The Car Buyer’s Bible

Part 2: The Buyer’s Guide

In part 2 of this eBook, we’ve got somethi ng for everyone - n o matter what type of car you’re looking for, be

it a city run-around or an off-roading machine. Simply find the type of car you’re after in our guide for hints and tips when it comes to narrowing down your choices and making decisions. Our featured experts provide their top advice for each type of car – saving you stress and money, safe in the knowledge that you’re making the r ight decision on your next car.

Contents

2.1 The Car About Town: City Hatchbacks 2.2 Homes On Wheels: First-Class Family Cars 2.3 Eco-Friendly Cars for the Green Revolution

2.4 Off-Road Adventures: The World’s Finest 4x4s

2.5 Performance and Luxury Cars: Going Grand on a Budget 2.6 Pre-Loved Perks: Why It Pays to Buy Used Cars 2.7 Accessible Driving: Motors for Mobility

2.1 The Car About Town: City Hatchbacks

Whether you need a car to tackle the morning traffic, or to nip to the shops – city living definitely requires a specific type of vehicle. The general consensus is that smaller is better. With narrow streets, squeezing into tight parking spots and bumper-to-bumper traffic part of the everyday city charm, your priorities when buying a city car need to keep these factors in mind.

With that said, the small car market is perhaps the biggest in the UK, with super-minis like the popular Ford Fiesta breaking sales records up and down the country. And down-sizing on your car doesn’t mean sacrificing the fun. In fact, many of today’s super-minis are some of the best drives around - offering stylish design, great handling and strong economy figures in one compact package.

Featured Expert: Andrew Jervis, co-founder of ClickMechanic.com, shares his recommendations when it comes to choosing a car for city life.

With city populations growing and available space shrinking, choosing the right car to get around town can keep money in your pocket and help the environment. Therefore, for me, it has to be a small car

every time – and if you’re looking for a sweet little runner and value for money , you'll be hard pushed to

match what the Kia Picanto can offer. With being cheaper than most other major city cars but offering

some sleek looks, great fuel economy and a 7 year warranty, I’m sure you won't be disappointed.

Easy parking

With parking at a premium in the city, it may be wise to opt for parking sensors as part of your vehicle’s spec. The vast majority of new cars today offer reverse parking sensors as an additional option – if they’re not already included on the standard model. The vast majority of systems use small radar detectors built into the bumpers of your car which alert the driver through an audible “ping”, increasing in frequency as you get too close to an object – be that another car, curb, bollard or wall.

High-spec vehicles may even be available with a reverse parking camera system. This uses a small

camera at the rear of the car which feeds directly to a screen on the car’s dashboard when the car is in

reverse. The camera is angled in such a way that the driver gets a wide angle view of their car’s rear bumper, allowing them to avoid any bumps or scrapes when manoeuvring in tight spaces.

Image source: Michael Gil

Made for traffic

Most popular super-minis today come with super-efficient engine options – with the likes of the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa coming with a line-up of economical three-cylinder engines. If you spend a lot of your time in slow moving traffic, avoid diesel engines as these need to run at high speeds regularly in order to maintain efficiency. Petrol, hybrid and electric vehicles are far more efficient at low speeds and on short journeys than their diesel counterparts, saving you money on your daily city commute.

If you’re buying new, look for a car with a start-stop system. These systems automatically cut-out the engine when you come to stop and put your car in neutral as soon - as you put your foot on the clutch to

get back into gear, the engine will automatically re-start. Surely all that stopping and starting can’t be good

for your engine? Modern start-stop systems are specifically designed to efficiently stop and start the engine whenever you come to a stand-still, without draining your cars battery or inflicting any additional wear to the engines components. A start-stop system will save you serious Pounds at the petrol pump in the long-run, especially if you spend most of your time in traffic jams or waiting at the lights.

Congestion charges

For London based commuters who need a car to get around, paying the Congestion Charge on a daily basis can soon add up. There are, however, numerous workarounds for avoiding paying the toll on your daily journey through Central London. Transport for London offer exemptions or discounts known as ULED

(Ultra Low Emissions Discount) for certain vehicle types. If you’re investing in a car in the Big Smoke, it

may be worthwhile exploring vehicles which are either exempt or offer a discount on the Congestion Charge. For full details on escaping the expensive charge, check out the TFL website.

