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  • Tips For Buying Your Next Family Car

    Tips For Buying Your Next Family Car

    Planning on buying a family car? When the time comes for a new vehicle, it can be stressful. Not only is buying a car a huge purchase, but you also need to find a vehicle that will fit your family’s lifestyle well. There is a lot to consider and many different options for vehicles, so it can be hard to know where to start.

    With this in mind, this post will offer a few tips for buying a family car that should help make the process a little easier and allow you to find what you are looking for. 

    Work Out Your Car Budget

    First, you need to work out how much money you are willing to spend. In addition to the cost of the car itself, remember that you must also factor in fuel, insurance, road tax, and maintenance.

    Remember that you can arrange a finance deal, which will make managing the cost of the vehicle much easier than buying outright and could allow you to buy a better car. You do not want to be too stretched each month, so give yourself some breathing room.

    Consider Buying A Second-Hand Car

    While there are benefits to buying a brand-new car, you will find that buying a used one makes more financial sense. Used cars are a lot cheaper, and you can get a lot more for your money, so you should browse the used car market to find what you are looking for.

    Additionally, you will avoid the biggest depreciation hit by purchasing a used car, meaning that you will not lose a huge amount of money when selling the car down the line. 

    Sell Your Current Vehicle

    If you already have a car, you should sell this and put the proceeds toward your new purchase.

    Additionally, many dealerships will accept a part-exchange deal, which can simplify the process and make buying your new car a lot easier to manage. Just make sure that you look after the vehicle and take a few steps to maximize its resale value so that you get as much as possible from the sale.

    Think About The Next Five Years

    woman driving car

    You should always think about the future when purchasing an automobile. You will not want to have to go through the process again in a few years, so you should think about your lifestyle now and what you have planned for the next few years.

    If you plan on adding to your family, for example, then you might want to consider a bigger car! This should give you an idea of what category of car would be best for your family.

    Hire A Car Transporter

    It is a good idea to hire a car transporter. These days, people usually buy a second-hand car online as it is such a large marketplace. There are benefits to this, but there are a few drawbacks. One notable drawback is that it is not always easy to arrange to see the car and take it for a test drive before making a decision.

    If you hire a car transporter, you can visit the car and seller to check the vehicle over before parting with the money. You can then load the car onto the transporter and drive it back home – this also means you are not adding miles to the clock.

    If you want to hire a car transporter to pick up your vehicle, you can use platforms like Shiply to compare your options. You can save up to 75% off standard rates by using a platform like this, helping to keep your costs down. 

    Prioritize Modern Vehicle Safety Features

    Safety is always an important consideration when buying a car, but particularly for parents. You should be looking for cars that have a range of modern safety features as well as a strong Euro NCAP crash rating. When you have a car that you know is safe, it will provide peace of mind when you have the kids in the back.

    Buying a family car is a massive decision for your whole family, and not just because it is a lot of money to spend! Hopefully, the advice in this post will prove to be useful and help you find the perfect car for your family and get a good deal. 

  • Funding Your Classic Car Obsession: Do’s And Don’ts

    Funding Your Classic Car Obsession: Do’s And Don’ts

    Funding Your Classic Car Obsession: Do's And Don'ts

    If you love classic cars, you’ll know how expensive they can be. And not just to buy. Even running the darn things can make a hole in your wallet. 

    With that said, some people manage to pull it off without any apparent damage to their finances. And it’s those individuals we want to follow. 

    The purpose of this post is to list some of the do’s and don’ts when it comes to your classic car obsession. Here’s what you need to know: 

    Do: Plan Your Budget

    The first thing to do is plan your budget. You want to find out how much you’ll need to spend to engage in a classic car hobby.

    Most people are surprised by just how much it costs. There are many additional expenses besides the initial car purchases, including servicing and storage. For instance, you may need to build somewhere to house your vehicles and keep them out of the weather to prevent them from turning into rust buckets. You might also need to work with specialist aftermarket suppliers who are experts in building OEM-style parts that are no longer available to order. Naturally, all this is expensive. 

