Top five advice stories of 2019

No matter how many advice articles we publish at carsales, the reading public has shown an unwavering need to find out even more answers to ever more pressing questions.

The topics vary, with our advice stories covering a very wide range: everything from legal rights and responsibilities to product queries, and tips for getting the most out of selling your vehicle through carsales.

A couple of stories from the past that rate a mention before we plunge into this year's most popular articles have been 'What is the difference between 4WD and AWD?' and 'Buying a used Nissan Patrol, 1988-2010'.

Interestingly, however, neither of these stories came within striking distance of our top two advice features in 2019, proving that advice never goes out of style. In fact, with every passing year advice is gaining ground alongside our news, reviews and comparisons.

5. Is it legal to eat while driving in Australia?

It may not be one of life's great questions, but enough readers felt it needed answering anyway.

The police won't book you for eating, provided you're not distracted by doing so. That's the long and short of it, but check out the story for the full details.

Full story of eating and driving

4. How do I get the instant asset tax write-off?

This story caught the attention of many small business owners just a week after the federal election – and barely a month out from the end of the 2018/19 financial year.

For the previous year the tax write-off for a new work vehicle was limited to $20,000, but the federal government raised that limit to $30,000 for FY2018-19. That opened up a lot more options for buyers.

Full story on instant asset tax write-off

3. Four things you should know about the 2019 Mazda3

It's been a few years since the Mazda3 was Australia's most popular car, but the arrival of an all-new model appears to have revived reader interest in Mazda's small car range.

We penned a story concerning the major selling points for the new model ahead of its subsequent launch here. The story is no less topical now than it was then, with Mazda's SKYACTIV-X engine still to arrive.

Full story on 2019 Mazda3

2. What is my used car worth?

Few things are as dispiriting as attempting to sell a car, only to realise you've priced yourself out of the market, or perhaps even worse, sold too cheaply.

Undertaking research before committing to an online advertisement with carsales can save a lot of heartache. Start with an online valuation tool, but also take a look at what other owners are asking for a car that's similar to yours. Here’s how we’d do it.

Full story on used car values

1. More truth about 3500kg towing

In 2019, our top advice feature was a follow-up to our highly successful story from 2015, The truth about 3500kg towing.

For this year we exposed the hype underpinning manufacturers' claims that a ute will tow 3.5 tonnes – the towing limit for many popular 4x4 dual-cabs. Checking the weight of your vehicle and the towed trailer or caravan is critical to safety, as the story explains.

Full story on 3500kg towing