Blog Category: Top 5

We’d all love to have the cash to buy a brand spanking new Ford Ranger Raptor, Nissan Navara Warrior or Toyota HiLux Rugged X, but what if the $60,000-plus price tag is about 30 grand too much? For less than 30 grand, what are the best 4×4 dual-cab utes out there? Well, here are our Top 5.

 

5. Land Rover Defender

In 5th place, I bet you didn’t see this one coming, the Land Rover Defender. That’s right, the iconic British off-roader can be had in a dual-cab configuration either as a 130 or the rarer, and we think cooler 110. For less than $30,000 you can get yourself into a pre-2010 model.

 

Land Rovers and Defenders have come in a range of iterations with a few different engines under their old school utilitarian skin over the last 70 years but our pick for the 30-grand budget is to find a well-cared-for and regularly serviced Td5. Don’t get us wrong, that will be a challenge but they are out there. 

 

But be warned, worn out Defenders are an absolute nightmare so make sure you check out our Ultimate 4×4 buyers guide video before committing your hard earned cash to one.

 

4. Nissan Navara

Taking out 4th, the Nissan Navara. If you really want a Nissan Navara and the budget is 30 grand, you’ll want a post-2010 D40 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel and preferably in either of the feature-laden STX Blackline or STX 550 form. But it’s not all good news as the Navara has had a few issues and a host of factory recalls, plus there are potentially a few odd problems especially if it’s seen any serious off-road use.

 

Navaras are a bit light on for factory-fitted bash plates and oddly, the bottom tank of the radiator hangs down lower than the front cross member and therefore is extremely susceptible to damage when off-roading. Plus, because Nissan decided to fit a load of other important mechanical bits with the radiator, chances are damaging the radiator will damage lots of other things. 

 

This can all be modified or resolved but, why not spend that time and money on just a better ute in the first place, which brings us to 3rd place.

 

3. Mitsubishi Triton

In 3rd place, the Mitsubishi Triton. MQ Tritons offered excellent value for money when new and they more than continue that tradition in the used market. $30,000 will get you a slightly higher mileage Exceed or GLS loaded with factory features or alternatively a lower mileage, slightly older GLX loaded with aftermarket accessories. 

 

Our pick is to find a relatively recent GLS with a great service history and the least amount of kilometres on the clock as possible. Try to verify if it’s seen any serious off-road usage, if it has been overloaded or loaded incorrectly, and if it’s fitted with any modified suspension, especially air bags. If it’s a yes to any of these things, go over it with a fine-toothed comb as there are a few  reports of chassis cracking.

 

Overall, though, the Mitsubishi Triton is one of the most underrated utes on the used market, just as they were when new. You could certainly do a lot worse than find yourself in a Triton if you’re after a dual-cab ute at this price point.

 

2. Toyota HiLux

Now, in 2nd, the supremely popular Toyota Hilux, but it comes with a warning. Toyota are renowned for making unbreakable vehicles and the HiLux is arguably the poster child for this reputation.

 

Due to Toyota’s legendary resale values, 30 grand will get you into a slightly older model HiLux and our pick is a D4D SR5, but the good news is 30 grand should get you a pristine stock example with a solid service history or a higher kilometre, but still cared for, SR5 loaded with aftermarket goodies.

 

But here’s the warning. Leaky fuel injector seals can escalate to oil feed blockages and potential engine seizures so it’s critical to make sure the HiLux you’re looking at has a detailed service history. If you do buy one, change the oil every 5000kms, get the injector seals replaced every 45,000kms and make sure you check the oil pickup at the same time. Do all that, and you’ve got a great 4×4 ute.

 

1. Ford Ranger/Mazda BT50

Top spot is actually a tie because even though they’re different, they’re pretty much the same. The Mazda UP BT50 and Ford PX Ranger. Think of the Ranger and BT50 as identical twins. The only difference being that one knows how to dress well and has a cool haircut and the other was punched in the face too many times and now looks a mess. The Ranger is the looker and the BT50, well, just isn’t.

