But although the number of UK used cars sold is likely to increase, their values are dropping, which means that anyone looking for a bargain should get to the garage forecourts now. According to industry valuation experts Glass’s Guide, a three-year old car is now only worth 38 per cent of its original list price. Glass’s believe that rapid depreciation being outdone by inflationary price rises is fuelling the drop. Despite brand new vehicle list prices rising by an average of only 2% over the last year, used car values are dropping and there is also anecdotal evidence that swingeing tax increases and rapidly increasing fuel costs are also having a massive impact, particularly on the ‘gas guzzlers’.

Despite the government agreeing to reverse their decision to impose backdated road fund licence increases on older, larger-engined vehicles; the damage has already been done. As such, larger 4 x 4 vehicles affectionately known as ‘Chelsea tractors’ are being rapidly dispensed with as people switch to vehicles that are cheaper to run, forcing a glut of larger second hand vehicles onto the market.

And that means those who do have cash to spare and are in the market for a quality used car should be able to bag themselves a great deal. Even prestige cars such as BMW, Audi, Lexus and Saabs can be secured for great prices. So, if you haven’t got the cash to spare but, for example you want a nearly new BMW, then BMW car finance is readily available, even in these times of financial gloom.

Furthermore, it is also important to do your homework before proceeding with car finance; understanding how it operates should allow you to be able to drive a harder bargain and at least get a few extras thrown-in or money knocked off. Or maybe you can negotiate a higher part-ex value for your old car, especially if you are upgrading to a more prestigious model.

Paul McIndoe writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

This task is not easy. Some eco-friendly cars have resembled moon buggies more than everyday road vehicles and many consumers are left wondering why designers don’t seem to have realised that people want a car that will blend in on the road rather than standing out on it. However, there have been vast improvements on the original eco-friendly cars and now many manufacturers are releasing such environmentally-friendly vehicles based on existing models.

However, apart from the looks and feel of eco-friendly cars, other problems arise with extra costs and a possible lack of refilling opportunities.

The new hybrid cars store energy when the brakes are applied, then use it whenever possible instead of fuel when the vehicle is in motion. Their mileage is high and tests seem to show the battery lasts a long time - but they cost several thousands more than their smog-coughing counterparts. In the long run, they are cost-effective, but for today’s consumer it’s difficult to say whether a long-term scheme will prevail over an immediate purchase.

Biodiesel cars similarly get more mileage than normal diesel cars, but the cost of biodiesel fuel is significantly high compared to petroleum spirit, and marginally higher than normal diesel. The mixture of vegetable oil and diesel as fuel also means that cold weather can be slightly problematic, depending on oil content in the solution.

Ethanol fuel is a grain-based additive created from corn, barley or wheat, the most popular type being E85. E85 is 85% ethanol and 15% petrol, reducing emissions and costs as it is a cheaper option than regular fuel. The great thing about cars manufactured for this fuel is their versatility: flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) mean you can use either E85 or normal petrol, which ensures you won’t need to worry about finding a petrol station that sells the correct fuel. Because of this versatility, many car manufacturers have jumped on the opportunities ethanol vehicles provide and there is a wide selection of cars available.

Finally, natural gas, despite being a fossil fuel, is one that is cleaner-burning than what is usually used for cars. In America, much of the natural gas reserves is collected within US borders, but it is a growing issue that many companies are fighting to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for drilling to supply demand. Natural gas has twice the volume of petrol, meaning it takes up twice as much room in the tank, so it won’t take you as far as its liquid form.

These are the four main players in the eco-friendly car sphere. Each type has pros and cons that measure up against each other and our current polluting vehicles. It’s important to research thoroughly the type of eco-friendly car you might find most suitable before purchasing, as is it essential to bear in mind that, despite a few negative things about each style, the benefit to the environment is well worthwhile.

However, when weighing up new car options, it’s not just its environmental impact that you should consider. Be sure to shop around for the best deal on price, finance repayments, road fund license and car insurance, as well as available fuel options, in order to ensure you choose the best car for your needs.

Paul McIndoe writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

While these vehicles may have a huge effect on the country’s roads, there is another problem encountered by their owners: when they aren’t being driven, they need somewhere to be parked. While some homes come complete with a parking garage and/or spacious driveway, many don’t, with the result the roadside is becoming increasingly lined by parked cars and town and city-centre car parks are generally full.

