by admin on February 3, 2010
The UK experienced one of the harshest winters in recorded history towards the end of 2009. As a result, many car and van drivers were completely unprepared for the conditions and many cars and vans were abandoned at the roadside as they were unable to progress along the icy and thick snow covered roads.
Snow driving poses its own unique problems for drivers, problems that we’re not that used to in the UK. There are some precautions we can take however to ensure that we’re not caught out by the weather in future, whether we drive older used cars or brand new cars.
First of all you should always ensure that you carry de-icer and a scraper in your car to guard against the morning freeze. Whatever the specifications of your car, whether it’s a Vauxhall or a Porsche, your windscreen will freeze over in cold temperatures.
You should also carry replacement screen wash in your car, so that you can deal with the grit that is thrown up from the roads onto your windscreen.
Of course the best way to really ensure that your car is ideally suited to the Arctic conditions is to choose a 4×4 from a quality car manufacturer. Many rear wheel drive cars, regardless of their build quality, struggled to move amid the icy conditions of the 2009 winter. Car manufacturers such as Vauxhall have a range of new and used cars, including the Vauxhall Antara – which is a 4×4, perfect for winter conditions.
by admin on February 1, 2010
• Massive range with 29 body types to choose from
• Available with front or rear-wheel drive
• Class leading cabin ergonomics and cargo space
• Gross vehicle weight up to 4.5 tons, payload up to 2.5 tons
• New power trains with low operating costs
The all new Movano from Vauxhall will be a serious player in the heavy van segment when it’s launched in the UK market this year.
Customers for Vauxhall’s second generation Movano will be spoilt for choice when the new van goes on sale in May, with no less than 29 different body styles to choose from once all variants have come to market.
Movano’s drivers can also expect to be among the happiest and most comfortable when they get behind the wheel with special attention having been paid to cabin comfort and ergonomics, as well as to the cargo space areas. A new range of fuel-sipping common rail diesel engines ensure operators will be just as content.
The modular platform, developed jointly with Renault, comes with front or rear-wheel drive depending on payload category. Rear-wheel drive variants can be ordered with twin wheels at the rear.
The launch phase of the new Movano will be staggered according to the body variants and vehicles will be available in the UK from May.
by admin on January 19, 2010
With city driving becoming more and more difficult and expensive, many people living in cities and other areas are opting to join a city car club to make life easier.
If you currently don’t own a car and are relying on public transport a car club can be a good option as you don’t have to have the day to day costs of car ownership but then you still have a car available to do your weekly shop. On the other hand for people looking for the use of premium cars for special occasions or weekends away a car club is also a good option. You then always have a car on hand when needed and often can have a wide choice of cars to choose from.
For others currently owning a car and having to pay the day to day costs of tax, insurance, petrol, parking and congestion charges it may also be time to ditch car ownership in favour of a car club. You could make considerable savings. There are a variety of car clubs on offer ranging from where you can pick up a car at allocated spaces for a joining fee and then pay-as-you-go to the premium car club where you have a range of luxury cars and sports cars to choose from. There are also some car clubs that offer an eco friendly electric car option for city driving during the week as well as a premium car for the weekends-what more could you want?
With car clubs evolving all the time and becoming more and more sophisticated – is car ownership dead?
by admin on January 4, 2010
As most of the cities in the UK are very crowded, with space at a premium, you ideally need your car to be fairly compact. This instantly rules out the bulk of larger vehicles. You also need your car to be very fuel efficient, as the constant stopping and starting you will experience in the city will increase your fuel usage considerably. This means that smaller cars would be preferable, perhaps even diesel cars.
With the size of the vehicle, and the fuel consumption of the vehicle both being important factors, you should probably dismiss all 4×4 vehicles when looking at new cars for use in the city.
Instead you need to look at compact, fuel efficient cars that are light and easy to handle. Here are some examples of new cars that would make excellent cars for sale. These are definitely ones to look out for when looking for cars for sale .
1. Volkswagen Golf
2. Toyota Corolla
3. Vauxhall Corsa
4. BMW Mini
5. Nissan Micra
6. Renault Clio
7. Fiat 500 Abarth
8. Vauxhall Zafira
9. Mercedes A-Class
10. Honda Civic
Not everyone will find small cars of use in the city, especially if they have families. For this reason, larger new cars such as the Vauxhall Zafira would be preferable to a small car because you can easily get your children in and out of the car safely, yet it is still cheap and reliable to run.
by admin on December 30, 2009
It seems that the city centre locations in the UK are becoming more and more inhospitable to the city car driver. The congestion charge in London, increased car parking prices and an attempted congestion charge in Manchester have all told the motorist that he isn’t welcome in the city.
However, as public transport is still as unreliable as ever, the motorist knows that his car is still the best form of transport. It is important what type of car you drive in the city though, as a big 3 litre Toyota Landcruiser isn’t the best vehicle for driving around town, both for parking and for fuel consumption.
So what types of used cars and new are best suited to city living?
It sounds obvious, but you want a smaller car when in the city. The smaller the car, generally the better fuel consumption you get out of it. 4×4 cars are to avoided at all costs, especially as they will soon cost you even more in terms of road tax.
New cars such as hybrids are a good idea, as when you’re sat in traffic or travelling very slowly, your car can switch to electric so as to save you even more in fuel costs.
It’s also a good idea to speak to your car dealer and ask about the fuel consumption on each model of new cars and used cars before you decide, as they will be able to tell you what the real MPG is, rather than the manufacturer stated MPG.
by admin on December 30, 2009
Whether you’re looking for a practical family car, or a car for business use, there is quite a choice of saloon cars on the market that would do the job perfectly. The ideal family car would have five seats, a spacious boot and four doors (as you don’t want to struggle folding down the front seats to allow the kids in).
