Whether you’re buying new cars or used cars, you may be surprised to hear that there are positives and negatives depending on which season of the year you are planning to buy. Now you may think that this is just nonsense, surely you can buy the same car at any time of the year and it won’t make any difference. Well, this opinion could not be further from the truth.
If you’re looking at buying one of the new cars for 2010, then choosing the correct season could see you potentially saving thousands of pounds.
The colder seasons of autumn and winter are not an especially fun time of year to buy a new car. No one likes being out in the cold, wet and windy weather. When it’s horrible outside we are less likely to go out and look around. If we do make it out then we often find ourselves making quick and ill-informed choices, not something you want to do when spending tens of thousands of pounds on a new car. The great thing about the winter in particular is the sales. January sales are a great way of getting people through the doors. Savings can be really significant as dealers know that customers are less inclined to buy.
The warmer seasons of spring and summer are generally a much nicer time to go car shopping. A lazy weekend of test driving cars is appealing to many motoring enthusiasts. With vehicles such as convertibles typically costing more in the warmer months, buyers can often find that other cars are reduced in price in an effort to get people through the door. Summer sales are never far away either so summer is also a great time to buy.
In conclusion, it doesn’t really matter when you buy a car. The key thing is to shop around and look for the best bargains throughout the year.
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.
by admin on April 30, 2010
Many people planning a short break, or perhaps a longer holiday, in one of the beautiful far flung corners of the UK, may be worried that their car may not be geared up for travelling long distances. They may also feel daunted by the prospect of a long time spent sat in an uncomfortable environment.
Whilst it is true that certain measures can help with a long car journey, such as making sure tyres have sufficient tread and are fully inflated; and that oil and coolant levels are topped up; no amount of preparation can compensate for the often restrictive, bland, and even possibly unsafe environment of an older model of car. As a result, many holiday-makers say they are looking to treat themselves to a new car for 2010.
Firstly, new cars can benefit from a range of high performance factors that help take the strain out of driving long distances: for example, better acceleration power, 4-wheel drive and automatic transmission.
Secondly, safety features on new cars, such as reinforced bodywork, ABS breaking systems, stability control and airbags will provide added protection for all occupants.
Thirdly, comfort enhancements such as active headrests, sophisticated climate control systems and responsive steering will help make the journey more of a pleasure rather than a chore. A new car can also specifically benefit younger passengers when rear-seat entertainment systems are provided as standard.
The joy of a holiday or short break should begin with the trip getting there, and there is no better way of ensuring the drive is a pleasure than through buying a new car for 2010.
by admin on April 12, 2010
Introduced during the Frankfurt Motor Show last September, the New Vauxhall Astra for 2010 is said to be by far the most sophisticated and refined yet compared to its predecessors. It definitely is one of the best new cars for 2010!
You are probably wondering: what is different from the previous models?
Well, first of all, the most obvious improvement has to be the design. The Astra has been created by a partnership of designers engineers who have integrated great design with dynamic performance.
With its self-confidence and powerful silhouette, the new Vauxhall Astra clearly distinguishes from its predecessors.
The inside of the car is also very spacious and classical which makes it unique, sporty and sophisticated.
The all-new Vauxhall Astra features optional fully Ergonomic Sports Seat to suit your posture perfectly.
This new car is also available with Adaptive Forward Lighting as an optional extra and benefits from the most advanced headlight system in its class. They automatically adjust to different conditions ensuring safer and more relaxed driving.
The new Flexride driving dynamic offers you different driving modes: “Sport” for a more responsive and exciting drive, “Tour” for a relaxed cruising and “Normal” as the default mode.
The new Vauxhall Astra is also available with the ecoFLEX option to ensure a greener drive by saving fuel and reducing emissions.
No wonder this car has been the winner of the Golden Steering Wheel Award this year!
by admin on April 1, 2010
The government scrappage scheme has seen a marked increase in the number of new cars being bought from showrooms. Car manufacturers have been fighting to release new models for 2010, meaning brand new “last season” cars and vans are leaving the showrooms for practically the same price as used cars were last year. Currently, you can buy a brand new Vauxhall combo van for less than the cost of a used mini, in some areas.
As prices become lower, there’s a lot to be said for buying cars from new. While it’s true they become used cars as soon as they leave the showroom, nothing quite beats the allure of virgin upholstery and gleaming metalwork, never mind the zero miles on the clock.
Yet buying a new car brings much more than just swank value – it also brings peace of mind, and considerable savings. The government looks favourably on owners who have invested in the latest eco-friendly cars and vans; the rewards are cheaper road tax, fuel bills and insurance.
Vauxhall is one car manufacturer that has broken the mould. Each new range brings ground-breaking developments. For example, Vauxhall 2010 cars include the Corsa Ecoflex diesel, which manages a staggering 76.3 MPG. Other Vauxhall 2010 cars include the revamped Astra and the Meriva MPV range.
Vauxhall used cars will always be popular; they’re cheap and reliable, after all and given the choice, most people would opt for a new model. New cars give you guaranteed reliability and peace of mind and the knowledge that you have the latest technology under the bonnet.
by admin on March 3, 2010
New Vauxhall cars are going to be taking over the stands at the motor shows this year. The one that everybody’s holding out for is the new Meriva, which will be unveiled at Geneva and on sale from June. This compact MPV will certainly be one of the most innovative family cars for sale, with a range of features that will put Vauxhall - yet again – ahead of their rivals.
