MAKE AND SAVE MONEY WITH YOUR CAR

MoneyMagpie

Cash Drive: How to make big money with your car - and save at the same time

Jasmine Birtles

Cash Drive: How to make big money with your car - and save at the same time

“Cars are expensive – they cost money to buy and they cost money to run. In fact, for many people, apart from their home, their car is probably their most expensive possession.

However, it’s time to change your attitude towards your car. There are a lot of ways you can make owning a car more affordable – in fact, you can even turn your car into a source of cash! All it takes is a slight change in approach towards your vehicle and some fresh ideas. We’ve got everything you need, tips, tricks and advice, right here inside this eBook.

Get reading and start your own cash drive!”

– Jasmine Birtles

Gumtree says: “With an incredible 16.4 million people buying and selling on Gumtree each month, our simple, free and locally-focused site is a great first port of call for people looking to get the best deal on, and make the most money from, their motors. With 160,000 car ads live at any one time, there is plenty of choice for buyers and lots to learn from for sellers.

In this guide, we’ll share some simple steps to help drivers looking to invest in a pre-owned car as well as sellers searching for tips on how to market their car successfully. We’ll also provide tips on how to keep your motor in great condition, so that if you decide to sell it on a platform like Gumtree in the future, you’ll be in the best position possible.

Gumtree’s guide to The Etiquette of Buying and Selling Online acts as a great companion to this eBook and can be downloaded online for free!”

Jasmine Birtles

INTRODUCTION

With recent news that new drivers across the UK spend an average of £4,2761 buying their first car, it’s clear that cars still take up a lot of earnings and more importantly, time, in people’s lives.

Furthermore, those from the North West and London splash out more than £5,000 on their first set of wheels2

However, the positive news is that the overall cost of running a car for young drivers has fallen significantly, primarily driven by a decrease in the cost of fuel and motor insurance (we’ve got a lot of advice on insurance later on in this eBook). On average, a 17-24-year-old driver will now pay £2,292 to run their car in the first year, of which more than half (£1,281) is the cost of insurance3 .

The motors market is constantly shifting, and as such it is a profitable one to be involved in, whether it’s by buying, selling, or simply squeezing the most out of a vehicle you already own.

1https://press.gocompare.com/news/new-drivers-spend-over-gbp-5-000-on-their-first-car

2https://press.gocompare.com/news/new-drivers-spend-over-gbp-5-000-on-their-first-car

3https://www.comparethemarket.com/car-insurance/content/young-driver-report/

MAKE MONEY FROM YOUR CAR

A car is an asset. A lot of people think of a car simply as a vehicle, but that’s not the right approach. Cars provide you with something extra that you can offer the market –if you have a car you have a job opportunity.

A lot of people might be wary of investing in a car, but if you use it properly the car can pay for itself. Here are some of the easiest ways you can turn your car into your number one employee and drive your income through the roof.

BECOME AN UBER DRIVER

In today’s sharing economy, having a vehicle is even more helpful than it ever was before. You can use your car to work for a company like Uber or Lyft and turn your ride into a taxi that pays for itself.

WHAT YOU NEED

In order to drive on the Uber app, you’ll need a private hire licence from a council that Uber is licensed by. If you don’t have one, that’s OK - they’ll help you get started with a personalised Ignition info appointment where they can offer advice and support after you sign up.

To work with Uber, you must meet a few minimum requirements:

• Be at least 21 years of age

• Have a valid UK driver’s licence (EU driver’s licence needs to be converted to UK driver’s licence before onboarding)

• Required years of driving experience will depend on which city you are based in

Note, it’s very important to be aware of where you intend on becoming an Uber driver, since the costs and time it takes to get a private hire driving license vary considerably by council.

For example, in Brighton and Hove, the total estimated cost of obtaining a PHDL is £1,112 and the total estimated time to obtain a PHDL is 40 weeks4 , whereas in Cambridge the estimated total cost is £484 and the time only eight weeks5

Earnings depend on how many trips you make, how efficiently you drive to save fuel (more on that further on in this eBook), but ultimately you’ll be looking at making around £11 an hour, sometimes more, sometimes less6. It’s quite reasonable for an employee, although of course other services may offer better value, you’ll have to shop around. Also note there have been reports in the media of Uber drivers making less money than minimum wage because the costs of driving take off so much of the profit, so you’ll want to do your research and approach with caution if this is something you’re interested in.

