Archive
Your car may have sentimental value and you probably love it even if you’re not especially attached to it. After all, your car gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want. But to your insurance company it’s just another commodity; something to be disposed of at the stroke of a pen. … Continued
Sometimes when buying a used car it’s easy to be taken in by a seller who seems honest – or to glance at the shiny paint along with the immaculate interior and assume that the rest of the car must be just as good. But failing to take a test drive before buying a used … Continued
And warns motorists of the wear and tear dangers of buying a ‘clocked’ car www.hpicheck.com Long standing campaigner against so-called ‘mileage correction firms’, HPI, is applauding today’s news that Business Minister, Anna Soubry, has pledged a law change to close the loophole that enables fraudsters to wind back the miles on a vehicle’s odemeter. As many … Continued
If you’re thinking about buying your first car, you’re completely overwhelmed at all the choices you can make. You might be torn between new or used, petrol or diesel, manual or auto, what bodystyle to go for – along with exactly which make and model to go for. Your budget will probably dictate what you … Continued
The DVLA recently introduced an electronic system for car log book documentation when buying or selling a used car in the UK. The electronic changeover began with driving license paper counterparts, quickly followed by the elimination of road tax discs. Now the V5C log book has gone the same way. In particular, the electronic system … Continued
It took a long time for diesel cars to become popular in the UK, sales increases coming about largely because of tax incentives for fleet drivers. Until recently the rise of diesel seemed unstoppable, then Volkswagen was caught being dishonest and suddenly petrol-engined cars are back in favour once more. If you’re confused as to … Continued
Brits love their cars and they love to show them off – especially if it’s a new one with the latest registration plate. It’s a tradition that stretches back to 1963, when the original ‘suffix’ plates were introduced. Ever since then we’ve had a ‘year identifier’ that marks out when a car was first registered. … Continued
Drive a car and you have to have insurance to be legal, but understanding some of the terminology isn’t always easy. Before you buy an insurance policy it’s essential that you get to grips with what’s on offer; here’s how to decipher the code. Types of cover Legally, you need only Third Party insurance which … Continued
As Trading Standards take tougher action on dealers who fall foul www.hpicheck.com HPI is urging used car dealers to make vehicle history checks standard on all stock, regardless of the vehicle’s age, after a Trading Standards investigation led to a trader from Wales being successfully prosecuted for unwittingly selling on a car with outstanding finance … Continued
The latest figures from cap reveal that the supercar market could offer a sound return on investment if buyers choose the right make and model. Overall, supercar and some sports car used values have remained level in a depreciating marketplace, but some vehicles are enjoying strong appreciation. Philip Nothard, cap consumer and retail editor, explains, … Continued
HPI offers used car buying tips to avoid buying a vehicle with something to hide www.hpicheck.com The March plate change brings a swathe of used vehicles onto the market, as people upgrade their car. Used car buyers looking for a sweet 16 bargain could be in for a nasty surprise, if they don’t bother to … Continued
Everyone likes to think they’re a good driver and that they’re not going to be involved in a crash. But according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), every year around three million people claim on their car insurance, sometimes for theft or vandalism, but usually because of some kind of collision. It doesn’t help … Continued
The problem with car insurance is that it’s full of jargon, but you need to get to grips with it if you’re to stay legal and get the best deal you can when buying cover for your car. One of the key things to consider with car insurance is what level of cover you … Continued
HPI’s Guide to Helping Used Car Buyers Avoid the Paperwork Pitfall www.hpicarbuyersguide.co.uk After searching for that dream car, many buyers are all too eager to seal the deal and hand over their hard earned money. But, says vehicle history check expert HPI, it’s vital to look beyond the shiny paintwork and high spec interior … Continued
The question is simple; should you buy a classic car, or not? But the answer (unsurprisingly) is far more complex. What constitutes a classic car? What will you be using it for? What’s your budget? Why are you considering one? Will this be your sole means of transport? For some people a classic car makes … Continued
There was a time when the height of automotive sophistication was the fitment of a radio or heater. Then things moved on and if you didn’t have an in-car kettle or mechanical trip computer, you were a nobody. But nowadays, even the smallest cars are available with a bewildering array of high-tech gadgetry, from … Continued
HPI data reveals green cars the mostly likely to be stolen, clocked or written off www.hpicheck.com According to new research by the vehicle history check expert, HPI, the colour car that most commonly hits its ‘at risk’ registers is green. Used car buyers who conduct an HPI Check® on green cars are more frequently told … Continued
Modern life is full of jargon which often serves only to confuse. Nowhere is this more evident than in the world of used cars, where misunderstanding an acronym or technical term could land you with a whole heap of trouble. That’s why it’s so important to understand the terminology that’s bandied about. Here at HPI … Continued
