Essential guide to 4WD tyre pressures and related 4X4 driving basics
You’ve just bought your first off-road tractor. What are the best tyre pressures and operating guidelines for maximising mobility for people starting out with 4X4 driving.
Do I have a case against Nissan for my broken Navara chassis?
Here’s a clear example of when you might have a solid consumer law case against a carmaker for a critical or major failure. Sometimes you may have to go full lawyers at dawn…
Should I fight the engine repair cost on my Hyundai i30?
How do you know when to take a fight to the carmaker or dealer? At what point should you accept that your car will wear out and needs to be repaired? Let me help you out there…
Is the new Toyota Fortuner good value?
The new Toyota Fortuner is just a Hilux with a box on the back. So is the premium you’ll pay for that badge really worth it? Or do you want to save thousands on a better value option?
Is buying a dealer's cancelled car order a good idea?
Have you locked eyes on a compelling deal to buy a dealer’s cancelled order? What are the pitfalls of that? Are you taking a salient risk or are you reasonably safe? Let’s talk about that…
Livestream podcast #1 - answering your questions live (long format)
Join me as I answer your questions live on YouTube every Thursday night @ 8:30pm Sydney time (subscribe and hit the bell to be notified). This report is episode #1
Basic safe 4WD recovery rules for off-road adventuring
I’ve discussed shackles for 4WD recovery and tyre pressure basics recently, then it struck me that humanity could probably do with a large dose of hazard reduction. Let’s start at the beginning…
Is the Toyota LandCruiser better than Ford Everest Titanium?
Need a full-size 4x4 wagon for serious touring and moderate off-roading? Can’t decide between Ford or Toyota? Let’s help you make a rational decision.
CarAdvice is dead: Officially cancelled by Channel 9
Leading Australian automotive website CarAdvice has been killed off by its adoptive parents, Channel Nine. In its place, a phoenix rises…
Are GVM upgrades a good idea?
If you’re planning to upgrade the suspension underpinning your heavy towing vehicle, say a Toyota LandCruiser or Nissan Patrol, I have a reality check for you. Think about this…
Hard shackles -Vs- soft shackles in 4WD recovery
Soft shackle versus hard (steel) shackle for 4x4 recovery operations: Which shackle do you use, and where to you use them to maximise safety and reliability?
Does increasing tyre size impact my warranty?
What difference will an increased tyre profile mean to your vehicle? How does it improve or detract from your factory-standard workhorse? Let’s find out…
On Land Rover Defender in 2021: What it may say about you
In a parallel universe there’s a Defender designed by Land Rover but engineered and sold by Toyota - and it is the perfect off-roader. Also, I have a confession to make…
Jaguar’s landfill PR greenwashes luxury car maker
Jaguar has dropped a steaming sustainability communications commitment about saving the world from plastic. One six-figure F-Pace at a time…
Mercedes-Benz fails 'customer care' test over COMAND online system - AGAIN
Could Mercedes buy your silence for $500, or would you leak evidence of their grubby behaviour to me? Let’s see what’s behind door number two…
Finally here: Hyundai announces i30 dual-clutch transmission
Driving enthusiasts rejoice as Hyundai finally releases the dual-clutch performance version of the i30, meaning the wife can no longer deny such a purchase…
Is Are Media flogging a dead Bauer horse?
At the eleventh-hour, a saviour has been found for Wheels, Motor, 4x4 Australia and WhichCar - one which is committing to print publishing. Are they prolonging the inevitable?
Alfa Romeo news: Guilia safety pack misses out on life-raft
Fiat Chrysler Australia (finally) adds the full 21st century safety suite to the Guilia, in the hope someone might buy one…
Nissan marks World EV Day with grandiose Leaf marketing
Nissan wants you to consume your way to reduced greenhouse emissions. By buying an under-engineered electric car. Here’s why the experiment won’t work…
Why is Jeep an unreliable brand? Mine has been faultless…
If you still can’t understand why I warn against buying a Jeep, after all these years, just let Joel’s story explain it for you…