Geneva, it seems, will be all about Flex-ability. The Meriva will be the first of the new Vauxhall cars to feature their unique FlexDoors. These are a rear-hinged concept that swings back at almost 90 degrees, dramatically improving ease of access for passengers. The high roof further improves space, while the streamlined body contours ensure wind resistance is kept to a minimum. With an automatic child-proof locking system and parent-friendly accessibility this looks set to be one of the fastest selling new cars in the compact family class, when it arrives.
The biggest UK event on the Vauxhall calendar is undoubtedly the Performance Vauxhall 2010 show. Running since 2002, this takes place each year at the Santa Pod Raceway in Wellingborough, Northants. This year’s show is set to run on the 12th and 13th of June, and will feature owners’ club displays, a new cars trade area and plenty of action on the Santa Pod strip.
The new Meriva will still be under wraps, but there will be plenty of other exciting new Vauxhall cars on the stands; among them the new Astra ecoFLEX. First unveiled at the shows last year, Vauxhall are releasing these cars for sale from April 2010 onwards.
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 November 22, 2009
We all like to feel like we’re the only ones on the road. The kings (or queens) of the road – raised above the rest in a spacious, all weather performance 4-wheel-drive. The reality, of course, is that SUVs are expensive, have higher fuel consumption and therefore higher tax bands. The Volvo XC60, one of Volvo’s safest and most fuel efficient cars, is here to change this.
When the car was revealed in March 2009 at the Geneva Motor Show, officials boasted the car’s “toughness of an SUV and luxury of a Coupe.” The car’s “City Safety” feature reduces damage to the engine in low speed impacts. Based on statistics that approximately 50% of accidents occur in low speed scenarios, the car is able to detect when other vehicles brake suddenly and prepares its own for action. If action is not taken by the driver on time, the car brakes automatically. This has resulted in an insurance premium discount of up to 30% across Europe, with the decreased likelihood of both personal and car bodywork damage.
Alongside the XC60, the DRIVe range includes 7 Volvo models that harbour a dramatic reduction in CO2 levels and increased fuel efficiency. The intelligent Start/Stop system allows the engine to switch off when the cars’ gear lever is in neutral and the clutch is released. As soon as the clutch is pressed to start up again, the engine starts again, thus reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by almost 8% in high traffic conditions.
The best part about Start/Stop? Comfort inside the car is not affected. An additional, small battery supports the main car battery with extra power, allowing air conditioning, music and other electronics to be used within the car, even when the engine’s switched off. The batteries themselves are not charged solely by the diesel engine, but by the cars’ kinetic energy produced when a gear is engaged. This second feature, also completely unique to DRIVe cars, saves between 2-3% of overall fuel consumption.
The XC60 is a great family and company car with the advantage of space and comfort on the inside, efficiency and safety on the functional side and a beautiful design all around. If you’re based in the South East of England, why not give your local Caffyns dealer a call for a test drive – For November and December only, you’ll get a 15% discount on this model, and up to 20% on other Volvo models.
by admin on September 29, 2009
There is an influx of new cars coming into the market, ready to excite all you petrol (and diesel) heads out there.
Audi have launched the A5 Sportback, a car notable for its exceptional style, as well as its functionality. The new car boasts frameless doors and an outstanding amount of interior space.
Jaguar have two exciting new models on offer; the XF and the XK. Jaguar have been creators and purveyors of sporting luxury for decades, and these new cars are no exception. The XF fuses sports car performance and style with the practicality and space of a saloon. The XK combines advanced technology and legendary performance all in the stylish shape that is so synonymous with the Jaguar brand.
Land Rover have created the new Discovery 4 and the new Range Rover Sport. Both cars excel both on and off road, with progressive and contemporary exteriors.
The new offering from Peugeot is the 3008; a car that manages to be both compact and spacious, featuring interiors that are high-tech and luxurious.
Volkswagen have adapted and re-launched their beloved Polo. The new model stays loyal to the company’s values of robust engineering, with an impressive use of space, in a car that offers you protection, both in the city or on the open road.
Chevrolet have developed their new Cruze Saloon, which has a dual cockpit design that aims to prove that you do not need to compromise on either style or value when purchasing a new car.
The Skoda Yeti is a great neat and compact family car, offering a generous boot and panoramic sunroof that makes it ideal to drive, wherever you want to go.
All of these cars are available to purchase at Caffyns showrooms throughout the South East of England, where many of these new models are eligible for a huge £2000 discount through the government’s scrappage scheme.
by admin on September 1, 2009
The UK government’s scrappage scheme offers money off new cars in exchange for scrapping an old car that is over ten years old. Critics of the scheme said the discounts for scrapping an old car weren’t sufficient, but recent figures show that the scheme has been very successful.
According to recent figures, the scrappage scheme has been responsible for the sale of nearly 155,000 new cars since May, which is just 3 months. The sales of new cars means that over half of the budget the government set aside for the scrappage scheme has been spent rejuvenating the car industry. Originally the government set aside £300 million to fund the scrappage scheme.
July this year actually saw an increase in sales of new cars, which is the first time that new car sales have increased since April 2008. Sales of new cars in July this year hit 157,149, which is a rise of 2.4% on new car sales in July 2008. Of the sales of new cars, nearly a fifth of the sales were made in the South East.
New car sales are still down this year on last year’s figures, but now thanks to the scrappage scheme they are heading in the right direction.