    Don’t: Buy On Impulse

    It’s a bad idea to buy classic cars on impulse. While they might look fantastic in the showroom, looking after them is often a different story. 

    Some vehicles are cheap to purchase upfront, but there are reasons for this. For instance, you can often find luxury Bentleys and Rolls-Royces for a fraction of their as-new prices. However, these vehicles require constant maintenance to keep them on the road, which raises costs significantly. Simply replacing the clutch with something acceptable could set you back thousands (nearly as much as you paid for the vehicle in the first place). 

    Therefore, always take your time to research vehicles thoroughly. Be patient and take time to explore them fully. Find out other owners’ experiences and get to know people who can help you. 

    Do: Consider Your Financial Health

    At the same time, you’ll also want to consider your overall financial health. Buying a classic car is not essential, so it’s something you’ll want to do once you get everything else out of the way. 

    Avoid dipping into your emergency fund to pay for your car. It’s better to have security first before taking on additional responsibilities. 

    Don’t: Skip Maintenance

    Manufacturers didn’t build older cars to the same standards as today’s. Even twenty years ago, the technology wasn’t anything as precise as it is now.

    Therefore, you’ll want to stick to a rigorous maintenance schedule. Ensure you replace damaged or defective parts quickly to avoid harm to components elsewhere in the system. Get out of the habit of believing an annual service is sufficient. That’s a modern car standard. It doesn’t apply to older vehicles that require weekly attention to be at their best. 

    Do: Explore Financing Options

    You also want to explore various financing options to make purchasing a classic car more manageable. Spreading the cost out over several months and years can have a profoundly positive effect on your budget. 

    Some lenders offer credit for classic car purchases. This way, you can reduce risk and avoid making large payments upfront that could eat into your financial well-being. 

    You can also sell junk cars for cash if you have one sitting in your garage. This money gives you liquidity to repair or upgrade the new vehicle. 

    Don’t: Customize Your Vehicle Too Much

    While customizing your classic car a little can be fun (and often necessary if you can’t source original parts), making too many changes may do more harm than good. Customization is expensive, but it also makes the vehicle less original. Putting in a modern engine instead of servicing and renovating the original can lower the value and prevent resale. 

    Of course, whether you customize is a personal decision. You might intend to keep the car forever and want it to be unique and original. In that case, changing it is okay. However, sticking to the original format is a much better idea if you view it more as an investment. 

    Do: Join A Community

    Whenever you buy a classic car, it is essential to join a community of people who know how to own and manage them. Having this network makes it less likely you will make serious mistakes. 

    Communities are helpful in all sorts of ways. Many will provide you with valuable advice and help you choose a classic car that meets your requirements. These groups will also share resources with you, including tools, letting you fix your engine without buying everything yourself (which could get expensive). 

    Don’t: Forget The Insurance

    Insurance is also essential for classic cars, as it is for new ones. However, many owners overlook it, forgetting that their classic vehicle is also something they will take on the road with them. 

    Fortunately, numerous companies now offer insurance for older vehicles. This reality means you can get competitive quotes or even add the car to your regular policy. 

    Do: Enjoy The Journey

    Owning a classic car isn’t easy. Maintenance is often a labor of love, taking up hours at the weekend. It’s more than a hobby because of the sheer dedication levels required. 

    That’s why successful owners find a way to enjoy the journey. These individuals understand it will be challenging but steel themselves for the journey. Ultimately, it isn’t about the finished product but the fun of getting there. 

    Don’t: Expect Your Car To Appreciate Immediately

    Finally, don’t expect your car to appreciate immediately. It can take years for values to rise (and often depends on other models falling out of use and into disrepair). 

    Smart classic car investors look for vehicles they believe will soon go up in value but aren’t expensive right now. These can rise in price sharply with each passing year if they become cult classics. Recent vehicles in this category include the original Audi TT and the Citroen Cactus. 

