June 2010

When thinking about classic cars lots of images spring to mind of wedding days and old films. However, when does a car become a classic car?

It is defined differently by different people. In the UK there is no official definition however we can use the tax they are eligible to pay as a guide. All cars built before 1 January, 1973 do not have to pay annual road tax and are classed as a ‘historic vehicle’. The definition of a classic car by the HM revenue and customs for company taxation purposes is ‘a car over 20 years old and having a value in excess of £15, 000’.

The Antique Car Club of America defines an antique car as 45 years or older and a classic car as 20-45 years old.

The Car Club of America uses a slightly different definition. If the car was produced between 1946 and 1985, was highly priced when new and was made in limited quantities then it is regarded as a classic. This strict definition isn’t followed by everyone though and most regard this as a ‘full classic car’.

Now we’ve got the definition sorted there are many ways to find out more about classic cars and enjoy them. There are many car clubs in the UK and around the world specialising in classic cars. One of the most famous is the Classic Car Club of America. If you have a classic car you can register but even if you don’t you can attend events.

There are also many UK luxury car clubs where you can either meet up with like minded people or have certain amounts of days where you can drive classic cars!

Anyone who regularly sits in traffic and has even the smallest concern for the environment must wonder what harm their commuting is doing to the environment. If we happen to be stuck in traffic on a hot day then this is even worse, we all probably turn up our air conditioning and leave the engine running. When you think about all these cars packed so closely together, all pumping out harmful gases into the atmosphere then you do have to wonder how much damage they’re actually doing to the environment.

Alarmingly, cars are responsible for around 30% of the carbon dioxide that is produced across the world. Fortunately, car manufacturers have realised the harm that these cars are doing and have started to introduce new cars that have a hybrid engine as an alternative.

Hybrid cars are now readily available from most car dealers. They differentiate from a normal car in the fact that they an electric motor as well as an internal combustion engine. A hybrid reduces emissions by only using the electric motor when at low speeds, it completely turns off the engine which stops it from using fuel. This is ideal for motorists in cities. Moving round a city is generally slow and a normal car will still use a lot of fuel to do this. Instead of purchasing a petrol only new car or used car, consider a Hybrid; it will save fuel as it will utilise the electric motor when travelling slowly, saving the owner both money in fuel bills and helping to protect the environment.

This scheme enables you to buy or lease cars which can be driven by your carer to accommodate your transport needs.

Eligibility depends upon you receiving the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance or War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement.

The scheme allows you to transfer all or part of your allowance to motability in order to lease or hire purchase new cars.

Two ways of obtaining a car are by contract hire or hire purchase.
Contract hire is the hassle free choice enabling you to choose a new car every three years. Motability will take care of insurance, RAC breakdown cover, annual tax disc, free replacement of tyres, windows and windscreen; assistance with alternative travel where possible whilst your car is under repair or service. Motability will ensure a painless transfer to a new car at the end of the three year term.

Hire purchase enables you to buy new or used cars. It might suit you better if you prefer to own your car and use your allowance to pay for it; plan to rack up high mileage or want to make extensive and expensive adaptations to the car. You organise your own insurance, MOT if your car is over three years old, tax disc, recovery assistance, repairs and servicing.

No credit checks; just stress free motoring enabling you to own a new or used car.
Choose a car online or visit one of the many car dealers in your area.

When it comes to buying new cars, it’s often important to look at the best selling cars over a certain period. This really helps to give consumers an indication of the best cars that are out there, the ones that other people recommend, the ones that have been tried and tested by ordinary motorists. The best selling cars are almost certainly going to be the most reliable and best performing out there.

In terms of the best cars for 2010, it’s pretty much the same story as most other years. It’s no surprise that out of the top five best selling cars, four of them come from Ford and Vauxhall. This is testament to Ford and Vauxhall’s reputation for great performing and reliable cars. These manufacturers have are in a strong position due to their many years of producing cars that appeal to everyday motorists. Again, it’s no real surprise that the car at the top of the best selling chart is the Ford Fiesta. The Fiesta has been around in many different forms for a number of years, it’s a small car with great performance.

The rest of the top five in order is the Ford Focus, the Vauxhall Astra, the Vauxhall Corsa and the Volkswagen Golf. All of these cars share positive qualities, they are suitable for nearly everyone, they’re not hugely expensive and they come from manufacturers with great reputations. They are great all round vehicles, and provide a great balance of price and performance.

Top 5 in numbers:
1. Ford Fiesta: The Fiesta was again the best selling model for the fourth month of 2010, Ford’s baby boomer achieved 6,808 sales for April.
2. Vauxhall Astra: The all-new model was launched in December and the Astra is up to second spot for April, with 6,440 cars sold.
3. Ford Focus: The Focus was down to third spot for April, with 6,279 finding homes.
4. Vauxhall Corsa: The Corsa remains in fourth place for April, with 5,945 sales of the supermini.
5. Volkswagen Golf: The Golf is a non-mover in fifth position, with 5,828 sales for April.