News - Car Broker - Peter Lloyd

Ranger Tops 4×4 Sales Chart

Posted on January 21, 2021 by admin

THE Ford Ranger was the best-selling 4x4 in Australia in 2020, while Toyota remains number 1 overall. In what was a tough year for the new car market – down 13.7 per cent on 2019 – the ageing Ranger ute bucked the trend, selling more units than it did the year before (37,889 units compared to 37,004 in 2019). The total 4x4 PU/CC (pick-up/cab-chassis) market was down 9.5 per cent in 2020, but it was one of the strongest segments in new car sales. The Ranger’s bigges...
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Some of the best beach drives in Australia

Posted on January 17, 2021 by admin

Does Your 4WD love the beach? Here are some of the best There are plenty of sandy experiences in our great country, these will get your wanderlust in to gear. SLAP on the singlets, sunscreen and thongs, folks, as summer is just around the corner. And if you’re one of the many people who prefer to chase sun and surf during the warmer months – via a decent sand track, of course – then you’re no doubt aware Australia has some very special coastal destinations. From the island del...
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Road Trips for Driving Enjoyment

Posted on January 13, 2021 by admin

Cabin fever is prominent.....go for a great drive..... We get it. You’ve played so much Gran Turismo that wisps of smoke are starting to bloom from the back of the PlayStation. All of your model cars have been built, and destroyed, then built again. And you’ve spent so much time working your way through the ‘greatest car movies of all time’ list that you now know Bullitt is a truly terrible film (car chase aside, of course). The metaphorical walls are closing, though mercifully...
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Are Country Drivers Really More Honest?

Posted on January 1, 2021January 6, 2021 by admin

Country drivers are more honest than city drivers when it comes to car insurance, according to a survey by the insurance council of Australia. The Australian Bureau of Statistics recently released its Motor Vehicle Census 2014 which showed there are now 17.6 million vehicles registered in Australia (2.6% more than 2013) and that the average age of vehicles on Aussie roads is 10 years. But, a survey released by Understand Insurance (an initiative of the Insurance Council of Australia) has revea...
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The Gloves are Off – Isuzu D-MAX vs Ford Ranger Wildtrak

Posted on December 31, 2020December 31, 2020 by admin

We welcome the new D-MAX let's see how it compares. ISUZU Ute Australia calls its new-generation D-MAX a ‘third generation’ model, but that undersells its heritage. It may be the third generation Isuzu ute sold in Australia since the brand launched here in 2008, but it’s the latest in a long line of Isuzu utes that stretch back more like six generations and all the way to 1972. In Australia, the earlier Isuzu utes were sold f...
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New BMW 4 Series Coupe Impresses

Posted on December 12, 2020 by admin

The 4 series displays a distinct character compared to the 3 series. Overall Rating 4.5/5 stars Plus & Minus Plus - Body control and dynamics; steering, ride comfort, standard tech, bold styling Minus - Mild engine notes, polarising front grille WHAT IS THE BMW 4 SERIES COUPE The second generation of the BMW 3 Series’ athletic two-door sibling. WHY WE’RE TESTING IT The new 4 Series Coupe has distanced itself from the 3 Series with an ambitiously bold new ...
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New Honda CR-V

Posted on December 7, 2020 by admin

A facelift more than anything but the New Honda CR-V is worth a visit What is the Honda CR-V? Honda’s CR-V mid-sized SUV was introduced in 1997 and the current fifth-generation model arrived in 2017. With consistent improvements and shifting consumer demand, the CR-V has established itself as Australia’s favourite Honda. And after four years of consistent sales in its current generation, the Japanese manufacturer has given the CR-V a light update that leaves the major mechanicals unc...
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Tesla Supercharging Costs More

Posted on December 3, 2020 by admin

Tesla's "less than the cost of petrol" statement debunked. Tesla Supercharging Costs More Than Petrol Refuelling Teslas are now more expensive to recharge than it is to fuel an equivalent petrol-powered car – at least if you’re using the Tesla Supercharger network. A recent price increase to use the fast-charging Tesla Superchargers and incorrect fuel figures on the Tesla website mean claims that recharging using a Supercharger is “less than the cost of petrol” are incorrect. ...
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Forester & RAV4 Hybrids compared

Posted on November 28, 2020 by admin

The established Forester head to head compared to the RAV4, both in hybrid form. Equipment and value The $39,990 Forester Hybrid L is the cheaper of this pair of hybrid offerings (S is $45,990). Subaru’s EyeSight safety tech is standard and includes items like AEB and radar-based systems (also in the RAV4). The Forester also gets facial recognition, which monitors alertness and can set a seating position. Servicing is every 12 months/12,500km, while it’s covered by a five-year/unlimi...
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S.A. May Tax Electric Vehicles

Posted on November 23, 2020 by admin

South Australia and New South Wales are considering a rego-style electric vehicle distance charge. Only last week, the South Australian government was enjoying some backslapping for its commitments to EV infrastructure expansion and fleet purchase, but a week later it has revealed plans to sting electric vehicle owners with a registration-style road tax. If approved, the new ongoing charge will offset the loss of fuel excise revenue that will not be gathered by the government f...
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New Kia Sorento People Mover

