Australian road trip basics: Should you carry spare fuel?
Roadtripping across Australia is potentially hazardous. It’s over 2600km from Adelaide to Perth, via the Nullarbor Plain. So, is it a good idea to carry spare fuel?
Is Volkswagen poor at customer service?
If you still think that ‘German engineering’ catchphrase rings true in 2021, here’s an example of how Volkswagen continues to mistreat its customers and itself in dealing with failures and consumer law…
Is the Land Rover Discovery Sport a good towing vehicle?
You’re not seriously thinking about towing something with a Land Rover Discovery Sport are you? If you’re aspiring to the green oval legacy, I have some historical precedent to rescue you with...
The Fake Auto Parts Pandemic
Toyota’s fake PR agency, the Australian car industry lobby group, recently jumped in the hot tub with the Australian Border Force for high-stakes tactical warfare against an enemy of the state: fake parts.
Is buying a Chinese vehicle risky?
If your only consideration for buying a new vehicle is price, then Chinese vehicles are a compelling offer. But owning a vehicle in the real world goes far beyond just outright cost. Here’s why…
Do I deserve a refund for my Mercedes-Benz lemon?
How many problems does your Mercedes need to inflict upon you before demanding a refund? When you would declare war on the brand and their respective dealers? This is why I warn against big bad Benz…
Should I buy a Mitsubishi Pajero Sport or Ford Everest for towing?
Choosing the right 4WD towing vehicle does not mean taking advice from Wheels magazine. Fortunately, Roger wanted the truth when comparing Ford Everest with Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. Here it is…
Don't buy a new Honda in 2021 or 2022. Here's why...
Honda Australia has officially killed your ability to get a better deal. If you were shopping for a Honda in the near future, this is a consumer warning: That could be a bad idea…
Does the dealership need to repair my transmission under warranty?
If your late model car is going thump in the night, or in traffic, if you haven’t abused it, here’s how you handle the dealership’s service department and the carmaker…
Can I change the factory suspension on my performance car?
You might think it’s a simple swap to put different springs in your performance-focused car, even if they’re from a similar vehicle. But a million reasons, known as ‘data’, suggest that’s a bad idea…
When should my car’s cabin filter be replaced?
It’s common for people to get stitched with small extra charges on their servicing bill, for additional items you probably don’t need. Here’s how you avoid getting stung in the service department…
Why does my car battery drain when turned off?
Simply turning off your engine doesn’t mean the battery stops working in a modern vehicle. Battery life depends on a long list of factors, unlike the old days. Here’s why your battery never sleeps…
Toyota LandCruiser 300 diesel V6: Is the twin-turbo a lemon?
The new Landcruiser 300 V6 diesel engine will feature an engine where the exhaust is in the vee, between the cylinder banks, and this could be problematic. Here’s why…
Cylinder deactivation: How, why and should you own a car with this tech?
Should you avoid buying a recalled engine like Mazda’s SkyActiv 2.5 simply because it has cylinder shutdown tech?
Toyota LandCruiser 300: Why the media is so wrong about this vehicle
The motoring media is gushing over the new LandCruiser, trying to keep Toyota happy. But as a consumer, this means you’re not getting the full story...
Do electric cars lose range with performance tyres?
If you own or are buying an EV with the plan to fit performance tyres, but you’re worried about the hit to driving range, you’ll be glad to know I’ve tested this concern and the results were good…
Should my vehicle be updated with Apple CarPlay?
New cars are always better than the old one. Hence it’s good to research your next new car, so you know what you’re missing out on before paying a deposit or buying. Otherwise, this happens…
Basic Suspension Dynamics: What is a roll moment?
Roll moments, roll centres, inertial loads, mass centres, roll axes - let’s step into the Ghetto Engineering lecture theatre. Please, take your seats, buckle in...
Should I fit my SUV with a bullbar?
If you live in rural Australia and have plans to install a shiny new bullbar to your SUV to fight against kangaroo strikes, you may not like what I have to say about that idea…
Another Fiat Chrysler spare parts fiasco and what to do about it
An unsolicited e-mail from a typical, ripped-off Chrysler 300C owner shows why the Fiat Chrysler / Stellantis brand is in trouble. Here's what happened...