Articles by CarsGuide team

...and that horrifying somersault crash.

A quick buyer snapped up a 1994 blue BMW 320i that was listed for $1 on New Zealand’s popular Trade Me site - the Kiwi version of eBay. The car had been accidentally listed on Wednesday as ‘buy now’ with a $1 reserve by Christchurch dealership Stadium Cars, according to a report on TVNZ. The $1 reserve was standard procedure, the dealership said. The ‘buy now’ option was a slip-up - but one the dealer was prepared to grin and bear. Stadium Cars manager Mike Nokes told TVNZ the car -- worth about $3000 – was bought by a bidder named ‘bignz’ who picked the car up that afternoon. "I thought, 'Whoops', but it is what it is. You can only laugh about it," he told the news station, adding it was the cheapest car ever sold by the dealership "'and hopefully the only car we sell for $1". "Obviously not an ideal outcome for us as the seller," Nokes said. "However, we are firm believers in the auction process and for it to be fair to buyers and sellers alike."  

Like most Commodore drivers, Sam Weeraratne, chose his Sportwagon because he supports local product. "It's one of those things, we firmly believe about buying locally made stuff and helping the economy and I always wanted to help that," he says. "That leads me to buying a Holden rather than a second-hand BMW or Mercedes. "I also try to holiday locally, but you want to go overseas as well." But Weeraratne is atypical of Commodore drivers when it comes to some of his other personal tastes such as cricket instead of football. "I like my wine and if I get my hands on a good scotch, I'll have that," he said. "A night out for me is going out to a good restaurant. I like a lot of modern Australian food and stolen bits from all over the world." Weeraratne bought the Sportwagon for its load-carrying ability. "I run a real estate business and that helps me with the flags and boards and bits and pieces that go with the running of my business," he said. Judy Smith is typical of Corolla drivers who want a practical and reliable car, which is why she's an NRMA member. The 62-year-old semi-retired carer drives 50km on her daily commute towork and home again. "I'm a very practical person," she says. "I needed a reliable car that was safe and Toyota has a strong reputation and good resale value. I had a Toyota years ago. "It's also easy to get in and out of, plenty of room for the grandchildren." But in other ways she's atypical as she's not a regular church goer nor a vegetarian. "I only go to church when I have to and I like my vegetables but I also like meat and seafood. I drink beer and wine and my favourite drink is Asti Riccardona." She's not into sport except to watch her grandchildren play soccer. Hawks fan Anton Koller is a perfect fit as a 44-year-old IT professional and long-time BMW 3 Series owner. He considers himself a knowledgeable car fan and bought a black 335i Sportline for the fun of driving. "I love my cars and I love my BMWs because they're fun to drive," he says. "The eight-speed auto transmission is silky smooth, it has unbelievable brakes and it hangs on in corners. I've always stuck with the blue and white badge. "The 335i is a true BMW with true sound and performance." He also fits the BMW demographic as health conscious with an active lifestyle and well travelled. But rather than a wine drinker, he loves a good bourbon or scotch. Like a majority of BMW owners, he's optimistic about the future. "There's no use worrying about all the issues in the world," he says. "You just have to push on and make the most what you can."  

Toyota has issued a recall on 19,099 Camry, Camry Hybrid and Aurion sedans over a fire risk. The recall says an incorrectly manufactured fuel hose could leak and result in a potential fire hazard. “There is a possibility the hose that connects the main fuel supply line to the engine may have become wrinkled, and in some cases this could result in a small hole in the fuel hose which may allow fuel to leak,” Toyota spokesperson Beck Angel said. The recall is for 19,099 cars built at Toyota’s Altona plant in Victoria between October 2011 and July 2012.Toyota is sending letters to owners, urging them to contact a dealership for a 30-minute inspection and – if deemed necessary -- a free replacement of the hose that will take about an hour. Angel said no incidents related to the fuel hose have been reported. "There have been no fires, there is potential for a fire hazard but because of the location of the fuel and the distance from the ignition source, it's a relatively low risk,'' she said.In November last year Toyota Australia recalled almost 22,000 of its Avalon, Camry and Kluger models from June 2004 to March 2005 over concerns about the crankshaft pulley belts and potential loss of power steering assistance.The previous-generation Camry was also involved in a vehicle recall in the US in late 2009 and early 2010 involving more than five million US-made vehicles over problems with accelerator pedals and floor mats, a campaign which did not include Australian-built vehicles.For more information, Camry and Aurion owners should call 1800 643 242. 

  

NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe warns people not to deal with car dealer Kar Land Pty Ltd (trading as Webuyanycars).He said Fair Trading received more than 100 complaints against the company which has a dealership in Blacktown.The company obtains vehicles from customers and only pays them when the vehicle is on-sold.Anyone who believes they are owed money but have not lodged a complaint can call Fair Trading on 133 220 or lodge a complaint at fairtrading.nsw.gov.au. 

...prized collection in Stuttgart.

...in all its glory.