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Friday, 21 July 2017

Buying a New Car May Be Your Best Option – If You’re Smart About It

If you are in the market for a car, one of the first questions you may have considered is whether to buy a brand-new vehicle or a used one. Although some money saving experts warn against buying a new car, you shouldn’t automatically rule out the possibility. But you do need to take several factors into consideration before making your decision. Doing so could save you a few thousand pounds and a world of aggravation. 

red car

The advantages of buying a new car

Even ignoring the pleasure of owning something new, complete with that new car smell, there are some good reasons to opt for a new car over a used one. For one thing, you can order a new car that meets your specifications exactly, as opposed to accepting whatever features and accessories are present on a used car. 

Some of those features can be very important, such as the use of state-of-the-art technology that allows new cars to give previously unheard-of kilometres per litre of petrol. While some examples of “state-of-the-art” have offered little other than bragging rights and potential failures, other examples have actually made the cars much safer, with improved handling and braking and better occupant survivability in the event of a crash. 

The new car is also less likely to have problems, and the problems it does have will likely be taken care of under warranty or recall so you won’t be faced with a big bill. And since a new car has essentially been un-driven prior to purchase, the likelihood of it having been abused is virtually nil.

One additional advantage of buying new has nothing to do with the car itself but is as important to many drivers as any feature – greater flexibility in financing. The new car will cost significantly more than a similarly-equipped used example of the same make and model, but the purchase price can be spread out over several more years than can the cost of a used car. And there is always the factor of manufacturer or dealer incentives that can shave thousands of pounds off the sticker price.

As long as we’re on the subject of price, this would probably be a good time to touch on some of the things you’ll need to look for when shopping for a new car. You’ll want to have a pretty good idea as to what kind of car would best meet your needs. For example, if you have a large or growing family or frequently need to carry a cargo of any size, a two-seater sports model would not be a very wise choice. And whatever you buy, try to stick with a make and model that has a good history of reliability, and that retains its value reasonably well.

Once you’ve made your mind up about what to buy, it is time to go shopping. Be certain to educate yourself, not only about the car itself but about the ways a dealer can get you to spend more than you really have to. 

black car in traffic

Rule #1: Don’t succumb to the hard sell or up-sell


Car dealerships have gotten a pretty shaky reputation over the years, and while some of the criticisms have been unfair, the suspicion many customers hold did not form in a vacuum. By educating yourself and being prepared, you can still avoid car purchasing horror stories and come out on the winning end of a deal. The first and foremost challenge you will face is recognising and not falling for the hard sell or up-sell.

Quite simply, you can recognise a hard sell whenever a salesperson seems to be pressuring you to make a deal that you’ve not yet decided to make. Some, like the example in the above link, will take even a mildly positive response to a suggestion as a commitment to buy. Thankfully, instances such as this are pretty rare. 

More common is the salesperson who tries to convince you that not making a deal immediately will either make it unavailable or much more expensive in the future. While there are some times, such as shortly before new models come out or near the end of a sales promotion, when you can get better deals than you normally could, the need to do anything immediately should be understood as being nothing but a sales tactic and not taken too seriously.

Unlike the hard sell, the upsell is a pretty standard sales technique that is used by most dealerships, and it goes something like this:

Customer: “I’m looking for a midsize sedan with an efficient engine, automatic transmission, and air conditioning only.”
Salesperson: “I understand what you’re looking for, but once you get accustomed to the satellite radio, backup camera, Wifi, and undercoating, you’ll wonder how you ever did without them. And we can give you the entire package for…”

Despite the salesperson’s claims, the extras you didn’t want will cost you, and there is no guarantee that they will ever be anything more than conversation pieces, Avoid the push, and save your money. And to keep on saving, do your homework on financing your new car.

Smart financing can save you a lot of money


Once you’ve decided to buy a new car, and before you even go to the dealership, take some time and find the best financing options. There are almost as many financing decisions to make as there are regarding the make and model that will best serve you, and neglecting to educate yourself on those options can end up making your new car significantly more expensive.

