Just what is it about a beautiful, shiny, classic car that gets our motors running? Is it the feeling of driving around in something that invokes the nostalgia and mystique of eras gone by? Is it the impressed stares you get from bystanders as you cruise by in your classic Mustang, Tourer or Torino? Is it the knowledge that you’re one of the few people in the world to own such a classic, rare car?

For some people, it’s all of these things and more, and there’s no doubt that vintage car restoration is a hobby which has remained hugely popular amongst car enthusiasts over the years. But if you’ve just acquired a vintage car with the aim of restoring it, and don’t quite know how to go about it, here are some initial things to think about before diving into the bonnet head first.

Spread the project out

A great way to go about working on your vintage restoration is to make it your weekend hobby. This also helps you get into a routine, so you’re more likely to stick to your project and feel the satisfaction when you finally complete it. Plus, nothing beats waking up on a crisp, sunny Sunday morning, heading to the garage, leaving the door open, putting some music on, and getting to work on your pride and joy.

Work on it with a friend who knows about cars

If you’re not the kind of person who gets rather protective and precious over your own personal projects, you can enlist the help of a car-savvy friend – you can discuss crucial matters such as the engine and colour, and catch up over a beer at the same time. It’s also a great way to bond with a family member.

Get some help from the pros

There are many professional restoration organisations around Australia that specialise in vintage classics. Some specialise in a specific marque, while others are experts all round, so search around online for the perfect place to take your car. A few car dealers also offer specialist restoration services, and they really understand vintage cars, so your baby will be in good hands. John Hughes for example, offers our Supatrim service for upholstery restoration, enhancement and repair.

Hobby turned career

Some people have chosen to share their joy and passion for old cars with others by making restoring and selling into a career. If you find you’ve developed a bit of a knack for seeking out cars that need a little TLC, fixing them up then re selling them, it might be a sign that you could turn your casual hobby into a rather lucrative career!

Check out our previous blog post about why vintage cars are vogue.

How do you like to work on your vintage classic? On your own, with a friend, or with a beer in hand?

Choose Your Dealer Before You Choose Your Car

We’ve got exciting news this week – John Hughes has gone mobile!

We’ve just launched our new mobile-friendly site, and now you can browse new and used cars online right from your handset. Compared to the desktop site, it’s easier to navigate on an iPhone or smartphone, quicker to load, and will still have all the information you need to shopping and browsing for a new or used car for sale.

You’ll also be able to make service bookings, enquire about car parts, contact John Hughes via email and phone, and view Google map directions to various dealership locations.

The growing mobile trend

Over the past few years, we’ve seen a huge explosion of mobile internet usage statistics. Mobile sites, mobile apps, mobile shopping – it’s all happening. Between 2007 and 2010 alone, there was a 3000% increase in Australian mobile internet usage, and by next year, it’s estimated that more mobile internet searches will be done on mobiles than on desktops.

Check out some of these mobile statistics from Google:

Choose Your Dealer Before You Choose Your Car

With these huge statistics and trends around mobile sites, why is it that so many people are turning to mobile to browse online? There are a number of different reasons, the most obvious being convenience – you take your mobile with you everywhere you go, and since most people have smartphones with internet browsing capabilities, this means you’ve got your own little search tool right in your pocket.

For those who happen to be in the market for a new car, this is especially handy for comparing prices and car models on the go. Indeed, according to Google thinkmobile, 79 percent of smartphone users do use their smartphones to help them when they’re shopping.

Having a mobile-compatible site is also handy for when you’re on the road and need to find a phone number or directions to a certain dealership, so there are plenty of reasons to go mobile.

Simply visit www.johnhughesonline.mobi on your phone to test out the new John Hughes mobile site for yourself today.

Time to get browsing!

How do you use your mobile to help you when you’re in the market for a new car or other large purchase?

The new Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet – a convertible that’s fun all the way up and down

With the new Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet, one thing’s for certain – top up or top down, it’s a whole lot of fun.

The signature Volkswagen great look and feel

The leather-trimmed interior of the Cabriolet is as good as they come, and everything seems to be placed in exactly the right spot – cold metal garnishes, soft-feel tactile surfaces, and smart switch-gear all give the Cabriolet the solid VW feel we’ve become accustomed to.

