It’s been far too long since the last Scirocco hit the roads of the UK and to be fair it was not up to much either, but this new car is something quite different to anything we have seen before. Although details are very patchy at the moment as the car will be officially launched at the Geneva Motor Show which is due to be held in a couple of week’s time.

This has been really influenced by the concept car that appeared at the Paris Expo a couple of years ago, but there has been some slight changed to big and bold features on the new design they have thankfully been softened and a few of the other more extreme features have been replaced with a more conventional styling which is more fitting to this model.

Obviously the car will be using the mechanics as fitted to the Golf series so the power will be coming from the 197 bhp 2.0-litre turbo from the GTI and the more powerful 3.2-litre V6, however for those drivers who looking to be a bit sporty but at the same time like to think they are also eco friendly there will be diesel version available, hopefully.

Source [Auto Express]

Lotus have been bring out some pretty good cars in recent years and this trend is set to continue with the new car that is being developed by former McLaren designer Jim Dowle. This new car is expected to be in the prototype stages in around eighteen months time.

This car will be a direct competitor to the brilliant Lotus Exige, except the new car is expected to come with a number options, including several different engine types. However the basic are that is will be mid engined and will produce around 200 bhp which will be pretty spectacular considering that the whole vehicle will weigh in at around 870 kg.

The new Lotus will be built with speed in mind, but also will put the element of fun back into driving a smallish sports car. However they will be making the provision for luggage space too, which will make this car very useable indeed.

As with many other sports cars the body will be constructed from an aluminium and carbon composite, making it both strong and light at the same time. It is estimated that the starting prices for this mini super car will be in the region of £35,000.

Source [Piston Heads]

At the first glance it would appear to be something other than a Ford, its lines and all round shape are not what you would normally associate with the familiar Fiesta, but having said that the car is stylish and shows that even though these are small cars, they do not necessarily have to be little.

As with many Fords these days there has been a lot of work put into this car, both in the design and in the build stages. This shows up clearly with the finish, which is the main part of the car that the consumer would see anyhow, underneath is more for the enthusiast.

This car will be making its debut at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show in March, where there will be a three and five door hatchback, but for anyone who would be wanting to head off down to the nearest Ford showroom, they wont have long to wait as the car will be going on sale in Europe, however other parts of the world in 2010.

As for models etc these are not known yet although there is bound to be a mixture of small eco cars and hopefully a sporty version too.

Source [Infomotori]

It is probably no surprise that this super has one this award, but the margin that it won may certainly be a surprise, the fantastic Audi R8 collected forty two per cent of the 15,000 votes made. The R8’s closest rival was the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, but this car only achieved a dismal thirteen per cent of the vote.

It is just a shame that the new Jaguar XF saloon was not in the frame, because if it was then the results would most certainly would have given the Audi R8 a serious run for its money, no doubt next year the results table will look seriously different.

1. Audi R8 42%

2. Ferrari 430 Scuderia 13%

3. BMW M3 11%

4. Ford Mondeo 9%

5. Rolls-Royce Phantom DHC 7%

6. Fiat 500 6%

7. Mercedes-Benz C-Class 6%

8. Mini Clubman 2%

9. Mitsubishi i-car 2%

10. Mazda 2 1%

This s the forth year that the MSN Cars – Car of the year vote has taken place with previous winners being, the BMW 3 Series Coupe, Bugatti Veyron, and the Aston Martin DB9. There were also some very disappointing results namely for Mercedes and Fiat, both the C Class and the 500 came in very low at seventh and six.

In all, the vote may note have turned out as some car makers expected, but then again this is a vote by the motorist which really should tell the car makers something.

Source [Top Speed]

After the home it is your car that is the next most important purchase! What to buy, when to buy, where to buy…these are the common questions that haunt you all along the decision making process. Now that you are here at last, expect to take home some good advice on some of the important aspects of purchasing a car in UK.

