Cars on Contract

Buying a brand new car is a big investment.  No matter your budget, paying the best price makes sense when shopping for a car.

First, do research into the car that you want.  Check magazines and go online to see how much the car has been selling for at different dealerships.  If you find a place that has sold it for a particularly low price, take a printout to your local dealership and ask them to match it.  The salesperson will not want to lose a potential customer to a rival and may well reduce their price for you.

You can also think about purchasing used, but almost new, cars from the dealership.  Cars that have been used for test drives are usually in near perfect condition and have very few miles on the clock.  These cars can have huge discounts because they are not straight out of the factory.  Most dealerships will offer ex-demo cars for great prices if asked about them.

Another possibility is to buy a preregistered new car.  In this case, the car has been registered under the name of the dealer but has never actually been used.  Dealers may do this during quiet periods in order to reach sale quotas set by the manufacturer.  Since officially the car has had a previous owner, it can be sold with a significant discount.  This is a great opportunity to get a new car for a low price.

Do not be afraid to haggle with a dealer.  They have many different techniques to make the consumer think they are giving them a good deal, but there is no harm in trying to push prices lower and lower.  If part exchanging a vehicle, make sure you accept a good price for it.  Some dealers may value a used car highly and then push up the price on the new vehicle, or give a poor valuation and a low price on the new car.  This can become confusing, but work out the difference between the two amounts and that is what you will be paying for your new car.  If it seems like a good deal, then take it.

Volkswagen cars are perennially popular and there is a thriving market in used Volkswagens.  Therefore., if you are wondering “how do I sell my Volkswagen?” you should bear in mind that to achieve the most from your sale you should follow some essential rules of selling.  A crucial factor is to get your Volkswagen correctly valued, as it would be a mistake to pitch it too high or undersell it.  Next, you need to decide the method of sale for your Volkswagen; this could be to a private buyer via the classified ads, or to an approved car dealership who may offer you a part exchange on your Volkswagen.  Another alternative is to sell your Volkswagen at auction, or even listed on an online site such as EBay. 

Volkswagen Golfs and Polos are cheap and always popular with buyers, but do not forget the classic car market if you have an older model Volkswagen Beetle to sell.  The market is huge for these iconic and much loved cars, and an online search for VW Beetles will show you how to price accurately your Volkswagen for sale.  Similarly, a modern Volkswagen Beetle, especially a convertible model from within the last two or three years, can command a high cash for cars price.  Simple things to remember when advertising you Volkswagen are to list the model, age and condition, and include any crucial detailing about mileage and service history.  Ideally, present potential buyers with a full service book when selling your Volkswagen to demonstrate your claims are accurate.

Along with obtaining an MOT certificate, if required, car insurance is the most crucial item an owner needs in order to legally drive a car on the public highway in the UK. Insurance is required before any new or second-hand car can be driven away from the point of sale, whether it is from a private property or from a car giant, such as Auto Trader.

The reason for car insurance is obvious, owners must protect themselves in case the vehicle they are driving causes damage to property or injures a third party. There are a number of insurance options available, depending on the age of the vehicle, its value and the level of cover required by the owner. 

There is no shortage of car insurers in the UK and they all offer a wide range of options; some are there to merely satisfy the minimum legal requirements, while others provide comprehensive cover. The car owner should assess their own individual requirements and base the car insurance policy they take out on that. While there are many providers to be found online, some drivers find it more productive to talk with an insurance company or broker in person.

There are many car insurance companies that offer special promotions and discounts. Some also specialise in insuring specific types of car or base their cover on agreed maximum annual mileages. Even owners who have a limited budget should bear in mind that opting for the cheapest car insurance may not be the best option. A fine balance needs to be struck between negotiating the right price and obtaining the most suitable level of cover.

Carcraft Car Finance is a division of the Carcraft chain of 11 car supermarkets, which are located across England and Wales. The company offers bespoke packages to enable you to buy the car you want at a price you can afford and their website allows you to get a quote in minutes.

