Affordable Autos and Cars

The UK has  disadvantage of importing in auto salvage from the USA, in that we drive in the other side of the road, but that doesn’t mean there is not a huge interest in American cars over here. For some reason used prices of American Autos seem to remain more constant that over here, an indication is the Blue Book (an auto price guide) is only published every 6 months in the states, where publications like Parkers and Glasses guide come out monthly here in the UK, indicating greater fluctuations.

The pattern of prices tends to mean auto are cheaper when new in the USA, but as they older the vehicles hold their value more. Try buying a car under $1000 in the USA and you will see what I mean, however there are plenty cheap cars here in the UK. So considering buying auto salvage is a way to getting those used American autos even cheaper. There are brokers who can help you such as Salvagesparefinder, who will give you access to auto salvage auctions, something you can not get access too as non trade. You will easily save money on your purchase, but no you must consider transport back to the UK and VAT and import taxes. Choose the right auto salvage project and you can still be well up on the deal.

AutoExpress has name the Skoda Yeti as their 2010 Car Of The Year.

It caps of a huge redevelopment from the eastern European manufacturer who were once described as “the joke of the automotive industry”.

The Yeti is part of the current trend of compact MPV vehicles and combines this with an off-roader but without the financial aspect that usually puts people off.

The high quality and spacious cabin is complemented with superb handling capabilities and comes in a range of engines starting at 1.2 up to 2.0. Reviews have all suggested that the entry level 1.2 is the best of the bunch and recommended this option to would-be customers.

Also available as an extra is VW’s innovative twin clutch DSG transmission,prices for the Yeti start at around £14,000.

Leasing maybe a good option for drivers interested in a Skoda as it avoids the sticker price and will also give you the flexibility if you’re the kind of person who likes to change cars regularly.

Skoda is also a brilliant choice for business users, it is smart and gives a good impression and will give you excellent miles for your money with its brilliant fuel consumption rate.

London is the spiritual home for classic cars, from the now Vintage Rolls Royce that would be parked on Mayfair in the 60’s to the collection of classic and modern models you will see in the present day.

London is still one of best place to get classic car parts from with classic car dealers littered throughout the capital and fares where you may be able to pick up parts at cheap prices.

Parts can be simple to get hold of or difficult depending on the vehicle, for example VW Beetles and Mini Coopers are relatively easy to get parts for, whereas a classic Rolls Royce may be a lot more difficult as the cars hold their value so no one is going to want to break one of these cars.

But classic cars are not limited to the stereotypical expensive vehicles, cars such as the original Ford Anglia’s can fetch more money than a classic Porsche.

A classic car can be an investment or it can be a hobby many people invest a lot of time and effort into them just so they can take them to classic car shows, without any interest in selling the vehicle to make money.

Figures released today have shown that only sixteen electric vehicles have been registered in Spain over the last seven months.

This is still an increase on 2009 though when only one was legally on the roads.

The Spanish government had in April revealed a plan to sponsor people buying the eco-friendly vehicles, giving them a reimbursement of 20% on the vehicles value (up to 6,000 Euros). Which is thought to have cost the taxpayer around 80 million Euros.

The government funded Wind Power and Electric Vehicles group defending the figures saying:

"The figures are similar to what happened in their day to personal computers or mobile phones," it argued. "The first models are expensive and with few extras and sales are slow. But somewhere around 2012 dozens of electric vehicles with lithium batteries and at a lower price will reach the market – and the recharging infrastructure will be in place."

The original target was to have 2,000 electric and hybrid vehicles on the roads by the end of the year and 20,000 by the end of 2011, this dream now look pretty unachievable.

Experts believe the reason behind the low sales is the government’s previous committals to alternative energy and how it has cut funding to them. Wind farms flourished in Spain until 2008 when taxation and corruption damaged the sector irreplaceably.

The government has verified this saying that they believe more than 15% of the 3 billion Euros spent on alternative energy was claimed fraudulently.

Registrations of new car in Britain fell for the first time in a year last month, this was also the month that the Government withdrew its scheme to prop up sales.

Number fell around 13.2% on the year total last month to around 136,446 vehicles and the recent budget announcement may prevent people from investing in new cars.

Howard Archer, economist at IHS Global Insight said:

The more worried that consumers are, the less likely they will be prepared to splash out on as big-ticket an item as a car."

An obvious link can be found between the decline in sales and the Governments decision to get rid of the scrappage scheme that had been helping the motor industry. Despite this initiative ending in March sales had remained steady thanks to large demand from the fleet market.

However this has started to fall as well, business registrations have also fallen to the tune of around 6.5%.

Experts at SMMT (Society Of Motor Manufacturers) said:

"Subdued consumer confidence and a still fragile economic recovery make the outlook for the remainder of 2010 challenging, but a stronger than expected first half means full year volumes are still forecast to exceed 2009′s total."

With car sales now decreasing many people will be trying their hardest to keep their current vehicles on the road in a bid to save money. Services such as CarSpareFinder should be the first port of call if you need replacement parts for your car. Fill in a query form online or phone up and they will search dealers nationwide to find the part you need at the best price, saving you time and money

The iconic sports car owned by actress Diana Dors is due at auction this month and is expected to fetch around £4m.

The vehicle, a turquoise sports car made by French automotive company Delahaye in 1949 was given to the actress as a gift when she was only 17 years old by Sir John Gaul, a close friend of Prince Rainier of Monaco.

Since Dors died in 1984 the car has been completely restored to its original state, including a six cylinder, 165hp engine and a four speed electro actuated preselector  gearbox.

