If you are planning to purchase a new car, you will have a variety of payment options. With so many options available – from a lump cash payment to a loan – it can be difficult to decide upon the best payment method for you. Following are the four main car payment types, along with common pros and cons for each;

Cash

Pro’s – If you do have the cash available, it can be a great payment method for your new car – in fact, it’s still a very popular payment option for many customers. By making a cash payment, you will avoid paying out for added interest (as to be expected with the majority of car loans or dealer finance arrangements). By paying in cash you could also speed up the purchasing process.

Con’s – Safety is an issue when you are carrying large amounts of cash – therefore, it’s wise to have someone with you when you visit the garage. Also check with your bank before you make the withdrawal – some banks may need pre-notification for larger amounts. Also ensure that you get the appropriate receipts when paying by cash – cheques and loans leave a ‘paper trail’, however, cash payments will need monitoring.

Credit card

Pro’s – Credit cards can be a very easy way to pay for your new car – and to this end, they are a very popular payment choice. Many credit cards now offer a high level of customer protection – meaning that your purchase should be covered. By using a credit card you could also speed up the purchasing process and you will have instant proof of your purchase on your credit card statement.

Con’s – Be aware of credit card charges – unless you intend to pay off your transaction straight away, you could be adding a lot of money in interest charges over the longer term. Also be aware of payment protection – make sure that larger transactions are fully covered and be careful when sharing your credit card details (i.e. only provide them to established and secure dealers/garages).

Dealer finance

Pro’s – Many people opt for dealer finance as part of an offer – i.e. a part-exchange programme. Certainly, dealer finance can be a very quick and easy way to purchase your new car – and, as the entire process will be dealt with exclusively by the dealer – this payment option could help to significantly speed up the purchasing process.

Con’s – Many people are persuaded into getting dealer finance by dealer representative ‘hard-sell’. It’s important to check the terms and conditions of the finance before you sign anything (i.e. always read the small print). You will need to ensure that you are getting a good deal in the long-term – beware of high interest dealer finance plans, or misleading introductory offers – you could end up out of pocket over a longer period of time. Also note that the majority of dealerships who offer finance will perform a credit check on you as standard – you may also need to meet certain requirements to obtain credit (i.e. a good payment history and have a set monthly income).

Car loan

Pro’s – The great thing about independent car finance is the ability for a customer to shop around – you can make sure that you get the best possible car loan for your purchase. You can compare a number of deals to get the best interest rate and spread the cost of your purchase over a longer period of time. Car loans can be a great budgeting option for anyone who doesn’t have the spare cash available to purchase a new car. Many people also prefer to get finance from an external company (i.e. a loan company/bank that is not affiliated with the dealership or garage).

Con’s – As with any other loan, you will need to put in a little extra leg-work to find the best possible deal. It’s important to read the small print and clauses in a car loan – many will offer great introductory rates, then higher payments in the future. Always make sure that you can easily afford your car loan payments to avoid potential problems in the future. It’s also worth noting that the majority of companies who offer car loans will perform a credit check on you, and they may not be able to lend the money to you if you do not meet the standard financial requirements (i.e. you may need to have a good payment history and have a set monthly income).

Increasing petrol prices and lower household income are both contributing to a 3.5 per cent annual fall in new car registrations during the month of July, according to new analysis from a leading organisation in the UK. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders revealed that UK car sales have experienced their 13th successive monthly decline after just 131,634 vehicles were registered during July.

This trend has led people to look for better deals on their vehicles, considering used car sales at Evans Halshaw or other dealerships across the UK. With the need for a bargain in mind, here are a few things that you should keep in mind when searching for your next mode of transport.

Firstly, what do you want from your car? It may sound like an obvious point, yet you need to know exactly what type of car you need. Smaller vehicles are better for town driving, yet it depends on how many people will use it regularly. If kids are in your family or at least being planned, consider how much space you’ll need for them.

People should look to secure a dependable dealer over a private seller, as the latter – or more unscrupulous small-time dealers – may try to give you a bad deal. Buying privately also provides less security than a transaction with the likes of an established brand. While used car sites are handy, professional dealerships usually offer the lowest price and combine it with the best protection plans.