Posted on November 17, 2020 by admin

Overall Rating 4.5 out of 5 stars Pros & Cons Pro: Features; smooth and potent diesel; warranty; auto braking. Con: Thirst of petrol V6. The Pick: 2021 KIA Sorento Sport+ 5D SUV What stands out? The fourth-generation Kia Sorento seven-seat SUV is the most advanced Kia model to date and, like its predecessor, is beautifully finished inside, generously equipped, and enjoyable to drive. The op...
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Our Three Best Small SUV’s

Posted on November 13, 2020 by admin

We’re in search of greatness. Good design is thorough down to the last detail. Nothing must be arbitrary or left to chance. Care and accuracy in the design process show respect towards the user.” You may know this as one of Dieter Rams’ 10 principles of good design. Rams, one of the 20th Century’s great thinkers on industrial design, formulated these tenets in the 1980s but they’re as valuable today as they ever were, all underpinned by one central commandment: “Weniger, aber besser...
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Kia Sorento – Analysis

Posted on November 8, 2020November 8, 2020 by admin

What Stands Out? The fourth-generation Kia Sorento seven-seat SUV is the most advance Kia model to date and, like its predecessor, is beautifully finished inside, generously equipped, and enjoyable to drive. The optional diesel engine is refined and powerful, and a suite of active safety features and Kia’s seven-year warranty bring peace of mind. Pros & Cons Pro - Smooth and potent diesel; warranty; auto braking. Con - Thirst of petrol V6. The Pick: 2021 KIA ...
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Kia SUV’s – Your Choice

Posted on November 3, 2020 by admin

Kia SUV's might only appear to be a three-pronged assault at the moment, but we still field a number of questions from readers wondering which Kia SUV is the best fit for them. The line-up is only going to grow larger as well, with the Kia Stonic compact SUV joining the range later this year and Kia’s on-again, off-again threat of bringing the Niro cross-over EV to Australia. For the avoidance of doubt, let’s run-through the range, detailing the purposes and feature...
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2020 Kia Cerato – Value

Posted on October 30, 2020October 30, 2020 by admin

Pluses & Minuses Pro - Comfortable; pleasant to drive; auto-braking as standard; great GT version Con - Lacklustre engine in non-GT versions; worse fuel economy than previous model The Pick: 2021 KIA Cerato GT 5D Hatchback What stands out? The Kia Cerato hatch and sedan have stylish cabins, strong infotainment suite, and drive nicely, with all versions featuring some kind of autonomous emergency braking and seven-year warranty. The range is topped by a ...
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Ford Ranger – Which One to Buy?

Posted on October 27, 2020 by admin

Wall to Wall Special Editions.....The Choices are Fantastic. Choosing the right Ford Ranger in 2020 is proving to be quite the challenge. There are more than 30 different variants in the Ford Ranger line-up (talk about a growing family!), each with a different combination of engine, suspension set-up, or body design. However, there are some versions that bring a little extra to the table in the battle for your hard-earned money. Of the 2020 F...
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Porsche Panamera

Posted on October 24, 2020 by admin

Details for Porsche’s new limousine After a little bit of teasing and a Nurburgring lap record claim, the new 2021 Porsche Panamera has finally been revealed in all its limousine glory. With a broad launch model range, the new Panamera builds upon the previous model with extensive updates, upgrades, and facelifts. Porsche has no less than 12 variants of the new Panamera from launch, accounting for different drivetrains and body styles, from the base ‘Panamera’ model thou...
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New LandCruiser Prado

Posted on October 19, 2020October 24, 2020 by admin

Which model is the best buy? The Toyota LandCruiser Prado is the quintessential go-anywhere 4WD SUV that’s very comfortable as a day-to-day family car, while being built extra tough for long outback trips. It comes with a 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel engines in five- or seven-seat configurations. Because it’s designed to travel long distances, all but one special version of the Prado is equipped with a big 87-litre fuel tank and a 63-litre auxiliary tank. In showrooms from Oc...
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Dual Cabs Utes in Australia

Posted on October 14, 2020 by admin

These days you could be well advised to ignore brand loyalty and you’ll see that some dual-cab utes are worthy of your attention. Despite significant challenges, this year is quickly becoming the best opportunity to buy a brand new car at a cut-rate price we've seen in a long time. If you’re interested in getting the most bang for your hard-earned bucks in the dual-cab 4x4 space, it pays to look past the industry’s top-ranked pairing of Ford’s Ranger and the Toyota HiLux. ...
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Why Use a Car Broker?

