If you cannot afford to buy a new-plated car next month there is a massive choice of used cars out there and whether for convenience, cost, or quality, Brits’ interest in used cars is showing no sign of waning. Nevertheless, buying a used car is still a significant financial commitment, which is why it’s essential to be prepared for the process. In fact, in the last year alone there has been a … [Read more...]
Newslines 9 February
Car dealers face becoming the focus of a new customers financial scandal similar to PPI claims of the last two decades. The Financial Conduct Authority is investigating cases of finance houses not paying out compensation to customers over now-banned ‘discretionary commission arrangements’ and the watchdog is using its powers under S166 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 to identify … [Read more...]
The best 4×4 by scrap
Land Rover is the most valuable brand for scrap overall, with the average price quoted for these vehicles sitting at 28.8% higher than the average. The quoted price is directly linked to the weight of the vehicle and with all Land Rover vehicles being large SUVs and 4×4 vehicles, they’re definitely one of the weightier brands when all models in their range are considered. The data is part of … [Read more...]
Best and worst cars to buy and own
When buying a new car, it’s always worth thinking about the potential resale value and how much it will depreciate over time. Some cars can prove to be very worthy investments, with their value increasing over time, while others may drop quickly in value as soon as they leave the forecourt. Elements such as age, condition, mileage and number of owners are all influencing factors, and there are … [Read more...]
British drivers love e-bay!
As one of the UK’s biggest online automotive marketplaces, eBay has revealed the most expensive parts and accessories of 2023, with performance engines, carbon fibre monocoques for high-end performance cars and exclusive number plates dominating the top 10. First and second places on the rundown of biggest buys for 2023 belonged to the performance car sector. Coming in first place was a BMW M5 … [Read more...]
Good time to buy used cars, suggests survey
There’s been a sharp month-on-month rise in car dealers reporting the condition of used stock is improving – up from 20% in December to 33% now. Research from Startline’s January Used Car Tracker also shows that the percentage stating stock is getting older is also down from 30% to 23%. Additionally, 48% say that supply is improving - the best figure since 32% in October - while those saying it … [Read more...]
Dealers to be investigated over car finance commissions
THE Financial Conduct Authority will probe the motor finance industry over concerns about commission arrangements. In 2021, the FCA banned incentives for brokers to increase the interest rate that a customer pays for their motor finance, but many customers have logged complaints claiming compensation for unfair commission arrangements struck prior to the ban, the Authority said. Motor finance … [Read more...]
Depreciation decisions don’t count for many drivers
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...]
Tradelines 3 January
The RAC is giving drivers the chance to protect themselves against unexpected repair bills by launching a new online-only warranty product. The 12-month warranty has a £2,000 total claim limit which covers the cost of labour and parts needed to fix mechanical or electrical failures at a cost of £300 and it works through approved RAC workshops and the company's mobile mechanics in some … [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...]