Used Car Reviews

Graham Smith reviews the 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 Toyota Landcruiser Prado as a used buy.

When launched in October 1994, the Toyota RAV4 was a cute and cheeky 4WD. Over the years it expanded in size and from the latest model in February 2006 has become positively staid – sounds like the typical human life cycle doesn’t it!In the ‘teenage’ years of its life cycle, the funkiest of all RAV4s arrived in January 1998, but barely lasted two years on the market. Though called Cabriolet by Toyota, it is in fact an old-style soft-top. The roof is reasonably easy to pull down and erect, but we still recommend a bit of practice at home before you set out on a topless trip on a cloudy dayThe great majority of Toyota RAV4s have a two or four-door station wagon body. The former is on a shorter wheelbase than the latter, so misses out on both rear-seat space and luggage carrying capacity.The RAV4 isn't designed to conquer the great Aussie outback, Toyota has plenty of other 4WDs and SUVs capable of dong just that, but it is a lot more competent than you might expect. Good ground clearance, big wheels and handy approach, departure and ramp angles mean it can take on rocks, ruts and rough stuff with plenty of verve. The short-wheelbase is, naturally, better than the LWB if you want to get serious off-road.These little Toyota SUVs use what are virtually car tyres and don’t have a low-range transfer case. Better tyres can make it just perfect on the beach.The RAV4’s first engine was a modern 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit that gives better than average performance for its class. The engine was extensively modified at the beginning of 1998 to give it a broader spread of torque. The four-cylinder engine was increased in size to 2.4 litres in 2003.From October 2007 a V6 engine option with the capacity of 3.5 litres joined the fray. It goes without saying the V6 has plenty of grunt, but it can be on the thirsty side at times.You have a choice between a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission in most models. The V6 comes only with a five-speed auto. The four-speed automatic is a modern unit that works well and doesn’t take too much edge off the performance, but many computers now provide five or six forward ratios.Toyota has been number one in the Australian automotive market for a number of years. So it has dealers in almost all areas of Australia, even those which are ignored by other big players in our market. So getting spares and repairs isn't likely to be a hassle.Dealers in the most remote zones are more likely to carry spare parts for LandCruisers than for the RAV4s. Nonetheless, you aren’t likely to have to wait for more than a few days for parts to be shipped to the bush from one of the major cities.Insurance is generally in the low to moderate range and there doesn't seem to be a huge variance in premium prices between them.WHAT TO LOOK FORThe Toyota RAV4 is built to a high standard but it’s still wise to have a full inspection after doing your own check up. Most RAV4s never go off road, but look closely for panel and underbody damage, just in case.Scratches in the paint and and/or the door sills and lower body corners are tell-tale signs a RAV4 has come into contact with solid objects, perhaps only bushes and similar shrubbery. But it all costs money to have rectified.If you come across sand in the underbody, try it for a salty taste. RAV4s appear to be well rust proofed but salt water really rips into steel if it gets half a chance. Check the condition of the trim, especially in a soft-top as the latter may have been caught out in the rain or even driven in the surf - again check for that salty smell or taste.Listen and feel for loose components in the transmission system that have been abused in off-road driving. The engine should start first time every time, and idle smoothly even when completely cold. If there is smoke from the exhaust under hard acceleration the engine may be in a bad way.If a manual gearbox is reluctant to go down from third to second when the change is hurried, trouble could be brewing. Automatic transmissions which have had a hard life may be reluctant to change and could be slow at engaging a drive gear from Neutral or Park.CAR BUYING TIPSilly as it may sound, beware the 4WD that has been off-road. So few do any real work these days that it’s easy to find one that’s never been off sealed surfaces.