Alan Squindo,a spokesperson for auctioneers RM Auctions describes the car as “extravagant and outrageous.

Just 51 of 175s were made and its one of a kind body work was designed by a Ukrainian furniture maker.

Tradition in France at the time was for external companies to design features such as the body work and how the engine looked.

When the car was given to Dors she didn’t even have a driving licence but this didn’t stop her becoming the youngest registered Rolls-Royce owner three years later at the age of 20.

It is thought that a number of collectors will be interested in the classic car when it goes up for auction later this month.

Japanese manufacturers Toyota have announced another recall of vehicles are it has been revealed that certain models may have issues with steering components.

The latest recall will currently only take place across the US and Japan and will impact on Avalon owners whose vehicles were made between 2000 and 2004.

A total of 428,000 cars are expected to be recalled as the manufacturers believe that an issues with some parts of the steering wheel.

Toyota has been at the heart of recall over the past few months which has seen millions of cars recalled worldwide, the biggest due to an issues with car accelerators which caused a number of fatal crashes

The incident got the Japanese manufacturers a $16 million fine, which they paid but refused to admit any guild or wrongdoing as part of the recall. Managing Director Takahiko Ijichi commented at the end or March that the recall had cost the company almost $2 billion.

With the latest recall this is sure to increase and as a result Chief Executive Officer Akio Toyoda (Grandson of the companies original founder) was called before the US Congress to explain the firm’s safety and quality checking systems.

Need replacement part for your Toyota or any other brand, take a look at CarSpareFinder who will search dealers nationwide to find the part you need at the best price.

Can you remember the Reliant Robin.  The three wheeled car that would always grab your attention if you spotted one out on the road.

The only car which despite its size could be driven on a B1 category licence owing to having a weight below 450kg.  The Reliant couls also be registered for the same road tax rate as a motorcycle bike.   This gave it an edge when it came to economy over a conventional car.

The car was first produced in the town of Tamworth, England in November 1973.  It was a rear wheel drive front engine car.  The car was a replacement for the much more conventional Reliant Regal.  The Robin was produced until 1981 when the car was restyles and renamed the Reliant Rialto.  In addition to production in the UK,  the Robin was produced under licence in Greece by MEBEA in 1974 to 1978 and in India by Sunrise Automotive Group.  The ISAG renamed their Robin the Badal.  #

The Reliant Robin has enjoyed a special place in the hearts of the British people.  It has features in many films and TV shows.    Most recently was an attempt by Top Gears, James May and Richard Hammond to turn a Robin into a space shuttle.  In addition, the Robin has featured on shows such as Mr Bead, Absolutely Fabulous and in the Robins Van format (the Regal) in Only Fools and Horses.

The Robin was powered by a 0.75-litre straight four engine.  and wasn’t particularly known for its speed.  Economy was much more important to a Robin Customer.  You wouldn’t want to go particularly fast in the Robin either as owing to its three wheeled design, it has tremendous body role and would sometimes even tip over.

This car will always be a British Icon.  Its character was been central to its making.   It will never be forget.

The Coalition Government today announced that a scheme to give drivers who purchase electric car up to £5,000 will still be available despite cuts.

The scheme which will run from early 2011 until March 2012 was planned by the Labour government and would give buyers up to £5,000 off buying one of the growing number of vehicles being launched.

Although originally the scheme had been set up to cover as many as 46,000 vehicles due to budget cuts the government is only setting aside enough for 8,600 (£43 million).

Many believe the scheme has been kept as a goodwill gesture to would be buyers as the upcoming VAT increase could add up to £640 to the cars costs.

Paul Everitt, CEO of the Society for Motor Manufacturers said:

"This is great news for the industry and a significant commitment by the new government to create UK jobs in the emerging market for ultra-low carbon vehicles."

Currently only a couple of electric vehicles are available on the market but that is all set to change once the grant scheme comes in, the cheapest vehicle available will be the Nissan Leaf costing around about £28,000 without the grant.

Although these models will be more expensive buyers will regain the difference in fuel and other running costs in little time.

Transport Secretary Phillip Hammond added:

"We are sending a clear signal that we are committed to greening our economy. This scheme will ensure that the UK is a world leader in low-emission vehicles."

Many have also expressed concern about recharging points for the cars as so far the government has only pledged to develop more points in London, Milton Keynes and North East England.

Replacement parts are also going to be an issue when the vehicles first enter the market so industry experts are recommending that unless you want to be part of the subsidy grant then it may be better to hold off for now.

A deserted Halfords Store 

Auto part supplier Halfords today announced a 2.2% slump in sales, blaming factors such as the general election and the World Cup.

The Redditch based company confirmed the decline causing shares to also drop by 2% this is despite cost cutting methods undertaken by the brand earlier this year.

Staff working hour changes cut almost £2 million from the annual wage bill and a new warehouse that should be operational by September could save a further £4 million.

Chief Executive David Wild said:

"Halfords experienced a sluggish start to the spring season reflecting poor weather in April and consumer nervousness ahead of the election and subsequent emergency budget."

Halfords were also eager to point out that delay in deliveries from South-East Asia will also have impacted on figures.

The main source of Business for the chain is currently said to be motorbike repairs/spare parts but with increasingly cheaper and easier options such as BikeSpareFinder, who will search dealers and breakers nationwide to find the part and give you a choice of prices.

It is easy to see why people would rather do this as it doesn’t involve having to leave your computer screen.