4https://press.gocompare.com/news/new-drivers-spend-over-gbp-5-000-on-their-first-car

5https://press.gocompare.com/news/new-drivers-spend-over-gbp-5-000-on-their-first-car

6https://www.comparethemarket.com/car-insurance/content/young-driver-report/

PUT ADS ON YOUR CAR

This is something so obvious that it’s hard to believe how few people think of it. You can have ads on your car, just like taxis and buses do.

The concept has been widely used in both the US and Europe, where advertisers like Gillette and the Transformers movie have worked with Moscow-based Stickerride. So, if you don’t mind driving around with ‘Vimto’ or something similar spread across your car, you could make around £100 a month for very little effort7.

WHAT’S INVOLVED IN GETTING ADS ON YOUR CAR?

First things first, you’ve got to get the ads on your car. The company that you sign up to will do this by applying an adhesive vinyl wrap to all or part of the vehicle. Special transparent vinyl is used on the windows, so it won’t interfere with your driving visibility

Full insurance is provided against any damage to the paintwork of your vehicle caused by the advert’s placement, so you don’t even need to worry if something does happen. Such ‘vehicle wraps’ can be added and removed easily without spoiling the paintwork. In fact, it’s been shown to protect your car’s paintwork from UV rays, corrosion and light scratches.

Another bonus is that you reduce the risk of your car being stolen with such unique bodywork. You may even get freebies from the advertisers such as samples and discounts. Most car wrapping companies will also pay you if you refer other people to them, so, it’s a win-win situation!

Saying this, many do prefer cars that are newer or in good condition. You will also be required to keep the outside of your car clean while the advert is on it – you should report any damage to the ads or your car immediately. Also, you’re free to turn down any branding allocated to your vehicle that you would not feel comfortable advertising.

THE IDEAL ‘VEHICLE WRAP’ DRIVER

In order to be considered for a wrap, most companies require their drivers to have:

• A clean driver’s licence

• A current MOT and road tax for the vehicle

• Valid insurance for the duration of the contract

• No convictions for drink driving, manslaughter or dangerous driving causing death.

You can still become part of the scheme if you happen to drive a company car, providing your company gives you permission of course. Car wrap companies can also offer corporate packages if you have a fleet of cars, vans or trucks that you are interested in registering.

7Based on Car Quids estimate (up to £100 a month) - https://www.carquids.com/

HOW MUCH CAN YOU MAKE FROM ADS ON YOUR CAR?

The rate of pay varies according to the company you go with and how much of your car you’re willing to get wrapped. There’s carquids.com, which says it has over 5,000 drivers registered, and offers anything from £50-£100 per month for having ads on your car, depending on the model and where it’s driven. Register here.

Then there’s adverttu, which claims to pay up to £150 a month for ads on cars (though there are limited reviews for this company). Drivers are paid monthly so it’s a nice way to supplement your income, plus there’s the chance to get freebies or samples from the advertisers you are working with.

CAN ANYONE DO IT?

In a word – no.

Obviously, a lot of people want to do this – and there’s nothing to stop you signing up – but the advertising companies are often looking for a specific type of car and driver. They could be looking out for someone who:

• Drives a LOT (like a travelling salesperson)

• Has a really cool or expensive car

• Drives in a certain area (maybe the South East only).

So, don’t be surprised if you sign up and then never hear anything. Don’t let it put you off as it’s worth a try but just be realistic. If, like Jasmine, you have a tired-looking Citroen C1 and you only pootle about town every now and then, you’re not going to be top of the list.

And, while you’re waiting to hear back, read our 10 real-world tips for cheaper driving.

MAKE MONEY FROM YOUR NUMBER PLATE

You can make money from number plates – it doesn’t just have to be an impulse buy or showy purchase!

Personalised number plates are becoming increasingly common. Many celebrities boast having one, such as Alan Sugar (AMS 1) and Vinnie Jones (100 VJ). But ordinary people like us are cashing in on the craze too.

In January 2006 £254,000 was paid to the DVLA for the number plate 51 NGH8 and in March 2009 a staggering £352,000 was paid for the number plate 1D9. These are worth much, much more now. Just last year, the number plate ‘F1’ went up for sale for just under £15 million after being purchased for £440,000 in 200810 .

8http://www.bossreg.com/news/11/51-ngh.html

9https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/1d-number-plate-fetches-352k-384582

10https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/cars/947174/private-number-plate-personalised-F1-most-expensive-Afzal-khan-Bugatti-Veyron

WHY NUMBER PLATES?

You can make money from number plates because they hold and increase in value as each one is unique.

Realistically you’re unlikely to find an interested buyer for a random assigned registration mark (that’s the usual reg plates that we get with a car). But if you purchase a short plate number, one that has a special significance or one that is dateless, then you may well be able to make a profit from it in the long-term.

