Cars 21 Car Advice

New Car Reviews and Car Buying Guide

Selling a Used Car – Value My Car 10
Jan
Posted by cars21 in Audi, Car Selling Guide on 01 10th, 2012

One of the most important aspects of selling a car second hand is to pick the right price to advertise.  Picking a price that is too high will lead to fewer buyers and more reluctance to close a deal.  Picking a price that is too low will lead to plenty of buyers, but will leave the seller short of money that they could have made had they chosen the right price.  Also, it is not in the interest of sellers to constantly undersell, is it drives down market values and increases depreciation in the long run.  So – finding a good and fair price for your used car is very important.  If you are stuck wondering “what’s my Audi R8 value,” for example, a little research goes a long way.

With the internet, it is a lot easier than before to find an estimate for your car value.  There are many different websites that offer some kind of car valuation service, most usually for free.  All you need to do is supply a few details such as the car make, model and age, as well as a general overview of the condition it is in, and the website comes up with an approximation of how much the car could be worth. 

Another way the internet makes it easier to value your car is by looking at sales that have gone through.  Car auction sites are particularly useful for this, and even eBay can be a good place to look.  Anywhere that shows how much a car sold for is a useful place to look.  Just be sure to look at cars that are the same model as your own, preferably with a similar age and condition.



Where to Find Used Cars for Sale 17
Dec
Posted by cars21 in Car Buying Guide, Mercedes-Benz on 12 17th, 2011

There are many places where it is possible to find used cars for sale. This article looks at some of the most popular options.

On the Web

Motors.co.uk is a popular used cars website run by Northcliffe Media, which owns the Daily Mail and a large percentage of Britain’s local newspapers. Another popular site is autotrader.co.uk, the website of the best-selling magazine. Both sites ask you to select a make and model and provide your postcode, so that you can find suitable used cars for sale in your area. If you do not have a specific make and model in mind, you can enter other features, such as price range, mileage, colour etc.

In Print

Since not everyone has access to the web, print media, as a source of used Mercedes adverts, is not entirely dead yet. Both the websites mentioned above are offshoots of print media, while Motors.co.uk is the brand name used by the car ad supplement in many of the Northcliffe Group’s local papers. Whilst it takes longer to search through ads if you are looking for something specific, it can actually be quicker to browse a print publication if you are not quite sure what you are looking for.

At a Dealership

Another way to find used cars for sale is through good old-fashioned shoe leather; visiting local used car dealers to see what is on offer. The advantage of this method is that you can actually see the cars for yourself, rather than relying on photographs and lists of features. If one takes your fancy, you can always take it for a test drive. Visiting dealerships yourself ensures that you only see cars that are local to you, so you know you will not have travel 50 miles if you see a great ad in the paper or on the web.



Dream Cars – The Ferrari 458 Spider 4
Dec
Posted by cars21 in Car News, Car Reviews on 12 4th, 2011

Everybody that loves cars has one model that they dream about buying if money was no object. One new model that will have ‘car people’ dreaming for years to come is the Ferrari 458 Spider. It was first realised in 2009 under the name of the 458 Italia Coupe and the new convertible version was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The Spider has a V8 engine making it extremely fast and powerful. The interior is designed to maximise comfort and safety. It has better cushioned and more supportive seats and the buttons are laid out to maximise convenience for the driver. The convertible roof is metal but can fold in 14 seconds and is considerably lighter than an equivalent fabric roof. The car has a number of setups ranging from a safe mode to a turn-off-every-aid mode.

Although the only noticeable difference is the fact that the Spider is convertible, it is still £25,000 more expensive than the earlier model, the 458 Italia Coupe. Although that seems a lot, if you can afford the £198,856 it costs to buy a Ferrari 458 Spider, the extra would be hardly noticeable. The rest of the car people in the world will have to make do with dreaming.



Buying a Used Car Online or on Site? 18
Nov
Posted by cars21 in Car Buying Guide, Vauxhall on 11 18th, 2011

The bottom line of any sale is the price. Saving those extra pounds is a primary objective when you have to part with several thousand from your pocket.

