Got any questions? Ask away! [email protected] Check out John's channel - https://www.youtube.com/@AutoExpertJC Check out Adam's channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ReDriven Chery's game-changing plug-in hybrid ute is looking the goods, but how does it stack up specs-wise? What's the future of Chinese manufacturers in Australia? And is an old Falcon ute actually a smarter buy than a brand-new Hilux for a tradie? Also are new cars really getting more expensive? Using inflation-adjusted pricing, John and Adam compare modern cars against those 90s and early-2000s classics like the Hyundai Getz and Honda Prelude and come to a surprising conclusion. Plus, a listener question about why Ford and Holden failed to adapt to changing market demands, and some delightfully impractical automotive project-car fantasies. Join auto industry insiders John Cadogan (Auto Expert) and Adam Morris (ReDriven) as they cut through the BS on new cars, used cars, dealer tactics, EV trends, and everything the motoring industry doesn't want you to know. New episodes weekly — subscribe now. Skip ahead: 00:00 – Intro 01:13 – Are modern cars really overpriced? 01:42 – Chery’s wild new hybrid ute explained 03:55 – When 300kW was supercar territory 05:00 – Why Chinese car makers are moving faster than everyone else 08:31 – Comparing the Chery to Ranger, Hilux and RAM 10:07 – Is the Kia Tasman already in trouble? 14:08 – BYD Shark 6, TRD Hilux nostalgia and performance utes 19:39 – Why Ford and Holden failed to adapt 25:25 – The downfall of Australian car manufacturing 26:51 – Are new cars actually cheaper than ever? 30:43 – Cost of living vs car affordability 33:27 – Can a $20K Falcon ute feel modern? 39:22 – Why old Aussie utes still make sense 41:46 – Dream project cars: Falcon one-tonners & FBI-spec Statesmans 43:04 – Outro & listener questions
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I didn't know Angry Anderson reviewed cars.
I did the Falcon ute thing. Paid $3k for a BFII XR6 with a good condition interior and a decent enough exterior. I’ve put around the same $ into bushes, shocks and a new quiet exhaust. This thing is so comfy, reliable and more than powerful enough. It’s a fantastic versatile daily with zero owing.
John I bought a 2003 BA 5 speed manual for my gardening business towing an 8 foot trailer. All the other landscapers were running 4x2 utes (Toyota Nissan etc) paid probably thrice or more than the $4000 I paid - and it came with a complete rebuilt suspension! Next up it was comfortable and being LPG/Petrol cost near $50 a week in fuel in a busy week!! I am retired now and it is near 300000km and uses no oil and has no oil leaks! I think I will get near $4000 when I sell it! I did replace the clutch at 200000km but it had done some some heavy towing of limestone blocks that year!!!
Wages haven't matched inflation
Adam & I must be of similar age, as i too hated the Bogan vibes of Holdens back in the day and prefered the JDM or Euro stuff. but now as I'm older and needed a ute, and refuse to buy a High riding POS, i got a Maloo and have a complete appreciation for how good these things are compared to the competition. definitely something which was not adequately appreciated back in its day.
Falcon RTVs were the ultimate.
I will never sell my Falcon FGX Barra Ute it’s my pride and joy
The Longreach Barra tray-back 👌
I have a mate who’s a plumber - I think his Hilux is past 20 years old- he refuses to get rid of it because it isn’t broken. He sees no need to get rid of it till it starts letting him down.
The thing about comparing inflation adjusted prices is you have to compare disposable income. Mortgages are 7-10 year salaries now compared to 2-3x 20-30 years ago. That's the difference, but yes unreal how much technology has made cars chesper over time.
Finally someone in auto journalism talking about the inflation issue. Here’s one for you: a base model auto Corolla is the same price as it was 20 years ago adjusted for inflation. The only thing that has actually changed is that cheap manuals and 3 door hatches don’t exist anymore which were always the cheapest options available
My BF Falcon wagon currently done 507,000 k's, I change the Engine oil change every 10k's, Transmission oil change every 30k's, Diff oil every 50k's, Coolant change every 3 years. VERY RELIABLE, VERY DURABLE, inexpensive to maintain and decent economy.
One of the best cars I've ever owned, last model Commodore SV6 ute. Other cars in the garage are German, and the Ute was just great on long trips. I'd buy another Australian-made ute tomorrow.
Thanks for the heads up on 2027’s new tailgating king!
At my last work I used to have a 2016 FGX one tone ute. It had a 800kg XL toolbox bolted to it instead of a tray and it was amazing. Given to me at 240,000km it still had plenty of get up and go when you gave it some it took off. It was a bit willowy and unstable in the corners with 60psi in the commercial 215/65/16's but it did the damn job with no complaints and it was comfy with freezing aircon.
Getz, shitbox? Have you seen how many of them are still driving around now? Pretty long lasting, reliable shitbox.
4:40 If Chery get a car wrong it's a drop if Toyota get it wrong it's a splash. You don't just "try" things at the scale of Toyota. Large companies innovate slowly and deliberately.
Hey fellars, all the new twin cab boxy sedans are great, but they're about as useful as a dunny on a parachute! How about looking at the "extra" cabs for a change? Plenty of room for 2, the pup a 6 year old, esky, tools etc, better tray length, bit more payload & less chance of freeloaders wanting a lift.
Wonder how the DPF burns are gonna go with the PHEV stop start of the engine 💀
11:45 - judging by the comments under every ad for a Kia Ute, I think it’s not at all a secret that looks matter.