They are massively popular now, so if you put your mind to it, you could make money. Just last year the sale of personalised number plates raised a record £102 million for the Treasury. According to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority) almost 335,000 registrations were sold over the past year, more than four times the total in the mid-1990s.

WHAT TO BUY?

When you’re buying a number plate with the intention of making a profit you should think like a buyer. Ask yourself:

• What is it about that number plate that would make a buyer interested?

Number plates that read as words are incredibly popular and are likely to be a good investment. For example, Pope John Paul II had the number plate VIP 1 on his Popemobile, which then sold for £285,00011. Admittedly it’s unlikely you will make as much as the Pope, but number plates like that are a good investment because, chances are, someone will be willing to pay good money for the word you have.

• Alternatively, you can take a punt and buy a plate with popular initials. Many people are often willing to pay a fair bit of money to have their initials plastered on their number plates. This is obviously more of a risk, you have to hope that you will find the right buyer, but the return can be good. Just avoid buying a plate with uncommon initials like the letter X, because this will make it harder to sell on (unless it’s some thing like XXXX or 4X or XTRA – the sort of combinations that novelty plate buyers would like).

• Number plates that are short are a good bet, although they are expensive to acquire, and at DVLA auctions they will usually have a high reserve price.

• Number plates that are dateless, with up to four numbers and three letters, are also highly desirable, but, again, to buy one new you will need to go to a DVLA auction.

It’s important to be aware that when the number plate has an age identifier, (for example 62 indicates 2012/13), it cannot be used on cars that were registered before that date. It’s also important that the spacing and letters have not been edited in any way as this is illegal and could lead to an unexpected fine!

11https://www.irishtimes.com/news/vip-1-abramovich-buys-trophy-irish-licence-plate-1.1027135

BE CAREFUL

When buying, make sure that the seller has a genuine V750 certificate of entitlement or V778 retention document, and that it’s signed by the person whose name is at the top of the certificate. Only the people named on one of these documents can assign the number plate to their car. Be aware there is an £80 transfer charge if a seller is transferring their number plate from their car to yours.

To transfer a number plate both vehicles must be DVLA registered, available for inspection and have a MOT certificate. Both buyer and seller must also complete a V317. If you do not plan on using the number plate on your car, you must pay to retain the registration number. It costs £25 to have the nominee on the retention document changed.

WHERE TO BUY?

You can buy a number plate directly from the DVLA Personalised Registrations website at any time. The most valuable number plates, however, are likely to be sold at a DVLA auction, which are held six times a year.

Each auction has 1,500 desirable number plates for sale, each with a reserve price, where you can bid amongst number plate enthusiasts for a brand-new registration number

If you can’t find the number plate you want on the DVLA website, you can contact the DVLA directly and make a request. If the number plate you want is available, then it may be offered at a future DVLA auction.

Alternatively, it could be worth looking on Gumtree to see if you can snap up a bargain from someone.

When buying, make sure that you do a price comparison with similar number plates on the market to ensure you are getting a fair deal. Also note that if your car is scrapped whilst the registration number is assigned to it then the number plate is lost and unrecoverable.

HOW MUCH WOULD YOU EXPECT TO PAY FOR A NUMBER PLATE?

It’s very important if you want to make money from number plates that you get the right price in the first place.

How much you might pay will vary according to how desirable the number plate is. On the DVLA website prices start from £250. At the real top end of the price range, the number plate MC 9 would set you back £57,495 at newreg.co.uk!

It might sound easier and cheaper to just change your name by deed poll to match your licence plate rather than the other way around, but registration marks can be very good investments.

For example, in the mid-nineties the number plate 1 SAJ was sold for £3,300. Its value today is estimated to be £30,00012. Not a bad return!

HOW TO KEEP YOUR NUMBER PLATE SAFE

Although all number plates risk being stolen for the purpose of car cloning, special number plates shouldn’t be any more vulnerable than a standard number plate as there are checks in place to ensure criminals cannot make a fast buck by selling them on.

Criminals who stole your number plate would require either the retention document or the certificate of entitlement or, if they were trying to transfer the number plate, then their car would have to be DVLA registered, available for inspection and have a MOT certificate.

Thankfully this makes it difficult for would-be criminals.

Remember, if you’re not going to be using your number plate on your car and simply want to store it, you will need to put it on a retention document, which costs £80 for ten years13

12https://www.platemaster.com/articles/most-expensive-number-plates.htm

13https://www.gov.uk/personalised-vehicle-registration-numbers/take-private-number-off

WHERE TO SELL?