The Golf Cabriolet also comes with 17 inch alloys, sports-tuned suspension and daytime driving lights. Automatic headlights with coming/leaving home illumination, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and rain-sensing wipers are all standard, as is dual-zone climate control, multi-function steering wheel, trip-computer, cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity. Plus, it has all the handy nooks for drinks and other travel essentials throughout the cabin, so you’ll have all the comfort you need.

The engine and 6 speed manual transmission set-up is typical VW class. With a supercharger and a turbo, instant throttle response and no turbo lag, this is a quick little car in anyone’s language.

A clever convertible with a speedy folding roof

Once deployed, the folding roof provides a very cosy and quiet interior – there is very little wind noise, even at high speed. This is a seriously clever roof. The double-skinned electric soft top folds in just 9.0 seconds – and you can ‘pop’ the top at up to 30km/h – forming a neat flat ‘deck’ behind the rear seats.

Standard VW safety

Of course, the new VW Golf Cabriolet has a 5-Star Euro NCAP safety rating with front, front side and head airbags, and driver’s knee airbag as standard. The big plus is the active roll-over protection system, which combines a rigid A-pillar plus two roll-over ‘posts’ that deploy in milliseconds in the event of roll-over.

So, welcome to the fourth-generation Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet, the first drop-head convertible Golf in nine years. We’re not entirely sure why Volkswagen stopped selling the iconic Cabriolet all those years ago but thankfully, it’s well and truly back and it’s better than ever!

Once you get your hands on one, the only decision you have to make is…roof up or roof down?

Check out the range of new VW Golf cars for sale.

A car is an investment which should fit in with your lifestyle seamlessly, yet with so many different car models and body styles on the market these days, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. Of course you’ll need to go for a car that you like the look of, but you also need to think about your particular driving habits , what you primarily use your car for, how many people are in your family (if any) and where you live. For example, if you live by yourself in the middle of the city with a tiny spot in shared parking lot, a huge 4WD or Jeep may not be your best bet…

So this week, we’ve put together a guide to a number of different car models and which options may best suit your lifestyle.

• Hatchback: Small hatchbacks are a favourite amongst inner-city dwellers, as their size and great fuel efficiency make them ideal for zipping around traffic and squeezing into tight parking spots. The hatchback design also gives you more trunk space than other small cars, and many also have fold-down backseats, so they’re perfect if you frequently transport a lot of things around or take short driving holidays often. Our pick of the ultimate small hatchback? The Ford Fiesta and the Volkswagen Golf are two popular choices for small hatchbacks. Don’t forget though, for those who want something a little bigger, hatchbacks also come in larger models like the Mitsubishi ASX 2WD Hatchback.

• Coupe: Coupes are small 2-door cars that don’t offer much in terms of passenger space, but make up for it with excellent fuel economy. Coupes are another perfect option for inner city driving, so if you don’t have a family and don’t often find yourself driving others around, a coupe could be your perfect option.

• SUV: For those with big families (or lots of friends who regularly seem to pile into your car), SUVs are perfect, offering plenty of space for up to 8 or 9 passengers. Many also have enough power to rival a larger size 4WD, making them ideal if you have a boat or trailer to transport, and of course there’s all that extra room for surfboards or sports equipment if you’re a bit of an outdoors enthusiast. SUVs can be perfect if you live in the suburbs where parking space is ample, but city dwellers and commuters may run into problems with parking due to the larger size of the body.

• Sedan: Sedans are often known for their stylish design and excellent comfort, and they’re ideal for small families who don’t need much room in terms of trunk space. They also handle better on the road due to their larger wheel base, and many models are now also becoming more and more fuel efficient, while still maintaining a more powerful engine than other types of small vehicles.

• Mini-van: Finally, there’s the mini-van. Perfect for large families, or those who need a lot of cargo space. For the travel and road trip enthusiast, nothing beats the flexibility that a mini-van offers, and you can usually find plenty of affordable models by searching online for used cars websites.

How important do you think it is for your car to both reflect and fit in with your lifestyle?

Top Australian car racing events for 2012 The car racing season has officially kicked off for the year, with the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix wrapping up last week. But, the good news is, there are still plenty of races and events happening all around the country over the next few months. Here’s our roundup of the ones we’re most excited about.

