Articles by Mark Oastler

Mark Oastler

Contributing Journalist

Mark Oastler has been a prominent motoring journalist in print and electronic media for more than four decades.

Now based in Melbourne, his diverse roles have included more than a decade of motor sport TV commentary for both the Seven and Ten networks, editor of Street Machine magazine, founding editor of Australian Muscle Car magazine and freelance contributor to Wheels, Motor, Auto Action, Unique Cars, V8X, AMC, Suncorp and many more.

In addition to his regular reviews and advice pieces for CarsGuide, he is also a feature writer and online TV host for the popular Shannons Club website.

Trailer plugs, adapters and connectors: Everything you need to know

By Mark Oastler · 10 Jan 2022

There are lots of safety issues to consider when towing and one of those is making sure that the electrical systems shared between your tow vehicle and trailer are ‘talking’ to each other and functioning correctly, from indicators and brake lights to electronically controlled trailer brakes, stability control systems and more.

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Toyota HiLux 2022 review: Workmate petrol manual 4x2 single-cab cab-chassis - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 28 Dec 2021

Up to the end of November the Toyota HiLux 4x4 was outsold by Ford's Ranger 4x4 in 2021, but the HiLux continued to maintain top spot in Australian ute sales because of its firm grip on the work-focused 4x2 market, in which it commands an enviable sales share of around 40 per cent.

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SsangYong Musso 2022 review: XLV ELX - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 10 Dec 2021

The Ssangyong Musso 4x4 ute has always been a small-volume player in Australia. However, since adding the XLV long wheelbase/leaf spring variant to its existing short wheelbase/coil-spring offering in 2019, the Korean manufacturer has been increasing its sales foothold.

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How to drive with a trailer

By Mark Oastler · 01 Dec 2021

Knowing how to tow a trailer confidently and safely is a vital skill for any driver, from a single-axle box-trailer or camper-trailer to motorcycle and jet-ski trailers to heavy duty multi-axle caravans, horse floats and car/boat trailers.

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Why it's important to ensure your tyres have the right load and speed ratings

By Mark Oastler · 11 Nov 2021

Your average 4x4 dual cab ute has a one tonne payload rating and can tow up to 3.5 tonnes of braked trailer. Many mid-sized commercial vans can also carry at least one tonne and large vans and their cab-chassis variants can carry even more.

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Why it's important not to overtighten your wheel nuts

By Mark Oastler · 26 Oct 2021

Having to replace a flat tyre on the side of a busy road is something all motorists would rather avoid. If you know what you’re doing and everything works the way it should, fitting a spare wheel should not take more than half an hour and you’ll be on your way.

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Why it's important not to carry too much weight on your roof

By Mark Oastler · 01 Oct 2021

If you’re struggling to find enough space to squeeze all of your cargo into an SUV, dual cab ute or commercial van, a roof rack can solve a lot of problems.

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Volkswagen Amarok 2022 review: W580 - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 07 Sep 2021

The VW Amarok launched in 2010 has never posed a threat to the sales dominance of the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux in local 4x4 ute sales, even though it has some excellent design qualities and is still one of the best to drive.

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How accessories can eat into your vehicle's payload

By Mark Oastler · 27 Aug 2021

So, you’ve bought a dual cab ute, SUV or van and the first thing you want to do is kit it out with the latest and greatest accessories for work or play, right?

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RAM 1500 2022 review: Limited Crew Cab

By Mark Oastler · 17 Aug 2021

RAM Trucks Australia's success in carving out a small but sustainable niche in the highly competitive 4x4 dual cab ute market with its Texas-sized 1500 Series pickups is due to a number of factors.

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