Over the past 20 years car safety has improved massively: there was a time when even seatbelts were not mandatory. The motoring world is now full of safety related acronyms that are sure to confuse even the most passionate car enthusiast.  So, what do they all mean? When looking at used cars for sale UK, it is important that you are aware of the seemingly innumerable safety features that most cars come with, as most older models are only fitted with a few.

The Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) is most likely to be a standard feature of a used car as SIPS has been mandatory in all new cars since 1991.  The system was developed by Volvo during the late 1980s and is a remarkably simple concept.  Metal beams are placed inside the bodywork along both sides of the vehicle, and during a crash they absorb the majority of the impact to minimise injury to occupants.

The Antilock Braking System (ABS) was first introduced to Formula One cars in the late 1990s, although since 2004 it has become a standard feature on many new vehicles.  The ABS system shortens braking distances under really heavy braking which helps to avoid accidents.

One new and novel feature on some road cars is the Electronic Stability Control (ESC).  The ESC system is able to detect when a driver’s course has diverged from his or her intended path. If it does detect this then the brakes are applied to each wheel individually to minimise the chance of an accident.

The above features are only a snippet of the constantly evolving safety features being introduced in road cars and before purchasing a used BMW car, research should be undertaken to ensure you know exactly what you are paying for.

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There are many ways in which to sell a used car. Though this may seem like a rather daunting task when a large amount of money is at risk, there are many websites on the internet that can provide helpful tips and advice. Carrying out a small amount of research can help to make the whole advertising and selling process easier and ensure it is done safely and securely.

Where can I sell my car?

There are websites where you can place an advertisement for your car; this is made easy by systematic instructions to make sure your advertisement stands out from the rest and supplies prospective buyers with the correct information. The most important piece of information to include is the sale price of the car. Ask for a little more than you expect, to allow for any negotiation with the potential buyer.

Questions like ‘What is my BMW value?’ can be answered online by using quick internet searches; a question like this brings up a plethora of websites packed full of useful tips and information on the best ways to advertise and popular places where you can sell your used car.

There are also websites on the internet where you can get a free car valuation. Some of these websites will even buy your car and will arrange to pick your car up from your home at a convenient time. If you would prefer to deal with a member of the public, take the necessary precautions when arranging any viewings. Most importantly, do not let a buyer test drive the car alone and always keep hold of the keys when leaving the vehicle.

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Anyone purchasing a used car needs to be sure he or she is getting value for money. When checking out used cars for sale, the would-be purchaser requires assurance that at the very least the car is roadworthy.

For those seeking a used BMW there is online assistance where purchasers can be assured that they will receive value for money. The car manufacturer’s website has a ‘BMW Approved Used Cars’ service, which can be accessed through the BMW UK website.

By accessing ‘BMW Approved Used Cars’ online, visitors to the website can specify how far they are prepared to travel from their own homes to view a used vehicle for sale. Those interested can also stipulate which of the BMW series they are willing to buy, as well as their budget range.

The ‘BMW Approved Used Cars’ also offers a variety of other benefits for purchasers. These include 12-month unlimited mileage warranty and MOT cover. The buyer is also furnished with a full service history for the vehicle and 12-month roadside assistance.

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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.

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Just looking at a freshly painted used BMW M5 or used Volkswagen Golf or any other used car that looks well maintained tempts many of us.  Before finalising the deal on a used car, a thorough inspection needs to be carried out to find out whether all the parts are in good working order.  This helps prevent paying a hefty sum towards maintenance and insurance after the purchase.

Here is a practical checklist to keep in mind:

•    Check the year of registration and note the distance that the car has travelled.  If it reads between 15,000 and 18,000 km within a span of three to five years, it is worth considering it for purchase.  This will depend on your available budget of course.  If you have less to spend you may have to purchase a car with a higher mileage.
•    Look at the paintwork.  If it looks very dull, double-check the documentation details and ensure that the car is the age the seller claims it to be.  If the paintwork looks too new, be careful to find out when it was repainted (maybe accident repair) and check the quality of the painting.
•    Inspect the body of the car for any damage.
•    Go for a test drive; assess the condition of the brakes and the engine health.  The engine should start smoothly without any unusual sounds.  You need to also pay attention to the exhaust and ensure that it does not emit oil.
•    Drive for at least 4 – 5 km and check for steering control and any wobbling feelings through the steering wheel.
•    Check all the lights (cabin, rear, reverse and dipping).
•    The tyres, bearings and springs should be in good condition.
•    The battery should not have any acid leakage around it.
•    Additional accessories like the audio system, air conditioning should work properly.

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Whether your next car will be a used BMW 3 Series or something completely different, if you plan to buy used, be sure to research the reliability factor of the models that you are interested in.  Some cars hold their value longer than others.  Many cars built today can be considered very dependable, five or even ten years after their initial voyages.

On the other hand, there are some that are not quite so good after a certain period of time or mileage has passed.  So if you plan to put your money into a new used car, why not buy something that will still have many good years and miles left on it rather than one that will last just long enough for your warranty to run out?

