http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/ Articles at The Article Planet en-us http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/automotive/cars/car-sales-rise-in-the-uk.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/automotive/cars/car-sales-rise-in-the-uk.html Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:06:18 -0500
When car sales rise they show that people are willing to buy big-ticket items and that they are willing to take on payments, which means that they feel their finances are secure. During a recession or depression most people don't feel that they have any financial security, so it's very important when that confidence returns.

It also shows that there is an ability to buy cars in the UK, meaning that more people have the funds to do so. Of course, it's just plain good for car salesmen and dealerships, as well, because they're in the business to make money. People don't sell cars just because they enjoy it, and if they can't make any money selling cars they're much more likely to just go and do something else. With the economy struggling, a lot of people who had previously sold cars decided that they could pick a different job rather than continue to flounder along. Now that car sales are on the rise in the UK, more people will be coming back to work for car dealers and getting interested in selling cars as a career. That's good for dealerships that need qualified people, and it's also good for the job market and people who are trying to enter it by whatever decent means they can find. It's still a little too early to tell, though, whether rising car sales in the UK indicates a complete recovery or whether it's only a partial recovery. It's also possible that car sales will go back down again, so thinking positive while remaining realistic is important.
]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/automotive/cars/ford-fiesta-named-car-of-the-year.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/automotive/cars/ford-fiesta-named-car-of-the-year.html Mon, 07 Sep 2009 22:51:50 -0500
Not everyone will love the Fiesta because some people simply want bigger, flashier, more expensive cars, but for those who need good quality transportation at a great price, it's very hard to beat the Ford Fiesta.

Ford, even though it's an American company, is a large player in the UK car market, and the Fiesta is only a part of that. The Ford vans that are available are also exceedingly popular, and they provide a lot of cargo room while still being small and easy to drive in traffic. Ford has a reputation for quality, as well, both in the UK and in the US, and that has helped the company go a lot farther in the UK car market than anyone had at first thought it would. It isn't the leader, but that's to be expected in a country where it's not based, but it still has a good part of the car-buying public very interested in what it has to offer. Now that the Fiesta has been named the car of the year, it's quite likely that Ford will see a boost in sales of that vehicle, further contributing to its market share, profits, and desirability in the UK car market today.
]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/automotive/cars/used-car-finance-compared-using-a-loan-calculator.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/automotive/cars/used-car-finance-compared-using-a-loan-calculator.html Sun, 30 Aug 2009 01:53:32 -0500
When on the lookout for a used car finance, you ought to look at the several packages that are obtainable by auto financial institutions. Take a closer look at the car loans interest rates, car loan terms, payment term, length of time before the credit gets approved, the lender's fees and charges and any penalty fees if you payout your loan earlier, along with other things that generate up the complete package. Although the interest rate is one of the most significant items in the package, the other things are best not overlooked.

Apart from the above, take time to go through the second-hand car loans quotation and find the best one that suits you. To find the best car loans package, take your time as you do you research. You may not need to do a lot of legwork while a simple seek out in the web can give you a great deal of the information you need on second-hand car finance companies. You can rank the companies according to their car finance interest rates or other criteria that you wish. If you don't have the time to do research, having a car broker do it for you is an alternative.

When you are considering submitting an application for a used auto finance, make certain you know the repayments that you will need to make. It is simple to do this using a car loan calculator, which is available on the sites of most car loans companies. This simple online car loan calculator, with easy functions, assists you to determine the duration of schedule over which you will pay off the finance.

After settling on a number of possible finance companies or banks from which you hope to apply for the loan, you have to check the credentials of the car loans company. Is it a company that you approve of? What is its history in lending and dealing with second-hand auto loan borrowers? What about its integrity, is it acknowledged to be an ethical finance company? These are a number of the little things that should steer you in filtering out the potential companies and in the end stay with the company that you will borrow the auto car loan.