2.2 Homes on Wheels: First-Class Family Cars

Starting your own family can mean a big lifestyle change, in more ways than one! It can also mean it’s time to trade in your favourite two-seater for something a little more practical.

Family considerations

Obviously your requirements will depend on the size of your family and the age of your children. However, other factors to consider include usage habits, budget, boot space and any extra capacity you might need for infrequent extra passengers. Five-door vehicles win hands down when it comes to kids - regardless of whether or not your children are young enough to require a car seat, rear doors are a godsend when it comes to getting in and out of the car with ease.

There’s a broad range of options when it comes to selecting a family car, with numerous types of vehicles

being marketed towards the family market. Hatchbacks, MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles), crossovers and estates all have their own set of benefits. The choice comes down to your requirements and personal preferences.

Image source: Toyota Motor Europe

Size matters

Mid-size hatchbacks like the VW Golf and Ford Focus offer an ideal compromise between space and

economy. They’re small enough to drive easily and they’re economical, but they also offer plenty of space

for a family of 4 to travel in comfort - with plenty of room for luggage in the boot.

If you’ve got a family of 5 or more, a larger MPV, crossover or estate car may be more suitable for your

needs. Many of the MPVs and crossovers on the market today offer up to 7 seats, including the funky Citroen Grand Picasso and elegant Ford Grand C-Max offer plenty of interior space without sacrificing style - keeping both the driver and the kids happy.

Featured Expert: Becky Goddard-Hill of Family-Budgeting.co.uk shares her expert insights when it comes to finding a practical family car on a budget.

When investing in a car, it is important to emphasise practicality, particularly if you are on a budget. Substance over style is important, so it needs to be worth every penny. You also need to think about what is most important to you.

Do you really need built in DVD players and a massive boot if you only have one child who already has a portable tablet? Don't be swayed by extras and don't get too fixed on colour or models...keep an open

mind - that’s how you get the best bargain.

Keeping costs down

Family life can get expensive and, with that in mind, it’s important that your choice of car keeps within

budget when it comes to running costs. Diesel engines generally offer better economy figures, especially on longer journeys. It may also be worth researching which of your top choices are the most reliable and have the lowest maintenance costs. Check out Cap.co.uk to calculate the expected running costs for your next vehicle. Make sure you budget for your car finance payments, fuel, tax, insurance and leave room to spare for any other unexpected bills.

2.3 Eco-Friendly Cars for the Green Revolution

If you’re looking for a new car but want to be sure that it’s eco-friendly, that’s no problem. By going green, you can find the car that’s right for you without sacrificing your environmental concerns.

Cost-effectiveness

Eco-friendly vehicles are an excellent investment. While electric cars in particular may be more expensive to buy up-front, they are infinitely cheaper to run – meaning the long-term economic benefits are great indeed.

Lower emissions

In addition to saving you money on running costs, electric and hybrid cars also help you do your part to save the environment. CO2 emissions are much lower for eco-friendly vehicles, with the sweet spot falling below 100g/km of CO2 – meaning you’ll even be exempt from road tax. Super-efficient vehicles which emit 75g/km of CO2 or less are also free of London’s expensive daily Congestion Charge.

Image source: The Rabbit

Featured Expert: Paul Clarke, editor of GreenCarGuide.co.uk shares his top tips for environmentally conscious buyers looking for a green-machine.

If you’re looking for a more economical car, there’s never been a better time, as there are lots of choi ces.

However, it can also be confusing: do you choose petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, range-extender, or pure electric vehicle?

The answer to the common question of ‘which is the best green car?’ depends on your driving:



If you only do short journeys and want a cheap car, then a petrol car with, for instance, a small three-cylinder engine is likely to be cost effective overall.

If you spend most of your time driving high motorway mileages, then an efficient diesel will probably give you the best economy.



If your driving is split in and out of urban areas, then a hybrid may be ideal. If your regular commute is within the electric range of a plug-in hybrid or an extended-range electric vehicle (possibly 15-80 miles between recharges depending on the model) and you also want to drive further at weekends, then these technologies would be perfect.