Start your engines…

Targa Tasmania

Various locations. April 17-22.

Since 1992, Targa Tasmania has been an exciting international event which sees some of the best touring, sports and GT cars in the world racing all over Tasmania (literally) in front of audiences of over 200,000 people. This year, an extra 70 kilometres have been added to the various race courses, so there’s plenty of extra action happening to keep you excited.

Website

International Rally of Queensland

Sunshine Coast, May 25-27

2012 will be the 44^th year of the International Rally of Queensland (IROQ), which has grown and grown in popularity over the years, even being elevated to FIA status. Be prepared to see a plethora of international cars and drivers competing over three days on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

Website

Photo from the 2011 IROQ Friday Night Shootout. Image Credit: Jeremy Rogers Photography

V8 Supercars Sky City Triple Crown

Hidden Valley Raceway, Darwin. June 15-17.

A three-day V8 Supercar racing event held at Hidden Valley Raceway, the Sky City Triple Crown is always an exciting event on the annual car racing calendar. Now in its 15^th year, the race draws huge crowds, and there’s always a great atmosphere.

Website

Bathurst 1000

Mount Panorama, Bathurst. October 4-7.

Celebrating over 50 years of racing in Australia, this year’s Bathurst 1000 is set to be huge. Sporting fans from around the world will be heading to Mount Panorama en masse, and there’ll be plenty of entertainment both on and off the track. Naturally, the age-old rivalry between Holden and Ford will continue – who’ll take the trophy this year?

Website

Remember that even if you can’t make it to the events themselves, most of the races are televised either on free-to-air TV or on cable channels, so check the individual event websites to see how you can catch all the action – either from the stands, or from the comfort of your own couch.

Which car racing events are you most looking forward to this year?

Green is growing

No surprises that the green car trend continues to grow, with a number of exhibitors displaying their latest eco-friendly electric vehicles at the show. Among them was the new Ford Focus Electric, Ford’s very first all-electric car, which features a new 23kW lithium ion battery pack, and a range of up to 160 kilometres on a single charge. It’s expected to go on sale next year.The 2012 Ford Focus Electric and its charging station Image credit: Washington Post

Hatchback flashback

Hatchbacks are definitely making a comeback, and this trend was strong at the Geneva Show, with BMW, Mercedes, Volvo and Audi all showing off new their new generations of high tech hatchbacks. In particular, Volvo (recently taken over by Geely) unveiled its brand new premium hatchback, the V40, which has a whole range of nifty new gadgets and safety features, including Pedestrian Detection, Full Auto Brake and pedestrian airbags! Production is expected to start in May this year. The new Volvo V40 hatchback Image credit: Business Standard Motoring

We also saw a whole range of new car shapes and sizes at the show this year. VW debuted its new Cross Coupe Plug-in concept, which boasts a turbo-diesel direct injection engine and two electric motors. It has a top speed of 220kph and can accelerate from 0-100kph in 6.5 seconds. VW Cross Coupe Plug-in Image credit: Autoblog

New shapes and sizes

Also, the Ford Tourneo Custom van was initially announced only as a concept at the show, but now Ford have revealed that they’re actually launching the van onto the market. The new models will be powered by Ford’s new 2.2 litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine. Ford Tourneo Custom Image credit: The Motor Report

Volkswagen also showed off its latest GTI Cabriolet, which looks pretty, but boasts a tough 2.0-litre turbo four and six-speed gearbox, giving it plenty of power. Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet Image credit: Autoblog

What were your favourite new cars and technologies to be unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show this year?

No matter what type of car you’re accustomed to driving when the time comes to upgrade, most of us expect to get a little bit more for our money. This often means we expect something in the new car that wasn’t in the old one… something to make us feel special, a little luxury. Whether it’s the comfortable seats, the little extra leg room, the stylish interior, or those few extra features that make getting in your vehicle just that touch more enjoyable, you can’t deny there’s something great about a car that’s got plenty of 5 star features, minus the price tag.

But how can we get this kind of style every day without having to fork out exorbitant sums of money for it? The good news is, Luxury comes in all shapes and sizes these days.

Here’s our pick of new vehicles on the market that will make you feel like you’re travelling in luxury…even if you’re just running errands or picking the kids up from school.