You generally have two types of car finance products available from the banks and car finance companies: a personal loan and a car loan using the motor vehicle as security. The car loans are usually untaken over a repayment period of between five to seven years, with the period of the lend very much depending on the age of the automobile that you are buying. Some lenders do not provide loans for cars that are over 7 years while others reduce the term period. This differs from bank to bank so be sure to ask the lender about their guidelines on old cars. A finance broker specializing in car loans may also be capable to help you with this.

In addition to very old cars, some lenders do not accept used car finance applications for cars that are imported. If you are buying an imported vehicle a unsecured personal may be your best other. Note that personal unsecured loans are charged higher car loans interest rates than secured loans.

Do not forget that the finance for which you are applying has addition options that you might want included. Some of these might comprise insurance on the vehicle, warranties on mechanical failure of the car, unemployment loan protection, disability and/or death insurance and so on. If these items are approved by the lending company, do not forget that you will still have to borrow the money over the requisites that are laid out in the loan contract.

Another important factor for consideration is the finance source itself, and the capability of the financier to raise the cash. Not all financiers use their own currency, and while some are financially strong enough to weather the storm of a downturn, others are not.

Notwithstanding that, you can get a good car loans package if you take time to judge against the interest rates and terms of used car loans presented by different car finance companies. Having an skilled car loan broker can help you a great deal in choosing a used car loan that you will be capable to repay with room for if all the bills come in at once. ]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/automotive/cars/a-guide-to-heritage-cars-a-classic-investment.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/automotive/cars/a-guide-to-heritage-cars-a-classic-investment.html Sat, 29 Aug 2009 11:30:41 -0500
As it turns out, a love of vintage motors could actually give you a good return. Just recently, a 1955 Jaguar D-Type sold for a whopping £2.2 million - an amount that saw its value more than double in just two years.

Expert opinion

"Lots of people like new cars," says Tim Schofield, motoring expert at auctioneers and valuers, Bonham's. "But as soon as you drive these out of the showroom, they depreciate like a stone.

"You won't get that with an older car because it's been through the market fluctuations already. Certain vehicles have had a huge jump in value in the last three years. Some have trebled."

If money's no object then classics worth their weight in gold include the Aston Martin DB5 (James Bond's drive during the Sean Connery era), the Ferrari Dino and the Lamborghini Miura. But there are cheaper options, too.

Definition of a Classic Car

In the UK, a car that's more than 15 years old, with a value in excess of £15,000, is classed as a ‘classic'. And for that price, if you shop around, you can be the proud owner of an Aston Martin V8 or a Ferrari 308 GTB - something that's certainly worth considering a car loan for!

Old cars can be an enthusiast's pride and joy, but be wary of vehicles ‘born' before the 1950s. Even if it's worth a lot of money and is in perfect condition, it may not be the most reliable way to get from one end of the country to the other, so make sure you get some breakdown cover.

A good old buy

A classic car is never going to be a guaranteed investment, of course. Its ultimate value will depend on good luck and judgement, as well as being in the right place at the right time. It will also continue to cost you in petrol, regular servicing and car insurance. The good news, however, is that a true vintage will be exempt from road tax, and classic car insurance is relatively inexpensive.

Classic car sales can be found privately, through a dealer, or buying and selling through an auction house. "At Bonham's we can offer you advice on what kind of investment is likely to prosper in the future," says Tim. "Colour scheme, particular features including sunroofs and soft tops, and the car's overall condition, all have a significant bearing on value.

"Generally speaking, if a car caused a sensation when it was first launched and it sold well when it was new, then it's always going to be collectible in years to come," he adds.

If you decide a classic investment is for you, it's worth researching online and flicking through specialist car magazines such as Octane, too. You could also get in touch with classic car clubs or pop along to historic races or the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Top Tips

Classic car expert Edward Bridger-Stille, from Coys of Kensington, reveals the tricks of the trade when it comes to buying vintage…

"Spend as much as you can," says Edward. "It's far better to buy a car that's already been restored than do the work yourself, as restoration is very expensive.

