5 Good Reasons to Move Up in a Micra

1. It's a Nissan. And that says a lot. You can't go wrong buying from a brand that has been around for decades and has built a solid reputation for creating great quality products that last. For you this means great resale value, so when you're ready to trade up, you won't lose out. What's more, as Nissan vehicles are assembled locally, parts are readily available so you won't have to wait weeks for it to be imported like some European badges will have you do. Plus, you won't have to look far and wide to find a reputable dealership to service your Micra as Nissan boasts a countrywide network offering professional support in and around all major cities and even smaller towns.

2. It makes good financial sense. Not only is the new Micra competitively priced, retailing from under R100 000 at leading South African dealerships, but you'll also be able to find a value-for-your-money deal in the used Micra market. The Nissan Micra has been around since 2004 and since been released with 1.2L, 1.4L and 1.5L engines with petrol and diesel options in both 3-door and 5-door derivatives. Smaller yet punchy drivetrains in this case equal low fuel consumption figures for further savings. The latest 1.2L petrol Micra boasts an astoundingly low 5.2L/100km fuel economy reading, so you can go pretty far on a tank and even further on your fuel budget.

What Constitutes A Classic Car?

What constitutes a classic car, Who determines if a car is a classic, when does a car become a classic?

How many times are those questions asked? This classic car debate is a very subjective one and in my opinion there is no right or wrong answer.

There have been iconic cars that attained classic status upon introduction, the Jaguar E type roadster for example is a case in mind, when introduced at the Geneva motor show it stole the show. The model on the stand had been driven to the show over night and had rolled off the production line a day or two previously.

The Aston Martin DB 5 attained classic status as James Bond 's choice of car.

Preston Tucker and the Tucker Torpedo became an iconic car and gained classic status from inception due to the publicity and the court case. The interest it created in 1948 has not waned in the intervening years. I was fortunate to see one in the flesh and found it difficult to believe it was created pre 1960 never mind pre 1950.

Dreams Can Come True But Not Without Some Effort

I am the original owner of my 1969 4 speed Porsche 912 Coupe. The car's 1969 factory paint was Light Ivory 6804 - 131, a standard '68 -'69 color. The only factory options were tinted glass all around. It was very basic, even for 1969.

Long after delivery, I discovered the car was built on a Karmann 911S/E chassis, complete with dual battery boxes up front, rocker panel trim, factory 911 suspension fittings and cable harnesses.

When I purchased the car I arranged for the dealer to paint the car the now very rare Golden Green 6828.

I drove it daily from until mid-1976. Then I drove it only occasionally until early 1981 when I removed the battery and garaged the car.

US Route 395 in Washington and Oregon

My 1969 Porsche 912 and I drove through eastern Washington and Oregon on our way from Canada (starting at Laurier WA) to Southern California on Route 395.

The 1955 Sturgis Bridge (southbound) in foreground and modern concrete bridge (northbound) in background cross the Columbia River at Umatilla OR.

Pendleton is home to the world famous Pendleton Woolen Mills. Because of my lifelong fondness for Pendleton products, I wisely locked my wallet and credit cards in the car before I entered the building.

I stopped again about ten minutes later to check my oil (it was OK) and enjoy some Oregon history at the Battle Mountain historic marker.

Mercedes-Benz Classic Cars Past and Present Making the News

The much celebrated German luxury car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz has always offered high quality motoring along with expertly engineered technical automotive design. Mercedes-Benz has always been competitive and had an active racing presence over the years, which has helped with the company's car development and design.

This can still be seen today, with Mercedes having a major role in many areas of motorsport around the world, including the high-profile Formula 1 World Championship and the DTM (or Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters - German Touring Car Masters) race championships, as well as world-renowned races like Le Mans.

The Elantra Tops Everybody's List

Whatever your age, whatever your budget, when shopping for a new car we all strive to find the best possible value for our money. And we'd like it to be wrapped up in an attractive package that's guaranteed to make us the envy of our friends. In the compact sedan market segment there is one particular new kid on the block that has everybody talking, test-driving and signing on the dotted line. The new Hyundai Elantra is all of the above and then some. Even the critics agree, which is why it's been named North American Car of the Year and is a finalist and favourite for the South African title to be announced soon.

Nothing beats a great first impression and the Elantra has this down to a t. Whether viewed from the front, side or back, Hyundai's new generation 'fluidic sculpture' design language will make you want to do a double-take. Every element from its swept-back headlamps and sloping roofline to its lowered profile and sleek door lines contributes to the Elantra price appearing far more expensive than its R192 900 price tag will reveal. Inside, it's much the same. Quality materials, sleek surfaces and top of the spectrum finishes contribute to a modernised interior that gets the nod from especially style conscious buyers.