The arrival of the Toyota Hilux at the top of the sales chart a couple of years ago showed that Australians were looking for an all-  round vehicle that could perform a number of roles. In its high-end dual-cab configuration it could be a family car, but at the same time it could haul a tradie's trailer, tow the caravan around the country on the trip of a lifetime, or simply look cool cruising to the beach. The humble ute is no longer just a working class vehicle. Toyota covered all bases by offering a wide range of body styles in two and four-wheel configurations, and the choice of petrol or turbo-  diesel engines. The 2005 Hilux had more cabin space, bigger payloads, better performance and economy, and improved safety, comfort and equipment.Underneath lay a conventional ladder chassis with coil spring front suspension and semi-elliptic leaf spring rear suspension. Steering was by power-assisted rack-and-pinion and brakes were a combination of front discs and rear drums, with ABS available on the SR5.At the working class end of the range the Workmate had an updated 2.7-  litre four-cylinder petrol engine, but the heroes of the line-up had new V6 and turbo-diesel engines. The new 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine put out an imp ressive 175 kW and 376 Nm, which gave it all the punch you could possibly want on the road. The stunning performance did come at a cost, however, as the big V6 sucked unleaded like there was no tomorrow. The answer to the pump blues was the turbo-diesel, which boasted impressive performance with 120 kW and 343 Nm, while delivering much better fuel economy. Both the V6 and the turbo-diesel could be coupled with manual or automatic transmissions, and both were available with rear two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.Now Toyota has always boasted that the Hilux is unbreakable, but perhaps it's not as unbreakable as they've led us to believe. A potentially very serious problem has come to light affecting the 1KD-FTV diesel engine used in the Hilux (and the Prado) relating to the fuel-injector seals. The seals can leak letting blow-by gases enter the engine oil stream, which can turn the oil to carbon and eventually clog the oil pickup in the sump and in some cased starve the engine of oil. The worst case scenario is engine seizure. Such is the seriousness of the issue that Toyota has had a recall on Hiluxes in the UK, while in New Zealand the company has introduced a requirement to change the injector seals every 45,000 km, presumably to avoid the problem affecting engines in that country. We have had a report of one total engine failure here at Carsguide, requiring a new engine, and two others where the engines were inspected and found to have carbon at least partly clogging the oil pickup. In these cases the engines were saved before they too seized. The suggestion is that had they not been inspected and allowed to run on they too would have suffered a major engine meltdown. To date there has been no indication from Toyota here that they will instigate a similar recall campaign as their UK cousins have done. Owners of Hiluxes with the 1KD-FTV engine would be well advised to have their dealers inspect the oil pickup to check on carbon buildup and have it cleaned if carbon is found.It's possible to inspect the oil pickup by inserting a probe through the oil drain plug without removing the sump. It would also be prudent to change the injector oil seals. In 2010 Toyota recalled 4WD models to check for a possible failure of the tailshaft support bracket.Ensure any vehicle you're thinking of buying has been checked and cleared of this problem. With the potential to be used as a tradie's work hack or offroad it's important to thoroughly inspect any Hilux being considered for purchase. It's particularly important to check underneath any 4WD model for damage. We've heard of CV joint seals splitting, so make these one of your checks. Check for regular servicing and, particularly in light of the potential issues with the diesel, check for evidence of regular oil changes.SMITHY SAYSTough as nails, but be aware of potential for oil starvation problems with the diesel engine. It's a deal-breaker.Toyota Hilux 2005-2009Price new: $20,990 to $51,850Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder petrol, 118 kW/241 Nm; 4.0-litre V6 petrol, 175 kW/376 Nm; 3.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 120 kW/343 Nm.Transmission: 5-speed manual, 5-speed auto (V6), 4-speed auto (TD), RWD, 4WDEconomy: 13.1 L/100 km (V6), 8.5 L/100 km (TD)Body: single cab, extra cab, double cabVariants: Workmate, SR, SR5Safety: 4-star ANCAP

A two-door Commodore Coupe in concept was the runaway star of the 1998 Sydney Motor Show. Interestingly, Holden use the name Monaro for this stunning two-door, saying a fresh new model needed a new name, hence the tag of Commodore Coupe. The public strongly disapproved, demanding that the car be called Monaro and, a long three years later the new Monaro finally hit the road in December 2001.The new Monaro shared its wheelbase and much of its drive train with the Commodore sedan. But, obviously, many body panels were unique to the coupe.The body is 100 mm shorter than the sedan’s but two passengers can sit in reasonable comfort in the back seat. Headroom is the governing factor, not legroom. So take a couple of tall passengers for your road test.The interior is more distinctive in its finish than the sedan’s. Even the less expensive Monaro model has leather trim. The front seats have power operation and a smart release mechanism that makes them slide forward automatically to let people into the back.The boot is surprisingly voluminous, even more so because it houses a