"Ask a specialist to inspect your chosen car and provide you with a full report before you buy. This will put you in a good position to budget any work that needs doing into your offer." ]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/automotive/cars/the-best-selling-car-brands-in-the-uk.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/automotive/cars/the-best-selling-car-brands-in-the-uk.html Fri, 28 Aug 2009 22:21:00 -0500 We take a look at the UK's most popular four-wheeled friends

Assuming you're reading this in a UK town, city or suburb, take a minute to have a look at the cars on the street outside. Note cars in driveways, on the curb side, and those driving past. Go on, we'll wait here while you take a peek...

...Back yet? Good, now here are some no-brainer statements:

• Some of the cars you saw were the same model
• Even more were the same make
• Few, if any, of the cars were British
• Almost certainly, none of them was a Maybach
The reason there's a good chance that those bullet points are true is because the UK car industry is overwhelmingly dominated by a clutch of well-known brands, each with their own ubiquitous best-selling models.

The third bullet point is likely to be true because Britain has been out of the domestically-owned, mass-market car game since 1994 (when BMW put Rover on a leash). These days, ‘British car' means coach-built enthusiast marques such as Bristol, Morgan, Noble, or kit-car fave, Caterham.

Anyway, here's the list of the best-selling car brands in the UK, with a little more information on each brand following on...

Top-Selling Car Brands in the UK 2008
1 Ford
2 Vauxhall
3 Volkswagen
4 Peugeot
5 BMW
6 Toyota
7 Audi
8 Renault
9 Honda
10 Citroen

Manufacturer Ford
Parent Company Ford Motor Company
Nationality USA
UK Car Models Ka, Fiesta, Fusion, Focus, C-Max, Mondeo, S-Max, Kuga, Galaxy

Manufacturer Vauxhall
Parent Company General Motors Corporation
Nationality USA
UK Car Models Agila, Corsa, Meriva, Tigra, Astra, Zafira, Insignia, Antara, VXR8

Manufacturer Volkswagen
Parent Company Volkswagen Group
Nationality German
UK Car Models Fox, Polo, Golf, Beetle, Jetta, Passat, Scirocco, Tiguan, Eos, Touran, Sharan, Touareg, Phaeton

Manufacturer Peugeot
Parent Company PSA Peugeot Citroën
Nationality French
UK Car Models 107, 207, 307, 308, 407, Partner Tepee, 4007, 807, Expert Tepee

Manufacturer BMW
Parent Company Bavarian Motor Works
Nationality German
UK Car Models 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X3, X5, X6, Z4

Manufacturer Toyota
Parent Company Toyota Motor Corporation
Nationality Japan
UK Car Models Aygo, Yaris, Corolla, Verso, Avensis, Auris, Prius, RAV4, Land Cruiser

Manufacturer Audi
Parent Company Volkswagen Group
Nationality German
UK Car Models A3, A4, A5, A6, A8, TT, Q5, Q7, R8

Manufacturer Renault
Parent Company Renault
Nationality France
UK Car Models Twingo, Clio, Kangoo, Mégane, Laguna, Modus, Scénic, Koleos, Espace

Manufacturer Honda
Parent Company Honda Motor Company
Nationality Japan
UK Car Models Jazz, Accord, Civic, Legend, CR-V, FR-V, S2000

Manufacturer Citroën
Parent Company PSA Peugeot Citroën
Nationality French
UK Car Models C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C8, C-Crosser, Pluriel, Nemo, Berlingo, Picasso (C3, Xsara & C4)

Here are the best-selling car models in the UK for 2008.

Top 10 Registered Car Models 2008*
Car 2008 Sales
1 Ford Focus 101,593
2 Vauxhall Corsa 99,574
3 Ford Fiesta 94,989
4 Vauxhall Astra 90,641
5 VW Golf 65,029
6 Peugeot 207 53,462
7 BMW 3 Series 49,384
8 Ford Mondeo 44,150
9 Vauxhall Zafira 43,169
10 Vauxhall Vectra 42,555

*Data from The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

One last thing, remember the fourth bullet point at the top of the page, the one that reads, ‘Almost certainly, none of them was a Maybach'? Well, that wasn't some random statement. Sadly for Maybach, their über-luxurious 57 & 62 models, with prices starting at over £250k, were the worst-selling cars in the UK in 2008. ]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/automotive/cars/gap-insurance-a-guide.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/automotive/cars/gap-insurance-a-guide.html Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:41:13 -0500
What is GAP insurance?