A secondhand car is always a cheaper option than a new one, but buying it online can save even more pennies. Online dealers often offer more finance options than others. They also have a variety of makes and models, focusing much more on choice than anything else. You can specify everything from the year and mileage to the price and colour, plus you can easily compare results and simply make your decision without the presence of a pressuring salesperson. The used car you choose will then be sent straight to your door.

However, when buying a used Vauxhall for sale it is very important to carry out a test drive and an inspection before you sign on the dotted line. Buying it on site offers you the opportunity to examine it first-hand and assess the pros and cons of your particular used car more thoroughly. Moreover, you can ask questions and negotiate different options with the dealer, and potentially drive out of the showroom with your own secondhand car, without waiting for a delivery.



Selling Your Audi 4
Aug
Posted by cars21 in Audi, Car Maintenance, Car Selling Guide on 08 4th, 2011

“How can I sell my Audi?” is a question many Audi owners ask.  If you want to sell your vehicle, the key is to find people who are interested in what you have to offer and to display the vehicle where they can see it.  Some internet-based companies can help you to sell your Audi quickly and for a competitive price which will usually be far more than what you will get for a trade-in.

Selling Your Audi Quickly

These tips will help you to sell your Audi quickly, regardless of where you sell it.

•    Create an advert that lists the facts about the vehicle.  This should include all details valuable to a buyer, including the year, the length of the MOT and the vehicle specs.
•    Utilize photos.  People want to see what they are buying before they consider making an offer.  If you advertise online, be sure to include numerous photos of the vehicle’s interior and exterior for the potential buyer to consider.
•    Price the vehicle right.  You do not have to price it too low, but you should research the value your Audi properly, and price it accordingly.  Use online sites to help you to determine how much vehicles like yours are selling for currently.

In general, Audis do have a high resale value, especially if the vehicle is in good condition.  These vehicles often have luxury features, or powerful engines.  If this is the case, be sure to list these features in your advert.  To sell your Audi quickly and for the right price, know what it is worth and be competitive to others selling the same make and model vehicle.



How to Sell your Vauxhall 28
Jul
Posted by cars21 in Car Maintenance, Car Selling Guide, Vauxhall on 07 28th, 2011

Vauxhall, a British car manufacturer, is a popular car brand famous for models such as the Agila, the Astra family car and the Zafira, a compact MPV.  These and other vehicles made by the company are always in demand among buyers looking for a second hand car, particularly if the price is right.  For those who are looking to buy a used Vauxhall, price is important, but so are the specific features and details of the car.

To sell your Vauxhall quickly, you must first know its value.  You can research the car’s value online by utilizing an online car valuing tool which will compare the features and specs of your car to others currently on the market, and those that have sold recently, to determine the car’s true value.

While getting the price right is important, there are other things to consider when you want to sell your Vauxhall.  Be sure to create a unique and catchy advert that shows off the details of the car, including any extra features or technology.  You also want to use photos, since most people want to see what they are buying.  Place your advert on an online car selling website.  This gives your vehicle increased exposure over just placing an advert in a local newspaper.

If you want to sell your Vauxhall quickly, price it competitively to other vehicles for sale in your area and online that offer similar features.  Pricing the vehicle competitively can help you to get the car sold fast, and for the right price.



Approved Used Cars – getting the best deal 2
Jun
Posted by cars21 in Audi, BMW, Car Buying Guide, Car News on 06 2nd, 2011

Approved used or used approved cars have been tested against strict quality criteria by the garage or dealership where they are available for sale.  They will have been thoroughly checked by mechanics before being resold and are generally in very good condition with low mileage.  Many car manufacturers now run their own approved used car schemes, allowing you to pick up a lower priced car while reassuring you that your vehicle is still of the highest standard.

Approved Used Audi Programme

Audi have their own approved used cars for sale programme.  Pre-owned vehicles are required to pass over 100 quality control tests, including mechanical, interior and exterior inspections.  The Audi technician will produce a written report of their findings, which you can read before deciding whether or not to purchase the car.  Any repairs carried out are done using only Audi original parts.  Audi also operate a 30-day exchange plan and a 12-month guarantee with roadside assistance for extra peace of mind.

