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Looking for a family car that won’t cost a fortune to run? Meet the Nissan Serena, a people mover that’s big on space, low on fuel costs, and packed with handy features to make life easier. The 5th-generation Nissan Serena (C27), introduced in 2016, takes everything that made the older models great and dials it…

Looking for a car that’s cheap to run, eco-friendly, and small enough to squeeze into that last parking spot at the supermarket? Meet the Toyota Aqua. Known overseas as the Prius C, this hybrid has quietly taken over Kiwi streets with its blend of practicality, reliability, and a surprising amount of personality.  In this Toyota…

As any tradie will know, having the right vehicle is crucial for efficiency and reliability on the job. When working in the trades, you can’t muck around with a car that’s any less than heavy-duty; you need something reliable, rugged, and fuss-free. To  find a car equally as tough as you, check out our list of…

While utes crowd the top spots for commercial vehicle sales in New Zealand, the humble van is still more than a viable choice for commercial use. Vans remain a popular method for transporting tools, tricycles, terrariums, and anything else you need to get from A to B.  But which van is the best to buy? When…

If you’ve ever heard the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” chances are someone was talking about a Toyota. From the rugged Hilux to the trusty Corolla, Toyota has been a driving force on Kiwi roads for decades. In this Toyota buyers guide, we’ll take a journey through the brand’s rise to global…

Summer is finally here, and what better way to enjoy it than with a spot of Alfresco driving? When the sun is out, the top has to come down. Convertibles, the ultimate summer cruiser, are best enjoyed while sporting a Hawaiian shirt and knowing you’ve got nowhere to be. These cars take the mundane out…

Have you ever considered what makes a car safe beyond its sleek design and powerful engine? It’s not just the advanced tech or the comfortable seats that matter; it’s something more crucial: the car safety ratings.  Think of these ratings as a vital health check for your car, assessing its ability to protect you and your…

At Portage Cars, we firmly believe ‘used’ doesn’t mean used up! There are plenty of benefits of buying used cars over new ones; here are a few of them. Money Matters! While the decision between buying a new vs used car isn’t all about price, it is a significant consideration. Not everyone has the cash…

Whether you’ve just purchased a new NZ car or you’re riding with an old favourite, routine maintenance can make the difference between years of faithful service or a laundry list of mechanical problems. Slip into your dirtiest overalls and dust off that toolbox because we’re about to cover essential maintenance tips you can do from…

Everyone remembers their first car, even if it wasn’t the flashiest of vehicles. Choosing a car is a big decision; there are many things you’ll need to consider. So, what’s the best first car for new drivers? Here’s what you should look for when finding a vehicle.  What to Look for in a First Car When deciding what…

NZ hybrid cars are no longer fringe players in the automotive industry. Thanks to rising gas prices and greener consciences, hybrids have become highly sought-after options when purchasing a car. As demand has increased, so too have the options available, but what is the best hybrid car to buy in New Zealand? Discover which hybrid…

With hybrid and electric vehicles coming of age, our government has decided the time has come for owners of these vehicles to start paying Road User Charges (RUCs). While this information has come as a mighty surprise for owners and industry players alike, many can appreciate the necessity of contributing towards the development and maintenance…