What to buy
You have decided you need a car, but don’t know what to select—-the market seems to overflow with all possible varieties that run on four wheels.

The first step is to decide on your needs and fix a budget. Consider these factors while judging your needs#

There are unending choices that come with their respective advantages and disadvantages and you have to make your selection wisely by blending your needs with budget. But trickier than that is to decide where to buy. From online dealers to the franchisees…there are innumerable options when it comes to buying a new car in UK.

Where to buy
You have to choose from the following options:

Franchised dealers
They are the primary dealers, appointed by the manufacturer and provide you one-stop solution for buying, servicing and repairs. But they seldom entertain any bargains.

Importing a car from abroad
This has been a great way of taking the chance of lower prices of foreign cars. To avoid the pitfalls of this mode, take the help of a car broker who can get you the car for a cheaper price than the franchised dealers.

Buying from online dealers
It is by far the easiest way of purchasing a new car; however, make sure to read the customer reviews before making deals with a particular online dealer.

Car supermarkets
They may not appear as plush as the franchisee showrooms, but they sell you the product a bit cheaper than the main dealer. But on the flipside, you won’t get much scope for negotiation.

So now you have two important questions answered with regard to your purchase.
Go ahead with confidence and; make sure you have been given all the necessary paperworks including logbook and service book, copy of the warranty and a receipt as proof of purchase and all other necessary paperworks.

So you want to sell your car?

There are a number of things to consider before you advertise

• How do you want to sell – Privately, By Auction, through a Dealer, by Trade-In?
• What is my car worth?
• How do I maximise my profit?
• How do I prepare my car?
• How do I deal with potential buyers?

Top Tips

Choose when you sell – do not try and sell after Christmas or after a number plate change.

It is best to sell cars while they still have a relatively low mileage (40 000 for 3yr old car)

For older cars, it is more important that the vehicle is in good condition and has a clear history.

You will need to gather all relevant documents together and keep them in a folder – log book, MOT certificate, handbook and any receipts for repairs and spare parts.

If you have trouble selling the car, consider if the price is too high or whether it looks any different to how it sounds in the advert.

Trading your car in

This is a quick and relatively easy way to get rid of your old car. It is worthwhile to prepare your car well first – wash, clean and check. You will not get such a good price as you would with selling privately. You need to look at the price you are being offered for your car and what you are paying for the new car, then work out the difference to see what you are actually paying for your new car.

Sometimes it can seem like the dealer is giving you a generous price for your car, but they may be making money elsewhere by boosting the cost of the car you are buying. Do not be frightened to ask the dealer how they came to the price they have, as this may make clear any hidden costs to you.

Selling to a Dealer

Again, this is a quick way to sell your car. The price you get will not be as good as selling privately.

Selling by Auction

This is a quick way to sell your car. You may only get a trade-in price or less. You must put a reserve price on otherwise your car could potentially be sold for as little £20. The auction housewill take about 10% of the profit from the sale.

Selling Privately

This is the best way to get a good price for your car, but it is not hassle free. You need to decide where to advertise, how much to advertise the car for, and how best to deal with potential buyers.

Advertising

This can be through the local papers, auto magazines, national newspapers, websites and even enthusiasts clubs.

Many websites offer special deals that may be worth taking.

The advert itself should be factual and include:

• make and model of the car
• colour
• age/registration letter
• mileage
• condition
• any extras (alloy wheels, air conditioning)
• number of owners
• service history
• length of tax/ MOT
• Photo – taken in daylight with a neutral background
• Price and area you live

Pricing

To get an idea of what your car is worth, look in guides such as Parkers, or check adverts for the same model of car in newspapers, magazines ( Exchange & Mart ) and the internet ( Autotrader ).

You will need to be honest with yourself about the condition of your car, so you do not overprice it and get no offers.For prestige/specialist cars visit owners and enthusiasts clubs.