space-saver spare wheel instead of a full-size unit. The rear seat backs don’t fold down, so you can’t increase boot space.Styling changes with the introduction of the Monaro V2 Series II in December 2002; and in the V2 Series III from August 2003 were relatively minor. The VZ Monaro of September 2004 had a much gutsier look thanks to the use of the bonnet scoops developed for the Pontiac versions of the coupe that were built in Australia and exported to the USA.Only two engines were offered: a  supercharged 3.6-litre V6 and a powerful 5.7-litre V8. Buyers overwhelmingly went for the bent eight and the V6 was quietly slipped from the scene midway through 2003.The V8 came with a limited slip diff, 18-inch alloy wheels, premium stereo system, Variatronic steering, 12-function trip computer, automatic operation, road-speed dependent windscreen wipers, a three-position driver’s seat memory and climate-controlled air conditioning.Compared with the Commodore, Monaro’s suspension is less compliant to suit its sporting nature. Some owners looking for a cruiser and not a bruiser may find the springing too stiff. Others will grumble about road shock coming up the steering column.Both the V8 and V6 have great steering systems but the V8’s steering is sharper and more responsive than the six, again because it’s aimed at the sports buyer.Holden Monaro is not as quiet as the sedan, though it's better in this regard on rough roads than many imported coupes. There are front and side airbags for the front occupants, height-adjustable pyrotechnic front seat belts and ramps in the front seats to prevent someone slipping under the safety belt during a collision. ABS brakes try to prevent the need of the previously mentioned items.Traction control complements the safety package, cutting back power if one rear wheel should rotate faster than the other. However, keen drivers will find it’s too intrusive and doesn’t back off again quickly enough.Both Monaro models have an adjustable steering column, engine immobiliser, remote releases for the boot lid and fuel flap, power door mirrors, mobile phone point, a decent audio system with steering column controls, and driver's seat lumbar adjustment.The Monaro V6 and V8 are both genuine performance cars, costing much less than imports with similar performance and handling.Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) introduced its hotter variants of the new Monaro in December 2001. However, it didn’t call its car ‘Monaro’, simply tagging it ‘HSV Coupe’. The Melbourne based HSV operation said it wanted to differentiate its versions from the Holden original.The HSV body revamping gives the HSV Coupe a lower, meaner look. Changes to the body hark back to the days of the old 1960s and ‘70s Monaros in the ‘gills’ behind the front wheels, as well as cues to the old wheel covers in the new alloy wheels. Clever stuff.A fascinating version was the HSV Coupe 4, launched in December 2004 it uses a four-wheel-drive system to further aid traction. However, its added weight and the loss of most of the boot space meant it never really took off in buyers’ minds.Spare parts are still available for these Monaro and are pretty reasonably priced. It goes without saying that there are Holden dealerships in just about every town of any significance in Australia.Bits that are unique to the Monaro may not be stocked in more remote regions, but it seldom takes more than a couple of days for them to be transported from the spare parts facility.Service and repairs are often within the ability of the good amateur mechanic and there's plenty of underbonnet space in a large car like this. As always, don’t touch any item that may be safety-related unless you know what you are doing. And it's wise to have a workshop manual at your elbow before commencing.Insurance premiums are usually higher than for the equivalent Commodore, reflecting the sporting nature of the typical buyer. But the costs are certainly not prohibitive.Despite doubters saying the new Monaro would be a flash in the pan and wouldn’t last it continued to sell strongly for several years, before finally being cancelled in July 2006. Quite a few were exported to the USA and sold in solid numbers, though with their steering wheels on the wrong side for Australia. It will be interesting to see if any re-imports get back to this country.Monaros are generally bought by enthusiasts and get servicing strictly by the book. Ask to see the complete service record. Engines should start easily and idle smoothly virtually from the moment they light up.Manual gearboxes should be quiet in operation and pick up lower gears during all changes with no graunching. The change action isn't the lightest around, after all these are large cars with big-torque engines, but if one feels too bad be very suspicious.Make sure the automatic transmission changes smoothly and quietly, it should be virtually seamless except when accelerated hard.Check that the correct oil pressure is reached pretty well straight away. This is best done with the engine stone cold, preferably after and overnight stop.Look for signs of body damage and for crash repairs. If there's the slightest doubt as to the body’s condition have a professional give it a thorough inspection. We often see minor damage on the bumper corners as these are big cars and can be hard to squeeze into tight parking spots.Check over the condition of the complete interior, particularly for signs of sun damage on the dash pad and rear shelf. Look for scuffing of the front seat backs where people have squeezed through to the rear area.A car that has been pampered bay loving owner is likely to be in excellent condition - if it hasn't been thrashed and/or taken to track days. 

