
| Cherished Number Plates in the UK |
9 Mar |
Although being sometimes regarded as an unusual description for private number plates or private registration plates, the terminology “cherished number plates” has come into usage to describe this specific kind of car registration plates. From a collectible standpoint the cherished number plate has become a viable form of investment. Some motorists and dealers who wish to realise a profit on these whenever they sell or trade them to vehicle dealers or individuals are active in the market.
Ironically, certain letter or number combinations have literally become legendary as a result of their increased popularity. So it stands to reason why they are seen as a very viable investment from a collector’s standpoint. Individuals get extremely attached to their cherished number plates because of the fact that they are typically viewed as an expression of one’s lifestyle or personality. Unfortunately, previously banned letter combinations or words (e.g. SEX) are now allowable, hence some people’s distaste for the practice.
People normally shop for cherished number plates that contain letters that represent their initials or numbers that relate to their date of birth; this is common with celebrities and the more extrovert type of car owner. Some businesses also seek out index marks that reflect the name of the business. Although the practice of obtaining personalised number plates is often viewed as just a hobby or possibly some type of profit making occupation, most individuals are very serious about their private number plates and do actually ‘cherish’ them.
| Volvo V50 Leasing |
3 Mar |
Volvo is a car manufacturer known across the world for its excellent designs and safety features. During the Bologna Motor Show in 2003, the Volvo V50 was launched as the estate car version of the small family car, the Volvo S40. The current market price for leasing a Volvo V50 is around £299 per month.
The Volvo V50 improved with its 2008 modifications to the interior, revised front styling, audio systems, optional active xenon headlights, and increased torque and power of its engine. The V50’s features include leather seats, alloy wheels, air conditioning, climate control, electric mirrors, Bluetooth, electric windows, CD player, satellite navigation, anti-lock braking system, front fog lights, and traction control. The Volvo V50, at higher speeds, is a stable car that possesses a controlled feel. It copes well with twisty roads and routes with a minimum amount of body roll. The finish of the car is of a high standard and the cabin has some great quality fixtures. Though a relatively small estate car, the Volvo V50 has a strong focus on security and safety. As an upgrade option, laminated side glass is also available. According to customer surveys, the reliability and quality of Volvo cars are above average.
Each Volvo V50 is well equipped and if you decide to lease its sport model, optional extra features can be added such as an upgraded stereo, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable drivers’ seat, and automatic wipers. The Volvo V50 will appeal to just about everyone seeking a Volvo leasing deal.
| Number Plate Stories – H3 UMF |
28 Feb |
Mark Humfrey found himself dreaming of the perfect personalised registration plate when H plates became available in 1990. He though the perfect plate to signify his surname would be H3 UMF as it could be read Humf-three, a play on Humfrey. However, at the time his car was too old, as government legislation does not allow the transfer licence plates to a vehicle that makes it appear younger than it actually is. In order to be able to display his dream plate he would have to purchase a brand new car, which he was not in a position to do.
As luck would have it, Humfrey looked up his perfect plate again in 2000 and it was still available. By that time he had a newer car on which to display the mark. He fondly remembers a family holiday when, by chance, he glanced at the BMW stopped beside him at the traffic lights and saw the plate H2 UMF. He tried to make eye contact with the other driver, but he was oblivious. He also missed an opportunity to take a photo of his registration sibling.
Humfrey has since purchased a BMW 525 with a great licence plate that he has not felt the need to change, M525 NKN. However, he has not given up his love of personalised plates and when he accidentally stumbled across E525 JOY he knew it would be perfect, as his wife’s name is Joy and her maiden name was Evans, so that plate was ideal in every way. In fact, Mark considers it fate.
| Subaru Forester – Solution for Car Leasing |
23 Feb |
In car leasing, people seek cars that are well performing, stylish, and of course, ones that will suit their budget. The Subaru Forester is the ideal car that will suit the car lessee’s taste.