Carcraft Car Supermarket Finance works with a number of specialist lenders and their team of experts will help you find the car finance deal that is right for you. All their cars come with a 120-point check, one year’s membership of the RAC with Roadside Assistance, one year’s free servicing and flexible payment options. They also have specialist programmes for people with poor credit ratings and/or county court judgements against them.

A Brief History of Carcraft

Carcraft, based in Rochdale, was founded in 1951 by Frank Jacob McKee and remains in the hands of the McKee family to this day. In 1985, the company bought a car supermarket from the now defunct Car Group, for £10 million and in 2005 became the first car supermarket to launch its own contract car hire and lease company. Today, they are one of the largest chains of car supermarkets in the United Kingdom. Though they have come a long way since opening their first car dealership half a century ago, they remain a family business.

All cars on the road in the UK must have regular MOT tests to prove they meet the legal standards of road safety. A whole range of tests are carried out, starting from when the car is three years old. When the test is done the car receives an MOT certificate to prove it was road worthy and met the environmental standards required of it at the time the test was conducted. The MOT does not include checking the engine, clutch or gearbox but is none the less extensive. The parts of the car that are tested include:
 
•    The car’s structure – Checked for corrosion, damage in key structural areas and any sharp edges that might cause injury.

•    The fuel system – Cars are checked for leaks and that the fuel cap is operational.

•    Exhaust systems – Must be secure, whole, free from serious leeks and the emissions from the car’s exhaust must meet the legal requirements (which vary depending on age and fuel type).

•    Seats – Front seats must be secure and all seats must be securable in an upright position. All compulsory seatbelts must be fully operational and in reasonable condition.

•    The doors – Front doors must open from the inside and outside and all doors must shut and lock properly.

•    Mirrors – All compulsory mirrors must be present and in good condition.

•    The boot – Boot must close and lock securely.

•    The brakes – The car’s brakes must be fully operational and pass an efficiency test.

•    Wheels and tyres – Must be in good condition with enough tread depth and be the correct size and type.

•    Registration plates – Must be clearly legible and secured correctly to the vehicle.

•    Lights – All lights must work properly and headlamps are also checked for aim.

•    The car’s bonnet – Must shut securely.

•    The windscreen – Must allow for an unobstructed view of the road and be in good condition generally. The wipers and washers must work well enough to give the driver a clear view.

•    The horn – Must be a suitable type and work correctly.

•    Steering and suspension – Must be fully operational.

•    Vehicle identification number (VIN) – Any vehicle made after 1980 must have a VIN.

Compact cars are becoming increasingly popular.  Compacts are cheaper to buy and to run than standard cars, and they are more environmentally friendly.

Anyone who requires a small run-around for short journeys or inner city travel should consider a compact car.  They are smaller than hatchbacks.  Due to their tiny size, they are lighter and require only a small engine and less fuel.  This makes them incredibly cheap to run.  Furthermore, because their emissions are relatively low, they are also very cheap to tax.

Compact cars will only have three doors and a very small boot.  Most will have four or five seats, though some may only have two.  They are not ideal for families or anybody who requires lots of storage, but may be ideal for singles or childless couples.

New compact cars are inexpensive compared to hatchbacks or saloon cars because they are so much smaller.  This does not mean they lack sturdiness or safety.  There are usually options of different trim levels in order to make them more high-tech and comfortable, depending on budget.  Compact cars are gradually becoming the new chic accessory to city life.

When anybody thinks of car modification, two main examples spring to mind. One image may be of a cheap car with a huge exhaust pipe attached to create the illusion of noise; or tinted windows and personalised license plates. The question is, should regular people modify their vehicles and can it be done on a budget?

License plates are the most common modification found, and are often looked upon favourably. Many just have the drivers name in some form, for example Lord Alan Sugar’s car has “AMS 1”. This is quite often a quite nice investment and can personalise a new car, it may also be a perfect gift for a new driver. In addition, there are no hidden charges, you should only pay the cost of having the plates made. Once you have purchased a personalised number from the DVLA you will receive a Certificate of Entitlement (V750), which you will need to keep safe.    