Consider running costs with a used car; with the aforementioned issue with petrol prices, it stands to reason that you would consider diesel cars, or more eco-friendly newer models. Older cars are usually less efficient, while many increase spending on road tax.

Before buying a car, be sure to drive it. For comfort and personal safety, take a friend and ask everything you need to know about the car. Friends are also handy during inspections, which should happen during the day, as they can spot what you may not. Be sure to check all documents and take down the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

The penultimate step is to do a HPI check to ensure the car is not stolen or with outstanding finance. Finally, prioritise haggling – you could get a stellar deal if you just put your foot down.

More and more people are wising up to purchasing their insurance policies online. The internet is well known for its bargains and protective cover is one of the finest examples of all.

If you are trying to find low cost home cover or a cheap van insurance policy, then you should always start your search on the World Wide Web with a company like Staveley Head. These days it is becoming increasingly unlikely to find any quotes that are lower than those from online providers. The main reason for this is that internet-based insurance companies have far fewer overheads to cover with their prices. And this allows them to pass their savings directly to the customer!

However, as inexpensive as these online quotes may be, there are still a few ways of reducing them even further…

1. The Multiple Vehicles Method

   A lot of insurers will view three or more vehicles as ‘a fleet’. So, if your family has this many cars to its name, it could actually help to reduce the price of your cover…

   Taking out ‘Fleet Insurance’ can make a substantial difference to the cost of your annual premium. It will also mean that you have far less paperwork to contend with and that all of your vehicles will have the same renewal date!

2. The Multiple Policies Formula

   If you are already using a particular company for another type of cover, then taking out a policy for your vehicle with them could result in a lower price.

   This means that a cheap van insurance policy could become an even cheaper van insurance policy if you purchase it from the same firm that provide cover for your home, dog or phone…

3. The Multiple Choice Maxim

   Just about everyone will know about price comparison websites! And it’s true; they can deliver you with a really cheap van insurance policy or low cost cover for your pets. However, this isn’t always the case…

   The problem is that some insurance companies will not appear in the search results on these sites at all! And this is why you should make a point of visiting a fair few insurers websites as well.

Vauxhall Corsa Limited Edition

This is the new Vauxhall Corsa Black & White Limited Edition model. It features glacier white bodywork, black 17-inch twin spoke alloy wheels and extra detailing in the form of a black sapphire roof. It also has lowered suspension and a factory fitted VXR bodykit including a spoiler and skirts.

The interior includes a piano black centre console with contrasting white air vents and alloy pedals, along with Limited Edition badging throughout to remind you that you are sitting in something just a little bit special.

Standard specification on the Corsa Limited Edition also includes air con, fog lights, cruise control and CD changer with MP3 format including auxiliary connectivity. And as if the new Corsa wasn’t personalised enough already, a wide range of options can be specified including Bluetooth, electronic climate control and rear parking sensors.

In spite of its sporting intent, the new Corsa limited edition will be easy on the wallet and environment. Customers can choose from two frugal and efficient engines: an 85PS 1.2 16v VVT petrol, or the 75PS 1.3 CDTi ecoFLEX, with combined fuel consumption cycles of 53.3 and 65.7mpg respectively.

Emissions are also impressively low at 124g/Km for the 1.2 16v and 114g for the ecoFLEX model meaning that both engine variants qualify for the new zero first year VED banding.

Prices for the Corsa Limited Edition range from £13,995 for the 3-door 1.2 16v, to £15,400 for the 5-door ecoFLEX diesel.

The new Vauxhall Corsa Limited Edition is available from next month until the end of the year.

ISOFIX has been around a while now, so it was a surprise not to see more articles out there that talked about this incredibly important safety feature of modern vehicles (then again, I haven’t yet written my thrilling and James May-esque post about airbags).

Car seat cushions and seatbelts are used to restrain adults in the event of a crash of sudden stop of a vehicle, yet they’re also used to anchor child restraints. The problem with this is that not all seats for children are suitable for the setup of all cars.