 

Under the skin both have a strong engine and driveline, both are generally robust and reliable and while the Ranger might be a little nicer on road with its locally-tuned suspension, the Mazda offers better value for money because, well it’s a bit ugly. Our pick in terms of the Ranger is to find a post-facelift MK2 XLT. 30 grand should get you a well-cared-for and regularly serviced example with higher than average kilometres but as long as its service history is solid, the higher kilometres shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

 

When it comes to the BT50, 30 grand should have you in a 2012 to 2014 XTR with low kilometres, a full service history and hopefully an aftermarket bull bar or nudge bar to cover up that face.

 

We’ve reviewed versions of the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, Mitsubishi Triton and Nissan Navara.

 

In the market for a used car? Check out all our ReDriven Cheat Sheets.

 

Find all our video reviews over on YouTube.

 

The 90s brought us slap bracelets, Seinfeld and Game Boys but, when it comes to cars, the 90s represents something of a golden era, especially for Japan.

 

Japanese performance cars were in their prime with every Japanese manufacturer churning out hit after hit of awesome driving machines. But, which were the best and most iconic? Well, here are our Top 5.

 

5. Subaru Impreza WRX 22B

In 5th place, bred from arguably one of the best rally cars of all time, Subaru 22B STi. This thing wasn’t just a standard 2-door Impreza with some stickers and a body kit to make it a special edition, the 22B was built to be a road-going recreation of Subarus 1997 World Rally Car and is arguably the best Subaru ever. 

 

It featured a hand assembled, heavily modified and increased displacement version of the STi’s already potent flat four engine along with bespoke suspension, muscular World Rally Car inspired pumped guards filled by unique BBS rims and was available in very limited numbers. Officially only 425 22B’s were ever produced and while there are rarer Imprezas like the, ah, polarising S201, the 22B was designed by Peter Stevens. And he designed the McLaren F1 so he knows a thing or two about making cars attractive.

 

4. Mazda RX-7

We had to have a rotary on this list and why not have arguably the best rotary ever, the sequentially twin-turbo-charger Mazda FD RX7. Why is the FD RX7 so revered? Well the FD has an excellent power to weight ratio weighing in at only 1270kg, and to put that in perspective a Chevrolet Corvette of the same era weighed around 300kg more. Plus the FD has a perfect 50/50 weight distribution and a very low centre of gravity giving it superb handling characteristics. 

 

And finally, just look at it. The FD RX7 is one of the most beautiful Japanese cars ever created.

 

3. Toyota Supra

In 3rd place, it’s the A80 Toyota Supra but to be a little more specific, it’s the turbo-charged manual versions, we’ll just pretend the automatic non-turbo ones never happened. 

 

If 90s Japanese performance cars had a poster child, it would be the Toyota Supra. But the swoopy-bodied, classic long bonnet sports car dimensions were more than backed up with some serious performance abilities. Under that long bonnet sat the now legendary 2JZ-GTE 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six-cylinder engine. In standard form the 2J supposedly kept to the Japanese gentleman’s agreement power limit of 206kW, but the tuning community embraced the Supra and power figures topping 1000hp became nearly as common as Fast and Furious sequels.

 

That sort of power in a car that doesn’t weigh all that much, remember a standard Supra had a better power to weight ratio than a Ferrari 348 of the same era, resulted in a car that could steer and handle with real conviction too.

 

2. Nissan R34 GTR

Sneaking into the 90s criteria by just 12 months, in second place, it’s Godzilla, Nissan’s R34 Skyline GTR.

 

The R34 was the fifth-generation Skyline GTR and the third incarnation of the all-wheel-drive twin-turbo straight-six layout but the R34 lost some size when compared to the preceding R33 giving it a more modern, compact and now 30 years on, iconic look.