Other modifications however, risk detracting from the car itself and possibly damaging it, or even risk being illegal. For example, heavily tinted windows may seriously reduce your view. It is also illegal to have any LED or under the vehicle lighting systems emitting a blue light. Care must be taken when modifying a car and it must be noted that any and all modifications must be reported to the insurer. Failure to do so can result in the voiding of your insurance or the loss of a pay-out in the result of an accident.

There are plenty of options for getting rid of your used car: selling it privately, trading it in to a dealer, or part-exchanging it. Your choice will depend on how much time and effort you are prepared to dedicate.

If you decide to sell your car privately, you should research realistic prices. Set a competitive price, and do not be tempted to raise it higher than the average. Keep in mind that buyers might try to negotiate, and decide what would be the lowest price you could accept. Once you are sure of these factors, you can advertise your car. Newspapers and websites are very effective, as is ‘word of mouth’. Find an option that works for you – a card in your local supermarket or a simple sign on the window of the car might turn out to be the best method.

Always specify as many details as possible in your advertisement, particularly the make, model, mileage and year. Respond politely and helpfully to any interest, as each enquiry is a potential buyer. Explain the details again and invite each person to view the vehicle, ensuring you clean and freshen it before the showing. It is risky to buy a secondhand car, so prepare all the documents and allow your buyers sufficient time to inspect your car. If that seems too much of a hassle for you, consider selling your used car to a dealer or part-exchanging it.

Looking for cheap and simple ways to maintain your car and avoid repetitive car servicing and MOT Test failure? If so then read on.

Cars can often seem temperamental, making odd noises and the occasional flat out refusal to even turn on being prime examples. There are, however, 5 easy steps that can be taken to ensure the efficient running of your car:

1.    Ensure the fuel level is acceptable and when filling up make sure you are using the right type of fuel. Low fuel levels won’t damage your engine, but they won’t do your fuel pump any good, and can lead to a breakdown. Putting the wrong type of fuel in, however, will damage your car.
2.    Ensure your oil levels are maintained.
3.    Make sure your lights are all working at all times.
4.    Check tyres for signs of wear and deflation. Bald tyres are illegal, and deflated tyres have a highly negative impact on fuel consumption. Money can be saved by simply re-inflating tyres.
5.    Drive in a steady manner. Rapid deceleration and acceleration can put stresses and strains on your vehicle, which could eventually lead to a breakdown.

There are a number of rules that must be followed when selling a used car online. These rules will ensure that you get a good deal and that the buyer remains happy. The most important thing to remember when selling a car online is honesty. This is a crucial part of making a quick and smooth sale. Realistic pricing is also very important. To get a rough idea of how much to charge for your car, check the classified ads by looking for similar cars with similar specifications. If unsure, seek advice from a professional or online site such as We Buy Any Car, who will give you an instant valuation of your car.

Selling Tips

First impressions are very important when selling a car online. Most people will scroll through ad sites looking at hundreds of different cars. To make yours stand out it’s recommended that you thoroughly clean the car and take a good quality photo; this will make it more eye catching and will be sure to attract more visitors to the sales page.

When talking about the car’s specifications, always be completely honest. You must always state whether major repairs are needed or if the car is only suitable for parts. By not being completely honest about the condition of the car, you could find yourself having major problems in the future. By quoting the year of registration and the remaining MOT, car buyers will be able to get a better idea of what condition the vehicle is in and how much it should be worth.

Selling a Used Car Online

When you have agreed to sell your car, always protect yourself against any future problems. It’s recommended that you print off at least two copies of the contract, are present when the contract is signed by the buyer, and that you keep a signed copy of the contract as proof of purchase. This means that there should be a meeting with the buyer before a transaction is made.

The most important part of selling a car is informing the DVLA that the vehicle is no longer in your hands. Failure to inform the DVLA could cause you a lot of problems, especially if the buyer makes future offences. Instructions on how the DVLA should be informed are on the V5/registration document.