Car Reviews, News and Advice

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

What Are the Differences Between Car Tyres?

Choosing the right tyres for your vehicle can be a game-changer, not just for performance but also for safety and comfort. But with so many tyre types available, it’s easy to feel lost. So, let’s break down the differences and help you find the best match for your driving needs. Types of Car Tyres 1. All-Season Tyres These are the
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20 February 2025
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BYD Sealion 7: New EV SUV Launched in Spectacular Underground Reveal

The future of electric mobility in New Zealand just took a bold step forward with the launch of the BYD Sealion 7, an all-new electric SUV boasting an...
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14 February 2025
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The New Volvo EX30 Cross Country: More Than Just an SUV, It’s an Experience

If you thought the Volvo EX30 was just another small electric SUV, think again. Volvo has just unveiled the EX30 Cross Country, an adventurous take on the already...
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13 February 2025
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Hybrid vs Plug-in Hybrid: What Is The Difference?

New Zealanders are increasingly looking at eco-friendly car options, and hybrid vehicles are a popular choice. But with two main types available – standard hybrids (HEVs) and plug-in...
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10 February 2025
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Government Proposes Less Frequent WOF and COF Checks for Vintage Cars and Motorhomes

Good news for vintage car enthusiasts and motorhome owners—your trips to the testing station might soon become less frequent! The Government is consulting on a proposal to reduce...
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24 January 2025
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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...
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10 January 2025
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What Are The Top 5 Most Reliable Utes?

When it comes to choosing a ute, reliability is one of the most important factors. Whether you’re heading off-road, towing heavy loads, or just cruising around town, having...
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13 December 2024
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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...
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6 December 2024
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Auto Trader Survey – Be In To Win A $1,000 Fuel Voucher!

Here at Auto Trader, we’re all about helping Kiwis find their perfect ride—and now, we’re offering you the chance to fuel your adventures! Complete our quick survey and...
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29 November 2024
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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...
7 November 2025
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How to Check and Top Up Your Car’s Engine Oil

Checking your car’s engine oil is one of the easiest ways to keep your vehicle running smoothly – and it only takes a few minutes.Whether you’re getting ready for a road trip or just doing a quick weekend check, here’s how to check your engine oil level and top it up correctly. 1. Why Engine Oil Matters Engine oil keeps
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6 November 2025
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New on AutoTrader: Search Cars with Finance Options 💳

We know that for many car buyers, the big question isn’t just “Which car do I want?” but also “Can I afford it?” That’s why we’ve made a big change: every car listed on AutoTrader now comes with finance available. With our new Finance Search, finding the right car and the right finance has never been easier. Why Finance Search
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24 October 2025
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How to Detect Odometer Fraud in NZ

When you’re shopping for a used car, one of the biggest risks is getting misled about how far it’s actually been driven. Odometer fraud – also known as clocking or winding back – happens when a seller illegally reduces the mileage on a car to make it seem newer, more valuable, or better maintained than it really is. While most
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17 October 2025
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How Long Can You Drive With the Fuel Light On? ⛽

It’s a question every driver has asked at some point: “How far can I go once the fuel light comes on?” The short answer is: it depends. The distance you can cover after the warning light appears varies from car to car, and also depends on how you drive. Here’s what you need to know before you decide to push
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