What to check when you test drive a car
Taking a brand new car out for a drive can be daunting if you're not sure what to look out for. We'll show you what to check, and what to do to avoid being caught out…
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Buying a car Tips and Tutorials Archive
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How to buy a Ford Ka (1996-2008)
John Evans is a long-time motoring journalist and editor from titles such as What Car?, AutoCar and Practical Caravan.
The first-generation Ka (pronounced with a short ‘a’, like ‘cat’) caused quite a stir when it was launched. Although it shared its underpinnings with the Ford Fiesta Mk4 it looked very different from that car and, frankly, any other on the road.
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Stop-Start technology explained
You may have heard, or experienced a new car fitted with Stop-Start technology. But what exactly is it, and how does it actually work? We also dig a little deeper and look at the pros and cons.
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How to sell your car without being ripped off
So the time has come to part with your car, but how do you get the best possible price without being stitched up? We take a look at your choices, and how to maximise the amount of cash in your pocket!
Safety features in cars explained
Cars are getting safer and safer, and manufacturers are increasingly kitting their vehicles out with a raft of features designed to keep you in one piece, some of which you'll already know about, and some which may be new you. We'll go through some of the features you're most likely...
How to buy a Renault Clio II Phase 2 (2001-2005 models)
John Evans is a long-time motoring journalist and editor from titles such as What Car?, AutoCar and Practical Caravan.
By the time the Phase 2 bowed out in 2005, there was a Clio for pretty much any type of driver, models ranging from a basic 1.0-litre petrol via a choice of efficient 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6 petrols and a frugal but punchy 1.5 diesel, all the way to a brace of sporty 2.0 and 3.0 petrols. No wonder it...
Ford vs Vauxhall: what you need to know about each manufacturer
The UK car marketplace has been the scene of a long and bloody conflict between Ford and Vauxhall. The two car manufacturing behemoths have jointly dominated the top 10 of the sales charts on and off for at least the past 35 years, and the quality of the latest models proves that the scrap for...
10 modern car investment opportunities
Buying a second-hand car that not only suits your lifestyle but has a chance of increasing in value is the holy grail, but it can be a hugely sensible way to buy. The money and/or time you spend maintaining and restoring can be recouped over your ownership period if you buy smartly. This is a bit...
How to buy a Ford Mondeo (2007-2014)
John Evans is a long-time motoring journalist and editor from titles such as What Car?, AutoCar and Practical Caravan.
Economical (especially the manual diesel models), comfortable, good to drive and great value for money, the third-generation Ford Mondeo remains a favourite with used car buyers.
How to buy a Volkswagen Polo Mk 4 (2002-2009)
John Evans is a long-time motoring journalist and editor from titles such as What Car?, AutoCar and Practical Caravan.
The third generation of the VW Polo, launched in 1994, had brought real class and sophistication to the supermini class. Its successor, the Mk4, seized the baton and ran with it.