 

Power was provided and delivered to the road by a drivetrain as iconic as the car itself. Nissan’s RB26 had been hurtling GTRs down roads and racetracks since 1989 but the R34 version received a host of upgrades as did the sophisticated ATTESA all-wheel-drive system and Super HICAS four-wheel-steering system.

 

But as brilliant as the R34 GTR is in standard guise, the fun really begins when you start fiddling with the oily and electronic bits. The GTR was always a darling of the tuning community and the R34 with its more robust mechanical package resulted in R34 GTRs dominating as many drag strips as they did circuits and not so legal street races.

 

It was a tight decision between the Supra and R34 for second place but the R34’s breadth of talents just topped the Supra by the tiniest of margins. 

 

But the legendary R34 GTR is in second, what has topped it?  

 

1. Honda NSX

It’s one thing to be an iconic Japanese performance car but it’s a whole other thing to force the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini to make more reliable, more liveable, more complete cars while still giving their owners all the supercar theatre they expect. 

 

See, the NSX tops this list not only because it’s perfect balance, steering feel and truly phenomenal chassis dynamics were honed by the likes of arguably the greatest racing driver of all time, Ayrton Senna or the fact its naturally-aspirated six-cylinder engine is as inspiring as it is efficient and reliable. Its could be the incredible engine is mated to one of the greatest manual gearboxes and shift feels ever or the fact the interior is incredibly comfortable yet still feels like a true race car or the fact the stunning exterior was crafted by design gods Pininfarina. 

 

The reason it’s Number 1 is because the NSX changed the game for the very pinnacle of consumer-level automotive engineering, supercars. The NSX took on the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini and Lotus and created a car that was more involving and engaging to drive, that looked like a proper supercar, that lapped most of the worlds racing circuits faster yet was completely reliable, relatively inexpensive to service and cost tens of thousands of dollars less to buy.

 

And when compared to its home grown rivals, where the likes of GTRs, Supras and RX7s truly come alive after a few tasty tuning mods, the NSX was simply perfect out of the showroom.

 

In the market for a used car? Check out all our ReDriven Cheat Sheets.

 

Find all our video reviews over on YouTube.

 

SUVs have become wildly popular over the past few years. With new and exciting SUVs being launched every year, there is a range of cars to choose from in the secondhand market. But if you are a single mum, you are probably not looking to settle for anything than perfect. You want a car that is special. It has to be well-built and reliable, and, at the same time, sophisticated and stylish enough. Here are our picks for the top five SUVs under 20 grand that all single mums must check out.

 

5. Subaru XV

Looking for an SUV that doesn’t cost you a fortune? Just take a Subaru Impreza hatch, add some practical and funky looking off-road body treatments, jack up the suspension to give it some SUV credentials and you have for yourself a Subaru XV. We’re not talking about cosmetic changes though. The XV features Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system which gives it some serious off-road capabilities while also enhancing its safety prospects.

 

The XV, however, is not without its faults. One big disadvantage of this SUV is its size. The XV is not the roomiest of SUVs, but on the bright side, it is remarkably easy to park in tight spots. The naturally-aspirated 2-litre engine can also be a bit underpowered. But, overall, the advantages of the car far outweigh its disadvantages. 

 

If you don’t mind changing gears yourself, we recommend the leather lined and feature-laden 2.0i-S. Make sure you choose one with the lowest possible kilometres and a solid service history. It is best to avoid the CVT versions in first-generation models if you do not wish to drown in expensive repair bills.

 

4. Hyundai Tucson

In fourth, we have the Hyundai Tucson. The frumpy looking pre-2010 model Tucson got a major facelift in 2015. The new model has a significantly improved exterior and an equally lovely interior. The car is both practical and reliable and comes with a long list of nifty features that single mums will find convenient. But what makes the Tucson truly one of the best SUVs in this range is how well it drives.