From an internationally known car company, the Subaru Forester is an AWD (all-wheel drive) Compact SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle), which first appeared in 1997. The 2008 Subaru Forester has an advanced all-wheel drive system known as the Symmetrical AWD. This advanced system makes the Forester definitely a special type of car. Aside from its AWD system, it also has a decent and powerful engine. Its interior looks plain, but sophisticated. The seats are very supportive and will make passengers and drivers very comfortable, even on a long journey. It also has a sunroof that functions just like that of a convertible. Passengers can also have a clear view of the road or roadside due to its large and clear windows. In addition, the Subaru Forester also has heated mirrors and heated seats, which are useful during cold days. The car is fun to drive and drivers need not worry about pot holes and bumps in the road because it has a high enough ground clearance and low centre of gravity.
In the field of car leasing, payment terms and lease options are always available. So, if one plans to lease a 2008 Subaru Forester instead of buying a new one, he should know the current rates for different monthly terms such as 48 months, 36 months, and 24 months. There is also Subaru leasing available on the Internet, including Subaru Forester leasing.
Subaru leasing offers cars that will definitely meet the requirements of every car lessee in terms of quality, performance, and budget.
| Italian Registration Plates |
18 Feb |
Registration plates in Italy have changed many times over the past century. Back in 1903, the first plates bore the name of the vehicle’s city of origin followed by a number, but this system only survived until 1905.
From 1905-1927, registration plates were white with a numeric province code displayed in red. This code was suffixed by a progressive number, specific to that province, which was displayed in black.
Between 1927 and 1976 Italian registration plates were black with white digits and there was a difference between the dimensions of the front and rear plates. The format of the registration mark was a two-letter province code followed by a numerical progressive code of six digits or less, unique to that province. The order of the province code and progressive code changed between 1927 and 1932.
The system was altered again, between 1976 and 1985, where the front played followed the same system as before, but the rear plate was split into three sections. The first contained the progressive code, while the last two portions, which had orange letters on a black background, contained the province code.
In 1985 Italian number plates changed colour, when black digits on a white background were introduced. The front plates were also enlarged and the province code followed the progressive code as per the rear plates.
The most recent amendment was introduced in 1994, when the indication of a vehicle’s place of origin was removed. An alphanumeric system was implemented in its place, following the format of two letters, three digits and a two-letter suffix.
| Land Rover Discovery |
11 Feb |
It may look like a big metal box, but it’s a box with class, style and power. Actually, it’s both more elegant and more agile than this description can allow. Forget people carriers – the Discovery seats seven comfortably and has all the sturdy engineering you’d expect for a vehicle which is as happy off the road as on it.
Whilst it doesn’t have quite the same degree of opulence as the Range Rover, it virtually matches it. It’s very spacious and it’s hardly basic: reasonably priced it may be, but it has more than a hint of luxury. You’ll get a very smooth ride on the road and a very robust one off it, a fact which can be accounted for by the extraordinary suspension technology. The Land Rover Discovery combines a monocoque chassis to deliver a good on-road drive, and a ladder-frame chassis to handle the pummelling of the off-road experience. Whilst this makes it heavy, the air suspension and superb steering undoubtedly help to create a nimble and responsive drive.
The seating is generously sized (all seven of them, if you go for the bigger model). The two rear seats in the seven-seater fold flat, making the boot space enormous (an ample 535 litres) and you can even have a go at pretending it’s a van: all the passenger seats fold flatly away. With a car this heavy, you wouldn’t expect great fuel consumption, but the TDV6 hits a respectable 30 miles per gallon.
| Number plate stories – ASH |
8 Feb |
For many, acquiring their first private registration plate leads to many more purchases throughout their lives. This has certainly been the case for self-confessed number plate enthusiast, Ash Raine. In fact, Ash admits that he has been desperate to own his own personalised plate since he was just twelve years old. He remembers being impressed by some family friends who had them and decided that he too wanted the status that went along with displaying a personalised plate on his own car. He obviously had a few years to wait.
Ash finally received his first car, as an eighteenth birthday present and almost immediately was on the lookout for the ideal registration to transfer to his new set of wheels. He eventually settled on V88 AJR, as it combined the year he was born with his initials.
With his enthusiasm for number plates undiminished, Ash realised that he should be able to source a plate with his name on it. Over the course of the following years he spent a considerable amount of time searching for the most appropriate ‘ASH’ plate. What he discovered, however, was that ‘ASH’ plates were selling for thousands of pounds and he could not justify the price at that time.