ISOFIX was brought in as an ‘International Standards Organisation FIX’ – or a way in which, internationally, to solve the problem of child safety fixings within any given vehicle. Technical standards were proposed back in the nineties but have only recently been agreed on as a way forward (early this decade).

When cars are manufactured, many of them now feature ISOFIX points. These points allow for the installing of a child seat in a much more easy and simple way – as well as ensuring the secure positioning of the seat itself.

I thought it might be useful to offer the definition from Wikipedia at this point:

“Isofix is International Organisation for Standardisation standard ISO 13216, which specifies the anchoring system for Group 1 child safety seats. It defines standard attachment points to be manufactured into cars, enabling compliant child safety seats to be quickly and safely secured. Isofix is an alternative to securing the seat with seat belts. Seats are secured with a single attachment at the top (top tether) and two attachments at the base of each side of the seat. The full set of anchor points for this system were required in new cars in the United States starting in September 2002.”

Generally speaking, the anchor points of ISOFIX in the vehicle will also make it very difficult (if not impossible) for a child seat to be positioned incorrectly within the vehicle. This is also another benefit of the scheme and furthers the safety credentials of ISOFIX.

There are a variety of ISOFIX classes, which denote what height of seat should be used along with the age of the child (toddler or young child), as well as (even) which way the seat should be facing. The biggest recommendation though is to check your vehicle handbook prior to purchasing any seat, as this will give you an indication of suitability and clear instructions on how to approach the attachment of the seat into your car.

The windscreen is an extremely important part of any vehicle – and unfortunately also an area that is prone to damage. Modern windscreens are technically quite sound and made from dual layer laminated glass which is glued into position and aids in the rigidity of the whole structure of the car. Windscreens don’t tend to fragment thanks to an inner layer, aiding safety in the event of a rollover. A windscreen check is part of an MOT.

Glass is of course by nature a somewhat fragile material, even with the processes with which modern screens go through in order to protect them (and us) from taking any damage. However, there are a number of factors that can effect damage such as wiper blade scratches, using sharp objects to remove frost from your car, stone chips and more.

A neighbour of mine recently suffered an interesting problem with a side window. She left the car for approximately one hour and upon her return discovered a side window completely fragmented. I was at the time cleaning my car, but didn’t see anyone causing the damage. Interestingly, when the police arrived to investigate they notified her that it was possibly a small stone chip, which the weather had in turn extended across all of the glass. Proof positive, I’m sure you’ll agree, of the importance of having repairs completed (though in this case, she did not see any damage in the first place!).

By far the most common form of incidental damage (i.e. when you’re out and about) remains the classic stone chip. There are a variety of factors that govern this type of damage, such as road surface driven on, number of miles, size and shape of windscreen, rake angle and type of car. Some cars seem to be more prone to this type of damage than others.

Stone chipping is a generic term really, but could mean just about anything causing impact damage – in this case with particular regard to your windscreen, though you may find your bonnet pot-holed too. There are a number of different types of impact that may be visible should your car suffer this, such as rounded ‘bulls eye’ damage or a ‘star break’ where the damage blooms outwards in all directions.

Of course, a chip is just that – and quite often does start off very minor at first (but warrants immediate attention, as I’ll demonstrate below). Real problems set in through the chip becoming much bigger. This can be caused by shock or vibration, extremes of temperature (so don’t pour hot water onto your frozen windscreen) or further impact damage.

By getting a windscreen chip repaired by a suitably guaranteed company you are potentially saving yourself the cost of a new screen. If you have glass cover on your insurance (most people do), a repair is usually free in most cases. There are one or two insurance companies that have started levying a small excess – typically £10.

Compare this with the cost of a replacement windscreen. If your windscreen chip cracks and you have glass cover on your insurance then you will have to pay your glass excess which is generally £50-£100.

This highlights how important it is, as I mentioned above, to have any damage rectified sooner rather than later, as once the damage goes beyond a certain point, you have no option but to replace the whole windscreen. Without glass cover on insurance, prices do vary so check with a number of suppliers before agreeing to have a repair completed.

