Advice

Auto Trader Insights: The leading NZ car blog for reviews, news, and expert buying and selling advice
Image
14 March 2025

Car Paint vs. Vinyl Wrap: What’s the Best Choice for Your Ride?

When it comes to changing the look of your car, you have two main options: a fresh paint job or a vinyl wrap. Each choice has its pros and cons, and what works best for you depends on your budget, needs, and long-term goals. Let’s break it down and see which option comes out on top. Cost Comparison Winner: Vinyl
Read Article
Image
14 March 2025
 / 

Car Paint vs. Vinyl Wrap: What’s the Best Choice for Your Ride?

When it comes to changing the look of your car, you have two main options: a fresh paint job or a vinyl wrap. Each choice has its pros...
Image
28 February 2025
 / 

What Do Fuel Pump Numbers Mean?

Have you ever pulled up to a fuel station, glanced at the pump, and wondered what those numbers actually mean? If you’re like most drivers, you’ve probably seen...
Image
21 February 2025
 / 

What is Pinging (Detonation) and Why Does It Matter?

Ever heard a rattling or knocking noise from your engine, especially when accelerating? That could be pinging or detonation. It’s an issue that can harm your engine if...
Image
21 February 2025
 / 

91 vs 95 Octane: Which Fuel Should You Use?

If you’ve ever stood at the pump wondering whether to fill up with 91 or 95-octane fuel, you’re not alone. Many drivers question whether premium fuel is worth...
Image
24 January 2025
 / 

Automatic vs Tiptronic: What’s the Difference?

IIf you’re shopping for a car, you’ve likely come across terms like “automatic” and “Tiptronic”. But what do they mean, and which one is right for you? Let’s...
Image
13 December 2024
 / 

Turbo vs Non-Turbo Cars: What’s the Difference?

When buying a car, you’ll often come across the terms “turbo” and “non-turbo.” These refer to the engine’s configuration and its method of delivering power. Let’s dive into...
Image
29 November 2024
 / 

What Are The Top Utes for Under $20,000

Finding a reliable and capable ute on a budget can be a challenge, but there are great options available in New Zealand for under $20,000. Whether you need...
Image
25 October 2024
 / 

Diesel Vs Electric – What Is The Best?

If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, chances are you’ve heard a lot about electric vehicles (EVs) lately. With the push towards greener transportation, EVs are...
Image
17 October 2024
 / 

Diesel vs Petrol Engines: What’s the Difference?

If you’re looking for a new car, one major decision is whether to choose a diesel or petrol engine. To make that choice easier, let’s break down the...
28 February 2025
 / 

What Do Fuel Pump Numbers Mean?

Have you ever pulled up to a fuel station, glanced at the pump, and wondered what those numbers actually mean? If you’re like most drivers, you’ve probably seen numbers like 91, 95, and 98 but never really given them much thought. However, these numbers play a crucial role in determining how your car performs and what fuel is best suited
Image
21 February 2025
 / 

What is Pinging (Detonation) and Why Does It Matter?

Ever heard a rattling or knocking noise from your engine, especially when accelerating? That could be pinging or detonation. It’s an issue that can harm your engine if ignored. What is Pinging (Detonation)? Pinging happens when fuel in the engine’s cylinders ignites unevenly, causing pressure spikes. This creates a knocking sound and can lead to damage. Causes of Pinging Common
Image
21 February 2025
 / 

91 vs 95 Octane: Which Fuel Should You Use?

If you’ve ever stood at the pump wondering whether to fill up with 91 or 95-octane fuel, you’re not alone. Many drivers question whether premium fuel is worth the extra cost or if 91 does the job just fine. Let’s break it down in a simple, no-nonsense way so you can make the best choice for your vehicle and your
Image
24 January 2025
 / 

Automatic vs Tiptronic: What’s the Difference?

IIf you’re shopping for a car, you’ve likely come across terms like “automatic” and “Tiptronic”. But what do they mean, and which one is right for you? Let’s break it down. Automatic Transmission An automatic transmission does the hard work for you. It shifts gears based on your speed and load, so you can focus on the road. Perfect for
Image