 

The Tucson offers a sensational driving experience, thanks to its excellent dynamics and impressive range of refined and smooth engines. For 20 grand, it might be difficult to find a top-spec Tucson Highlander but it should be just enough to get you into a Tucson Elite. We recommend the 1.6-litre, turbo-petrol engine over the 2.0-litre diesel for the simple reason that it is smoother and more refined than its diesel brother. It offers a great driving experience and is pretty cost-effective when compared with other cars. 

 

Another advantage the Tucson offers is, with Hyundai providing 5 year warranties, the likelihood of getting a car with some factory support left on it is considerably high.

 

3. Honda CR-V

If you are looking for a car that helps you carry a lot of stuff, you must check out the Honda CRV. This is one car that will make room for pretty much everything you treasure in your life: bikes, scooters, sports gear, children. The Honda CR-V is essentially the Tardis of the automobile world.

 

The CR-V features Honda’s ingenious Magic Seats that allow the good looking SUV to almost magically transform into a van when the need arises. Even when the seats are left in their normal position, the CR-V offers an impressive amount of room for your legs to properly rest during a long drive.

 

The CR-V does have a few drawbacks. The CR-V is not particularly exciting to drive. They are also not known for performing well off-road. You might also find them a bit on the thirstier side. But, they are nonetheless more reliable than many other cars in this range. You may wish to find one with the lowest possible kilometres and a full service history to be safe.

 

We’d recommend getting a post-2015 face-lifted series 2 CR-V, with a feature packed, top-of-the-range VTi-L trim. Make sure to get it with all-wheel drive and the 2.4-litre engine. It might be difficult to get one of these for 20 grand. But, a little bit of haggling should do the trick.

 

2. Mazda CX-5

In second place, we have the Mazda CX-5. Mazda arrived at the midsize SUV party fashionably late and soon stole the show with its stunning looks and long list of impressive features. The CX5 has proved to be a tremendous success for Mazda. This is not really surprising given its elaborate safety features, stylish interiors, and superior build quality. The CX-5 does lack a bit of power and may not perform so well off-road but it is undoubtedly one of the most fun and enjoyable SUVs to drive, living up to Mazda’s now famous “Zoom Zoom” tagline.

 

The first-generation of CX-5s received a face-lift in 2015. The visual changes might not be too obvious from the outside, but a lot of additions have been made to the inside of the car.  It’s these series 2 CX-5s you should be setting your eyes on.

 

While we recommend all CX-5s, for 20 grand, you should be able to get into what we believe is the sweet spot of the range — the CX-5 Grand Touring with all-wheel drive and a 2.5-litre petrol engine.

 

1. Toyota RAV4

Our top spot is reserved for the Toyota RAV4. The RAV4 practically invented this entire category back in the mid-90s. Of course, it’s undergone significant changes since then. Gone are the days of the funky little semi off-roader.

 

The newer generations of RAV4 offers everything you look for in an SUV. It is spacious, sophisticated and stylish. It has great safety features, a refined and responsive power plant, and an impressive infotainment system. It offers a great driving experience and fully lives up to Toyota’s reputation for quality, reliability and durability. The only thing we don’t like about this car is the dashboard design. But, we’d hardly call that a deal breaker. 

 

For 20 grand, it may be hard to get your hands on the feature-packed RAV4 Cruiser but you should have no trouble getting the post-2016 face-lifted RAV4 GXL. We also recommend getting one with the optional safety pack, it comes with some additional features such as front parking sensors, automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitors that will make your life considerably easier.

 

We’ve reviewed versions of the Subaru XV, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4.

 

In the market for a used car? Check out all our ReDriven Cheat Sheets.

 

Find all our video reviews over on YouTube.

 

In the world of automobiles, the name “Ferrari” is pretty much synonymous with brilliance. Choosing five cars from Ferrari’s huge constellation of superbly designed and spectacularly beautiful cars is not an easy task. Yet, here we are, with a list of five Ferraris that stand out from the rest with their impeccable design, stunning looks and breathtaking brilliance. This list only includes Ferrari’s finest road cars. We have also taken the liberty to skip custom-designed cars such as Eric Clapton’s SP12EC.