GAP stands for Guaranteed Asset Protection - the asset being your car, motorbike or van. Most car insurance policies pay out if your car is written off or stolen. However, the figure your insurance company will use to determine how much they pay is based on the current market value of your car.

But what if the outstanding finance on your car is more than the market value? You could be left with a hole in your pocket - and your garage - unless you have GAP insurance.

GAP insurance is calculated on 110% of the Glass's Guide price for used car values. The policy can cover either the amount of finance taken out, or the cost of the car.

Types of GAP insurance

Return to Invoice: RTI GAP insurance makes up the difference between the original purchase price of the vehicle and the amount paid out by your car insurance policy. This means it can be used for a car that you own outright as well as those bought on finance.

Example: If you paid £25,000 for your car with a £2,000 deposit, you'd have a loan of £23,000. If your car is stolen or written off 18-months later and you still owe £17,000 to the finance company, your insurer will pay out a depreciation rate of £14,000, and RTI GAP insurance will cover the remaining £11,000.

Finance GAP: Finance GAP covers the difference between any outstanding finance on the vehicle and your car insurance policy pay out. This means it can cover you for a larger amount than RTI GAP but is only suitable for cars bought on finance - loans, contract, hire purchase or lease purchase.

Example: If you paid £25,000 for your car with a £2,000 deposit, you'd have a loan of £23,000. If your car is stolen or written off 18-months later and you still have £17,000 owing to the finance company, your insurer will pay £14,000. Finance GAP insurance will cover £3,000.

Replacement GAP: The third type of GAP insurance covers the cost of replacing your vehicle with a new one, or one of equivalent age, within a limit specified by the policy. This can be applied to new or used cars.

Example: If you paid £25,000 for your car with a £2,000 deposit, you'd have a loan of £23,000. If your car is stolen or written off 18-months later and you still have £17,000 owing to the finance company, your insurer will pay £14,000. Replacement GAP insurance will pay the difference between the insurance payout and the cost of a brand new car. However, this payment is made to the motor dealer.

You can also get a combination of RTI and Finance GAP that pays whichever sum is the largest, offering extra security, as well as separate plans for motorbikes and commercial vehicles.

The pros

• Peace of mind: Knowing that, should the worst happen, you won't be out of pocket or without a car for long.
• Less hassle: You won't have to spend time and effort negotiating with your car insurance company over the value of your (ex)-car.
• Good timing: Car sales are falling in the current economic climate, so too are used car values. This means a financial gap is more likely.

The cons

• Cost: There's always a risk you could end up paying for GAP insurance which you never use.

Is GAP insurance right for you?

So if you have a large amount of finance owing on your car, or your savings are such that you'd struggle to pay the difference should something happen to your vehicle, consider GAP insurance. ]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/automotive/cars/a-guide-to-driving-in-romania.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/automotive/cars/a-guide-to-driving-in-romania.html Mon, 24 Aug 2009 20:39:30 -0500 Getting started

Romania: it's more than just the crossroads of Europe. With medieval architecture, stunning views and warm summers, there's plenty to explore, as we find out.

Hit the road

Romania has a lot to show for its Eastern European roots: of the 200,000km of roads in the country, little more than 30% are paved and there's less than 500km of motorway - all the more reason to make sure you've got adequate car insurance if using your own wheels.

As a result, there are fewer than four million cars in a country slightly smaller than the UK. Just keep an eye out for the horsepower - horse-drawn carts are commonplace.

Star drive

Think of Romania and Transylvania and Dracula are likely to come to mind. But one of the most popular and enjoyable areas to visit is the ‘Romania Riviera'. Over 250km of coastline along the Black Sea offers fine beaches, spectacular drives and soaring temperatures in the summer.

