Peter Palm

Pete first read CAR at the age of 12 and immediately started modifying his parents’ cars. He studied mechanical engineering due to a fascination with engines, and worked on and spray-painted cars in his spare time. He worked for SA Railways and Denel before switching to proper motoring by joining CAR.

BUYING USED: Double-cab bakkies for under R425 000

Know how much you can spend on a car but haven’t made up your mind which one to buy? Each month, we recommend two sensible options, plus a left-field choice. Requirements: Double-cab bakkies have become expensive items, as evidenced by the Amarok and X-Class. What if your hard-earned ...

BUYING USED: Second-hand roadsters for under R350 000

Know how much you can spend on a car but haven’t made up your mind which one to buy? We recommend two sensible options, plus a left-field choice. Requirements: Lusting after the new BMW Z4 M40i but don’t have a million rand burning a hole in your pocket? These three offer comparable thrills ...

CLASSIC BUY: Saab 9-3 (1998-2009)

Contemporary Swedish class on a tight budget... History Saab stood for “Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget”, which means Swedish Aircraft Corporation Limited in the Scandinavian language. Founded in 1937, its parent company specialised in aerospace and defence hardware. Saab joined Scania Trucks ...

CLASSIC BUY: Chrysler Valiant (1970–1977)

The Valiant proved to be a welcome American invasion... Such was the pace of styling changes in the 1960s and ‘70s that one of pre-democracy South Africa’s favourite cars, the Chrysler Valiant, can be split into several re-styles over just a few years. In this feature, we’re looking ...

BUYING USED: Premium midsize sedans for under R300 000

Know how much you can spend on a car but haven’t made up your mind which one to buy? Each month, we recommend two sensible options, plus a quirky choice. Requirements: Can't stretch to the new BMW 3 Series and facelifted Mercedes-Benz C-Class we recently tested? Try these used premium midsize ...

CLASSIC BUY: Ford Granada (1973–1978)

Designed in Germany, the first-generation Ford Granada makes a great starter classic... In the 1970s, when CAR could list the entire South African car market on just one page, Ford Motor Company had a formidable range of vehicles: Escort, Cortina, Capri, Granada and Fairlane. These were joined by a ...

DRIVEN: Toyota Hilux 2,8 GD-6 4x4 GR-Sport 6AT

CHOBE, Botswana – Thanks to its success in the Dakar Rally (and similarly gruelling off-road events), Toyota Gazoo Racing has become something of household name in recent years. And with the Hilux now celebrating 50 years of service in South Africa, it’s the perfect time to launch the GR-Sport ...

Long-term test: Toyota Corolla Hatch 1,2 Xr CVT

Long-term test (Introduction): Toyota Corolla Hatch 1,2 Xr CVT The Toyota Corolla Hatch is a massive switch for me [sorry, Pete – editor]. I’ve driven long-term bakkies for about five years now and have made them work hard. Now that my weekend workload has eased off, it’s a pleasure ...

CLASSIC BUY: Daihatsu Terios (1997–2000)

We adore this pint-sized but capable off-roader... The Daihatsu brand was first introduced to South Africa in 1983 when the local Alfa Romeo factory built the popular Charade and Charade Turbo. The Terios was introduced in 1997 as an affordable go-anywhere car and continued as a popular purchase in ...

BUYING USED: Compact crossovers for under R300 000 each...

We help choose the ideal car for your needs and your budget: this time, a compact crossover for under R300k... Know how much you can spend on a car but haven’t made up your mind which one to buy? Each month, we recommend two sensible options plus a quirky choice. Smaller crossovers and SUVs have ...