Macfarlane auto's

16/04/2026

🚗 WoF changes… good idea or disaster waiting to happen?

Saving ~$70 a year sounds great… but is it really a win? 🤔

From what we see every day, a LOT of people rely on their WoF to pick up safety issues — tyres, brakes, suspension… the stuff that actually keeps you safe on the road.

Now stretch that out even longer? 😬

NZ already has one of the oldest vehicle fleets, and let’s be honest — not everyone stays on top of maintenance unless they have to.

Less checks could mean:
⚠️ More unsafe cars on the road
⚠️ Bigger repair bills later
⚠️ Problems going unnoticed for longer

Around 80% of the automotive industry pushed back on this, saying yes — improve the system, but this isn’t the way to do it.

There were better options to save Kiwis money (like rego, RUC or fuel costs)… but this is what’s been rolled out.

👇 Keen to hear where everyone stands on this…

Are you aware of WoF changes?

Updates to WoF and CoF A requirements have been announced by the Government today, including changes to how often some vehicles need to be inspected. The new approach will see less frequent inspections for newer vehicles and continued regular checks for older vehicles. Inspections will also begin to include some modern safety systems.

The rollout is planned to start in late 2026, with further changes in 2027.

Although the changes are intended to save Kiwis time and money, there may be trade-offs. MTA Head of Advocacy James McDowall says “The saving of one less WoF a year is around $70… however motorists may end up paying more in maintenance and repair costs over time”. He says vehicle condition is an important factor to consider. “Many vehicles develop safety-related issues as they age and motorists often rely on WoF inspections to identify problems such as worn tyres and brakes”.

Want to learn more? Take a look here >> https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/wof-and-cof-changes-save-kiwis-billions or head to our website >> mta.org.nz/news-and-media/higher-costs-more-unsafe-vehicles-from-wof-changes/

22/12/2025

🎄 Merry Christmas from Macfarlane Autos! 🎅

As we wrap up another big year, we just want to say a huge THANK YOU to all our awesome customers for your support, loyalty and laughs along the way. We couldn't do what we do without you, and we're so grateful you trust us with your vehicles.

We hope you all have a safe, relaxing and joy-filled holiday, with plenty of good food & good company.

Thanks for being a part of the Macfarlane Autos whanau- see you in 2026! 🚗🎁

P.S. If the boss lady seems to have mysteriously gone missing, this cheeky elf might be the reason.... 😬

25/11/2025

🎅🔧 Santa’s not the only one with a packed schedule!
Christmas is coming up fast, and our workshop calendar is filling just as quickly.
Need a WOF, service, or repair before the break? Don’t wait!
Book in with Macfarlane Autos before our elves run out of space. 🎄🚗

Workshop closing Dec 18th- Jan 5th

05/11/2025

Big news, mates! We now take Afterpay 🎉
Need work done on your car but want to spread the cost? No worries — get it sorted now and pay later in 4 easy instalments (interest-free).

Come see us for your next service or repair and drive away stress-free! 🚘💨

08/09/2025

🚗🔧 Oil Change vs Service – What’s the Difference?

We often get asked if an oil change is the same as a service… the short answer is no!

👉 Oil Change:
This is a quick job that keeps your engine healthy. We drain out the old oil, replace it with fresh oil, and swap out your oil filter. It’s essential to keep things running smoothly, but it’s just one part of looking after your car.

👉 Service:
A service is your car’s full check-up. Along with an oil & filter change, we:
✔️ Check brakes, suspension, tyres, fluids, belts, lights, spark plugs, battery & more
✔️ Inspect and replace other filters (air, fuel, and cabin) if needed
✔️ Check your transmission and gear oils to keep everything shifting smoothly

Think of it as your car’s health check to catch little issues before they become big problems.

At Macfarlane Autos, we can do both—so whether you’re due for a quick oil change or it’s time for a full service, we’ve got you covered.

📅 Book your spot today and keep your ride in top shape!

02/09/2025

This beautiful 1956 F100 was the first vintage car in the shop getting its first ever 1 year WOF under the new government changes.

26/08/2025

🚗💨 Boss Lady in the Spotlight!

Many of you who’ve popped into Macfarlane Autos over the past couple of years will have seen Elise’s S13 build slowly coming together. Well, the hard work has paid off – she’s landed a feature in NZ Performance Car Magazine! 🙌

From late nights in the workshop to countless hours of fine-tuning, this build has been a real passion project. We couldn’t be prouder to see Elise’s vision recognised on such a big stage.

👉 Want to check it out? Grab the latest issue of NZPC, on shelves now, to read all about Elise and the S13 journey.

👩‍🔧 Whether it’s keeping your daily running smooth or chasing your dream build, Elise and the team at Macfarlane Autos has you covered.

31/07/2025

🚨 Just announced from the Government 🚨

From 1 September 2025:
• Warrant of Fitness (WoF) checks for light vehicles over 40 years old will change from every six months to every year
• Certificate of Fitness (CoF) checks for privately-owned heavy motorhome vehicles will change from every six months to every year.

22/07/2025

🧑‍🔧❄️ Dr. Mechanic is in!
Ken’s been diagnosing more than just the sniffles this winter — he’s been under bonnets keeping our community rolling safely through the cold months. Whether it’s a weird noise, a battery that’s lost the will to live, or a heater that’s gone on strike, Ken’s got it sorted.

Wrapped in a hoodie and armed with a stethoscope, he’s keeping the heartbeat of your car strong all season long.

📍Macfarlane Autos — where expert care meets a bit of cheek and a whole lot of heart.

03/07/2025

Two amazing reviews to end the week!