Windscreen repair (rather than replacement) also has some further benefits:

• environmental (the screen is repaired instead of being removed and replaced with a new one)
• it’s quicker (takes just 30 minutes for a repair) so if time is money then this helps you save too

Plus there are the safety aspects:

• a windscreen chip could crack at any time and may distract you while you drive
• your windscreen provides up to 30% of the vehicle’s structural strength because it is bonded with special adhesive to the window aperture and the passenger airbag relies on the windscreen to provide support if the airbag deploys. Repairing a chip will result in your windscreen being as strong as before the damage happened.

It’s also worth highlighting that whilst there are a range of suppliers, it’s best to go with one that can provide you with a guarantee of the work done, for example, Autoglass holds the ISO 9001:2000 Certification of Quality Assurance.

If you are at all worried about your windscreen or any other car windows, please do get it checked out. As highlighted above, it is important not just for your wallet but also your safety.

Mazda RX-8

Test Drive an RX-8 or request a brochure

Introduction
There’s nothing quite like Mazda’s rotary engine coupe – that has a 1.3 litre engine under the bonnet that powers the car like a 2.5 litre.  Though some argue that it unfortunately drinks more like a 3 litre!  When the first models were available back in 2003, the unique styling of this interesting motor was a top selling point.

Featuring suicide doors at the rear (that open the opposite way to normal) and a nice leather interior as standard, there’s a lot to like about this car.  Various specials and iterations of the car are available, though the 190bhp and 230bhp version remain up to today.  Space isn’t huge in the back, but it’s hardly tiny either and so is suitable even for four adults on a shorter run.

Of course, a coupe is only as good as the performance it has to match the funky looks and in this case, the Mazda RX-8 doesn’t disappoint.  It can rev all the way to 9,000rpm and does so in such a smooth fashion it’ll take your breath away.  It is quite unlike anything else.

Considerations
Repeatedly, the RX-8 scores quite highly in a variety of surveys, only to be let down by what some consider to be overly high fuel consumption figures.  Around 25mpg is not uncommon, or even lower.  Another issue is the need to regularly check oil levels.  The Wankel rotary engine needs care and regular 12,500 mile (or yearly) servicing.

Possible Problems
Generally considered reliable, there is however some areas which you need to consider before forking out any hard-earned cash on an RX-8.  These include the heat shield between exhaust and fuel tank – make sure it hasn’t been left off after a service.  Suspension has been known to fail on early cars, see the recall list below for more information.

The Wankel engine is a special bit of kit – it won’t take too kindly to very short journeys or idling for long periods – which can in fact result in damage to the exhaust ports, which in turn affects the catalytic converter.  Other watchouts include the clutch (make sure it isn’t slipping), the oil system (a lack of oil is a disaster for this kind of engine) and the headlamps.  Xenons as standard are cool but just make sure water hasn’t got in.

Recalls
May 2004 – Shock absorber heat insulation issue. August 2005 – Ball joint separation leading to a loss of steering. August 2005 – Heat damage to fuel tank at high revs. August 2005 – Possible fuel leak problem.

Overall
There are plenty of other cars that will drink fuel in the gulping way that a Mazda RX-8 does, but few that offer so much performance for the £6,000 mark – a figure which you can happily pick one up at now.  If you don’t mind doing the run to the forecourt or the regular oil checking required then this car certainly has a lot to offer.  Just make sure that you buy one with a good set of wheels – this car packs a punch and you don’t want to go sideways around a roundabout!

For many, the Corsa VXR is the darling of the VXR range – it isn’t too unwieldy like the Astra, it isn’t ridiculous like the Zafira.  It is just right, a well balanced, exceptionally quick hot hatch with great looks.  An uprated, very safe small car that is just as much at home larking about on the track as it is going to Asda for the shopping.  So, what’s this about a ‘Limited Edition’ Arctic White version?

Well, here’s what Vauxhall have to say:

Introducing new Corsa VXR Arctic Edition. Launched at the 2008 British International Motor Show in July, this edition signals a new era for Vauxhall’s VXR – where power and performance are king and styling is bold and brave.