If most of your driving is within the range of a pure electric vehicle, i.e. 80-100 miles in most cases, then such a choice could really slash your running costs – and would result in zero tailpipe emissions.

For more information, check out The Green Car Guide’s handy online videos.

If you’re still not sure which eco-friendly machine is the car for you, here’s some more information that

might help to tip the scales.

Going electric



No exhaust or noxious fumes Much quieter than cars with internal combustion engines Regenerative braking means the car is charged when you brake Cheap to charge with charging stations widely accessible in urban areas Many electric cars have superior acceleration performance to conventional vehicles

Going hybrid



Some hybrids use an internal combustion engine to generate electricity and recharge Consumes less fuel than conventional vehicles and causes less air pollution Hybrid engines are much smaller, lighter and more efficient than in conventional vehicles

Featured Expert: Peter Thomas of NextGreenCar.com shares a handy online resource when it comes to finding the greenest car on the market.

Check out the Next Green Car ‘Green Car Rating’ on our site to assess your vehicle's environmental

impact. Each car is given a score ranging from 0 for the greenest cars, to 100+ for the most polluting. Our Green Car Rating assesses a vehicle's environmental impact over its whole life cycle – including vehicle use, fuel production and vehicle manufacture.

The core of the site is a database of all the new cars commercially available in the UK, through which visitors can search and compare cars according to many criteria including CO2, MPG, Car Tax Band and price.

2.4 Off-Road Adventures: The World’s Finest 4x4s

There are two types of 4x4 owners – those who genuinely require the off-road capabilities and those who just prefer them for their looks, space and driving characteristics. 4x4s are generally considered an expensive investment, and running costs are rarely cheap – so it’s important to nail down your needs before making a decision.

Carefully assess your off-road requirements

If you do a lot of driving off-road or regularly tow caravans, horseboxes or trailers, then a full-blown 4x4 is a

justifiable expense. However, if you’re buying a 4x4 for its look and feel over any actual need to drive offroad, you’re likely to end up incurring unnecessary expenses. We’ve broken things down into two sections,

depending on what kind of driving you do and the reasoning behind your 4x4 needs.

The true 4x4 off roader

Image source: Land Rover Our Planet

If you’re after true off-road capabilities, there are a number of specific factors to consider when making a decision on which make or model to go with:



Many of the best off-roaders come with a low-range gear box, allowing you to slow down the wheels when tackling tricky off-road situations.



The vast majority of true 4x4s are fitted with diesel engines for UK markets. This is primarily due to the high cost of fuel and strict emissions ratings in the UK. However, there are also additional benefits to diesels when it comes to off-roading. Their higher torque output makes them ideal for towing and powering up steep inclines. 4x4s are generally much larger and heavier than their roadgoing counterparts and therefore much less fuel efficient. An economical diesel engine will also reduce running costs on longer or rural journeys. Ensure you budget for the increased running costs of a 4x4. With off-road capabilities comes complex transmissions, gearing and suspension systems. Servicing and repairs can be a great deal more expensive than that of a regular car. Check out Cap.co.uk to get an estimate of your next

4x4’s running costs before you commit to a purchase.

Unsurprisingly, Land Rover have perfected the off-road formula, with the indestructible Land Rover Defender and comfortable yet capable Land Rover Discovery taking the title as two of the best true off-

roaders money can buy. And if luxury is top of your list, you can’t beat the Range Rover – both the original,

Sport and Evoque editions offer unparalleled comfort and quality, while maintaining competency both on and off-road.

The suburban SUV

Image source: gpeuropa.net

Featured Expert: The car scrapping, recycling and all around motoring experts at MotorWise.com share the benefits of the crossover.

The rise of the 'soft roader' such as the Audi Q3 has increased the accessibility of off-road adventure cars by combining the everyday features of normal road driving with the capabilities of a four wheel drive.