Finally, he found his justification when he completed his degree in May 2009. As luck would have it, Ash found the plate, ASH 74R, the day he received his results. He is understandably delighted with his new private number plate, which is proudly displayed on his Vauxhall Corsa Sxi.
| Kia Picanto Leasing – An Overview |
3 Feb |
Car leasing has slowly become the most common type of vehicle financing scheme. People are aware that purchasing a car poses different disadvantages, especially if it concerns car maintenance and uncontrolled car depreciation. As a result, various car leasing firms provide the market with reliable, sleek, and convenient vehicles. These characteristics somewhat describe the overall interior of the Kia Picanto 1.1 LX, a four star vehicle. With its popularity, many businesses and private customers are intrigued to find out what the Picanto is really made of. Several car contract hire firms offer a Kia Picanto leasing package, a scheme that gives car-lessees the right to drive a Picanto within the agreed term.
The Kia Picanto 1.1 LX is a bold and powerful car that can take anyone’s breath away. Its amazing stylistic exterior look makes it an eye-catcher on every street. It has a CD player, MP3 player, air conditioning system, and 60:40 foldable rear seats, all making for a cool and relaxing atmosphere. Aside from its physical body, the Kia Picanto is equipped with powerful, round-disk brakes that can resist speed momentum instantly. No doubt, the Kia Picanto really is a class of its own and driving it through a Picanto leasing scheme can be done as easily as the alphabet.
In a Kia Picanto leasing deal, potential car lessees are required to pay the initial scheme amount, which is equivalent to a six-month period of instalments, collectively. After that, the remaining balance will be covered by a series of monthly instalments, usually ranging from £200-£350, depending on the length of the term.
With a Kia Picanto leasing scheme, driving a Picanto will never be an impossible feat. It is flexible and convenient for anyone to use.
| Conditions of the Retention Scheme |
27 Jan |
To qualify for the retention scheme, both the donor vehicle and the receiving vehicle must be available for authenticity inspection. Only testable vehicles are valid for participation in the scheme, which means that vehicles such as tractors and battery-operated vehicles, for example milk floats, cannot participate. A valid MOT certificate, if the vehicle is three or more years old, must be submitted along with the application for retention.
Vehicles must hold or be in the process of acquiring, a valid licence (tax disc). Applications may still be considered if the licence expired less than six months from the date of the application. However, this concession will not apply if the licence was surrendered voluntarily for a refund.
The retention document, V788, is only valid for a twelve-month period. If, during this period, the number plate is assigned to a vehicle then a replacement tax disc will be issued and the MOT certificate for the vehicle will be endorsed with the new registration mark. The DVLA will also issue new registration documents to the registered keeper detailing these changes. It is imperative that your insurer is immediately notified of the changes.
If you are planning to sell a vehicle with a private registration plate, which is subject to a retention application, it is necessary to await receipt of the documents confirming that the process is complete before you do so, otherwise you may lose entitlement to the mark.
| Looking for a high specification 4×4 |
22 Jan |
When you are purchasing a vehicle in the UK there are many things that limit your choice, from the range of vehicles types available in dealerships to the added cost for extras that come as standard available abroad. If you live and work around the capital and require a premium vehicle you can be limited to a poor choice from many local dealerships, especially if you want a specialist vehicle to a high standard and specification for business use when visiting and transporting important clients.
However there is an alternative option that you may not have previously considered like, purchasing a left hand drive vehicle, some of the most luxurious cars are available can be purchased from a specialist left hand drive 4×4 London based dealership. You will find that they sell some of the most luxurious high end 4×4’s like, the Range Rover Sport, Mercedes Benz ML350 and the BMW X3 Sport. Many of these 4×4’s although available in right hand drive offer much better specifications as standard in the left hand drive format saving you £1000’s, meaning you can spend more on higher class models with that added extra luxury and comfort to enjoy.
On top of the improved choice you also get the peace of mind that your imported vehicle, normally direct from the factory will be delivered to you with all the vehicle regulation complied to, so you won’t have to worry about reading through endless regulation documents and can get to driving your high class luxury left hand drive 4×4 London as soon as possible.

