Car Talk – Car Talk with Ernest Page – Fortuner Challenge

In this episode of Lunch with Pippa Hudson, Ernest Page returns to discuss his upcoming participation in the Backdraft Racing Series in East London, a national endurance race featuring South African-built AC Cobra replicas. He highlights the 'arrive and drive' package that makes motorsport accessible to amateur drivers, emphasizing the high cost of entry and the immersive four-hour race experience. The conversation then shifts to the recent Toyota Fortuner Challenge, where Ernest served as a media representative supporting a contestant in a series of physical and mental challenges, including wet-weather obstacle courses and teamwork-based tasks. The event, open to the public, rewards agility, fitness, and collaboration, with the winning team receiving a Fortuner. Listener questions follow, covering sedan preferences (Honda Amaze), vintage Beetle availability (affirming their presence on the secondhand market with guidance on enthusiast communities), and recommendations for reliable, safe, and affordable used cars under R300,000—highlighting the Cherry T-Go 4 Pro, Mahindra XUV300, and Suzuki Swift as top contenders. Ernest stresses the importance of test drives, warranty status, and avoiding luxury cars with high maintenance costs post-warranty.