Manufacturers have cottoned on to the fact that many people are drawn in by the appeal of a 4x4, but don’t

actually need the off-road capabilities of a true 4-wheel-drive. 4x4s today are no longer the utilitarian barebones vehicles they used to be. Today, the vast majority of 4x4s on the market are both stylish and comfortable and it’s this which is responsible for the increase in demand. In recent years, there have been a number of SUVs and crossover vehicles like the Nissan Juke (pictured) which offer the looks and space of a 4x4, but without the expensive running costs.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that an SUV or crossover is just a sheep in wolf’s clothing – these vehicles genuinely do have some off-road capabilities. Many SUVs and crossovers are available with a standard 4- wheel-drive system, which is plenty to keep you out of trouble on rougher surfaces or in wintery conditions – however, they don’t have all the unnecessary add-ons only required in extreme off-road situations.

2.5 Performance and Luxury Cars: Going Grand on a Budget

If you’re lucky enough to be in the market for a luxury or performance car, whether it’s an executive saloon

or a sporty coupe, there are certain considerations which apply specifically to buying this type of vehicle.

The UK and much of Europe’s executive car market is dominated by ‘the big three’, consisting of legendary German automakers Mercedes, BMW and Audi. It’s not without reason that these three industry giants

dominate the market, with the German auto market renowned for its quality engineering, elegant design and cutting edge innovations. However, there are also major players in the game, with Range Rover and Jaguars refreshed line-up offering bags of style and a little more personality than their German badged rivals.

Compact executives

There has been a recent increase in demand for compact executive cars, offering the same levels of luxury, refinement and performance as their larger counterparts – but in a smaller, often two-door package. This

compromise offers drivers a more practical car that’s easier to drive, park and manoeuvre. Compact

executives are also cheaper and more efficient in general – making them an ideal choice if you’re already at the top end of your budget.

Here’s our pick of the top 3 compact execs on the market today:



Mercedes C-Class Saloon – With prices starting well below £30k, the C-Class offers some of the best value for money on the market when it comes to luxury per pound. Highlights include its unparalleled plush interior and a range of super-frugal diesel engines, sure to keep running costs to a minimum.



Jaguar XF Saloon – If style is high on your priority list, the Jaguar is the exec to go for. Its stunning design combined with sporty handling make the XF ideal for those who want the looks and performance of a sports car in a more practical package. BMW 3 Series Saloon – The legendary three series is one of the strongest all-rounders in its category. With a huge range of trim levels, specifications and engines, there really is something for everyone with a wide range of price points. Basic entry level models are sub £25k - making the 3 series one of the most popular compact execs on the market.

With high quality cars come high quality parts, meaning that servicing and repairs are generally much more expensive. Make sure you factor additional running costs into your overall budget before committing to what could potentially be a major financial drain.

Image source: Ben

Featured Expert: We asked the motoring experts at CarThrottle.com what their top picks would be on a sub £50k budget. Car Throttle editor, Alex Kersten, shares his favourite performance and luxury cars on a budget.

Performance cars up to £50k

There are two cars that stand out. First is the Nissan GT-R, a vehicle that's widely regarded as the best value-for-money supercar currently on sale. Prices for a new 2014 GT-R start from around £78,000 and for that you get 542bhp, 0-62mph in 3.0sec (quicker than a £200,000 Ferrari 458) and a top speed of 196mph. Buy used (2009) and you can pick up a second-hand GT-R for around £37,000. It's slightly down on power (478bhp vs 542bhp), but still astonishingly fast - 0-62mph takes 3.5sec and it's good for 193mph. Thanks to AWD, the GT-R handles impeccably and flatters any driver into looking like a professional racer.

The second performance car which represents great value is the Porsche Cayman. It's arguably the best model in the entire Porsche range thanks to its 911-rivalling dynamics, mid-engined layout and responsive engines. The best of the bunch is the new GTS model which, while costing £55k, is the closest you'll get to driving perfection. Thanks to a 3.4-litre naturally-aspirated six-cylinder engine with 336bhp, you'll see 177mph after launching to 62mph in just 4.6 seconds. With a budget of £12-14k, you bag yourself a 2005 Cayman 3.4 S   with 295bhp and a top speed of 171mph; there aren't many other cars in this price range that offer the same levels of performance, comfort and kudos.