This Arctic Edition is limited to just 500, making the experience of driving one all the more unique. Although few and far between, you’ll be hard pushed to miss this VXR as they’re only available in bright glossy Glacier White.

The bespoke black 18-inch V-spoke alloy wheels with ultra-low profile 225/35 tyres and a Remus Sports exhaust will separate the part-time players from the serious drivers. Driving this VXR you’ll have to get used to being noticed, though the electrically operated sliding glass sunroof, dark-tinted rear windows and black gloss roof can help you stay comfortably separated from the admirers.

And if you need to make a hasty departure, the Corsa VXR’s 1.6-litre turbocharged engine can deliver a speedy 0-60 time of 6.8 seconds.

Don’t just take our word for it, this is what VX Racing’s rookie star had to say on the matter…

“The white blew me away, and I love the noise from the Remus exhaust, it’s quite addictive.”
- Tom Onslow-Cole.

What do I think?  Yes, I would have one.  I’m not quite sure why, but I like the whole white thing that the industry is doing at the moment.  Very retro, but very refreshing too.  Small cars look good with it, as do supercars.  As I mentioned, the VXR Corsa is a great all round performer and something you’d be happy to be behind the wheel of.  Mentioning which, I’m off to book a test drive so I’ll have more information soon.

I’d also like to mention that if I was driving one of only 500 then I’d feel very happy indeed.  After all, there are far too many people out there in Astras that look like VXR’s but have piddly 1.4 litre engines…

I’ve made no bones about my passion – and that tends to be fast cars.  You may have even gotten a little sick of hearing Lamborghini this or Aston Martin that.  You’ll no doubt be shouting at the screen – much as many do with Top Gear – and saying ‘where are the normal car reviews?’

Well, I’m not about to review the new Kia Picanto for you (even if it is a good car).  Well, I will if I get an invite to test-drive it.  In the meantime though, what I’d like to do is recommend five cars that you’ll love.  You’ll love them because not only are they on the whole very decent at what they do, but also they’ll save you a fortune in insurance.

Whether you’re a new driver or an older person looking to save money, any of these cars will be suitable for you.  Even if you’re the motorist looking to save a few bob, then you won’t go wrong with these.  This is not least because not only are these cars cheap to insure, but they all have relatively small (and economical) engines.  So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the five.

Skoda Fabia
Don’t listen to those who are still telling the same old badge jokes.  In fact, poke them in the eye and tell them they are about ten years behind the times.  Since VW took over Skoda way back in 1991, things have got better and better.  The Fabia is based on the V Polo and is extremely reliable, hardwearing and very safe.  The 1.2 litre Classic is insurance group one – that fact will certainly make your wallet fatter.

Renault Clio
The third generation of the supermini is a modern classic in many ways and the quality certainly goes some way to explaining why you see them just about everywhere.  The way in which the internal space is handled is very clever, meaning that there’s actually quite a bit of room inside.  Going for the 1.2 litre will see you getting almost 50mpg, something that you won’t see from many other engines.

Nissan Micra
Granted, this car will probably be the least popular in this review.  Why is that?  Well, the perky little car is what a huge number of people learn to drive in every year.  Given this fact, I know that I for sure was desperate to distance myself from the Micra – even if my ideal car is a Nissan (a 350Z for the record).  However, the modern Micra is actually a damn good car.  You’ll get keyless entry, parking sensors, air con and many other perks you wouldn’t necessarily expect.  Overall, it’s a really good car and it won’t cost the Earth to run.

Fiat Punto
There is a large number of this particular Italian supermini on the road and for good reason.  It enjoys being revved.  It really is that simple.  Much like James May said in his review of the Fiat 500, these Italian cars are made to be lit up by pushing the revometer until the valves have “jumped up and are dancing on the bonnet”.  I couldn’t agree more – and it is one of the more involving cars here.  Not only that, but even the 1.3 litre sporting will see you managing to get very reasonable insurance quotes.

