
| Simply Car Finance – Getting a Great Deal |
12 Jan |
Simply Car Finance is one of the country’s leading providers of car loans. Loans are guaranteed, even to people with bad credit ratings. They are not tied to any particular car dealer, so people who take out loans from the company are free to make their purchase from any seller they choose. The company promises some of the lowest rate car loans available in the United Kingdom today and their simple, three step application process aims to take the hassle out of buying a car. The first step involves filling out the application form on their website, the second is actually finding the car and then, according to the website, “Sign the documents and your (sic) approved”.
Other Benefits
In addition to arranging car loans, Simply Car Finance offers gap insurance, which covers the shortfall between insurance payments and the actual value of your car in the event of a write-off, standard car insurance and mechanical breakdown cover. The company promises to search for the lowest rate car loans, even for people with bad credit or with county court judgements against them.
Twitter Feed
The company has a Twitter feed, which provides details of the latest motoring news and promotional material. Whilst their early tweets simply reiterated what was on their web page, more recent postings have concentrated on building brand awareness, by posting news items that may be of interest to their target audience. This astute piece of social networking indicates just how much the company is aware of the possibilities of social media.
read comments (0)| Car Dealerships |
9 Jan |
In brief, a car dealership is a company that sells new cars of a particular make for which they will have a franchise deal with the manufacturer. The car dealership may also offer specialised servicing and have new cars of that make in a showroom. The car dealership will also have a parts department and it is the dealership that will deal with claims on warranty. However car dealerships are in no way restricted to selling only the dealership brand and their forecourts are usually full of second-hand cars of every make and model, usually from a part exchange car or cars to leased vehicles on expiration of the lease. Some car dealerships specialise in more than one make of car.
The advantage of buying a new car from a dealership garage is that the after sales care, that is servicing, warranty issues, spare parts etc. is usually first class as the dealership employs mechanics and fitters who are familiar with the type of cars in question. If the type of car is unusual or of luxury class then purchasing from new via the dealership is preferred as one can be sure genuine spare parts will be fitted.
If purchasing second-hand a full history of the vehicle should be readily available as well as finance and part exchange deals. Dealerships are just as open to negotiations as are independent garages and other vehicle outlets so it is as well to be armed with some alternative figures and comparisons.
Posted by SMills in Car Buying Guides, Car Information on 01 9th, 2012
| What’s my Ford Worth? |
5 Jan |
When selling a Ford, you’ll need to perform research to figure out how much the vehicle is worth and how much you could sell it for. There are a variety of different ways to figure out the best possible price, including checking magazines, checking the internet and reading classified ads in newspapers. By using these sources you will be able to compare the model, year and general specifications to other Ford’. This will give you an idea of how much to charge.
How Can I Sell my Ford?
There are a few different routes that you could go down when selling a Ford. The most cost efficient method is to sell privately. However, part exchange can be far more convenient, especially if you will need a new car straight away.
When selling a Ford, it’s important that you have all of the correct legal documents. This will include the registration certificate. This will show the buyer that the car is being sold legally and that the car hasn’t been stolen. If you cannot find this document, you can apply for a replacement from the DVLA. This is an essential first step.
How Can I Value my Ford?
By performing just a few simple tasks, you will be able to increase the overall value of your Ford. First impressions can mean the difference between a sale and rejection. To give a good first impression, give the car a very thorough clean, inside and out. If the car isn’t in particularly good shape, it could be worth taking the vehicle for a professional valet. It’s also very important to emphasise the car’s best features in the ad. For example, if the Ford has low mileage then make sure that this is stated within the ad.
When pricing the car, make sure that you always have a cap on what price you would accept. This cap must be stuck to. It’s usually worth adding a little more to the price than you expect to gain; this way you will have a bit of leeway to barter with.
Posted by SMills in Car Information, Car Maintenance, Car Selling Guide on 01 5th, 2012
| How to Buy a Car |
4 Jan |
When it comes to buying a car, it is not only what make and model you would like that you have to consider; there is now so many ways and means of buying a car it can be difficult to know where to start.