To house growing numbers of vehicles, the infrastructure and geography of some countries allows widespread, sprawling car parks that utilise many square miles of ground, however unattractive the results may ultimately be. Most European countries, however, cannot afford the same luxury. It may be surprising then, that the earliest-known multi-storey car park was actually designed in the USA.

The structure was built in 1918, for the Hotel La Salle in Chicago, Illinois, and represents the earliest attempts to save ground space by building up instead of out. So great was its influence that it was saved from demolition in 1976, based on being designated with preliminary landmark status, while the hotel it was built for was unceremoniously knocked down.

It was finally demolished itself in 2005, but the idea has endured and been developed for many years since. Now the multi-storey car park is a standard structure in most built-up areas, meaning it is not ground space that is the major limiting factor in the capacity for storing vehicles, but how many floors can be built vertically.

The largest single-roof parking structure in the world - dubbed a ‘mega-garage’ - is the Seattle Sea-Tac Airport lot. Although it is not the largest in terms of area, it can boast 13,000 spaces. In fact, the very largest, the Universal Studios South Facility, holds ‘only’ around 9,200 cars.

While these structures may be impressive feats of design and engineering, and also house thousands of vehicles safely, there remain thousands of cars in the UK that do not have access to such a service all day every day. For these owners, their primary source of car parking is the street, where they are more open to potential damage by other vehicles. As a result, vehicle protection and maintenance can be difficult, so other methods of vehicle protection and care, such as discount car insurance, are essential.

With so many people needing the use of a vehicle space in many countries is a valuable commodity. However, while many new ideas are tested to combat the problem, it is still the result of the innovation of the early 20th century that most city planners rely on when parking their cars.

Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Recreational driving is not only a great way to unwind after the stresses of the week, but it can also be an excellent chance to explore the unknown with all its offerings of animal life, castles, country houses and beautiful scenery. Whichever country you are in, there is an abundance to see and do, and driving through the countryside can offer an unparalleled opportunity to view the world first-hand.

However, when driving in rural areas, there are certain factors that must be taken into consideration, which differ greatly from the rules of city driving.

For instance, it is not that common to come across a flock of sheep or herd of cows in inner city traffic, yet when driving in the country the sight is not so unusual. It is therefore wise to think carefully about where you will be driving and factor in the possibility that you could, at some point, run into animals that are not used to motor vehicles. Rolling down the window to shout at said animals usually has no effect and it is better to exercise a degree of patience with them until they have moved on.

According to research, two main factors of road deaths and injuries in the countryside are speeding and driving whilst tired. Tiredness is usually due to the fact that people are driving longer distances than they are otherwise used to, says the research.

However, tempting as it might be, high speed driving is extremely dangerous - and illegal, regardless of where you drive - and it is very easy to lose control, particularly when careering along a narrow country road. What’s more, unfamiliarity with the route, animals in the road and road surfaces are very different to those in the city are all potential hazards on country roads - regardless of whether you drive at speed or not.

The findings also suggest that in order to avoid having an accident, it is advisable to get plenty of rest before undertaking a long journey and that you should start your trip early so that you are not driving in darkness. It is also sensible to take a break every couple of hours; with so much to see, this should not be too hard a task!

Nevertheless, even the most careful and conscientious of drivers have accidents and it is consequently very important to make sure you have a car insurance policy - a mandatory requirement of driving in the UK, whether in the city or countryside.

Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

The Vauxhall Corsa was first launched in Britain in 1993 as part of the super-mini class, in an attempt to compete against other super-minis that were increasing in popularity amongst British consumers. The super-mini class was the term given to describe a British car that, whilst smaller than a family car, was larger than a city car. This made it all the more appealing to many interested car drivers.

However, despite the Corsa’s large popularity, it has never actually been sold in Canada or the USA, with the UK dominating the car’s sales. The Corsa is produced by General Motors; and whilst it has been branded as Vauxhall in the UK, it was originally produced by General Motors’ European subsidiary, Opel. Although the Corsa we know today was first launched in 1993, the Corsa has actually been around since 1983 - albeit under a different name. When the Corsa was first launched, it was known to the UK market as the Vauxhall Nova; however, this model was later to gain modifications, and eventually became the Vauxhall Corsa.

The Corsa has become a very popular choice amongst consumers for car rentals, as well as domestic driving. This is perhaps not surprising given the car’s reputation with both the young and elderly generations for its reliability and economically sound attributes. In that respect, it is seen as being a vehicle that whilst big enough for a family, is also suitable should it be for one or more people to share. Moreover, the Corsa is a relatively easy car to drive, regardless of driver experience.