Follow the E87 from Mangalia in the south to Tulcea in the north and you'll have a serious suntan to show for it.

Best of the rest

Romania shares the largest mountain range in Europe with some of its neighbours - Hungary, Serbia and Ukraine. The Carpathians stretch in an arc of almost 1,000 miles, with peaks of over 8,000 feet in the Romanian areas. The city of Braşov is at the heart of them.

Swap one car for another and take the cable car to the top of Tâmpa Mountain for a beautiful view over Braşov. From there, head to Bran Castle to check out Dracula's home. For a bit of exercise, Prahova Valley - just 100km from the capital city of Bucharest - offers excellent skiing.

Laws of the land

• The minimum age for drivers is 18
• Dipped headlights are required outside built-up areas in daytime, whilst motorbikes must use them at all times
• All occupants must wear seatbelts if fitted
• Children under 12 may not travel in the front of a car unless the car is a two seater.

Local knowledge

If you're heading to Romania for a road trip, be wary of the zero drink drive limit. You can have your licence taken away for 90 days, or even end up in prison - not exactly an ideal holiday!

You'll need a first-aid kit, fire extinguisher and red warning triangle when driving around, as well as your ‘green card' insurance. You'll also need a ‘Rovinieta' - a road tax disc - compulsory for both residents and visitors. They can be picked up at the border and most petrol stations. If you can't show evidence you bought one when you leave, you could land a fine of up to €4,000.

Standard speed limits

Residential Areas 50km/h
Built-up Areas 50km/h
Outside Built-up Areas 90km/h
Dual carriageways 100km/h
Motorways 130km/h

Limits are reduced by 10km/h if towing and by 20km/h if you've held your licence for less than a year.

Did you know?

It's against the law to drive a dirty car in Romania! So, if you've decided to drive rather than fly, give it a quick once-over before crossing the border.
]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/automotive/cars/hire-a-car-for-the-summer-but-im-not-even-going-abroad.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/automotive/cars/hire-a-car-for-the-summer-but-im-not-even-going-abroad.html Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:57:47 -0500
The argument put forward by Catriona Lougher of Europcar (at uknetguide.co.uk) stems from the notion that while many are cutting back on where they are travelling to this summer, a number of UK tourists are also likely to have already tried to save money on maintaining their vehicles - and may have downsized to a smaller car that might not be so suited to long distances.

Lougher states: "This means that when it comes to that UK holiday, hiring a bigger, safer car for the trip makes enormous sense as does using a company that will deliver the car to your home address for free. With this in mind, we've put together some top tips on how to get the best out of car hire in the UK this summer."

Of course, whilst savings are likely to be made by those who have recently downgraded vehicles, there will be costs other than the hire to consider. Customers will have to anticipate how much they will want to spend on car insurance (i.e. if numerous drivers need to be accommodated for), as well as optional extras such as satellite navigation systems and child seats.

However, for those who were anxious about how feasible a lengthy trip away would be in their freshly-bought ‘scrappage scheme' run-around, hiring a vehicle seems like a logical answer. For those who are considering this option, searching for a hire deal sooner rather than later is advised in order to find the cheapest deals and to benefit from the most choice - whilst it also pays to be completely sure of your needs, such as vehicle size and how far you plan to travel before you do your research. ]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/automotive/cars/a-guide-to-driving-in-austria.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/automotive/cars/a-guide-to-driving-in-austria.html Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:48:58 -0500 Getting started

Austria: home to Mozart, opera and Hundertwasser architecture - a country rich in history, music and beautiful countryside.

Unfortunately, if there's one country that's too often overlooked, it's this one, as it's frequently bypassed in favour of neighbouring Germany, Hungary, Italy and the Czech Republic. But to avoid Austria is to miss out on the hidden gems of this gloriously picturesque European country.

Hit the road

Austrian roads are some of the best in Europe. Most of the expressways are two rather than three-lane, but they're well maintained. So too are the minor roads if you want to explore the countryside.

You'll need a motorway pass (vignette) to travel on motorways or expressways. These can be bought from petrol stations, post offices and usually on the border when entering Austria.

