With so many websites devoted to car reviews, it can be hard to know which sites will give you the most reliable reviews and social proof that these reviews are from real people.
Buying a car is a big investment, so we want to point you in the right direction to find up-to-date car reviews that are relevant to you and what you are looking for. However, before you start scouring the internet for reviews, what should you be looking for?
Firstly, remember that reviews are somebody’s opinion and will be based on their personal driving preferences! So it’s always worth test driving before you reach for your wallet. A good car review will give you information about:
As you search online for more information, keep in mind that overseas reviews are not necessarily the same car as the specifications may differ considerably to what is sold in New Zealand. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best kiwi-based car review websites, so you can get started in the right place.
NZ Autocar is New Zealand’s leading automotive magazine, so their reviews are in-depth and high quality - written by experts with plenty of experience who can give you the full picture behind any new model of car. NZ Autocar’s reviews cover the full scope of motoring, from new cars to classics, and are written with kiwi drivers in mind.
Driven also has expertly-written reviews, with the added benefit of being a car listing site where you can search for a new car or sell your own. Most of the reviews feature videos, which is great for when you get tired of reading, and link to other relevant content and reviews. Driven is a fantastic hub of knowledge where you are sure to be inspired while you browse.
Stuff’s Road Test reviews are very thorough and easy-to-read articles that will have you feeling like an expert in no time. Their reviews are packed with no-nonsense pros and cons for each vehicle, and are very much tailored for kiwi car owners. The Stuff Motoring section also features a wrap-up of the Top Cars of each year which is well worth checking out and video reviews from CarNut, New Zealand's largest new vehicle YouTube channel.
DriveLife is an established source of information and interesting articles for petrol heads and regular Joes alike. Their car reviews are incredibly detailed, and at the end of each review they summarise with a simple breakdown and a star rating that will make your comparison with other car models much easier. And once you’re done reading the reviews, you can explore plenty of other awesome content like product reviews and automotive news from around the world.
Trademe is the home of kiwis selling to kiwis, and you can easily find the reviews you are looking for by filtering by make, model, body type or year. Written by the car industry specialists - Auto Media Group, there’s the added bonus of having reviews for both new and used cars, and each review features really clear, straightforward star ratings on each car’s interior, exterior, drive, safety and value.
Auto Trader has been around in New Zealand since 1981 (originally as a magazine) and their website is an excellent source of information for buying and selling cars online. In addition to cars for sale, they also have a smaller section on car reviews provided by a range of subscribers as well as a section on financing, insurance, and how to safely buy and sell cars.
AA is a trusted name for kiwi motorists, and you can find what you’re looking for faster by filtering to the make, model or year - or simply have a browse of their takes on the latest cars. Their down-to-earth car reviews will tell you exactly what you need to know, and as an added bonus they summarise the specific safety features of each car at the end of the review.
These two specialty sites are for the SUV and 4WD diehard fans - if you already know that your next vehicle will be taken on a few kiwi adventures, head to these sites for specialist reviews of SUVs and 4WDs, and also product expert content designed just for you.
If you’re a business owner or have the task of figuring out which cars are most suitable for your work fleet, then NZ Company Vehicle is the specialist review site you need. To add to their extensive range of car reviews, they also offer articles on fleet management and vehicle fit-outs.
It’s good to keep in mind that a review is an opinion by a person with their own view on what makes up a good car. Often the reviewer has only had the car for a short time and may not be using it the way you would. They are a good starting point for the research you need to do before you buy a new car, however we’d always recommend following up with the a test drive or giving the dealership a call to ask any specific questions you may have. What’s next? Check out our Complete Guide to Buying a New Car.