Used Cars

18th March 2007

Make sure you check the dipstick on any vehicle you’re thinking of buying – because the chances are, its existing owner won’t have bothered to for a long time.

Nearly one in three motorists failed to understand the importance of regular oil checks in a poll by car care company Comma. It revealed that 71 per cent of drivers are unaware of the need to use the correct grade of oil, and 29 per cent don’t ensure the car is on a level surface before carrying out checks. This is vital if you are to obtain an accurate reading.

MANUFACTURERS trying to protect their resale values won’t put a stop to the availability of cheap ex-company models, according to one fleet service provider.

While the likes of Alfa Romeo and Fiat have withdrawn from large leasing contracts to prevent oversupply and maintain stronger resid­uals (see story, left), experts at GE Commercial Finance still predict a growth in the company car sector.

According to the latest figures, the percentage of business users who are being offered a cash option instead of a car has fallen from 52 per cent to 38 per cent.

THE NEW 07-plate has arrived in showrooms – but there’s good news for owners of older cars, too. To coincide with the third birthday of the 04 registration, Warranty Direct has unveiled a special 20 per cent discount on cover for vehicles wearing the reg.

Most manufacturers offer three-year policies on new models, so
protection on cars registered in March 2004 is now close to expiring. Cover starts from as little as £13 per month, but the offer only runs until the end of March.