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.

Ford Everest Trend 2018 review: snapshot

By Mark Oastler · 29 May 2018

Like the Ambiente trim, the mid-level Ford Everest Trend is available in a choice of RWD and 4WD transmissions but comes with seven seats as standard.

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Ford Everest Titanium 2018 review: snapshot

By Mark Oastler · 29 May 2018

The Titanium is the premium grade Everest with a sizeable boost in bling and luxury features that reflect its premium pricing.

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Dual-cab ute vs Crew van: 7 things you should know

By Mark Oastler · 25 May 2018

An increasing number of light commercial vehicle brands are offering a second row of seating in their medium-sized work vans (2.5 to 3.5 tonne GVM) and calling them Crew Vans.

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Toyota LandCruiser LC79 2018 review

By Mark Oastler · 30 Apr 2018

In a rapidly changing world, it's nice to know that some things stay the same. One of those is Toyota's iconic 70 Series Land Cruiser, which arrived in 1985 when most cars still had cigarette lighters, carburettors and cassette players. However, unlike those items and many others which have been consigned to

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Mitsubishi Triton 2018 review: Exceed

By Mark Oastler · 27 Apr 2018

Does the Mitsubishi Triton sell strongly purely because of its low price? Or is there more than meets the eye for this quiet achiever, particularly in the premium Exceed model grade?

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Mazda BT-50 2018 review: GT

By Mark Oastler · 20 Mar 2018

The Mazda BT-50 is effectively a Ford Ranger with different (more car-like) styling and sharper pricing. So why does it struggle in the showroom, relative to the Blue Oval's 4x4 ute hero?

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Top tips for covering the load in your ute

By Mark Oastler · 15 Mar 2018

The greatest practicality of a ute is its ability to carry a big load in the back, but there’s two potential problems with that – it’s exposed to the elements and not secure from theft.

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Ford Ranger XL single cab Hi-Rider 2018 review

By Mark Oastler · 02 Mar 2018

Ford's 4x4 Ranger outsold the Toyota HiLux 4x4 in 2017, but how does its high-riding 4x2 variant stack up?

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Ford Ranger XLT 2018 review: snapshot

By Mark Oastler · 26 Feb 2018

The XLT has always been a popular pick for Ranger buyers as it offers a considerable amount of extra equipment and features over the XL.

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Ford Ranger XL Plus 2018 review: snapshot

By Mark Oastler · 26 Feb 2018

The Ford Ranger XL Plus has unique features designed to meet the specific requirements of mining companies, government departments and other organisations needing more functionality from their vehicle

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