New luxury wagon: 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander PLATINUM 2wd

An SUV/Wagon that’s roomy and safe all at the same time? The Mitsubishi Outlander Platinum is all of these things rolled into one. Ultra stylish design inside and out, stellar fuel efficiency, with a smooth Manual or CVT transmission, excellent responsiveness, and great carrying capacity, with adjustable seating configurations not only for passengers, varying luggage loads can also be accommodated. Standard four-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Brake Assist, 1^st and 2^nd row Airbags, Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control also ensure the Outlander Platinum isn’t just an enjoyable, comfortable ride, but also a safe one.

New luxury SUV: Ford Territory TS RWD

Winner of a Drive Car of the Year award last year, the Ford Territory also looks and feels the part of a classy vehicle. The streamlined design makes it perfect for those who love the extra room and power of an SUV, but without the bulky exterior. Inside, you’ll find plenty of gadgets to keep you happy, including dual-zone automatic climate control, 8″ colour touch screen and iPod/USB integration, just to name a few. The Territory also has dozens of storage and configuration alternatives, as well as the option of seven seats, so it’s ideal for those with large families (or groups of friends) to transport around. The 5-star ANCAP safety rating rounds things out nicely in the safety stakes. Photo credit: Ford Australia

New Kia Rio Sports / Luxury hatchback:

As soon as you set eyes on the New KIA Rio, you know this car is something different and moment you step inside it feels like you’re stepping into sports – luxury. The 4 available models all have a well laid out instrument panel and roomy interior. On the outside, the redesign presents a striking profile and rear roof spoiler reinforces the sport-luxe vibe. 6 Speed Manual or 4 Speed Sports Mode Auto gives you that racing feel normally reserved for pure sports/luxury cars. With a 5 Star ANCAP rating the New Kia Rio is the recipient of the Prestigious “Carsguide.com.au” Car of the Year Award for 2011.

There are plenty of affordable vehicles on the market today with 5-star features and comfort. Of course, if you want to see what seriously over-the top luxury looks like, check out our blog post on the most expensive (and cheapest) cars in the world.

For more prestige luxury, you can browse a huge range of premium used cars for sale online at John Hughes Prestige.

What are your favourite features that give you that extra bit of luxury in your car?

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There are a lot of vehicles on the market competing for drivers’ dollars, and it would be fair to say that many of these vehicles (in certain categories) are very similar. Today we’re focusing on one which truly stands out – the brand new 2012 Jeep Wrangler.

A Jeep with plenty of sporty flexibility

The new Wrangler Sport is marketed as perhaps the most flexible 4×4 vehicle on the market, and it doesn’t just present itself as a rugged, go-anywhere four by four – it actually is!

The Wrangler is also flexible, with plenty of options. Drivers can choose between a two door and a four door, both of which come in two specs: The two door options are the Sport and Rubicon, and the four door options are the Unlimited and the Unlimited Rubicon. Then, simply pile on the add-ons to customise your Jeep and really make it your own.

At the same time, it can be a soft-top convertible, which allows you to really connect with your inner Beer Grylls, while the Renegade Upgrade package transforms the Wrangler into a comfortable, sporty hard top. The additional moulded roof makes for a more “city friendly” vehicle, so when you don’t feel that adventurous and want to hide from the elements, you can.

The Wrangler Sport also features removable doors with power windows, seventeen inch alloy wheels, Jeep’s Command track shift on the fly transfer case, Hill Descent Control, an Electronic Vehicle Information Centre, four wheel disc ABS, and a Media Centre.

Forget your past experiences with Jeep Wranglers

Some people have reported less than stellar experiences with Jeeps in the past, citing that they were not always the best vehicles when it comes to quiet engines, handling and fuel efficiency. However, this time around, the newer Jeeps provide a very different experience. The new Jeep is a lot quieter (even with the roof off), there’s more than enough power from the six cylinder, 3.8 litre petrol engine, and it’s also efficient and comfortable.

Add all this to the slick six speed manual, you don’t have to drive it far to realise that this is a vehicle that will get you anywhere. Did we mention how cool it looks as well?

Even if you’re not an off-road kind of person, we think you’d almost convert to one, or at least look the part. However, if you are an off-roader, we suggest that you don’t test drive a new 2012 Jeep Wrangler – we’re betting that you won’t want to give it back!

