. A year after the original VF model was launched came a restyled and more refined VG. This was the Adelaide-built car that Chrysler believed had the right combination of power, equipment and pricing to do battle with the rival Holden Torana and Ford Falcon V8.
Top Tips for Buying a Used Ford XA Falcon GT Hardtop
Having watched as Holden’s two-door Monaro pinched the limelight and lots of sales, Ford could only wait until 1972 for its XA Falcon Hardtop to be ready for sale.
Top Tips for Buying a Used Holden VL Commodore/Calais
It’s a sad irony that the model about which Holden was most fearful is today viewed as one of the brand's best products. With unleaded fuel due to be introduced in 1986, Holden’s own six-cylinder engine couldn’t be effectively modified to handle ULP and the V6 which would power the VN Commodore was still three years away. For the first time in its corporate life, Holden needed to 'buy in' an engi…
Top Tips for Buying a Used Holden One-Tonne Ute
For 30 years after its 1972 introduction, Holden’s One-Tonne utility was king of Australia’s commercial vehicle world. That market today has morphed into the booming 4x4 dual cab ute segment that’s dominated by the likes of Ford and Toyota, with surviving Holden ‘tonners’ being transformed into flashy show ponies at extreme prices.
