What are you driving?
A 2004 Subaru Legacy 3LR with a custom exhaust. I bought it that way in 2008. It’s tiptronic, but mostly I drive it in auto around Auckland City.
What do you like about it?
At the time, I was just about to sell my website development company and I was driving a Chrysler PT Cruiser 2004, sign-written with custom mags. Although the PTs look cool, they really have no power. I was looking for a bit more power and something that suited my personality. My friend was a salesman at Winger Subaru in Greenlane and he suggested the Legacy 3LR. I liked the sunroof and how it handled. I took it on the spot.
How does your car fit your personality?
My Subaru suited exactly where I was at and it still does today, although It’s getting older. It’s had a few bumps here and there, but it has sentimental value.
What else do you have in your garage?
I also have a motorbike, a Daelim Daystar Cruiser. When I was in Rarotonga and when I lived in Bali, I fell in love with riding scooters and motorbikes. It’s not about the power or the speed, there's something about the feeling of freedom, the wind in your face and just riding, it’s like my meditation place. This bike is only a 250, but once I progress to my full motorbike licence next month, I'll switch to something like a Triumph T120 1200 Bonneville.
Who else drives your Subaru?
I lend my car out to friends occasionally, especially when I go overseas. It’s always good to keep the engine turning over.
What do you always keep in it?
I almost always have a tent and some camping gear. I love spontaneous camping trips, sometimes I'll just be driving somewhere up north and decide to pull over and stay for the night and go for a walk in the mountains or along the beach.
First car you owned?
A Mitsubishi Sigma, I don't even know what year. My grandfather sold it to me for a steal, it was blue and it had a stereo. I had some epic adventures in that car; it represented freedom.
Your dream car?
I have become interested in sustainable living and my mother lives in an eco-village. From that perspective, a dream car would be the Tesla Model S or Model 3.
What do you drive in 800 Words?
Zac installs internet and computers, and goes fishing a lot, so his vehicle is a 2011 Toyota Hilux SR. It’s boss looking and has tints.
Who taught you to drive?
My Aunty Leah in a blue Mini and my uncle Lex who also had a Mini, his was pink and was a kind of station wagon. I learnt on quiet farm roads in Palmerston North and Feilding. I think I was 15.
Any tips for young drivers?
Always learn to drive manual.
Who started your interest in cars?
My grandfather was a mechanic and was restoring a Model A Ford in his home garage in Palmerston North. I used to dream of turning it in to a hot rod. He didn't appreciate that idea.
Most memorable road trip?
When I first moved to Auckland. I was 21 and I was living with my koro. One day he said, “boy if I were you, I wouldn't live here with us, I'd be in Auckland”. I told a few mates and they decided to move to Auckland as well, pretty much that day. We had no money, didn't even know how to pay for gas, but we set off, not a care in the world.
Favourite movie car scene?
Anthony Hopkins in The World’s Fastest Indian. In the scene where Burt Munro has just arrived in the US and is catching a cab to his hotel. He looks out the back window of the taxi and the look in his eyes, amazed at the lights and the city, it is a beautiful scene and beautiful acting.
What do you listen to in your car?
I prefer RnB and House music.
Great day trip out of Auckland?
Bethells Beach, Te Henga track and the lake walk are awesome spots.
Auckland traffic?
We need to work on a better train system. Perhaps a subway or a monorail around the central city. I try to stay away from peak hour traffic and set most of my appointments to miss it all. I don't think the answer is more lanes, which we seem to be doing.