To get some more adventure in your life, check out the newest range of Jeep Wranglers. Simply drop into the new John Hughes Jeep Victoria park, or go to johnhughes.com.au

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5agoYOLmw_0

In today’s competitive car market, consumers are demanding better and better fuel economy, but they still expect all the safety, power and room that would come with a larger car. This has meant that the small car market has quickly become one of the most competitive in the industry, since many small cars bundle together both the economy and the features that drivers are looking for.

The small car leading the pack is undoubtedly the Ford Focus, which recently won the 2011 Drive Small Car of the Year. We took a look at just how special this little car is.

A Ford for everyone – different variants and sleek designs

The Focus is available in four variants: the entry model Ambient, the Trend, the Sport and the top of the range Titanium. You can also choose between a sleek sedan and a sporty hatch.

One of the stand-out features of the Focus is its exterior design. It may be a small car, but it sure doesn’t look it. Its sleek lower design is supported by a wide stance, which helps give it a large profile. This also gives the interior designers more to work with – The interior is roomy, well laid out and more than you would expect in your standard “small car”. Its great to see Ford have added maturity and convenience to the fit out. The finishes are solid, there are heaps of storage options and the seats offer great support and comfort.

The Ford Focus also has the brawn and the brain to back up the promise of power. The Focus Titanium comes standard with a choice of either a 2-litre GDI petrol, or a very efficient 2 litre TDCI Diesel. The titanium is paired with a silky smooth 6 speed “Power shift” automatic transmission.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Ford keeps on impressing – it averages just 6.6 litres of fuel per 100 kms, and the diesel “sips” just 5.5 litres per 100kms.

High tech add-ons and features

Another thing about Ford is that the marque never disappoints with features, and adding to the maturity of the Focus is all the safety and high tech add-ons you get.

The Focus comes with driver, passenger and curtain airbags, Ford’s Intelligent Protection System, ABS, Dynamic Stability Control with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Dynamic Stability Control, and Hill Start assist.

The Titanium comes standard with Sony Stereo, Bluetooth for your mobile, climate control, satellite navigation, cruise control, electric windows, plus automatic wipers and headlights. The Focus Titanium also features Park assist, which actually works with you to park the Focus perfectly every time. All you have to do is identify the parking space, then operate the accelerator and break while the Titanium takes care of the steering. It sounds like a bit of a gimmick, but we think it can’t hurt to have it there, even if your parallel parking skills are spot on!

Overall, the Focus is a car that will suit your weekly drive and add a bit spice to your weekends.

To learn more about the new award winning Ford Focus, or to find a Ford for sale, drop into the award winning John Hughes Park Ford in Bentley, WA.

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The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo is set to give the marque a shot in the arm. With an entry price point 25 per cent lower than the previous model, this also pits the Grand below potential luxury competitors and bang in the sweet spot of the mid-size sports utility vehicle segment.

A Cherokee that’s packed full of features

While it may be cheaper than ever, the Grand Cherokee Laredo isn’t left wanting for features. The extensive list includes dual climate-control air-conditioning, heated front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, power windows, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, power-operated front seats, trip computer and reversing camera.

In terms of safety, stability control and seven airbags come standard, and while the Jeep Laredo hasn’t completed its testing yet, they’re expecting the full 5 star ANCAP safety rating.

Plenty of grunt under the bonnet of the new Laredo

Under the bonnet, the new Pentastar 3.6 litre V6 has 210kW of power with plenty of acceleration. This is helped along by the five-speed auto, and it’s rated to pull up to 2268 kilograms. On bitumen, the new model is much improved from previous Grand Cherokees. Decent control means the body isn’t wallowing, and the ride is firm and controlled both in town and on open roads.

The seats are also comfortable and the rear bench split-folds to create more space for the modest load area, which comes with a luggage cover. There’s also a handy split tailgate, and in terms of off road excellence, the dual range 4WD system puts the power straight to the wheels that have traction.

All of this with a tempting price on road is contact John Hughes Jeep if you looking for a genuine off-roader that makes sense for those who don’t need seven seats.

Check out the new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredos for yourself by visiting the new John Hughes Jeep, Victoria Park.