  • Which Classic Cars Should Be At The Top Of Your List?

    Which Classic Cars Should Be At The Top Of Your List?

    If you’re feeling the urge to get yourself a good classic car, you’re not the only one. A lot of the greats have a certain romance about them; getting out on the open road with something timeless, with that old-school charm, is a very easy desire to understand. But which is worth your time? Here, we’re going to look at a few of the options, and why they’re worth considering.

    The Ford Mustang

    Any Ford Mustang from the 1960s is a good pick because, for one, they’re very easy to find. Ford made a ton of these vehicles, so even now, they’re not too difficult to get your hands on. What’s more, there are plenty of aftermarket part dealers specializing in Fords because they’re so widespread that it doesn’t take a lot of work to get them into the prime condition you want, either.

    The Jaguar E-Type

    It is one of the first true sports cars that targeted the high-end market, and it put the Jaguar name on the map. Called “the most beautiful car ever made” by Enzo Ferrari, who probably knows a thing or two about beautiful cars. It can still reach big speeds, and unlike many classic cars, it also has decent braking. It’s definitely not as immediately affordable as some of the other vehicles mentioned here. Regardless of where it came from, a Jaguar is still a Jaguar.

    The Porsche 911T

    Similarly, a Porsche is always a Porsche. The 1970 Porsche 911T offers one of the most iconic coupe designs of all time. As the baseline of the 911 series, it is still the most affordable out of that lot and is not likely to cost as much as the E-Type, but it offers more power thanks to its 2.2-liter engine. Add to that 5-speed transmission that’s smooth as silk, and you have one of the best classic car driving experiences you could ask for.

    The Range Rover mk1

    The classic Range Rover design, with its two doors that, haven’t reappeared since. It is, at heart, still what a Range Rover has always been: big, boxy, and capable of taking on just about anything. You had better be ready to put plenty of maintenance into your vehicle if you aim to test this one of the rough roads that it was built for, however, to keep it running for longer.

    The Chevrolet Corvette

    The muscle car holds a unique and undeniable appeal, captivating enthusiasts with its powerful presence and performance. Among the legendary trio of American muscle cars – including the Mustang and the Camaro – the Corvette stands out as perhaps the sleekest and most futuristic, particularly during its early years in the 1960s. Renowned for its innovative design and engineering, the Corvette quickly became a symbol of American automotive prowess, boasting a refined silhouette that was ahead of its time.

    Today, it is the most collected vehicle in the United States, attracting car enthusiasts and collectors alike. Prices for these iconic vehicles can soar to impressive heights, often reaching six figures, especially for the coveted 1963-1967 Chevrolet Corvettes. This specific generation is celebrated for achieving the quintessential Corvette design, featuring distinctive styling elements such as the split rear window and a graceful, streamlined body that perfectly captured the spirit of the era.

    Interestingly, much like the Mustang, there is a robust market for Corvettes, with numerous models available for purchase. Whether one is seeking a vintage classic or a contemporary version, enthusiasts can find a wide array of Corvettes reflecting both the enduring popularity and the timeless design of this American classic.

    Of course, at the end of the day, which car speaks to you and makes your heart sing is a personal thing. With classic cars, emotions very often trump the specifics of which is better than the other.

  • How to Keep Your Electric Car Running: The Effortless Dos & Don’ts

    How to Keep Your Electric Car Running: The Effortless Dos & Don’ts

    There’s no denying that the future of automotive transport lies in electrification. Electric vehicles (EVs), such as the captivating VW ID Buzz or the sleek Ioniq 6 by Hyundai, have become increasingly popular as we strive towards greener alternatives.

    But with this new breed of vehicles comes a new set of maintenance requirements. In this blog post, we delve into the dos and don’ts of electric car maintenance.

    Understanding Your Electric Vehicle

    Firstly, it’s crucial to understand that electric vehicles differ significantly from their petrol or diesel counterparts. They rely on electric motors and a large battery pack, which replace the traditional internal combustion engine and its associated components.