Approved Used BMW Programme

BMW’s approved used programme carries out 120 checks and offers a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty, 12 months MOT cover and 12 months roadside assistance.

Approved Used Mini Programme

Mini’s “Cherished” system offers the best quality approved used Minis with a minimum 12-month warranty, 12 months emergency service cover across the UK and Continental Europe and 12 months MOT cover.  Financing is available through Mini financial service.



Advantages of Buying Approved Used Cars 14
May
Posted by cars21 in Car Buying Guide, Car News, Mazda on 05 14th, 2011

There are many advantages to buying approved used cars as opposed to other used cars or new cars.  It may seem unnecessary for your used car to come from an approved dealership but if you want extra peace of mind then it is definitely something for you to consider when buying your car.

Save Money

As with buying a non-approved used car, you will still be saving a great deal of money compared with what you would pay for a new car.  However, because of the rigorous checks carried out on approved used cars by garages and dealerships, you can rest assured that your car is of the highest standard and has been restored to an almost-new condition.

Service History Checked

Approved used cars come with a full service history check, so there will be no nasty surprises or hidden faults to stress over.  Your car will also come with a warranty, usually covering it for 12 months, which you would expect if buying a new car but not an un-approved used car.  Other perks can include things like free roadside assistance.

Financing Available

Most garages and car dealers will have finance options available, making it easier for you to afford your dream vehicle.  Mazda, in conjunction with Santander, offer two different schemes so you can tailor your payment plan to suit your needs when buying an approved used Mazda.



Putting Your Car on the Market 24
Apr
Posted by cars21 in Car Maintenance, Car Selling Guide, Nissan on 04 24th, 2011

When you sell your car, you have to make sure that I have the best possible chance of getting the optimal asking price for it.  The question, “How much is my car worth?” will depend on the make, model and condition.  Some makes of car sell better than others do at any particular time, and a chat with a local dealer will point you in the right direction.

Look around local dealers’ forecourts to get an initial idea of the prices of different makes of car.  If you want to sell your Nissan, you would firstly drop into the local Nissan dealer, but then to obtain further information and quotes you might research the classified ads of the local and national press, and even look online.

If you have access to the internet, either at home or in a public hotspot, you will have access to huge amounts of information and services.  There are many used car websites that are completely free, which you can use to obtain a valuation of your vehicle by inputting some information.  The website will then come up with a quote that will be your benchmark when selling your car.

Prepare the car before anyone comes to look at it, cleaning it thoroughly and topping up the oil and water.  Make sure that all your documentation such as the service history is in order.  Whether you are selling through a dealer, in the press or online, you will want it sold as quickly as possible.



Used Petrol VS Diesel Cars 14
Apr
Posted by cars21 in Car Buying Guide, Car News, Volvo on 04 14th, 2011

Buying used is quite an economical choice when compared to buying a brand new car that drops dramatically in value the moment you drive it home from the dealer.  When you are looking for a total economy solution to your daily transportation is it better to choose a used diesel car or a used petrol car?

When searching for just the right used car, you will run across many makes and models that can be found in either diesel or petrol operating systems.  A used Volvo 940 Saloon, for example, comes in 3 options. There’s diesel, turbo diesel, and petrol to choose from. So which one will be easier on the pocketbook?

It used to be a little more difficult to figure out, as diesel fuel was once cheaper to buy, but diesel vehicles were more expensive to begin with.  Today however they seem to be levelling out.  You might see either type on the forecourt that is about the same price.

There are fuel calculators that can be found online with which to calculate the possible answer.  You’ll enter in the model of car and the number of miles you drive in a year.  You can see how many miles it will take you to make up the difference if you have to pay more for a diesel car.  Manufacturers of newer models have a similar price tag, but the older used models may still be more expensive if they are diesel.  That used Volvo diesel may cost you a bit more than a used petrol model, but check the calculator before you decide.