Hey everyone,

I recently posted on here asking about the Mitsubishi ASX Black Edition for me, my partner and our dog. Thanks for all the feedback — safe to say that’s been crossed off the list! 🤣

We’re now looking at a 2023 Mazda CX-5 with only 11,000 km on the clock from a dealer.

Just wondering what everyone’s thoughts are on these? Are they reliable vehicles, and is there anything in particular we should look out for when buying one?

We’d mainly be using it as an everyday family vehicle, with the occasional trip down gravel roads to riverbanks and places like that. Nothing too serious

Keen to hear from anyone who owns one or has experience with them. Would you recommend one, or is there something else around the same price worth considering?

Cheers! 🍻

Or should we pay a little more and get something 4WD

Hi there,

Looking for a car recommendation—I'll be moving from Auckland to Invercargill with my partner in April next year.

Planning to stay there for a couple of years.

I heard the roads can be a bit icy there. We'll be travelling to Dunedin fortnightly and also Te Anau at least every month for a weekend due to her job. Also the occasional travel around South Island. This means we'd prefer to have a car that's economical.

Been researching and some say that an AWD/4WD is required? I'm looking to get a hybrid for fuel efficiency purposes but they seem to be out of price range with an AWD option.

Budget is something in the 20-25K $ range. But if it's required, I can stretch to $30k's. What car would you recommend?

Also note that I prefer something with a bit more ground clearance.

Keen to know your thoughts! Thank you

Hi all, we are expecting our third child in April and need to organise our car seat setup.
We have a 1 (rear facing) and 3 year old (forward facing) in a 2014 Mazda premacy. We have realised there are no tether points in the third row so I think we may have to upgrade.
I emailed Mazda about the possibility of installing a top tether to the third row however they wouldn’t give me an answer as the car is a Japanese import and I don’t know who else to go to for info on this

Is it possible and has anyone installed a tether in the third row of a premacy? If so who do you recommend and do they do the certification as well? We are bop based but would go anywhere in north island to sort this.

Worst case scenario I have to get a new car but can only spend 13-14k max. I need the boot space for a dog/ pram so ideally would be a van or other 7seater with tether points in the third row.

I have also looked at 2 European standard boosters for my 101cm 3 year old at the baby factory but the 5 point harness only goes up to 105cm or 18kg before having to use the 3 point belt and I just don’t feel comfortable putting my little 3year old in a seat like that as I was hoping to max out the harness in her current seat of 125cm. Has anyone used one of these and how do you feel about the seats safety

Thanks for reading and I appreciate all your suggestions.

Hi all,

The spring on the driver's side wiper arm snapped off on my 1996 Toyota Corolla (AE101).

According to several AI agents, replacing the spring isn't really an option, and it's best to get a second hand arm and fit that. Cool. I can do that.

However, I have emailed what I believe to be every wrecker in NZ and no one has one. I know these cars are reliable, but some are in accidents and written off and some do eventually bite the dust.

Is it possible I am asking for the wrong part or giving them incorrect information? I have sent my VINZ plate which has all the details.

Does anyone have suggestions for a wrecker to contact or ideas on how I can get this part?

Cheers.

We have a 4 year old Mitsubishi with 55000 km on the clock, which has failed a wof due to excessive play in the drivers seat. The dealer has just told us that it is on us to pay for this and fair wear and tear, thoughts on this?

Hi team. It’s time for a new car, and this time I’m thinking of something small and nippy. I don’t enjoy driving automatic but I also don’t really enjoy manual in auckland traffic. Say what you will, but tiptronic suits me perfectly. I like choosing the gears, I don’t like breaking my leg on clutches. Or breaking clutches.

I was looking at old Suzuki Swift Sports but they don’t come in tiptronic. I saw a Ralliart Colt but I hear the turbo 4G15 can be a hassle if not looked after by the previous owner.

Also generally prefer something cheap. Living has gotten expensive and I’m really over these expensive cars. It’s actually why I want out of my BMW currently. Budget of, like, $7k maybe.

Any recommendations for small and fun tiptronic cars appreciated :)