For example, if you want to buy a sporty car and you look at the list of reliable used vehicles, you might see that a used BMW 1 Series Convertible is quite reliable after even a few years on the road with its original owner.  Getting your heart set on a specific vehicle is quite alright, but take a look at the possibility that the one you think you want could cause problems for you in short order.

It’s a very good idea to check with the current reliability survey to see which cars are at the top of the list and then choose one from there.  That is a practical way to find the used car you like at a good price.  You will be less likely to be disappointed in the long run.

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There are a large number of companies that offer car financing deals.  Researching car financing companies and comparing their services will enable you to find a car finance deal that is just right for you.  Car finance companies offer funding options for those looking for new and used cars, so you are sure to find a deal that suits your needs.

There are a number of car finance comparison websites that will allow you to compare the services of well known car finance companies.  You can browse through reviews of previous customers and see what each company has to offer.  You can also obtain a no obligation quote from most companies, which will enable you to see whether or not the car finance deal is right for you.

Browsing through car finance companies will also give you the chance to see what used cars are on offer.  Many car finance companies have a wide range of used cars for sale, such as used Hondas, used Minis and used BMWs – some of which are in top condition. In addition to comparing car finance options, you can also compare vehicles to find something that suits your needs.

Some online car finance companies may provide car loans via your bank, which may be cheaper than obtaining a loan from your bank directly.  Other services offered by car finance companies include help with checking your credit rating to see whether or not you are able to take out a loan.  Many companies will provide information to help you work out whether or not your credit profile is acceptable.

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BMW has that “wow factor” for individuals that are looking to spend their newly won high salary on a great set of wheels.  Some even prefer to buy the older and what some regard as the better versions of BMW models.  Older BMW’s offer something a bit different from the modern releases.

If you look closely at a second-hand BMW, you will see that even with one hundred and fifty thousand miles on the clock, the car is still generally in good shape.  Since BMWs are so well made they are very popular used cars.  BMW owners, tend to take better care of their cars than do many motorists.  Thanks to efficient engineering and quality manufacture a BMW will outlast many other brands.  The modern models also have all kinds of new efficiency and safety features that help you to save on fuel and keep you safe on the roads.

The 325i is one of the more popular models of BMW on the road today and there are many good examples available on the used car market.  It offers a nice roadster appearance as well as having a company car appeal.  For more than ten years other companies have been trying to emulate its stylish looks.

Buying a used BMW car from a BMW dealer is the safest way of ensuring that you are getting a good buy.  This also of course means that you will be obtaining a warranty with the vehicle.

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If you are considering leasing a brand new Mini for your company or for yourself, you have to decide first what type of leasing or finance method you will choose in order to secure it. Two of the most popular vehicle leasing methods are contract hire and daily rental.

Among the most consistently availed Mini car leasing option is contract hire. Often, contract hire is considered the easiest method to manage and the most cost-effective. Basically, contract hire allows you to drive the car you leased as if you own it, but actually you don’t. Here, you will agree with the car management or owner, as to how long you can use the Mini, as stipulated in the contract. Once the contract expires, you will have to return the car.

What if you need the Mini for only a few days? Then, daily car rental solves your concern. This leasing option works the same as contract hire; however, daily rental works for a shorter period of time. Usually, in daily rentals, car companies outline and impose various rules with which the leaser has to comply.

Usually when taking out a daily rental you will have to comply with a number of rules outlined by the daily rental company. For instance, you will be compelled to drive the car only up to the mileage limit set by the company. You also have to return it in the same condition as you rented it; that is, you must make sure to fill up the car with the same amount of petrol when you return it as it had when you first rented it.

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The BMW Mini is one of the most popular cars in the United Kingdom. It comes in different engine specs: the regular Mini, the Cooper, Cooper D, and the newest one, the Cooper S.  A Mini lease may often be taken out by people with a small family who want to experience a stylish and fun type of motoring.

A standard Mini lease has a term of 36 months and comes with an agreement for contract hiring. Upon leasing, there is the usual requirement for advance payment, which is followed by monthly payments with VAT. The deal for the lease of the car is often based on 10,000 miles per annum.

The newest version of the Mini now features an engine which is British-built and has a new and enhanced suspension system. A manual transmission with six speeds is also supplied in this new model. The Mini features alloy wheels, a CD player, and an anti-lock braking system. You can also have the option to add other features, for an extra cost, such as metallic paint, automatic gearbox, leather seats, climate control, air conditioning, electric sunroof, Bluetooth, and satellite navigation.

The handling of the Mini lets you have a go-kart feel with its poise and grip, which is similar to an expensive sports vehicle. The dimension of the car makes it easy to manoeuvre. The steering system responds quickly giving you a ride that is firm and comfortable.

Mini leasing allows you the chance to experience a great lifestyle in an inexpensive way. You can get the most out of the car — from security and safety, to reliability and quality, as well as great driver satisfaction.

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