NEW - If the BMW 3-Series was once the way of buying European prestige without breaking the bank that particular baton has been passed to the VW Golf.The Golf has become a popular choice for buyers wanting something more than the Japanese and Koreans can deliver, particularly in terms of driving excitement. Like all Europeans the Golf has exceptional road manners, it feels safe and solid with responsive steering, agile handling and comfortable ride.Available as a five-door hatch it's a fine all-rounder for anyone living within the confines of our traffic-choked cities. Its external dimensions are compact, but there's still decent room inside for four.Five is a squeeze, but then few of us ever drive with a full complement of passengers on board anyway. Behind the seating lies a good-sized boot for carrying whatever it is we need to haul around with us.There' s a good choice of engines, both petrol and diesel, including an economical 1.6-litre petrol four, a spirited 2.0-litre petrol four, and 1.9 and 2.0-litre turbo-diesels. It needs to be noted that the petrol engines require premium unleaded and there's no shortcutting that requirement without risking serious internal damage to the engine.VW also offered a wide choice of transmissions, with five and six-  speed manuals, a six-speed auto with tiptronic shifting, and a six-  speed DSG auto-shifting manual. With a five-star rating from ANCAP the Golf is right on the mark for safety, boasting a full complement of front, head and side airbags, with ABS braking, emergency brake assist and traction control.NOWVW enjoyed an extended honeymoon period after the company re-entered the market in its own right a few years ago. I t was an affordable way of buying European prestige, but the love affair has struck trouble in more recent times.The German carmaker has invested heavily in technology and its cars bristle with the latest engineering advancements, but it seems its advanced technology focus has brought with it a few issues that have caused owners considerable angst.The DSG gearbox, a wonderful gearbox when it's working properly, has been one subject of regular complaint here at Carsguide and owners have regularly complained that they have had difficulty in getting their issues resolved.Complaints about the DSG gearbox have typically been rough shifting, erratic shifting where it seems the wrong gear has been chosen, selecting neutral at the most inappropriate times. We have been given a copy of a technical bulletin issued to dealers advising them of a problem with oil fouling the wiring loom controlling the gearbox, which appears to be the cause of the shifting problems.When driving a DSG-equipped Golf it's vital that you conduct a thorough assessment of the gearbox looking for the above problems. There have been reports also of engine issues with owners having to replace engines at relatively low kilometers. VW claims the failures were due to owners using the incorrect fuel, but the jury is still out on that being the real cause.When considering a VW it's important to note that you must run the fuel specified by VW and that could mean higher running costs. Cutting corners could lead to even greater expense down the road.Window regulators have been known to fail, so make sure you check the operation of all windows, front and back. While the failures have been spectacular the build quality of the Golf is generally good.Before buying a used Golf find a good independent service specialist and you'll save heaps on servicing and repairs. It's also worth having a VW specialist go over any potential purchase to give you an independent report of the condition of the car.SMITHY SAYSA good driving car let down by some fairly serious mechanical flaws. Must be approached with caution, can be very expensive when things go wrong.VW Golf 2004-2009Price new: $27,990 to $35,290Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder, 75 kW/148 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 110 kW/200 Nm; 1.9-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 77kW/250 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 103 kW/320 NmTransmission: 6-speed auto, 6-speed DSG, 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, FWDEconomy: 8.2 L/100 km (1.6), 8.5 L/100 km (2.0), 5.8 L/100 km (1.9 TD), 5.7 L/100 km (2.0 TD)Body: 5-door hatchVariants: Comfortline, Trendline, SportlineSafety: 5-star ANCAP