It's also worth noting that parts of the A9, A10 and A13 motorways use video tolling, which requires an extra ticket.

Star drive

A road trip to Austria wouldn't be complete without a view of the Alps. Head south towards Innsbruck and pick up the 188. This takes you on a spectacular route through the heart of the mountains. You'll come out 50 miles later near Brunnenfeld.

Best of the rest

The Arlberg Pass is a historical route between Vorarlberg and Tyrol. A tunnel was built in the 1970s to make life easier, which means the adventurous and enthusiastic can use the old route - enjoying amazing views along one of the world's best driving roads.

Next stop should be the capital city of Vienna, but ditch the wheels for this one. Vienna, a World Heritage Site, with its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage is the place to savour fine art and music.

Laws of the land

• The minimum age for drivers is 18
• Dipped headlights are required when weather conditions are poor. Motorcycles are required to use dipped lights at all times.
• All occupants must wear seatbelts if fitted
• Children under 14, or less than 1.5m tall, may only travel in the front or back of a car if fitted with an appropriate restraint.
• All cars must carry a first-aid kit, warning triangle and EN471 reflective jacket or vest.

Local knowledge

All cars must have winter tyres, or carry snow chains, between 1 November and 15 April. This period may be extended if conditions continue.

Use of the horn is generally not allowed in Vienna or outside hospitals.

Standard speed limits

Residential Areas 50km/h
Built Up Areas 50km/h
Outside Built Up Areas 100km/h
Dual Carriageways 100km/h
Motorways 130km/h

Did you know?

Vehicles with a top speed of less than 37mph are not permitted to travel on Austrian motorways. If you're driving something slower, you might want to consider flying instead.
]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/automotive/cars/a-guide-to-driving-in-the-czech-republic.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/automotive/cars/a-guide-to-driving-in-the-czech-republic.html Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:54:33 -0500 Getting started

First off, it's an 800 mile drive (from London) to the Czech Republic, so if you're not picking up a rental at the airport, make sure both you and your car are well prepared for the trip. That said, however you arrive, castles and gorgeous countryside abound, and in capital city Prague, you will find one of Europe's most artistic and exciting cities.

Hit the road

The beautiful scenery is great to look at, but keep those eyes on the road. The distracting quality of the stunning views, along with a rapid rise in traffic following the fall of communism, may both be factors why the Czech Republic sits near the bottom of Europe-wide road safety tables. It's a grim fact, but road fatality figures are three times worse than the UK - so please take utmost care when driving and make sure you have adequate car insurance before you go.

Where to go

If you like your cars, head south to Brno. A few miles from the centre is the Masaryk Circuit, home to the epic street races of the pre-war era. Each lap covered almost 20 miles and the roads still exist today, so you can retrace the wheel tracks of racing legends such as Hans Stuck and Bernd Rosemeyer.

However, you can't head for the Czech Republic and not visit Prague. Thanks to the efforts of the government it's a very safe city to explore, and its historic centre is a World Heritage site. Luckily it missed the worst of the WWII bombing and hence much of its Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque architecture is still in place.

You could also try heading for the Karkonosze Mountains on the border with Poland. Two national parks, and the spectacular peaks and ridges punctuated by a series of waterfalls, will definitely reward your driving efforts.

Laws of the land

• The minimum age for drivers is 18.
• Vehicles must have dipped headlights at all times. Expect a fine of around £60 if you get caught with them off.
• All occupants must wear seatbelts if fitted.
• Children under 1.5m tall may only travel in the front or back of a car if fitted with an appropriate restraint.

Local knowledge

The Czech Republic has a zero drink drive limit. It's treated as a criminal offence and can land you with a £1,500 fine.

There's also a strict list of equipment that must be carried in the car at all times:

• first-aid kit
• warning triangle
• spare bulbs
• winter tyres between 1 November and 30 April
• reflective jacket - this must be carried in the car (not the boot) and comply with EU standard EN471.

