The new year is finally here and for a lot of us that means a fresh start; a new job, an expensive gym membership or the tempting thought of buying a new or used car. However, today’s high-tech cars can be concealing unknown wallet-crunching problems. Fortunately, you don’t need a degree in electronics or a mobile diagnostic machine. Just follow our advice by Tim Shallcross, IAM RoadSmart’s … [Read more...]
New Year, new car, know your rights
The festive season is a period when consumers splash out on presents for friends and family, and a time when some look to treat themselves or others to a new car. The Motor Ombudsman, the automotive dispute resolution provider, is therefore providing consumers with the following top tips to help steer them in the right direction. Accredited seller It’s not only essential to do your research … [Read more...]
Warranty worries over technology and responsibility
New technology and parts sharing is posing a tough challenge for vehicle makers to decide on warranty cover. Warranty and quality specialists from automotive suppliers met at the 2018 CLEPA Warranty Conference in Frankfurt, to discuss the future challenges in managing warranty in the future and the headline of the conference was “Warranty in a digital world”. Partners from Strategy&, a … [Read more...]
Tradelines 25 July
Hyundai Motor UK has launched an industry-first online service and repair plan platform which allows customers and dealers to build tailored packages based on driving habits, vehicle age, mileage and usage. Moving away from the traditional ‘fixed price’ service plan options, Hyundai’s innovative new offering will allow customers to access a plan that is priced based on their individual … [Read more...]
Motorists will pay more for trusted work
A significant number of British drivers are happy to pay more to use a trusted garage than get work done cheaper elsewhere, according to the AA Garage Guide. Research shows that over a third (37%) of motorists would rather pay more to use a garage they trust than find a cheaper option, while 23% of drivers claim they would go out of their way to visit an accredited garage. The appeal of more … [Read more...]
Best cars for retaining value, from the expert
The minute you drive your new car out of the dealership, its value dramatically drops - but there are some models that will hold their worth far better than others. If you're thinking of buying a new car for the April 18-plate, you should consider that Automotive data experts cap hpi has compiled this list of depreciation busting cars – vehicles that represent a great new purchase for … [Read more...]
Strong used sales continue in Britain
The UK used car market stayed strong in 2017, as 8.1 million vehicles changed hands and buyers turned their backs on new models. The used car market dipped just -1.1% compared with the previous year as more than 8.1 million models changed hands, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Despite a -5.1% fall in the market in the fourth quarter, annual transactions were at … [Read more...]
Eye-watering warranty payouts revealed
The top ten largest repair bills from 2017 have been revealed. A McLaren MP4-12C tops the list, with a major gearbox repair bill totalling a massive £10,000, which was covered by Warrantywise. By contrast, covering your McLaren MP4-12C with Warrantywise will set you back by just £209 per month. The top ten list is full of some of the world’s most famous cars, with the top three pay outs … [Read more...]
Fast and sure winner for Wales
Newport-based motor factor Fast Parts Wales has been awarded runner-up in the category of ‘Car Distributor of Excellence’ at the highly respected IAAF (Independent Automotive Aftermarket Association) Annual Award Ceremony 2017. The leading automotive parts and accessories supplier received the award in front of around 600 guests, with the result recognising Fast Parts’ position as a leader in … [Read more...]
Tradelines 22 November
The Range Rover Evoque is becoming less popular with business clients of Fulton Vehicle Leasing. It reports there has been a rise in demand for the MB A-Class and Kia Sportage (above) while Ford and VW are slipping down in the mass market as well. A comprehensive vehicle history is the number one factor for trade buyers when acquiring used cars and vans online, shows research from … [Read more...]