One of the first questions many people ponder is whether to purchase or lease the car. If your primary concerns are the initial outlay and the size of the monthly payment, leasing can be pretty attractive, since both the deposit and the monthly payments are likely to be significantly lower. And that is fine if you want to replace the car with a new one in a few years, and don’t mind being on a constant payment plan. But if your main concern is minimising the total cost of transportation, taking out a loan and purchasing the car is much less costly in the long run. 

white car

If you are purchasing, you might be tempted to arrange financing at the same dealership where you’re buying your car, especially if they are offering discounts on the sale price or cash-back incentives. Keep in mind, however, that many dealerships make more profit off their financing than they do on the cars they sell, and they don’t make all that profit by giving you the best deal.

To get a better deal on financing, spend a little time researching the different financing options available to you from more than one lender, even if you’ve been a loyal customer at your bank for many years. Different lenders offer different terms, loan sizes, and incentives, because even in a time of tight credit, they are as competitive in their market as the car dealers are in theirs. Compare the terms and costs of your desired loan from multiple lenders, and apply for the one that is right for you.

Not every car buyer needs a brand spanking new car. But if you have decided that a new car is the best choice for you, take care in shopping not only for the right car but also for the best financing option. You will be far less likely to suffer buyer’s remorse, and much more likely to enjoy your purchase long after that heady new-car smell has worn off.
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Wednesday, 19 April 2017

3 Ways The DVLA Can Help You

In the UK, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency or DVLA, can be your ally when it comes to anything related to driving and vehicles.
Blue Volkswagen Camper Van
Tens of millions of driving and vehicle accounts are handled by the Agency and they help law enforcers, not only in regulating traffic, but to identify and apprehend traffic violators and other criminal elements. 

With the DVLA, the roads of UK are much safer, and you as a driver have somewhere to turn with your motoring and vehicle related queries.

Here are some ways the DVLA can help you:

1. Visit the DVLA in Swansea in person to get your licence

The DVLA is concerned and responsible for anything related to driver and vehicle licensing.

For starters, if you are over 15 years and 9 months old you can get a provisional driver’s license from the DVLA, given that you meet the necessary criteria and you possess the required documentation and identification.

The provisional license is your gate pass to obtain your license. With it, you can enroll for driving lessons and then take the necessary examinations to get your license. Getting the assistance from DVLA will help you obtain your license without the hassle. 

Finally, it is also the DVLA who provides you with the license card which allows you to drive anywhere in the country.

As well, by visiting DVLA, you can also register your car or vehicle so you can use it within the United Kingdom. The Agency holds the registration and provides the necessary registration documents. 

You may also refer to them any other concerns you may have on your driving record or license such as a change of address, medical conditions that impact your driving capability, and more.

2. Find all the information you need on the DVLA website

Now that the DVLA's services have been centralised in their head office in Swansea, travelling there in person may not always be possible given work and family commitments, especially for a minor query. 

Fortunately, the official DVLA website provides comprehensive information on various matters related to driving, registration, and licensing. You can visit the site and get the information that you need. It provides information on legal obligations, obtaining a license, viewing the license, renewal application processes, towing, and many others. The website alone can already answer many of your questions.

3. Phone their support line

It is always advisable for drivers to keep a list of DVLA phone numbers with them in case of queries, concerns or emergencies. DVLA numbers serve as a support line for drivers and owners of vehicles. By calling them, you can get all the necessary information you need for your license or vehicle. Phone representatives are on standby to assist you .

The DVLA also provides other information related to UK driving including logbooks, VSC, car registration, information about driving with disability and many others. By keeping a list of DVLA contact numbers with you, in your phone and in your car, help, and assistance is just a phone call away. DVLA numbers can also be used by non-drivers and they are always ready to provide information regarding their services.

*collaborative post
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Monday, 17 April 2017

Affordable but stylish family cars - Are These In Your Top 4?