Standard speed limits
Residential Areas 50km/h
Built Up Areas 50km/h
Outside Built Up Areas 90km/h
Dual carriageways 80km/h
Built up areas 90-130km/h outside
Motorways 130km/h

If you have an accident

Should you be involved in a crash, you must not move the cars involved until the police have examined the scene. If you have to move them for safety reasons you must mark the location of cars with chalk.
]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/automotive/cars/a-guide-to-driving-in-iceland.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/automotive/cars/a-guide-to-driving-in-iceland.html Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:29:55 -0500 Getting started

Despite the name, Iceland isn't the Arctic landscape you might expect. It is, however, underpinned by some major volcanic activity, which contributes to its spectacular scenery and unusual way of life. We explore this geological wonderland on four wheels.

Hit the road

Iceland and its inhabitants are big fans of the car: with no railway service it's your best bet to get around. The road system is simple - Route 1 is the ring road that skirts around the edge of the island and links the major towns.

Though you're more likely to be hiring a car in Iceland, really adventurous road trippers can take their own set of wheels by heading to Denmark and then catching the ferry.

Star drive

A visit to the Gullfoss waterfall in the south-west is an essential part of any trip to Iceland. Its spectacular staircase of waterfalls flows into the Hvítá River. The river can't be seen from your viewing spot, but this creates the illusion of the falls flowing straight into the earth. Take Route 1 until you reach Route 35 at Selfoss to get there.

Best of the rest

If scenery is your thing, you'll be spoilt for choice in Iceland, and the geysers in Haukadalur Valley should be top on your list - they've been erupting since records began in the 1200s.

The most famous is Geysir, the oldest known example, and namesake to these spouting hot springs the world over. Although it's been known to stop for years at a time, Geysir usually erupts two or three times a day, spouting boiling water over 50 metres into the air. The smaller neighbouring Strokkur geyser erupts almost every five minutes.

Laws of the land

• The minimum age for drivers is 17
• Dipped headlights are required at all times
• All occupants must wear seatbelts if fitted

Local knowledge

Like the UK, Iceland has fewer regulations concerning what you must carry in your car. It recommends carrying a first-aid kit, fire extinguisher and spare bulbs, but to be legal all you need is a warning triangle - and car insurance of course.

The drink drive limit is a low 0.05 per cent. Going over carries heavy penalties so be particularly aware the morning after. The price of beer may put you off anyway - expect to pay about £5 or more for a pint!

Standard speed limits

Residential Areas 50km/h
Built Up Areas 50km/h
Outside Built Up Areas 90km/h (80km/h if unpaved)
Limits are reduced by 10km/h if towing.

Did you know?

Of the 8,000 miles of roads in Iceland, less than 3,000 miles are paved.
]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/automotive/cars/4-essential-driving-abroad-tips.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/automotive/cars/4-essential-driving-abroad-tips.html Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:46:20 -0500
1. Safety first

Before hitting the road, you need to carry out common-sense safety checks on the vehicle. Check easily overlooked things like doors, mirrors and seatbelts, as well as brakes, tyres, lights, and petrol, water and oil levels. Consider getting a garage to do this for you, for extra peace of mind. Ensure your car insurance will cover the trip, don't forget your breakdown details, and remember to pack essential kit such as a torch, reflective triangle sign, high-visibility jacket, jump leads and a first aid kit.

2. Get packing

So you don't forget anything, pack the car the night before travel to avoid any last minute rush. Spread the load evenly and avoid too many loose items which could hit someone in the event of breaking sharply. Pack plenty of drinks and easy snacks, wet wipes for spillages, bags for rubbish, CDs, and plenty of games to keep kids from getting bored.

3. Plan your route

Make sure you know exactly how to get to where you're going before you start your journey. You can do this the old fashioned way by using a map, you can get directions from an online route planner (the AA and RAC have these), or use a SatNav that's loaded with up-to-date European roads (though the mechanical voice will drive you mad by the time you reach the British coast, let alone continental Europe).

You also need to plan the timing of your drive. Avoid rush hours whenever possible as the last thing you want on an extremely long drive with your family is extra stress.