    In a typical EV, there are fewer moving parts which means there is less that can go wrong mechanically. This leads to potentially lower maintenance costs over the life of the vehicle. However, certain parts of an electric car, such as the battery pack and the electric motor, require particular attention.

    The Dos

    Regular Battery Checks

    Just like the smartphone in your pocket, the battery is the heart of your electric car. Regular checks can help maintain optimal performance.

    It’s recommended to keep the battery charge between 20% and 80% most of the time. For instance, the VW ID Buzz comes with a sophisticated battery management system that aids you in managing this.

    Tyre Maintenance

    Regardless of whether a car is electric, tire maintenance remains a top priority. Because EVs are often heavier than traditional cars due to their large battery packs, they can cause more tire wear. \

    Regularly check your tires for wear and tear, keep them correctly inflated, and have them rotated as recommended by the manufacturer.

    Brake System Checks

    Most electric vehicles, including the Ioniq 6 by Hyundai, use regenerative braking. This system recharges the battery when the car slows down, reducing wear on the brake pads.

    But the brake system still needs regular checks, especially if your driving habits don’t often engage the mechanical brake system.

    Regular Servicing

    Even though EVs are less mechanically complex, they should still be regularly serviced.

    The Ioniq 6 by Hyundai, for instance, has a manufacturer-recommended service schedule that should be adhered to. This will ensure that all parts, especially the high-voltage electrical systems, are functioning as they should.

    The Don’ts

    Don’t Ignore Warning Lights

    This might seem obvious, but it’s so vital that it bears repeating. EVs are complex machines with sophisticated computer systems.

    A warning light on your dashboard is a clear indication that something might be amiss. Do not ignore these warnings. Consult your vehicle’s manual or contact your service provider.

    Don’t Neglect the Coolant System

    Electric cars use coolant to manage the temperature of the battery pack. It’s important not to overlook this critical system.

    If the coolant level drops too low or the system isn’t working properly, it could lead to overheating and potentially cause severe damage to the battery pack.

    Don’t Over-Rely on Fast Charging

    Fast charging is a convenient way to top up your electric vehicle’s battery quickly, but it can degrade the battery if used excessively. This is due to the heat generated during the fast charging process.

    Therefore, it should be used sparingly and supplemented with regular slow charging.

    Don’t Forget the Cabin Maintenance

    An often-overlooked aspect is the maintenance of the cabin. The air conditioning system, for instance, plays a pivotal role in an EV. It does not just provide passenger comfort but also cools the battery.

    A poorly maintained air conditioning system can lead to a less efficient battery cooling process.

    Embrace the Technological Edge

    Electric vehicles aren’t just modern in their propulsion system; they also come equipped with the latest in-car technology. This technology can prove incredibly useful in terms of maintenance. For instance, many modern EVs, like the VW ID Buzz, come with a suite of diagnostic tools that provide real-time feedback on the state of your vehicle.

    By paying attention to this information, drivers can often detect potential issues before they become serious problems. Using your EV’s technology to its fullest extent can save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

    Cleaning and Care

    Finally, although it may seem trivial in comparison to some of the points mentioned above, proper cleaning and care of your EV is essential. As with any vehicle, keeping your electric car clean isn’t just about aesthetics, but also maintenance. Grime and dirt can accumulate over time and cause damage to your car’s exterior, potentially affecting the car’s aerodynamics and, subsequently, the overall efficiency.

    Similarly, it’s essential to clean the interior and remove any unnecessary weight, which can affect the vehicle’s range. Also, during winter, ensure the charging port is free of ice or debris before plugging in your EV to avoid any damage.

    Wrapping Up

    As electric vehicles continue to revolutionize the way we travel, being cognizant of the specific maintenance requirements can extend the lifespan and efficiency of your vehicle, be it a VW ID Buzz or an Ioniq 6 by Hyundai.

    By observing these dos and don’ts of electric car maintenance, you can ensure that your green ride remains reliable, efficient, and effective for the long haul.