When it comes to a runaround for the family, practicality is key but you also want something that’s stylish and affordable. If you’re looking for a new family car this year, then take a gander at the list below and discover your next favourite motor:

Nissan Qashqai – for big families


This hatchback is a popular choice for those looking for a vehicle that offers a little luxury, a lot of legroom and plenty of storage space. Classed as a small SUV, you know that this car is a roomy ride and it even won the What Car? award for Best Small SUV in 2016. It’s great for urban driving, featuring a driving assist display that should direct you to that new dance club or football pitch at the weekend for the kids easily. 

It also features a flashy self parking feature, meaning you can forget about trying to focus while the kids squabble in the back as the Qashqai parks itself with ease. 


Nissa Qashqai car

 

The RRP for this car is around £18,000, so relatively pricey, but there are some great leasing deals available out there, so you can rent monthly and still enjoy a fantastic new family vehicle without the huge initial payout.

Vauxhall Astra – for style and comfort

For a good looking ride around town that’s also great for those drivers looking for slightly better fuel economy, check out the Astra. However, the turbo model is ideal for those who take longer drives while still maintaining excellent fuel economy – 65.7mpg and lower CO2 emissions which means no road tax. 

The boot offers 370 litres of space, a reasonable size but slightly smaller than the popular Volkswagen Golf, however still ideal for packing in the kids' footy kits for the weekend or suitcases for a family holiday. This car also features a self-parking feature, making it a great vehicle for those families living in the city. 

Vauxhall Astra
 

The RRP for this car is around £15,000, but again well priced leasing deals are available.

Hyundai i30 hatchback – for long road trips
This comfortable family vehicle is modest when it comes to features but still stylish and ideal for the family who simply need something to get around town. Boot space is its most redeeming feature, with 395 litres to enjoy and if the back seats are folded down you enjoy a whopping 1,301 litres of space. Driving and handling is reasonably good, with soft suspension that ensures a comfortable ride. 

Hyundai i30 hatchback car
 

Suggested RRP is around £15,000 for a 1.4 litre engine – buying straight from Hyundai may see you pay up to £17,000. Opt for a finance deal and pay this price monthly, to break down the costs and to get your hands on a stylish vehicle the whole family can enjoy - whether you lease or opt for a hire purchase.

Renault Megane hatchback – for the uber stylish

Renault didn’t hire Thierry Henry for their car commercials for nothing! This latest model is sleek, stylish and a little on the sporty side. Available in 1.2 litre engines to 1.6, it’s great for busy families looking for a swish car for weekend runarounds. 

The interior feels luxurious, so perhaps this is a model preferable for those with older kids who can appreciate it, but Mum and Dad can enjoy a sat-nav system featuring Tom Tom technology as well as an impressive cabin with a touchscreen dashboard. 

When it comes to fuel, it’s pretty efficient with an offering of 76.4mpg and no road tax to pay if the vehicle is registered before April 2017. 

Renault Megane Car
 

Expect to find this car with an RRP of £17,250 for the basic model and smallest engine, a good price for an efficient and stylish car for the family that should last. 

*collaborative post
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Tuesday, 20 September 2016

74% Motorists Fear Being Ripped off by Garages - Can You Trust Yours?


We've been pretty lucky with our cars so far.  The Husband has an 8 year old Beemer and I have my beloved and equally old Skoda Roomster.



In the absence of much mechanical knowledge and having an inherent distrust of garages, we tend to stick to where we know (i.e. the local dealerships).  Whilst the service is reliable, the price is reliably higher than some of the smaller independent garages.

But how do you know who to trust.  We've all heard the horror stories about parts not being replaced, or replaced with second-hand bits.  Then there are the tales of oil not changed or topped up, brakes not checked and unnecessary repairs undertaken to make a quick buck.

Let's be honest - when the car is in for its service or MOT, everyone dreads that phone call from the mechanic where they start listing everything that needs to be fixed.

How do you know if they are telling the truth?

74% of respondents to a survey of 1,000 car owners, by BookMyGarage.com, an online booking directory of UK garages, stated that either hidden costs or being oversold were their main worries when using a garage.