These are the same requirements for business cars, which is why saloons make excellent family and business vehicles.
One of the best business and family saloon cars is the BMW 3 Series. Buying a used BMW such as the 3 Series is a smart move because BMW cars are always exceptionally sound from a mechanical point of view. They rarely develop engine faults and they offer performance, luxury and safety at an affordable price. A used BMW also offers you a prestigious business car, which is very important.
Equally impressive is the Ford Mondeo. A used Ford is a great choice from a financial point of view because Fords are very cheap to service and maintain. The Ford Mondeo used to be the most popular car in the UK (before it was replaced by the BMW 3 Series) and it was this popular because of the average family man choosing it as a family car.
A used Vauxhall Vectra is another option for a quality saloon car at a cheap price, offering performance and affordability in one package.
Any one of these used saloon cars would be ideal as family cars or as business cars.
by admin on December 22, 2009
Land Rovers are the ultimate cool car. For over 20 years they have been consistently challenging themselves and coming up with more innovative models to meet our needs, and with these great offers, you won’t be able to resist.
The Freelander 2 is one of the hottest 4×4’s around…available in 11 gorgeous colors, this dream car is yours for only £249 a month at 5.9% with 20% deposit. This vehicle was one of the first to be awarded 5 star ratings by the ENCAP (European New Car Assessment Program) for its top safety features. Naturally, the Freelander 2 is perfectly suited for all driving conditions, including tarmac, grass, gravel, snow, mud, ruts or sand; putting no limit on your expeditions.
Alternatively, go for the Discovery 4 which has a more progressive and contemporary exterior, giving it a refined presence on and off road. It also comes with new signature headlights, which are strikingly styled front lamps with LED light technology, provide better driver forward vision, while the new rear lamp assembly creates a ‘jewel-like’ effect. The Discovery 4 can be yours for a small £399 a month at 5.9% with 20% deposit.
The Range Rover Sport is Landrover’s most performance-orientated vehicle yet. It is the definitive luxury sports tourer. It comes complete with a new multi functional steering wheel meaning there’s no need to take your hands off the wheel. The Range Rover sport also offers Remote Park Heat, which allows you to set your vehicle to pre-heat the engine which in turn heats the interior, allowing you to travel in comfort and warmth. This stunning car can be yours for just £549 a month at 5.9% with a 20% deposit.
Start the New Year off in style with our Land Rover dealership.
by admin on December 22, 2009
If you’re looking for beautiful design, an incredible engine and an extremely reliable car, then a Jaguar is the car for you. At Caffyns, not only do we offer unbeatable prices, but we also offer the Jaguar Privilege scheme to make our leases more readily available and affordable.
The scheme is simple - Based on your chosen term and mileage, a Guaranteed Minimum Future Value (GMFV) is calculated for the end of your Jaguar’s lease agreement. The value of the GMFV can then be used to renew your agreement. You could also retain your current car and pay off the GMFV or you could simply return the car with no further payments. The scheme allows for easier fixed budgeting, allowing for more flexibility in your lease agreement.
If you opt for the sporty XF Luxury, we’ve got another option for you – pay £399 a month at 5.9% with a £7,999 deposit. This vehicle oozes style and sophistication and surpasses all its competition with its fine finishing and brilliant design. The Jaguar XF comes complete with a 7-inch full colour touch screen display, Phosphor blue lighting and interior mood lighting, and is available in a choice of 13 colours.
Alternatively, the XK V8 Coupe is also available if you prefer something more powerful and contemporary. The XK comes with front and rear parking aid which will help you manoeuvre out of tight situations. There are also rain sensors on the windscreen which will detect raindrops and switch the wipers on automatically (so cool) and it also comes with xenon headlamps with automatic levelling. All this can be yours for only £799 a month at 5.9% with a £8,233 deposit.
Visit Caffyns Jaguar dealership in Eastbourne, East Sussex to find out more about our current availability of Jaguar cars and payment schemes.
by admin on December 22, 2009
Everybody likes to see their hard work being rewarded – but who says it needs to be others that reward you? This Christmas, treat yourself to a new stylish and practical car. Visit Caffyns Peugeot in Sevenoaks, Kent, before the 31st of December 2009 and you’ll beat the 2.5% VAT increase applicable from 1st January 2010.
By purchasing before the New Year, you’ll be saving yourself an attractive £324 when you buy the new 308 Verve 5dr, starting at only £10,995. This car oozes style and sophistication, both by design and through its eco-friendly engine. All Peugeot’s 308 Verves are low CO2 emission cars which lower tax and fuel costs, saving you money over time as well as cutting your carbon footprint.
This 5 door car is ideal as either a first or family car, both for its affordability and spacious interior; whether it’s a carload of family or friends, everyone is guaranteed a comfortable journey. Aside from design and interior, Peugeot are aware that what we all want is a car that provides superior performance, and this car definitely delivers. With great control, a cost effective engine and availability in both petrol and diesel engines, you can choose the best engine for your mileage needs.
Seeing as Christmas is just around the corner, Caffyns are feeling generous, and this shows through the great offers available to you. We’ll service and MOT all makes and models with an exclusive 25% discount on all our Flexi Services during December 2009 – hurry in to avoid disappointment! And just to top it off, If you decide to buy any used car from Caffyns Peugeot Sevenoaks before the 31st of December, we’ll give you a free tank of fuel as well as complimentary floor mats – Think of this as a Christmas present to you.
Visit your local Caffyns Peugeot Dealership today for further information.
by admin on December 1, 2009
Check out key features of the Vauxhall Astra 2010 in the videos below, including design features and Vauxhall’s signature Adaptive Forward Lighting technology.