For many years Audi lagged behind arch rivals Mercedes-Benz and BMW models in the prestige car stakes in Australia.That was despite it holding equal ranking in most European countries. However, Audi is now seen as one of the ‘big three’ in the eyes of upmarket Australian buyers.The so-called single-frame grille, with its huge radiator grille has been a stroke of genius in automotive design and is arguably the main reason for the big increase in sales in recent years. In Australia, aggressive marketing and a willingness to throw serious money at marketing the brand has also played a major part. The subject of this week’s used-car review, the A6, is the mid-size vehicle in the Audi range.It replaced the Audi 100 in November 1994, but struggled in the sales race in its early days. A virtually all-new A6 reached Australia in November 1997 improved things somewhat so we will start looking in detail at the A6 from that model onwards.The aforementioned single-frame grille reached the A6 range in Australia in August 2005 and things really started to hike along. Interior design has been a strong point with Audis for many years and the cabin is close to immaculate in the way it’s themed and then constructed.The Audi A6 has high levels of noise, vibration and harshness suppression that make it a very capable high-speed cruiser. Interior space is OK for five adults, though lack of support in the centre-rear position makes it a noticeably less comfortable position than the other seats.Boot space is very good in the sedan. Audi A6 has a reasonably strong presence in the prestige station wagon market in Australia, though not to the huge extent it does on its home market. Handling is better than average for a front-wheel-drive car, though the powertrain layout, with the engine being mostly in front of the axle, means the nose-heavy machine tends to push slightly wide on corners.This has been toned down with each successive model, but is still a weak point compared with other vehicles in this upmarket German class. Owners who are more interested in the aforementioned waft-along cruising are unlikely to ever experience the understeering.There is the option of Audi’s famous quattro all-wheel-drive system for added traction on slippery roads. It too can suffer from front-end push but does so at higher cornering efforts. Quattro isn't on offer in all models, but is well worth the extra money if you’re a keen driver.Engines are many and varied, with petrol and diesel units on offer. In the petrol lineup there's everything from turbocharged, 2.0-litre four-cylinder units to a sweet little V6 with a capacity of just 2.4 litres and larger V6s displacing 2.8, 3.0 and 3.2 litres.These are complex cars and it's best that you have all work, other than the vary basics of servicing, done professionally. Audi dealers are generally restricted to major metropolitan areas but you will find some in major country centres as well. Contact Audi's head office in Sydney for further information.Insurance costs are relatively high, but no more than you would expect from quality cars built from top-end materials. Premiums don’t usually vary a lot between major players, but it's always worth shopping around for the best deal. Make sure you are comparing like with like before making your decision. As well as the standard A6 models, Audi also imports high-performance variants. Called, in ascending order of performance, Audi A6 S Line, Audi S6 and Audi RS6, the latter are sold in pretty limited numbers and are aimed at a very specialised market, so won’t be examined in detail here.WHAT TO LOOK FORRust is rare as Audi was a pioneer in using all-galvanised panels in its bodies. Poor crash repairs which didn’t see the metal being properly protected can still lead to troubles.Interiors are finished to a very high standard and last well. Nevertheless, careless owners can still cause damage so check the complete interior. Sun damage, even on cars that have been kept outside continuously, is rare, but check the upper surfaces of the dashboard as well as the condition of the rear parcel shelf.Look for oil leaks from early V6 engines and if the engine. Be sure the cam drive belt has been replaced on schedule. Look for oil leaks from the power-steering rack and the hoses connected to it.Check that the automatic transmission works smoothly and does not change gears when it shouldn’t. If a tiptronic is fitted run it up and down through the gears to make sure it selects them quickly.CAR BUYING TIPBeware the social-climbers who have bought cars they can’t afford to maintain correctly. If you can’t examine the service books be very suspicious. 

Graham Smith reviews the 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 Holden Astra TS as a used buy.