Where to Buy a Car?
The choice is yours; you can pick from a local new car dealer, second-hand car dealer, car supermarket, search online or browse through your local paper or Auto Trader.
The Right Car
Once you have found a car that you really like, have a good look over the car in daylight to check for any hidden defects. Ask to look under the bonnet if you are knowledgeable about engines
The Price is Right
When you have found the right car at the right price you will need to decide how you are paying for it. If you are not lucky enough to be able to pay in full in cash, you will need to arrange some type of car finance. There are many companies on the market and if you are buying from one of the car supermarkets they should be able to help you with this.
Posted by SMills in Car Buying Guides, Car Information on 01 4th, 2012
| Finding the Right Cars for Sale |
1 Jan |
Whether online, in magazines like Auto Trader, a car supermarket or specialised dealership, there are more ways than ever before to find out about cars for sale. Searching cars for sale online can save time and shoe leather by allowing the buyer to find out about the car chosen, for example its performance, economy, MPG etc. Searching for cars for sale online allows the opportunity to read reviews from car manufacturers, car buffs and customers. Being armed with as much knowledge, both technical and otherwise, as possible helps the buyer make a more informed choice in this, one of the largest purchases (apart from a house) an individual will make. Your neighbourhood car shop or local paper is also a good source of information on cars for sale.
The current economic climate makes it a buyer’s market so the wise purchaser would do well to spend time assimilating the information gleaned on the car of choice from all the above mentioned sources in order to make the best possible deal.
As the world grows smaller, thanks to the web, so too does the scope for purchase widen out by that same source. The consumer has more choice, more variety and expects quality and best value for money. So it behoves car dealers, in the face of marked competition, to ensure they give the best customer service possible in order to stay in the game. Websites house massive databases of cars for sale, all makes, models and prices.
When looking at cars for sale whatever is important, whether the number one priority is comfort, performance, design or cost, the discerning car buyer should leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of the best possible deal.
Posted by SMills in Car Buying Guides, Car Information on 01 1st, 2012
| Very Cheap Car Sales |
29 Dec |
There are various internet websites that can point you in the right direction if you are looking for very cheap cars.
www.ebay.co.uk is a website that sells anything and you are covered with the eBay seller guarantee if anything should go wrong. This provides assurance and confidence when making your purchase online. You can ask the seller questions before you buy.
www.gumtree.com lists private sales and some car traders offer vehicles on this website where you buy ‘as seen’.
www.carcraftcarfinance.co.uk offer a car search on their website, carcraft.co.uk. You can find cheap cars for sale, together with a finance quotation.
www.teletextcars.co.uk offer a nationwide search for cheap cars and have a good stock available around the UK.
www.cars.trovit.co.uk/used-cars/verycheap have over 1,200 very cheap cars to choose from and stock turns over very quickly, so a good selection is always available.
www.motors.co.uk are another website that offers a variety of car sales to suit all budgets and requirements.
www.uk.ask.com/cheapest+cars+for+sale checks all the search engines on the web for cheap car sales and shows most of the stock available, depending how far you are prepared to travel to pick up a really good deal.
www.carocean.co.uk offer very cheap cars that have minor bodywork damage, caused by being involved in accidents, which is why they are so cheap. They represent great value, especially if you have the means to repair the damage.
Unless you are confident and have a fair degree of mechanical knowledge, when going to look at a car it is always worth taking a mechanic with you. Many of these sites operate a ‘buy as seen’ policy, so you need to check the car out thoroughly before you drive it away. If you visit a car auction and the car is not taxed or does not have a valid MOT, you will need to drive it away on valid trade plates or have a car transporter to take it to its destination.
Posted by SMills in Car Buying Guides, Car Information on 12 29th, 2011
| Winter Car Servicing |
26 Dec |
Freezing cold weather combined with salt, slush, snow and ice is no friend to a car so during the harsh winter months there are some self-servicing tips to keep any vehicle in great condition. A little preventative maintenance now could save a hefty garage bill a few months down the line.
