by admin on February 27, 2010
New cars aren’t just about prestige and knowing that you’ve spent some money on a car that hasn’t been driven by anybody else, although of course there is a certain amount of pride that goes into choosing a new car. While new cars carry that prestige value, they’re also much better for the environment – which is more than enough reason to get down to the new car dealers as soon as you can.
You could argue that driving an old car is better for the environment because you’re recycling, in essence. You’re taking advantage of a car that already exists, instead of choosing from one of the many new cars that are manufactured every year. However, newer car models have been specially made with the environment in mind.
There are many incentives on offer incentives for buying new cars such as the scrappage scheme and special finance deals. The best incentive of all however should be how economical many new cars are to run, and how low in emissions they actually are. Car dealers will be able to advise you on the best cars for the environment, and the best cars to run in terms of miles per gallon, but you can also research the subject online first.
by admin on February 26, 2010
Being a new driver can be very expensive. This is due to most new drivers not having earned any no claims bonus with insurance companies, or having any driving history. One way you can reduce the cost of your insurance on your first car, before you go anywhere near a car dealers, is to build up some no claims bonus years by having your parents attach you to their insurance policy. This works out much cheaper than insuring yourself, and means that when you come to buy your first car you won’t get landed with an expensive insurance policy.
When you do come to buy your first car however you also want to make sure that you don’t buy something unreliable that isn’t worth the money. As your insurance will be expensive enough, you should stay away from high maintenance cars that will cost you plenty in repairs. Used BMW cars are exceptionally reliable, and aren’t as expensive as you might think. They do cost more for repairs when they do wrong however.
One of the best makes for a new driver is a used Ford. Even if a Ford goes wrong, which is rare, they are very cheap to fix because their parts are made in such large numbers.
Used Vauxhall cars also offer a wide choice in sturdy, reliable engines that suit the first time driver. Models such as the Corsa are also popular because they in one of the cheaper insurance brackets.
by admin on February 11, 2010
Electric cars are becoming more and more popular at the moment. With the rise in concern about the environment and climate change more and more people are looking for green cars and an eco friendly option for driving.
The benefits of electric cars include fewer emissions and lower running and servicing charges. However on the other hand they take much longer to recharge but this is a small price to pay for reducing your carbon footprint.
The Citroen C1 ev’ie is the UK’s only commercially available true electric car. It has a 60 mile range and a top speed of 60mph. The best thing about it is you can charge it from an ordinary domestic power point! With electric cars available like the Citroen C1 ev’ie it is little wonder that more people aren’t joining the electric revolution.
If you don’t want to buy an electric car then car clubs and premium car clubs could be a good option. Some offer the ability to lease electric cars on a long term basis. Do your research and see if Citroen C1 hire and Citroen C1 leasing are available.
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.