With such popularity for the Corsa and considering the general availability of the vehicle over the years, potential car drivers can find a vast range of Corsas available on the market. What’s more, whether you are interested in a first or second-hand Corsa, attempting to find a suitable Vauxhall car finance deal should not be too difficult as there are many approved Vauxhall dealers available, enabling you to drive away both costs and of course, a Corsa.

Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

The car industry is the cornerstone of Germany’s economy, with the industry employing 1.26 million people who produce close to six million cars a year. German cars are renowned for their engineering, luxury and performance but are rarely touted as efficient. Following legislation proposed by the European Commission for reducing carbon dioxide emissions from new cars at the end of 2007, car manufacturers across Europe had to look at ways of increasing fuel efficiency in their new models. In an effort to ease consumers environmental concerns, Porsche and BMW are rolling out gas/electric hybrid cars. BMW have also managed to reduce the average emission of its cars by 2.5%.

The UK car industry has also made steps to become more fuel efficient. Average CO2 emissions in the UK have dropped but not by a huge amount, going from 190g per kilometre in 1998 to 165g per kilometre in 2007. Sales of cars that emit more than 200g per kilometre of CO2, such as models from Land Rover, have fallen sharply in the past year - in some cases by more than 50%. It’s not all doom and gloom though, with British company INEOS, a world leading chemical company, claiming that cars that run on household waste could be on the streets by 2011. The process involves producing ethanol by mixing a biological catalyst with carbon monoxide and hydrogen, which are produced by burning biodegradable waste.

While the British Motor Industry is not quite the force it once was, with Germany and France both producing more cars than the UK each year, it is encouraging to know that, while less cars are being produced, the ones that are manufactured are far more efficient. Further proposals from the European Commission have been designed to ensure that the average car sold in Europe produces no more than 120g of CO2 per kilometre by 2012 and are sure to bring all cars - be they British or German marques - to an even keel with regards to efficiency, leaving car aficionados to go back to debating the pros and cons of BMW car finance or why Aston Martins are the best looking cars ever made.

Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

On numerous occasions motorists have been told by their satnavs to turn into a road despite a no-entry sign or break any number of other traffic rules, while others have been directed straight into ditches or rivers, not to mention those sent to the wrong location altogether, such as the Syrian lorry driver who, headed for Gibraltar at the southern tip of Spain, instead ended up in Gibraltar Point, England.

It needn’t even come to that: when challenged on their use of satellite navigation systems, many drivers will admit that the instructions given are often confusing, making them hesitate or brake on the road. Some seem to lose all sense of awareness of what is going on around them; sometimes to the point of ignoring traffic lights or pedestrians on a zebra crossing.

Sadly, many motorists take the directions their satnav gives them as the gospel truth and keep following them, even if they ought to be alerted by traffic signs which clearly indicate that their driving is illegal and might endanger not only their own lives but also those of others.

Those who have already caused an accident may have discovered to their dismay that many car insurance companies will not recognise claims for accidents caused by satnav mistakes.

If you are a frequent satnav user, you ought to make absolutely sure such incidents are covered by your car insurance policy. Even better; use your common sense when driving. Buying a satellite navigation system does not include a licence to hand over your responsibilities to a gadget, however technically advanced it may be.

Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Horror stories abound of people purchasing second hand cars only to find they’ve actually bought a ‘cut and shut’ - two halves of separate written off cars that have been welded together to form a reconstructed vehicle. Needless to say such cars are death traps, and people selling them are breaking the law. Buy a car such as this and not only is your life at risk but every penny you spend on it is likely to be unrecoverable.

Stolen cars are often offered for sale along with the V5 log books. The first thing a motorist will know about the fact that it is a stolen vehicle is when they send the buyers portion of the V5 to the DVLA and receive a visit from a police officer. If you have any doubts you should abandon a purchase, even if you have paid a deposit. Go to a reputable dealer, not a private seller who will be untraceable once the transaction has been concluded. If possible, take someone who is fairly knowledgeable about cars with you when you go to view a potential purchase. They might pick up something that you may miss, and they can always give you a second opinion.

Although whilst it is a good move to get cheap car insurance you shouldn’t always go for the cheapest car because another favourite trick of a fraudster is to sell a car on which there is outstanding finance at a massive discount. Usually advertised at market rates, the seller will normally offer a big discount for cash. It’s easy for him to be so generous because he doesn’t actually own the car, it is the property of a finance company who will seek to recover the car or the outstanding balance from anyone who actually parts with cash and buys it in good faith.