4. Take regular breaks

Tiredness can dangerously affect your concentration, so avoid driver fatigue by taking 15 minute breaks every two hours. Never drive all day - share driving duties if at all possible - and if you feel sleepy, pull over at the nearest safe place and get some sleep.

Don't underestimate how hard it is for children to be cooped up in the back for long periods; plan ahead and check for parks and playgrounds along the way.

If you're aiming to be at a particular destination, such as a campsite or ferry port, at a particular time, plan meal and toilet breaks into your journey. Also, factor in some extra time in case you hit traffic jams or roadworks.
]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/automotive/cars/cash-for-clunkers-comes-with-some-caveats.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/automotive/cars/cash-for-clunkers-comes-with-some-caveats.html Wed, 12 Aug 2009 20:13:06 -0500
But as CNNMoney points out, some caveats should come with that offer of help. This initiative is the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act, part of the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2009 passed in Congress earlier in June. The bill allows individuals and businesses to trade in older cars and trucks for new more fuel efficient models.

"New" is the operative word here. The government is offering refund vouchers of $3,500 or $4,500 in place of the ordinary trade-in value of a vehicle to go toward the purchase of a new, not used, vehicle. As CNNMoney pointed out, if you drive a clunker worth less than $4,500, maybe you shouldn't be enticed to buy a new car that is sure to include a monthly car payment.

Here's how it works: The plan runs from August to November 2009 and offers passenger car owners a $3,500 voucher if they trade in a car getting 18 miles per gallon or less for a car getting at least 22 miles per gallon. There is the same voucher amount for owners of pickups, minivans and SUVs who trade in vehicles getting 18 mpg or less for a vehicle getting at least 2 mpg more than their old vehicle. Not an impressive win for the environment.

The government ups the ante to a $4,500 voucher, however, if car owners purchase a new car that gets 10 mpg better than the trade-in. Owners of pickups, minivans and SUVs can get the $4,500 voucher if they purchase a new vehicle that gets at least 5 mpg better than the traded-in vehicle. To check the miles per gallon for any vehicle go to www.fueleconomy.gov.

Some of the fine print includes the fact that participating auto dealers must ensure that the traded in vehicles are rendered inoperable by crushing or demolishing them to keep them off the road. Trade-ins must be drivable vehicles of a model year 1984 or later, insured and registered to the same owner for the previous year.

Who it helps: This program is a benefit if someone is considering purchasing a new car anyway. It's important to know the trade-in value of a vehicle before heading out the door to car shop. There are several websites that offer this type of information, such as Edmonds or Kelley Blue Book. If a car is worth more than the $3,500 to $4,500 voucher, then the cash for clunkers is not a good financial move. Also, the voucher shouldn't be confused with other incentives auto dealers may be offering. As CNNMoney puts it: "Be sure to negotiate the purchase price just as you always would." ]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/automotive/cars/review-of-hyundai-i10-1.1-comfort.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/automotive/cars/review-of-hyundai-i10-1.1-comfort.html Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:18:49 -0500 I bought this Hyundai i10 1.1 Comfort car for my wife and needed the 3 seats in the back for my three children and the odd occasions that all 5 of us are in the vehicle.

Cracking car for the money trouble free motoring for 5 years. A little bit disappointed that it took over 4 trips to the dealer to fix a fan belt! but in the end the service manager took it upon himself to come to my place of work to fix it which was a nice touch.

This car is an ideal city car / second car and would become tiresome to drive great distances but that is not want it is designed for.

My other car is a ford Mondeo diesel. Also a cracking motor that is greatly let down by the 2nd and 3rd year dealer warranty. I have had a problem on this vehicle with the steering for 12 months but Bristol street ford won't look at it unless a £40.00 fee is paid up front for the diagnosis. If only all other car manufacturers warranties were as good as Hyundai's. Ford take note!!

Good Points
Excellent Fuel Economy
5 Year Warranty
Options Gallore
£35 Tax.
Cheap Insurance.

Bad Points
4 Times to dealer to fix a loose fan belt.

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