Diesels

03.25.2008 | 7:03 am | Buying and selling cars

Rapid advances in engine technology have seen the popularity of diesel cars soar. Britain’s motorways are packed with businessmen and women charging up the overtaking lanes in typically German or French Turbo Diesel company cars, while in towns and cities diesel powered taxis are king. If you’re trying to make up your mind between diesel and petrol engines, here are some pros and cons!
Better Fuel Economy. Clearly the biggest benefit of ‘oil burners’, some diesels can offer around 55 miles to the gallon; just compare that to a petrol car’s 35mpg.
Lower Maintenance Costs. Diesel engines are rugged by design but diesel itself is also an excellent lubricant, so wear and tear on the engine is significantly reduced.
More Reliable. There’s less to go wrong with a diesel engine, as there are fewer parts and fewer electrical systems. Because diesel engines use ‘combustion ignition’, they don’t even have spark plugs!
Rapid Acceleration. The days of ‘slow’ diesels are far behind us. Despite being heavier, modern Turbo Diesels deliver explosive bursts of torque that most petrol models can’t match. This torque can be further increased with the addition of an after market ‘performance chip’!
Higher Resale Value. While a new diesel car will cost more (typically around £1,000 more), it is also likely to hold it’s value better than a petrol and fetch a respectable price when you want to change it.
So, what’s not to like? There are a few key points which keep true Petrolheads away:

Gaz guzzling SUV’s are green!

10.9.2007 | 10:12 am | Buying and selling cars

toyota prius hybrid green carNew car buyers nowadays are being increasingly influenced by the “green” rating of vehicles. Energy conservation is becoming more and more important when it comes to all lifestyle choices. Cars like the toyota Prius and Honda and Lexus hybrids are selling in realtively high numbers despite the fact that they are much more expensive than the petrol only counterparts and in many real world economy tests they have proved to be less economical than the manufacturers data would have you believe.

Buying a used Ford Focus

10.8.2007 | 3:12 pm | Buying and selling cars

The much loved Ford Focus is an excellent used buy (actually named by What car as their used car of the year in 2006). the best models to look at for bargains without headaches are model years 1998-2004. If budget will reach go for a facelifted 2002 model. All models are reasonably equipped and comfortable, however on earlier models safety features such as ABS and side airbags were optional so its worth seeking out those models.

How reliable is your car?

10.5.2007 | 1:55 pm | Buying and selling cars

car reliability and breakdownsThe top UK car magazine Whatcar conducted a huge survey last year of over 38,000 cars, using information provided by warranty direct to build up a picture of overall reliability for car manufacturers and models. As you would expect, the Japanese manufacturers performed really well but there were a few suprises - particularly from so called “premium” brands.

Lets take a quick look at the good, the bad and the downright ugly!

Prices on used cars - getting a good deal on used cars

02.20.2007 | 4:23 pm | Buying and selling cars

Checking prices on used cars online

Get a real world valuation of your car using our online car value calculators from companies such as Parker’s (which has been valuing cars since 1972) Their experts visit a huge range of car dealers and auctions to collect data on the actual selling price of thousands of cars. Or Autotrader - the UK’s biggest selection of new and used cars with over 300,000 vehicles available to buy online, or how about Glass’s Motoring Guide - The leading European provider of the information you need for one of your biggest purchasing decisions.

Where can I sell my car?

12.26.2006 | 10:31 am | Buying and selling cars

Do you have a second-hand car for sale? Prior to advertising your car for sale take a look at car magazines, local newspapers, Parkers guide and other price guides to find the market value of your vehicle. Would you like to someone to buy your car for cash without having to trade it in? One of the most frequent questions we here is “where is the best place to sell my car?” or “how do I sell my car for cash?” Check out following resources to get some ideas and prices on selling your car privately.

Transporting a vehicle - car transporting companies

12.17.2006 | 6:11 pm | Buying and selling cars

Car transportation companies

Many companies now servicing this sector including specific specialist delivery requirements such as covered transporters, car shows and events, classic/high value cars and even services for film or racing! Single vehicle movements throughout the UK and Western Europe, Trade plate driven or transported. Providing door to door service, taking the worry out of transporting your vehicle. Always be careful to get a full written quote otherwise hidden fees and taxes can arise that are not quoted in the original price. Beware of companies that are hesitant to send contracts or refuse to send contracts. They usually have something to hide.

Car shipping companies
Shipping can be arranged from one of the 4 major ports of Bristol, Southampton, Tilbury and Liverpool. Most car moving companies companies can provide a quote over the phoneand can also arrange for the loading and securing of your car into your container. Their are specialist freight companies for shipping cars, truck, motorbikes and other vehicles to over 5000 worldwide destinations. Collection can be arranged from your home on a car transporter.

VIN Searches and HPI checks on cars

10.22.2006 | 9:27 am | Buying and selling cars

VIN Searches and HPI checks - checking a cars history, mileage, identity and status online

Vehicle ID (VIN) numbers, Vehicle Registration Mark (”VRM”) and the serial number and issue date from the Vehicle Registration Document (”V5/Logbook”), are all crucially important when it comes to doing checks on a vehicle or trying to trace a car or motorcycle.

Protect yourself from any hidden history on your next used car by getting a VIN number search carried out by a reputable HPI company.

used cars - buying a good used car in the UK

09.13.2006 | 1:47 pm | Buying and selling cars

How can you find good used cars, particularly if you are not an experienced mechanic or have much experience of purchasing used vehicles? Do you go to a local used car dealer? Look through the car ads in the newspaper? Search the Internet? All of these ideas can be useful, but it is important to remember the following guidelines.

New car reviews - resources to help choose a new car

08.8.2006 | 11:52 am | Buying and selling cars

What Not to Drive - reviews of new carsIt doesn’t really matter if you need a car, want to buy a car, or just love cars and trucks. Reading new car reviews is addictive and fun as well as informative. You might have noticed the 2006 Honda civic ads on TV, where an orchestra provides the engine noises, how cool is that! Micronet Showroom supply every right and left hand drive make and model vehicle available. The full list of makes, models, specifications, optional extra’s and colours are at your fingertips. They have been in business since mid 1999, selling many thousands of vehicles UK and worldwide. Their website allows you to choose between ‘built to order’ vehicles, in addition to many immediate delivery vehicles.

Other new car reviews are helpful, such as those done by www.whatcar.co.uk who reveal the stats and reviews for the “car of the year” in various categories such as small car, family car, executive, 4×4, luxury etc. CNN/Money also provides new car reviews. Each of the new car reviews here gets a full-length article devoted to it, one which includes the spec, the facts, and the photoss we need to get our interest.