If you are in such a position motoring organisations such as the AA offer to check whether there is any outstanding finance on the car. They charge a fee of £35, but as they say if it appears too good to be true, it inevitably is, and that upfront fee could save you a fortune in the long run.

Adam Singleton writes on a number of topics on behalf of a digital marketing agency and a variety of clients. As such, this article is to be considered a professional piece with business interests in mind.

While there are plenty of other makes and models of car produced in other countries that British people drive round in, the Brits have produced some efficient cars in their own right too, and if your budget can accommodate one of them then you would certainly be assured of a good drive.

Buying second hand as opposed to brand new gets you an even better deal, because you will be paying far less for a car that is just a year or two old. The history of the British car industry goes back for decades, and it is these combined years of knowledge that have come together to create the British made cars that many of us are driving round in today.

So what are the benefits of buying British cars instead of something made in another country? After all a British car won’t necessarily be the cheapest and you’ll need to have a big budget to stretch far enough to be able to afford some of the more expensive and luxurious models. What’s more, many British cars aren’t one hundred per cent British anyway, since certain parts - like the engine for example - are sometimes made in another country.

British made cars tend to be quite popular and therefore the spares and accessories are freely available, and often easier to get hold of, than foreign marques. They can also be cheaper for the same reason. If you were to buy a foreign car that isn’t very well known or used in Britain you could run into trouble if you ever needed to repair or replace a certain part that had become damaged or worn out.

You might think that given the huge range of foreign cars available to choose from that you would be limiting your choice by sticking to British makes and models, but you would be wrong. Although originally an American marque, you only need to look at the giant car manufacturer that goes by the name of Ford to see that the range that just this one company offers is quite large and appeals to many different people, no matter what size or style of car you are looking for. Ford have their own UK manufacturing arm, and many of their most popular models, such as the Ford Focus and Ford Mondeo are built in the UK, while other UK marques, such as Vauxhall and Rover are also popular choices for UK car buyers.

Whatever car you decide on you will need to make sure you can afford to buy it and keep it on the road. Get a range of car insurance quotes to see help tailor your budget, and check the car tax bracket your chosen model falls under as well. It might also be an idea to speak to a mechanic and get rough estimates for common repairs such as exhaust replacements, or clutch fittings, so if you do your research before you decide to buy it you won’t be in for any nasty surprises.

Paul McIndoe writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

However, reality usually gets in the way of this archetypal dream, especially when faced with the dreaded city-centre traffic jam. Complicated one-way systems and impatient bus and taxi drivers who seem to be able to navigate their way around the city in 10 minutes, also add serious weight to one’s nervous tension.

City driving, particularly when a place is unfamiliar, can therefore be a potentially terrifying and stressful experience. People cursing one another and horns blaring are a common occurrence, which can unnerve even the steeliest of drivers.

However, with the right know-how, anyone can comfortably cruise around town whilst imagining they are instead on some lost highway no-one knows about and where other cars don’t exist.

It is definitely worth thinking about your choice of car. If, for example, you only drive in the city, and rarely, if ever make longer road trips, it may well be worth opting for a smaller car rather than a large family saloon or even a 4×4. This can not only be a more economical choice fuel wise - a huge factor considering the present price of filling your car up - but will also help when it comes to parking.

More often than not, and always when you’re running late, there only seems to be the tiniest of spaces in which to park. Owning a large car which is unlikely to fit into these small spaces will only add to your stress, whilst the smaller ones, usually specifically designed for city driving, are much easier to navigate into those tight corners. A point of vital importance is being aware not only of where you park your car, but also what you leave on display. A thief will only thank you for parking in a dimly-lit, empty street and for leaving your new set of golf clubs sparkling in the window. It definitely pays to invest in anti-car theft security, such as an alarm or steering wheel lock.

Keeping abreast of any current or pending construction work, and factoring it into your journey ahead of schedule is also a smart move. You’ll be able to plot an alternative route, or make plans to leave earlier and thus give yourself more time to make the journey.

However, even the most vigilant and organised of drivers can come unstuck in the city. Not only is there the chance of your vehicle being a target for thieves, there are also those people who don’t look where they are going, consequently ending up in your boot! It’s times like these you’ll be glad of your car insurance policy; while it won’t protect you from the road hazards of the city, car insurance can help alleviate any aftermath from being the unfortunate victim of car crime or an accident by helping meet the cost of collision damage, fire or theft.

Paul McIndoe writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.