The return of Honda to the sporty coupe field with the petrol-electric CR-Z has rekindled interest in the Japanese marque long known for its sporting successes.As a follow on from that buyers are starting to take an interest in other, sadly superseded, sports models from Honda. And in particular the Integra range.All Honda Integras are built to a high quality in the Japanese manner and the combination of sportiness and quality means they retain their value well. Resales may further increase due to the aforementioned revival in interest, no promises though...Honda Integra can be confusing as it changed its character on more than one occasion over the 15 years it was on sale in Australia from 1993. The positive side of that confusion is that many will find an Integra to suit their particular needs. Because you can get either an attractive cruiser, a full-on sports machine, or somewhere in between.Integra was almost a four-seater in its earlier periods, prior to 2001, and can be used as a nice family machine while the junior travellers are still small. This makes a good compromise for the person who wants a good looking coupe, but who is forced by financial circumstances in the direction of practicality.At the other end of the scale, the third-generation Honda Integra Type R, is a semi-race machine. While it had been on sale in Japan for a long time the Integra Type R didn’t reach Australia until August 2000, and even then only in limited numbers.It's a really hot little beast aimed at the serious driver. Those wanting a comfortable cruiser should look elsewhere as this Type R has no compromise suspension settings.Having introduced us to the delights of a genuine sports machine in that first Type R, Honda went and spoiled things with the fourth-generation, launched in August 2001. It is a softer car than its predecessor, though still reasonably easy to punt hard if you put your mind to it.It wasn’t until October 2004 that Honda Australia woke up to itself and brought in another ‘proper’ sports Integra, this time tagged as the Type S. Now you can understand why the word confusing appears above...Engines are 1.8 litres until the fourth-generation model of 2001, when the capacity climbed to 2.0 litres. However, Honda's ability to get big power from smallish engines is renowned and the hottest of them all, the limited edition Type R of 2000 managed a hefty 141 kW from its 1.8 litres.Transmission choices are five-speed manual in most models, with the high-performance Type R and Type S getting six-speed manuals.Four-speed automatic transmissions with a conventional change were offered until the 2001 fourth-generation Integra arrived with a five-speed auto using sequential manual overrides.Even the standard Honda Integras handle pretty well, with good turn-in and not too much understeer if pushed hard.The hot sports models are amazingly good for front-wheel drive cars, but can be harsh in their ride. There is a good number of Honda dealers Australian wide, with this Japanese company being reasonably well represented in country areas.Spare parts and servicing are usually well priced, with Honda having put some hard work into pulling prices down a few years back when it had a reputation for charging top dollar for spare bits.Insurance charges are about average for a sporting coupe, meaning fairly expensive but not outrageously so. Few companies seem to understand that there are some really hot variants amongst them.The Integra suffered from the general decline in popularity of sports coupes that began early in the 21st century. Though it hung on for longer than some of its competitors, production eventually ceased in 2007.WHAT TO LOOK FORBeware of the Honda Integra Type R that has been thrashed on race tracks, or traffic-light drag racing.Look for a body kit, extra instruments or a large exhaust tailpipe extension, these may be a sign of hard driving, though many dress up their cars with go-faster.Excessive brake-pad dust, usually at its worst on the insides of the front wheels and callipers, is another indication of hard driving.Check for repairs to crash damage by looking for paint that doesn’t match correctly from panel to panel. Ripples in the panels, easiest to spot while looking lengthways along them in good light, are another solid cue. If in doubt, call in an expert.Make sure that the engine starts properly and idles easily. These sports engines are complex items, particularly for their day, and can be expensive to repair. They really should be checked by a Honda dealer, or at least a specialist technician from a motoring association.Pay attention to the transmission during your road test and be sure it works smoothly and easily with a minimum of noise.Look over the interior for signs of damage. Though they usually age well they can suffer rough treatment. Listen for squeaks or rattles inside the car during the test drive, a rough road will magnify.CAR BUYING TIPCoupes aimed at cruising buyers may be thrashed, and hot coupes may be driven gently - there’s no logic in this market segment. So don’t jump to conclusions, get a full technical inspection before buying.

Mazda 3’s ongoing success on the new car market has resulted in a surge in interest in the small-medium model as a used car.

Graham Smith reviews the 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 Ford Territory as a used buy.