Posted on October 12, 2020 by admin

A good car broker should assist you with your car choice decision, and save you money, time, and frustration in the purchase of a new car. Here’s our analysis of the brokering process. A car broker works in the same way as a mortgage broker who looks for the lowest interest rates, though a car broker’s job is to help you buy a car for the best possible price. The car broker acts as the middle man between the car seller and buyer, and the service is often very handy. ...
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The new Kia Sorento is worthy of consideration

Posted on October 11, 2020 by admin

This Korean is on the money Overall Rating Plus & Minus Plus - Exterior and interior design; comfort; space; equipment; ease of operation; cruising refinement Minus - Minor diesel engine vibes at idle; petrol engine and lower spec models untested The Wheels Verdict: Nailed it! A hugely persuasive large SUV thanks to the ease and completeness with which it fulfils its intended function. More than that, though, new Sorento imparts a feel-good factor thank...
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2020 Toyota HiLux SR5 – Review

Posted on October 6, 2020 by admin

Has Toyota done enough? What is the Toyota HiLux SR5? The Toyota HiLux is, by some odd twists of fate, one of Australia’s best-selling vehicles, despite the fact that it’s far from the perfect family vehicle. Built tough to endure mine sites and construction jobs, the HiLux’s most popular variant is the 4x4 dual-cab ute. Formerly residing firmly at the top of the heap, the four-door, five-seat HiLux is now kept honest by the likes of the Ford Ranger, with upstarts like the Mit...
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Tesla Driver Collides With Police Car While Watching Movie on Autopilot

Posted on October 5, 2020October 5, 2020 by admin

Facebook Twitter Google Plus Mail This is the second time in the space of a month that a Tesla driver has crashed while using the Autopilot autonomous driving feature

Twice in a month that a Tesla driver has crashed while using the Autopilot autonomous driving feature. It seems like there’s no end to the number of drivers taking Tesla’s Autopilot at its word, with two drivers crashing in the space of a month in the US while using the semi-autonomous driving software. The most recent crash involved a driver watching a movie while driving, who subsequently drove straight into a highway patrol car that was stationary on the side of a North Carolina...
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Land Rover Defender

Posted on October 3, 2020 by admin

How does the new Defender compare to the legend? If there’s a gene that predisposes a person to like the original Land Rover Defender, I’m afraid I don’t have it. I appreciate that people are sentimental about these things, but really, the previous Defender was – and still is – the worst car I’d ever reviewed on a public road. The third-generation Defender – code-named L663 – thankfully comes from different stock, and is tasked with the hardest job of all; placating the cynical f...
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Mercedes-Benz GLA Much Improved

Posted on September 27, 2020 by admin

The formula is much enhanced by the 3-pointed star. The original GLA copped a bad rap. Roundly panned by the press, it was criticised for the simple fact it wasn’t very convincing. It lacked room and ability, plus it couldn’t shake the perception that it was merely an A-Class in stilettos. Of course, none of this really mattered. It still sold remarkably well, though now we have a second-generation GLA. And Mercedes has moved to address the original’s shortcomings with more space, smar...
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Latest Isuzu D-Max has Upped the game

Posted on September 21, 2020 by admin

We like what Isuzu has done.... At the risk of reading from the Captain Obvious handbook, it’s clear that plenty of 4x4 ute buyers do not work from same priority list as car buyers. If strong fundamentals of the driving experience, and inclusion of the latest multimedia and safety tech were 4x4 prerequisites, then the outgoing Isuzu D-Max would have never achieved the level of sales success it has. No, it’s clear that to regularly nudge the overall top 10 best sellers in the coun...
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2021 Hyundai Palisade vs Toyota Kluger SUV Comparison

Posted on September 15, 2020 by admin

Is the Hyundai eight-seater good enough to knock off Toyota's segment hero? Hyundai has drummed up enough reason to wedge in another SUV to its Australian range, with the Palisade eight-seat SUV also representing the brand’s flagship product. Seldom do we see eight-seater SUVs gracing the Australian new car market, marking a distinction between the Palisade and the current seven-seat load-lugger of Hyundai’s line-up, the Santa Fe. It may appear that there’s little difference b...
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Small SUVs from Mercedes-Benz and BMW

Posted on September 12, 2020September 12, 2020 by admin

Mercedes-Benz has made some changes to the GLA and is obviously targeting BMW X1. BMW had a good thing going ten years ago. The introduction of the X1 premium small SUVs was a stroke of genius, offering the high-riding BMW at a more palatable price point and at a time where it wasn't being challenged by other manufacturers. That is until Mercedes-Benz threw its hat into the ring, upsetting BMW’s monopoly in 2013 with its first-ever GLA. While the X1 was a high watermar...
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2020 Audi Q3 40

Posted on September 8, 2020 by admin

Now we have quattro available in the Q3. What do we think? What is it? The second-generation Audi Q3 small SUV launched in Australia early last year, offering a single entry-level, front-wheel-drive variant known as the 35. Now, Audi has upped the ante with a more powerful, all-wheel-drive version of its Goldilocks-sized SUV. Known as the Q3 40 TFSI quattro, it sells for a shade under $54,000, or around $10,000 more than the 35. That’s a pretty big jump in price, but it comes...
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We Compare Small SUVs

Posted on September 4, 2020 by admin

Affordable SUVs abound. Here are our thoughts. Choice means competition and competition is great for the customer, and never more has that rule applied than in the small SUV market. With so many competitors fighting for attention in the dinky high-rider segment, the plethora of brands are forced to be hyper-competitive in terms of features, equipment and price. And that's good news for you. There are more than 15 models vying for your money in the small SUV class, but we’re ...
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