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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.

Can a P-plater tow a trailer?
By Mark Oastler · 02 Feb 2022
Can a red P-plater tow a trailer? Can a green P-plater tow a trailer? The simple answer is yes. However, like so many laws imposed by state and territory governments, towing regulations for P-plate drivers are not nationally consistent (that would be far too easy). So, it’s important to know how these rules are applied, depending on where you live.
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Nissan Navara 2022 review: Pro-4X Warrior - GVM test
By Mark Oastler · 02 Feb 2022
Ford's desert racing-inspired Ranger Raptor was clearly the catalyst for Nissan Australia to create a tougher and more specialised 'Warrior' version of its D23 Navara. However, unlike the Raptor which is designed and developed in-house by Ford, Nissan has partnered with Melbourne-based automotive engineering specialist Premcar to meet its design requirements.
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Volkswagen Caddy Cargo 2022 review: GVM test
By Mark Oastler · 18 Jan 2022
Volkswagen's Caddy has for many years dominated Australia's under-2.5 tonne GVM small van class. In 2020 its leadership was emphatic, commanding more than 70 per cent of sales in this light commercial vehicle segment.
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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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