Preparing to sell

Although not always as expensive, buying a used car can be as daunting and confusing a prospect as buying a new car. You still have to consider the cost and type of car, but now face the potential pitfalls of used cars – is it legitimate, roadworthy and reliable – where do I buy a used car?

Below is a list of tips to help you when buying a used car :

• Decide on a budget and make sure you stick to it. It should include the cost of insurance, fuel, MOT, road tax and servicing.
• Decide what type of car you want. You need to consider what you will be using it for- transporting children, pets, driving long distances regularly or for leisure use.
• Decide how you are going to finance the cost of the car – a personal loan is one option for this type of purchase. It may be best to arrange finance before going any further, as you will then be forced to stick to your budget.
• Shop around – look on the internet to get an idea of types of car and what the current prices are. Check papers, especially those like Autotrader that specialize in used car sales. There are also used car dealers (you have more rights and safeguards here than with buying privately)– take time to look around a variety of these and be prepared for possible hard sell techniques!
• Always view cars in good light – if it is dark or dull this is likely to hide faults.
• Taking along another person may be a good idea – they may be able to spot what you miss.
• For private sales, view the car at the sellers’ home rather than let them bring it to you. It lets you see where the car is coming from.
• Check all the documents carefully – this could save you any future headaches. Look in the log book (V5) and ensure the name there matches that of the seller (for private sales). Check service history and records, Mot certificate (for vehicles over 3yrs old) and any receipts for repairs or maintenance.
• Make sure all the dates add up/make sense.
• Organize an independent inspection – this often pays for itself as it can pick up any potentially serious or costly problems. The RAC and Green Flag offer these, as do many other motoring organizations.
• Get an HPI check – this is very worthwhile as it identifies any stolen, written off or cloned vehicles.
• Take a test drive – for all cars you are interested in buying. This should be at least 15 minutes over a variety of different road surfaces. It allows you to decide if the car is comfortable and whether it handles well. Make sure the car is taxed and you are insured to drive it. Listen for any bumps, rattles or squeaks that could be indicative of a problem.
• Walk around the car and methodically check it.
• Be prepared to haggle over the price, and do not buy impulsively. It is often worth mentioning that you have been looking on the internet and are aware of current prices.

DIY Car Inspection

This may be helpful to take with you to ensure you don’t forget anything.

Bodywork - Rust

• Look on the inner wings, bulkhead, cross members and chassis members under the bonnet. If you find any it is best to walk away from the car.
• Under Car – check the side sills, chassis legs, cross members and subframes. If you think there may be a problem, lightly tap the area with a small hammer or push hard with your hand. If it gives way easily there may be weakened metal.
• Check the floor for corrosion.
• Ensure that brake pipes are not crusted with rust
• Check suspension and steering mounts.

Engine

• Check the oil – if it is very black the car has not been regularly or recently serviced. If it is beige and thick there may be a head gasket leak
• Check coolant – ensure it is not red and rusty looking.
• Listen to the engine start up from cold – ensure there is no black/blue smoke coming from the exhaust. The oil light should go out quickly, and there should not be any knocking or rattling noises.
• The vehicle should idle smoothly with no revving, pinking (tinny rattling) or misfiring.

Test Drive

• The car should go into gear easily, with no crunching or slipping. Check for slipping by driving up- hill in top gear.
• If it is an automatic – check the dipstick for fluid levels, and if it smells burnt it is best to avoid the vehicle.
• Ensure the vehicle handles well – its steering is responsive and not wobbly or pulling to one side.
• The brakes should work quickly and easily – the pedal should be resistant and not go all the way down to the floor. There should be no juddering when the brakes are applied, and the vehicle should not swerve to one side.
• Check the tyres – ensure they all have sufficient tread (outside edge of 10p piece) and there is no cracking.
• Look at the odometer – if the numbers are out of line this could indicate clocking.
• Be aware of the general condition of the vehicle and whether this reflects its mileage.
• Look under the carpet between the front and back doors – are there any signs of welding, as this could indicate that 2 halves have been joined together and the vehicle is then very dangerous.

