While no review was particularly 'ruff', what the dogs said about their ownership experiences will surprise you.
"I'll never forget the day Volkswagen brought back the Beetle. Dude, I was like, 'Whooaa,' and when the dealership sorted me out with finance – I had to sell a few surfboards – I was like, 'Whooooaaa,' again. Don't they know I barely have a job? Anyway, I love popping the top on a sunny day, cruising down the coast and communing with the wind. I hear there is a new VW Kombi on the way, too – yew!"
"To me, a car is personal – an extension of my self. The car I own must be beautiful and sophisticated. I mean, I wouldn't be caught dead in a Camry (sorry, Camry owners). That's why I love my Mercedes-Benz AMG S65. People say the price is ridiculous, but I'm worth it – it's a lot of car (and style) for half a million dollars."
Photo by Don Hankins licensed under CC BY 2.0
"I am a nervous driver, so I bought a five-star safety-rated Volkswagen Golf in 'tornado red'. Red, because it was the closest colour to my favourite: orange. The five-door hatch is a nice size – it's easy to park. It's zippy, too, but I don't like driving quickly, so most of that power is wasted on me. If I could rename the colour, I'd take away the 'tornado' and replace it with something like 'serene' or 'tranquil' or 'relaxo'. Ah… relaxo red."
Pug life: Insta-famous
"Dude, whatever gets me looks, from the gals or the dudes or anyone, as I cruise down the street is good by me. That's why I bought a car that's big, loud and American: a new Ford Mustang. The booming 8-cylinder engine is powerful – and it sure causes a bit of a ruckus, but I dig the attention. It's nice for a weekend drive, too, but I don't get out of the city that much. Why would you? There are no nightclubs in the country."
"People have called me a poser before. They say, 'You're not a real lion,' but I am: raaawr. That's why I bought a Peugeot – I identify with the logo. I have the latest 3008 and it's grrreat. The medium-sized SUV won European Car of the Year, so it's a pleasure to roam around in."
"I don't have a car, yet, but I can't wait to get my licence."
"I love my Skoda Rapid Spaceback. I'm a graphic designer and everything I use is Apple. I can't live without it, frankly. So when I was researching cars I found out Skoda was about to be one of the first in Australia to have Apple CarPlay – and I jumped on board. I didn't even need to line up to buy it, so that was something new for me – though I kind of like the excitement of camping out for a product."
Photo via Instagram
"Since I started going bald, my life has completely changed. All my mates say, 'Derek, it's such a shame you're going bald.' But it's not like that, not at all. Now I don't give a damn about anything. I used to be a worrier, but nowadays my attitude is completely IDGAF, as the kids say in their Snapgrams. I do what I want, when I want. I've never felt more free. For 28 years I drove a safe, polite, average Toyota Corolla and it was fine – but I just traded it in for a new Mazda MX-5 convertible. It's wild fun. We should all have one. And I'm completely aware of the irony when I drive with the top off."
Photo via Instagram
"Do you know what my favourite four-letter word is? SOLD. Here's some advice for young players: real estate is serious business, and you don't make it to the top by being sloppy. What would it look like if I rocked up to the open inspection of a premium property looking less than top-shelf? I tell you what it would look like: no sale. Sad. That's why I drive a BMW M3. It's classy, professional and practical, with just the right amount of prestige to connect with all home buyers. In real estate speak, the word is 'aspirational'. The boot space is handy for the 'open inspection' signs, too."
Photo via Instagram
"Oh, deary. Well, I don't drive as much as I used to. I drive to Coles on a Thursday to do my weekly shop, and, if I'm not feeling up for the walk, I take the Honda Accord to bowls on a Saturday afternoon. I love the rearview camera thingy. Without it, I fear I'd probably scratch Reginald's Beemer's bumper."