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Kiwis not put off buying gas-guzzlers

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Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:44p.m.

Four out of the five most popular models purchased remain large-engine cars

Four out of the five most popular models purchased remain large-engine cars

Rising petrol prices haven't stopped New Zealanders purchasing larger-engine cars, according to the latest sales figures from Turners Auctions.

Sales of vehicles with engines over two litres rose four per cent in the fourth quarter, making up 48 percent of total vehicles sold. The average price for larger cars increased 7 percent in 2011 to $11,185, the highest since 2008.

"People are becoming desensitised to the price of fuel these days," said Graham Roberts, chief executive at Turners Auctions.

"It seems the slow increase in the price of petrol has allowed consumers to accept the price."

He said while prices remained steady people were expected to continue buying large-engine cars, but Turners' statistics showed dramatic petrol price increases lowered the value and the number of large vehicles sold.

In line with the increase in sales of larger vehicles, the Holden Commodore has overtaken the compact Toyota Corolla as the highest-selling vehicle.

Four out of the five most popular models purchased remain large-engine cars, including the Ford Falcon, Subaru Legacy and Ford Mondeo.

NZN

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Comments

05 Apr 2012 03:27p.m.

Mike wrote:

The cost of runing a vehicle, the fuel cost still only a small cost.

Typically fuel is about 1/3 the cost of runnig a vehicle. this may be higher than it used to be, but it is still not that high.

If take a vehicle travelling say 20,000 /year it will ocst about $12,000 to run between fuel, wear and tear, insurance, depreciation, with fuel about 1/3 that. 20,000 km still works out at 384 km/week.

23 Feb 2012 10:50a.m.

ian wrote:

Larger capacity engines generally run in a less stressed state, thereby sustain less wear, damage and on going maintenance costs.They provide normally a more comfortable ride in a larger vehicle. A second hand purchase may be safer with a larger engine car than a small worn out thrashed one.

22 Feb 2012 01:11p.m.

Neil wrote:

Numbers please numbers. So the lack of actual data here leads one to assume the only people who are still buying new cars are those who have plenty of money and the economic downturn has had no impact on them. Gee that's a surprise.