• Check antifreeze and if necessary top up.
• Check battery, ensuring all connections are clean and free of rust.
• Check windscreen wipers. Replace if necessary, if not then clean with plain water and a cloth.
• Check wiper fluid levels and add screenwash.
• Check oil level. If oil is required, ensure the correct grade and strength is used. Details of the oil to use will be found in the Owner’s Manual.
• Check tyre pressure and condition of tyres, including the spare. Replace if necessary.
• Cleaning the air filter helps the engine operate at the correct air to fuel mix.
• In the boot keep a snow shovel, blankets, torch, first aid kit, jump leads, water and energy bars.
Posted by SMills in Car Information, Car Maintenance on 12 26th, 2011
| What’s my Volvo Worth? |
22 Dec |
The first thing you will need to figure out when you decide to sell a Volvo is what price to ask for. There are a number of ways to determine the value of the car without consulting a professional, so making excuses such as “I don’t know how to value my Volvo” is completely unnecessary. A quick and simple way to figure this out is to check local classified ads in newspapers, magazine and online. If you compare the specs, model and year of your own Volvo to the advertised cars, you will be able to get a good idea of how much you could expect to gain from selling your vehicle.
What’s the Best Way to Sell my Volvo?
When you advertise a car it’s important that you only point out the most important features. This could be things like low mileage or 12 months MOT. These points will attract the buyer to your ad and will give clear indications of the cars working condition.
When you price your Volvo in classified sections, you should always make sure that you ask for more than the value of the car. It’s also important that you have a minimum acceptance price in mind. This way you will be able to compromise with the potential buyer for a better price.
Posted by SMills in Car Information, Car Selling Guide on 12 22nd, 2011
| Part Exchange Car Sales |
21 Dec |
Part exchange car deals are extremely popular in the UK and with good reason. A part exchange deal involves a used car being exchanged for a new one and usually involves a cash element. The agreed price of the used car is set against the cost of the used car, with the buyer paying the difference. If the used car being traded is in good condition, a favourable deal may be obtained when purchasing a new car. Usually, the company offering the part exchange deal will give the buyer a quote on what they think their old car is worth before any agreement is enacted.
Of course, one major guideline for anyone opting to take the part exchange route is to make sure that they are getting a fair trade. It never hurts to be careful; any buyer who knows a mechanic working in a car shop should seek his or her advice on the state of their old car.
It should be noted that though part exchange is often a good way to dispose of an old car, it is also entirely possible that the seller would get more for their car by selling it privately. The advantage of the part exchange car sale is that old vehicle forms part of the deal and the entire process of disposing of it, when purchasing a new vehicle, is considerably simplified.
Posted by SMills in Car Information, Car Selling Guide on 12 21st, 2011
| Parker’s Used Car Price Guide |
18 Dec |
Parker’s Car Price Guide is one of the leading guides to used cars in the United Kingdom. Established in 1972, the guide started out as a purely black and white publication, priced 20p. A year later, it added a colour cover and in 2003, spot colour was introduced into its advertisements. Prior to that, an online version of the guide was launched in 1999. A website audit in March 2003 found that it had over a million unique visitors in that month; however, the print version continues to sell and can still be found in most newsagents.
Format of the Online Edition
The website’s homepage lists several options. Users can view car reviews, a used car finder and the heart and soul of the website, its used cars valuation section. This section displays a huge range of makes and models to choose from. Once you have selected the make and model of the car you are interested in, you will be asked to choose a year and then select from a list of the variants released in that year. Prices are provided for new cars of the model, for comparison purposes, along with those for used cars bought from franchised dealers, independent dealers and private sellers; there is also a part exchange price.
Premium Services
So as not to completely wipe out sales of the printed version of the guide, the website charges for access to some of the more in-depth features found in the hard copy version. These include information on classic cars, checklists for buyers and car information sheets with detailed guides on the key features of each model.
Posted by SMills in Car Buying Guides on 12 18th, 2011