Depending on where we live, mind you, we seem to be more or less relaxed about being ripped off

The survey found that those in the North East feared being oversold the most, with 74% of respondents stating this as a concern. Northern Irish respondents fretted the least about being oversold, with just 22% stating this as a worry.

People living in North West appear to be the most worried most about hidden costs, with 43% of those surveyed indicating that this was an issue for them. However, only 22% of Welsh respondents said that the chance of garages hitting them with hidden costs was a major concern.

I am not one of the 22%!

As Karen Rotberg, director of BookMyGarage.com, says: “Our survey shows that garages have a long way still to go to build trust with their customers. As cars become more complicated, due to new technologies, many motorists don’t always know what maintenance their cars need and feel that mechanics take advantage of this lack of knowledge.”

“This is why we launched BookMyGarage.com. By being able to compare prices of local garages and see genuine customer reviews, garages and customers can start to trust each other again.”

What customers want from their garages?

• 53% of the UK population uses a preferred garage because they trust them to resolve the issue or because they have used the same garage for years

• Only 3% of the UK population selects its garage because it is a well-known brand

• Only 9% fear poor customer service when booking a garage, which suggests that financial issues, rather than customer care concerns, are at the front of customers’ minds

• 51% of respondents book a car service by phone with 31% doing so in person. Only 18% book a car service online

• Reputation is the key deciding factor when choosing a new garage, according to 54% of the UK sample.

BookMyGarage.com is a nifty website which gives you a list of garages according to your postcode, together with the services they offer.

Just by popping in my postcode I'm told there are 66 garages near me and the date of my MOT renewal. There's a map of their location and I can compare three garages side by side. I can then book online and there is a contact number which allows me to talk to an expert mechanic.

Some of the garages already have customer reviews available to read which is just what you want to have to hand.

Certainly worth a look if you have the dreaded MOT or service approaching.
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Thursday, 5 May 2016

Ways To Make Your Car Both Stylish And Functional

Although you might not realise it, there are some easy ways to keep your car both stylish and functional - two of the aspects which are important to drivers.  You may find the four tips below helpful.

Fight the Rust 

Rust is a big problem on the outside of your car. If you don’t have a garage where you can store your car and you have had the same car for a while, rust will start to appear. There are a number of ways that you can fight rust, and I’ve already mentioned one of them. You should definitely find some form of shelter from the elements for your car if that’s at all possible. It doesn’t have to be a garage; it could simply be a car canopy, for example. You also need to keep the body of the car waxed and clean. Rust doesn’t look good and it can spread and cause serious problems when it’s ignored. So, don’t let it damage your car.

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Image Source

Keep the Interiors Clean 

The condition of the inside of the car is equally important, particularly if you have a family. If you’re not careful, the inside of your car can become pretty messy and cluttered. This is what frequently happens when you have kids spending a lot of time in them. Food packaging and stains can mount up and cause you all kinds of problems. This certainly doesn’t help the car to look stylish, and it can make it pretty uncomfortable as well. So, you need to make sure that you hoover the interiors and use the right cleaning products to lift those troublesome stains.

Add Sporty Touches 

Even the most practical family car can be improved and made more stylish by adding some sporty touches. There’s no excuse for having a dull car these days when we have so many interesting ways to make your car sporty. You could simply upgrade your tyres and upgrade the trims. This has an instant impact on how your car looks. Michelin pilot sport 3 tyres will also make the car drive better on the road too. So, it’s a win-win situation for you as a driver. You can also do things like improving the suspension or adding a new exhaust to the back of the car.

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Photo source

Understand All the Space You Have 

With modern cars, there are so many small storage spaces that you can take advantage of. Most people don’t even fully understand how much storage space they have at their disposal. Small cars are actually the best for this. They have lots of small, hidden storage compartments that are there to be discovered by you. For example, many super-minis have back seats that can fold back or lift up to reveal some extra storage space that you might not have known was ever there. You should check your owner’s manual and see exactly where all that storage space is. You just might be surprised by what you find out.
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