Welcome to the February 2025 Newsletter 

The flood of new 4WD models and upgrades continued over the Silly Season, so that kept us busy, in between enjoyable family and friends catch-ups.

In News we highlighted a couple of forthcoming shows and summarised the year’s 4WD sales achievements: predicting some drama for traditional makers in 2025. (it’s hard to feel sorry for most 4WD makers, who’ve been ripping us off for years.)

Our Buyers Guide Medium Utes entries were dominated by Chinese developments, from GWM, BYD and LDV.  In Buying Advice we explained why the Chinese are way ahead in the hybrid race and updated our Buying Used story.

In Medium Wagons we reported the demise of the Pajero Sport, listed changes to the LDV D90 powertrain and tested the disappointing and overpriced Toyota Prado. In Large Wagons we aded more spec’ info to the Lexus LX report, listed an insane addition to the Land Rover Defender lineup and forecast the arrival of a Lexus/Range Rover challenger from BYD. 

In Modifications – DIY Workshop we reported on a dropside build for Harry’s new tray and his Clearview mirrors.

Camping – Power has an updated story on the EcoFlow River 2 and Bluetti power stations;  a report on EcoFlow’s solar hat; updates to our solar power story and a report on Enderdrive’s power packages for ute trays.

In Camping – Gear we reported on a sealed-bag bush dunny system and our SureCan test.

In 4WD Driving/Towing we updated our safe towing story and reported on torque converter lockup kit testing.

Destinations Safety topics were boating aids, an AED report and a pro’s essential items list. We added the Gawler Ranges to our Destinations list, with a farmstay option.

To Communications we added a new satellite device that we plan to test in May 2025.

We don’t normally run ‘for sale’ items, but one of the OTA team is selling a JB off-road, single-axle, air-suspended caravan that’s in perfect condition. (It’s featured in our Tasmanian Odyssey report.) There’s also a LandCruiser 200 Series that might be available as well. Send us an email and we’ll put you in touch.

Don’t forget that anyone who donates $50 or more to the OTA website goes 

into the regular prize draws that we will make throughout 2025. Make sure you’re in the running.

If your interests run to old bikes, cars and trucks, check out our other website: www.historicvehicles.com.au.

We’d like to wish all our website visitors and subscribers the very best for 2025.