The Motor Ombudsman’s online Knowledge Base is five years old. Accessible on every page of the Ombudsman’s website, TheMotorOmbudsman.org, the Knowledge Base was introduced in January 2019 to help consumers find answers to frequently-asked questions, and information in relation to buying and owning a car. During the last half-decade, the Knowledge Base has grown to 11 different categories … [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...]
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...]
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...]
Newslines 27 November
Genesis will continue to sell a full range of models through its own-brand dealer network despite an operational merger with parent company Hyundai beginning in January. Genesis Motor UK will no longer exist as a standalone company from January 2024, as first reported by Car Dealer magazine, its operations being rolled fully into Hyundai Motor UK and the company said … [Read more...]
Used EV prices expected to fall in short term
Nearly half of dealers (46%) think the values and prices of electric vehicles (EVs) will fall following the government’s move to push-back the electrification deadline to 2035, as consumers take more time to make the switch. November’s new Startline Used Car Tracker also shows that 44% believe a corresponding rise in petrol and diesel prices and values will occur as customers stick with petrol … [Read more...]
Aging fleets create service boost for independents
Fleet use of independent garages is around a quarter higher for company cars and vans aged four years old compared to their one year old counterparts, shows research. New data from epyx shows that buying of service, maintenance and repair (SMR) shifts from 30% independent garage and 70% franchise dealer at 1-2 years old to 35%/65% at 2-3 years old, 40%/60% at 3-4 years old and 38%/62% at four … [Read more...]
Financial squeeze is cutting used car choice
The financial squeeze is starting to hurt car buyers. AA Finance said motorists are borrowing 5% less for used car purchases this year as the cost-of-living crisis bites. This time last year, the average loan would be enough to buy seven of the 10 most popular used cars but only four would be affordable after price rises were taken into account this year. The average amount financed last year … [Read more...]