Remember – if you still have doubts or concerns at this stage it is better to walk away from the vehicle and look for something else.

Buying a new car is likely to be one of the most expensive purchases you will ever make, second only to your home! It is therefore essential that you are fully prepared for this event and aware of different options and potential problems. Below are some important tips for preparing to buy your new car, which you may find helpful as a print- out so you can tick off what had been done and see what still needs to be done.

Buyers Checklist

• Set a budget – this must be realistic. Do not be tempted to make the budget fit the car. Include the cost of insurance, fuel and servicing.
• Decide how you are going to pay – a car loan, finance through a dealership, full payment?
• Decide what you want – be sure to consider what you need in a car. Is it to travel long distances, transport children or just for you?
• Check the internet to get an idea of current prices, makes and models.
• Make up a list of cars that are suitable (fit within budget and needs).
• Take the time to browse around different dealerships – ask salespeople for prices and deals.
• Although expensive a new car offers reliability, with warranties covering any repairs needed for a set amount of time after purchase – check time and details of these with dealers and compare them.
• Test drive all cars on the list – consider comfort, handling, parking and even colour (you may have the car for quite a long time).
• Test drive for at least 10-15 minutes on a variety of surfaces to give an idea of handling.
• Decide on 2-3 cars and write a list of good and bad points about each one.
• Pick one car and go back to various dealerships – ask them what their best price for the car is.
• Remember not to but impulsively – if you are getting fraught then go home and try again the next day.
• Be prepared to haggle a bit with dealers – ask them what they will include for the price (audio equipment, mats, tank of fuel). You are about to spend a lot of money with them, so they are likely to want to come to a deal.

Take one last look at the deals on offer and decide.

Safety

You may also wish to investigate the safety and reliability of your chosen vehicle before you buy. There are a number of internet sites that offer ratings on safety aspects of cars. These are written by consumers as well as independent motoring organisations and cover crashworthiness, safety and reliability.

• Hwysafety.org.uk
• Trial.which.co.uk
• Euroncap.com
• www.theaa.com
• www.Smartcarguide.com
• www.Channel4.com/4car/buying-guide/advice/crashsafety-542

The Euro NCAP test

This tests the safety performance of popular cars sold in Europe. Although most new cars are now given this test it is worth asking dealers as to whether certain models have been tested. From the results of the NCAP test you will get a much clearer picture of how safe the vehicle is. It will be given ratings for front/side impact protection, full impact protection, a pedestrian test and a separate category for child protection.

Finance

You may have decided to finance your new car through a personal loan, through a personal contract programme (PCP) or through hire purchase (HP).

PCP

A personal contract programme/purchase scheme is similar to a loan, as you enter into an agreement and make monthly repayments. It usually requires a deposit of 10% - 20% of the vehicle’s value. They are often arranged through dealerships and salespeople stand to earn commission this way.

What makes this agreement different is that, at the end of the agreement the finance provider will calculate a likely resale price of the vehicle and the balance will be the amount you finance. Therefore, the monthly repayments can be substantially smaller than those of other types of finance.

At the end of the agreement you can give the car back or pay the minimum guaranteed future value of the vehicle (balloon payment), and keep the car. You do not own the car until this point, and if you do not continue with repayments you may lose the car.

HP

Hire purchase plans are the most traditional way to finance a new car. They are usually arranged through dealerships and salespeople earn commission this way, so be aware of current interest rates etc so as not to be paying over the odds.

You will need to pay a deposit of 10% - 15% of the vehicle’s value and pay up over 1 to 5 years. You do not own the car until the end of the agreement, and all repayments have been made. Therefore, you cannot sell the car until this point. Hire purchase plans are usually at a fixed rate of interest, which is not good if you happen to take out the plan during a time when interest rates are high.