 

5. Ferrari La Ferrari

In fifth place, we have the 2013 Ferrari LaFerrari. Ferrari’s very first hybrid road car is truly a show stopper. Its 6.3-litre V12 and two electric motors running a Formula 1-sourced KERS system puts out 963 horsepower and nearly 900 newton meters of torque. Granted, it is not quite as impressive as the newer cars such as the Bugatti Chiron which puts out nearly 1500 horsepower. But, when you take into account the fact that the LaFerrari weighs nearly 500 kilos less than the chubby Bugatti, you can understand why it is still counted among the holy trinity of hypercars. This stunning beauty could be yours for a handsome sum of 3 to 4 million dollars.  

 

4. 1950 Ferrari 166MM Barchetta

 In the fourth place, we have the 1950 Ferrari 166MM Barchetta — the car that is credited with combining Ferrari’s racing success with road-going brilliance. Legend has it that Enzo Ferrari took 25 of his company’s 166Ss, stripped away everything that wasn’t an absolute necessity, massaged the engine and created the ultra lightweight, yet extremely potent, 166MM Barchetta. It then went on to be the only car, not to mention the only road car ever, to win both the Le Mans 24 hours and the Mille Miglia.

 

This was Ferrari’s first superleggera special. It would eventually go on to inspire the 360 Challenge Stradale, the 458 Speciale and the current 488 Pista. It is today valued somewhere between 5 and 10 million dollars.

 

3. 1968 Ferrari 365 Daytona

In third place, we have another front-engined Ferrari, the 1968 365 GTB4 Daytona. The Daytona was the first of its kind in many ways. It blended comfort with performance in a way that no other Ferrari had then accomplished. The car marked a turning point for Ferrari. Until then, the Ferrari was merely known as a racing car — its fame limited to those who keenly followed the sport. It was the Daytona that propelled Ferrari to stardom, making it a household name, and surpassing in fame even older and more prestigious brands like Rolls Royce and Bentley.

 

Upon its release, it became not only the most powerful road car produced by Ferrari but also its most expensive. Its performance, dynamics, and stability at high speed would remain unmatched for many years to come. We would even recommend it over the newer 458 Speciale.

 

2. 1987 Ferrari F40

In second place, we have the 1987 Ferrari F40. The last Ferrari to be produced under founder Enzo’s reign, this 471 horsepower, twin-turbo 2.9-litre beast was touted to be one of the greatest cars to be manufactured by the automobile giant; and it certainly lived up to the expectations. 

 

The F40 took a distinctly different route from its predecessor, the 365 Daytona. While the latter prioritised comfort and luxury, the former focussed on brute power and speed. The sheer terror and raw excitement that driving it evoked completely made up for its lack of other opulent fixtures. 

 

Named to celebrate Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, the car became an instant motoring icon of the 1980s, redefining the future of its brand and paving the way for subsequent hypercars such as the F50, Enzo, and LaFerrari. This beast is currently valued at $2 million.

 

1. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO

In the first place, we have the iconic 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO. The GTO marked the final evolution of Ferrari’s famous 250 model. It became the first Ferrari GT Berlinetta with a five-speed gearbox. The 250 is also regarded as the last great front-engined Ferrari GT car, as the design evolved to a more mid-engine layout after the GTO.

 

The enduring appeal of the 250 comes from the fact that every single one of the 36 250 GTOs built by Ferrari are still accounted for — a true testament to the extraordinary build quality of the model.

 

The inexpressibly beautiful 250 GTO is now widely considered one of the greatest examples of Bizzarrini and a singular specimen of automobile engineering. It is certainly the most expensive Ferrari ever sold. In fact, back in June, 2018, a 250 GTO, chassis number 4153, reportedly sold for a whopping $70 million dollars. 

 

In the market for a used car? Check out all our ReDriven Cheat Sheets.

 

Find all our video reviews over on YouTube.