Ford Fiesta
This is a car that has been around for about 30 years now – which must tell you something.  Granted, there are so many superminis out there now that the Fiesta can look a bit of an oldie (not least because the design has never really been altered that much) but it is a testament to the quality that so many are still going.  The newer and younger models however are really geared for the modern generation and feature such additions as Bluetooth and new-design alloys.  Why get it?  Well the 1.25 litre version is a group two and will give you about 45mpg.  You can chuck it in corners and it’ll give you a smile.  With that in mind, what’s not to love?

Conclusion
You’ll have seen that there’s a trend in these ‘cheap to insure’ cars – and that is the fact that they are pretty much exclusively superminis with small engines.  There’s nothing wrong with that, in fact they can offer a great drive along with frugal performance.  So, for a change, let’s all hail these little metal marvels of money saving.  Make mine a Fabia (VRS edition diesel mind you).

Looking to buy? Try Manchester car dealers to see what they have in stock.

This top one hundred may raise a few eyebrows; one because Sir Stirling Moss has been named number one and the great Michael Schumacher has been placed outside of the top ten. This is because in he deals with the Ferrari F1 Team, many people claim that he demanded seniority over other drivers.

Clearly Michael Schumacher is the number one F1 driver as he won 91 Grand Prix, while the top four of Moss, Clark, Senna and Prost only won 133 Grand Prix between them!

Anyway this is the list according to Autocar:

1. Stirling Moss

2. Jim Clark

3. Ayrton Senna

4. Alain Prost

5. Alberto Ascari

6. Juan-Manuel Fangio

7. Bernd Rosemeyer

8. Jackie Stewart

9. Tazio Nuvolari

10. Mika Häkkinen

11. Michael Schumacher

12. Gilles Villeneuve

13. Chris Amon

14. Tony Brooks

15. Carlos Reutemann

16. Achille Varzi

17. Emerson Fittipaldi

18. Jack Brabham

19. Mario Andretti

20. Niki Lauda

21. Jochen Rindt

22. Nelson Piquet

23. Guy Moll

24. John Surtees

25. Ronnie Peterson

26. Hermann Lang

27. Dan Gurney

28. Keke Rosberg

29. Kimi Räikkönen

30. Lewis Hamilton

31. Nigel Mansell

32. Fernando Alonso

33. Rudolf Caracciola

34. Didier Pironi

35. Jacky Ickx

36. Alan Jones

37. James Hunt

38. Phil Hill

39. Damon Hill

40. Mike Hawthorn

41. Giuseppe Farina

42. Jody Scheckter

43. Jean-Pierre Wimille

44. Graham Hill

45. François Cevert

46. Gerhard Berger

47 Pedro Rodriguez

48. Jean Behra

49. Jacques Villeneuve

50. Ricardo Rodriguez

51. Clay Regazzoni

52. Denny Hulme

53. Jean Alesi

54. Juan Pablo Montoya

55. Carlos Pace

56. Louis Chiron

57. Peter Revson

58. Jo Siffert

59. David Coulthard

60. Felipe Massa

61. Froilán Gonzalez

62. Stefan Bellof

63. Elio de Angelis

64. Lorenzo Bandini

65. Riccardo Patrese

66. Patrick Tambay

67. Jenson Button

68. Rubens Barrichello

69. Martin Brundle

70. Derek Warwick

71. Dick Seaman

72. Patrick Depailler

73. Peter Collins

74. Bruce McLaren

75. Michele Alboreto

76. Eddie Irvine

77. Richie Ginther

78. Jean-Pierre Beltoise

79. Johnny Servoz-Gavin

80. Thierry Boutsen

81. Rene Arnoux

82. Tony Brise

83. Tom Pryce

84. Innes Ireland

85. Jarno Trulli

86. John Watson

87. Luigi Musso

88. Raymond Sommer

89. Mike Hailwood

90. Roy Salvadori

91. Ralf Schumacher

92. Wolfgang von Trips

93. Stuart Lewis-Evans

94. Jacques Laffite

95. Eugenio Castellotti

96. Trevor Taylor

97. Piers Courage

98. Stefan Johansson

99. Jochen Mass

100. Brian Redman

Source [Bruce McLaren]