There have been some big-name retirements in the automotive landscape recently – the most prominent of them being the Land Rover Defender.

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But there are some other models out there that have been kicking around for quite a while, so we thought we’d take a look at some of the oldest ‘new’ cars still on sale. We’re talking about cars that have been on sale in Australia, in their current generation guise, for – in some cases – decades. By current generation we mean that the original body panels and underpinnings remain: we know there are some cars on this list that have seen new drivetrains, chassis components and interior fitouts over the years, but the premise of the original vehicle remains. Here goes: Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen – on sale since 2011, but same generation since 1979 Okay, there are mixed opinions on the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen – or G-Class or Gelandewagen – in the CarAdvice offices. Some (like me) hate its terrible steering but admire its hardcore underpinnings. Others just love the look of the thing – it's boxy as. There’s a replacement on the way, though, and we hope it’s great. And I hope it has new steering.

Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series – on sale since 1985 So the old LandCruiser 70 Series looks pretty much the same on the outside as it did 30 years ago, but the thing has been comprehensively upgraded with new safety, new engines and new chassis rails over its time here. Of course, it’s tough as nails, and miners and aggies love it. Nissan Patrol Y61 – on sale since 1997

The original tough-nut Nissan Patrol Y61 has been seen out with the Legend Edition, which celebrates the hardcore off-roader’s no-nonsense roots. We’ll miss it – and buyers will, too, because it's Nissan’s only serious off-road SUV with a diesel engine. Suzuki Jimny – on sale since 1998 The Suzuki Jimny small SUV is the most hardcore off-roader you can buy if you’re on a budget. The brand has had to limit the number it imports due to safety regulations, but there are still 100 per year being brought in. We can’t wait for the new model.

Morgan 4/4 – on sale since 2002 The Morgan 4/4 is a sports car that has been designed with history in mind. Yuck. Rolls-Royce Phantom – on sale since 2003 Yes. The Rolls-Royce Phantom is almost 14 years old. And yes, it’s still one of the most amazing and luxurious cars ever. Some might say it is timeless. Others might just say it’s totes ridic ancient, you know?

Suzuki APV – on sale since 2005 Mike Costello absolutely, unreservedly loves the Suzuki APV. Maybe that love started in his formative years, because this little cargo van is oooolllllllld. Suzuki Grand Vitara – on sale since 2005 Another old Suzuki. The brand has been smashing out new models in the past 18 months, but its SUV offerings just keep soldiering on. Driving a Grand Vitara is like meeting up with an old school friend – the world around you may have changed a lot, but some things stay the same.

Toyota Tarago – on sale since 2006 Ah, the Tarago. It’s a people mover that has been part of the Toyota family for 10 years, and while it has been updated and upgraded over the years, we can’t help but feel that it really falls shorts compared to newer rivals. We love the V6 engine, though! Jeep Wrangler – on sale since 2006 The Jeep Wrangler is soon to be replaced by an all-new model that will be lighter and tougher than this one, which has been on sale for more than a decade.

That hasn’t stopped people buying it: the Wrangler has the country’s biggest selling convertible for a while, now (yeah, that’s how it’s classified due to its removable roof). Mitsubishi Pajero – on sale since 2006 One Mitsubishi that hasn’t changed much in a decade is the Pajero. No, not the Triton-based Pajero Sport, but the regular Pajero, which is starting to drop off in terms of sales as it’s overtaken by its smaller, more modern Sport successor. Aston Martin Vantage models – on sale since 2006

Buy an Aston Martin Vantage and you undoubtedly get ageless styling – and that’s mainly because the car has been around for a decade, yet still looks sexier than you thought Paris Hilton did when this car first appeared. Holden Captiva – on sale since 2006 The reign of the Holden Captiva as the brand’s big-selling SUV offering will surely come to an end at some point. We can’t get over the fact that Holden virtually gives these away – at the moment you can buy one for $25,000 drive-away. That’s a lot of SUV for the money. It’s just a shame it sucks. Mitsubishi Lancer – on sale since 2007