Four in ten drivers do not consider depreciation when they are buying a car, according to a 2023 Opinium survey of 2,000 drivers. Depreciation is the difference between what you pay for a car and the amount you can get back when you sell or trade it in and a new car generally loses approximately 20% of its value when it is driven off the forecourt, and then between 15 – 20% each year, but, … [Read more...]
Crash, bang, wallop – it’s National Pothole Day
To mark National Pothole Day, Go.Compare Car Insurance can reveal the top ten counties in England and Wales whose roads are most peppered with potholes today. Topping the peak pothole list was Derbyshire County Council, which reported 215,787 potholes over three years between January 2020 and December 2022. Two more northern counties took the 2nd and 3rd place spots, with Durham and Lancashire … [Read more...]
Electric SUVs charging into van market
Electric SUVs are being chosen by some fleets as an alternative to diesel and electric vans, Arval UK is reporting. The company says that as long as the space, payload and towing capacity offered by eSUVs is adequate, they can bring a wide range of advantages over their electric van (e-van) counterparts. Ben Edwards, Consultant, said, “We’re at a moment in time when, having largely … [Read more...]
The dark side of headlight glare brings call for safety study
The RAC is calling on the Government to commission an independent study into the issue of headlight glare after new research found 85% of those affected believe the problem is getting worse. An RAC survey of 2,000 drivers found a huge nine-in-10 (89%) think at least some headlights on cars on the road today are too bright, of which three-in-10 (28%) – a higher proportion than ever – think most … [Read more...]
Insurance costs major worry to motorists & EV cover soars
Almost three out of four motorists (73%) are worried about car insurance costs rising in 2024, reveals latest research. The January Startline Used Car Tracker also shows that 67% are concerned about rising petrol and diesel prices and 34% about the cost of servicing. Additionally, there is apprehension about not just the cost of running an existing car but buying a new one, with 46% … [Read more...]
EVs being priced out of reach for many, says analysis
The cost-of-living crisis is causing a drop in demand for electric vehicles as these cars are typically more expensive than petrol equivalents, according to Compare the Market comparison site. Sales of new electric cars have declined by 17.1% year-on-year in November according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Upcoming tax increases may also make … [Read more...]
2023 was the year of the rat for motorists
Everyone knows a car breakdown can mean a nasty repair bill, but new data from the RAC reveals that it’s not always a head gasket or a catastrophic engine failure that can cost you hundreds of pounds. Strangely, it can sometimes be very small creatures that cause very big problems. The RAC has seen record numbers of mice, rats and foxes ‘surprising’ customers in 2023 and causing serious … [Read more...]
Avoid a flat start to 2024, say RAC
The RAC is warning drivers to plan ahead to avoid an unwelcome post-holiday tradition: ‘the flat battery blues’. Typically, the first working day after the festive break is one of the busiest of the year for RAC breakdown patrols, due to thousands of cars being left idle over the holidays. Coupled with cold, damp weather, this period of inactivity drains car batteries and leaves thousands at risk … [Read more...]
£11.2 billion tied up in unused cars
UK drivers could be sitting on a staggering £11.2 billion tied up in unused cars, a new study estimates. That’s the equivalent of a festive turkey feast for almost 439 million households or 17 million fully funded Christmases. There are now over three million cars with a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) declaration in the UK with a potential average value of around £3,264 – enough to fund … [Read more...]
Charging into the great getaway this week
With the annual Chrismas getaway approaching, many drivers and families may be doing their first long run in a new electric car. Just as with a traditional petrol or diesel car you have to prepare your vehicle and yourself for the journey. The electric era is well and truly with us and we are likely to be getting close to a million evs on UK roads by the end of this year and users are doubtless … [Read more...]