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Articles by Mark Oastler

Mark Oastler
Contributing Journalist

Mark Oastler has been a prominent motoring journalist in print and electronic media for more than three 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 LCV reviews and advice pieces for CarsGuide, he is also a feature writer and online TV host for the popular Shannons Club website.

Ford Transit Custom 2025 review: GVM test
By Mark Oastler · 05 Sep 2024
The HiAce dominates one-tonne commercial van sales in Australia, with almost one in every two buyers opting for the trusty Toyota. Long-time rival Ford has just released its new-generation Transit Custom, but does it have what it takes to topple the local king of mid-sized vans?
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Toyota HiLux 2025 review: SR5 V-Active Double-Cab 4x4 auto - GVM test
By Mark Oastler · 02 Sep 2024
The current generation Toyota HiLux ute is perilously close to its tenth birthday and Toyota has moved to freshen up its appeal with a mild hybrid version of the SR5 grade. Does it make a difference and is it enough to change you mind about that Ford Ranger you've had your eye on?
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LDV eDeliver 7 2025 review: SWB Low Roof - GVM test
By Mark Oastler · 04 Aug 2024
Electric propulsion is being offered in an increasing number of light commercial vans and LDV is attempting to reposition the market with its aggressively priced and well-specified eDeliver 7. We've put it to the tradie load test.
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Chevrolet Silverado 2024 review: LTZ Premium - GVM test
By Mark Oastler · 27 Jul 2024
Are full size American pick-ups all about work or play? Maybe it's a bit of both, and when it comes to the Chevy Silverado LTZ Premium a healthy helping of luxury, as well. We've put this lavishly equipped heavy-hauler to the GVM test to see if it has the brawn to match its primo macho appearance.
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Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series 2024 review: 76 Series Wagon GXL - off-road test
By Mark Oastler · 12 Jul 2024
At the introduction of Toyota's upgraded LandCruiser 70 Series late last year all eyes were on the new four-cylinder version with auto transmission. But the tough as nails 4.5-litre V8 diesel manual hasn't gone away with an order bank stretching from here to Christmas... at least. Time to revisit an all-time classic off-roader.
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Chevrolet Silverado 2024 review: 2500 HD - GVM test
By Mark Oastler · 03 Jul 2024
Chevrolet's Silverado 2500 HD is in a full-size pick-up battle with Ford's F-150 and the RAM 2500. We know it's big and powerful but how does it cope with a typical working load? And what about navigating day-to-day city traffic? Specialist contributor Mark Oastler puts this heavy hauler through its paces to answer these questions and a whole lot more.
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Foton T5 2024 review: Pantech
By Mark Oastler · 21 Jun 2024
Electric passengers cars are everywhere these days, and electric utes are on the horizon, but there are already a few electric light trucks available. This new one, the Foton T5, aims to take the shine off the forthcoming Isuzu N Series EV, but does China's latest commercial offering deliver the goods?
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Volkswagen Amarok 2024 review: Core - GVM test
By Mark Oastler · 28 May 2024
The new-gen Volkswagen Amarok has been on sale for about a year now so it's time to give the entry-level Core a run through to see exactly how tradie-friendly it is compared with its rivals.
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Nissan Patrol 2024 review: Warrior Ti
By Mark Oastler · 26 May 2024
The Nissan Patrol is an evergreen offering in the Australian large SUV/4WD market with dedicated fans loving its comfort, off-road ability and effortless naturally-aspirated V8 performance. Mark Oastler has been spending time with the Warrior Ti, a more adventurous locally re-engineered model, to see how it stacks up as day-to-day family transport.
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Mitsubishi Triton 2024 review: GLS - GVM test
By Mark Oastler · 23 May 2024
The Mitsubishi Triton has been a solid seller in Australia since the first generation L200 was launched in the late 1970s. We were recently handed the keys to assess the 'New-Gen' Triton from a tradie's perspective, to see if it has what it takes to challenge for top spot in the local ute wars.
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