All the sites you can use to buy number plates can also be used to sell them. Make sure you know whether the company making you an offer is buying it for stock or is offering to sell it for a commission. Check out more info here.

You can also advertise in local papers and on free advertising websites such as Gumtree. Look around at similar number plates to the one you are selling and price sensibly to make sure that you can sell whilst still getting a tidy profit. Regtransfers.co.uk offers a free valuation service.

Once you have found a buyer make sure that you have cleared funds before handing over your certificate and transferring or assigning the number plate.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Before you get cracking make sure to take time to read the government’s instructions about buying/selling personalised plates as this clearly outlines all the legal information you need to know to keep you safe.

TAKE PART IN A CAR BOOT SALE AND TURN YOUR PRE-OWNED ITEMS INTO CASH

No, this isn’t cheating – read the title again – taking part in a car boot sale is another way to make money with your car!

Most of us have a load of unused items that we could sell for a bit of money, and a car boot sale is a great way to do this. Research from Gumtree reveals that the average British household currently has 22 unwanted or unused items stockpiled, worth a potential £88114. This highlights the benefits of taking a look at what’s lying around that could be worth a few quid and loading it into the boot of your car.

Use a site like Car Boot Junction or Your Booty to find a good place to sell and make sure you arrive early so you can get the best spot.

Go around a few car boot sales first so you can pick up on what works well, keep your pricing simple and come prepared for all sorts of weather – it’s the UK after all! Click here for our definitive guide to having a successful car boot sale.

If you have items left over to sell after your car boot sale, sites like Gumtree provide a quick and easy solution. Unlike a car boot sale, you won’t need to wait for an opportunity to come up in your community to do this – simply post your ad on Gumtree and meet with local people in your area to sell your unwanted items.

14Research conducted by YouGov on behalf of Gumtree. Total sample size was 10,126 adults (1,002 in UK) from 10 different countries. UK survey conducted online between 13 July and 18 July 2018.

BECOME A DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

For many people, becoming a driving instructor would be the ideal job – flexible working hours, the chance to be your own boss and potential earnings of £20,000-£30,00015; it’s a dream come true! Plus, it’s a great way to make use of your car.

If you’re serious about a career in driving instruction, then there are certain things you’ll need. You must:

•Hold a full UK, European Union or European Economic Area unrestricted car driving licence (this is dependent on how Brexit impacts things, of course!)

• Have held a car driving licence for a minimum of four years.

• Not have been disqualified from driving in the four years before you apply to join the Driving Standard Agency’s register of driving instructors. (You must also declare any points held on your licence in the last six years. If you have six or more points you may struggle to get on a driving instructor training course).

• Pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. All offences (not just motoring ones) will be considered when deciding your suitability to be a driving instructor, as you’ll obviously be working alone with your customers. We have more information on DBS checks here.

• Be good with people! Are you patient, calm, and good at explaining things clearly? Don’t underestimate the importance of this – many people don’t hold these skills.

• Pass three tests: on driving theory, practical driving ability, and teaching skills. These tests are not easy – the pass rate is about one in three.

If you’re being paid to teach someone to drive, you must be an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). This qualification is provided by the Driving Standards Agency

You’ll have to be dedicated if you want to become a driving instructor – training can take a year to 18 months to complete and will Cost anything between £2,500 – £4,00016

BECOME A COURIER

Being a courier is a great way to make money with your car because you don’t need to quit your job or invest any money, you simply do jobs as and when you can.

There are over 60 courier companies in London alone, and more than 1,300 across the whole of the UK. As a courier you’d be carrying parcels in your vehicle to their destination; on time and with minimum hassle.

You’d be self-employed but contracted out to various courier companies. All the jobs are recorded by you and the company, and you invoice the company at the end of the week.

Beginning as a freelancer means you can start in your spare time and work around your current job while you build your business network. If you don’t work, you don’t earn. But the further you go and the more you can carry, the more you’ll get paid.

Obviously, if you’re planning on delivering a lot of items then it makes sense to have a bigger vehicle – you don’t necessarily have to deliver big items in bulk but it’s important to have enough room for a few items if you’re going to make a real go of it. Earnings vary considerably but you could expect to be earning between £140-£300, depending on how much time you can put into it17 .

Remember, if you do become a courier, don’t forget to notify the Inland Revenue so you’re paying the right amount of tax and won’t get a nasty fine later.

Click here to find out more about making money as a courier.

15https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Driving_Instructor/Hourly_Rate

16https://www.gov.uk/approved-driving-instructor-adi-fees

17https://www.indeed.co.uk/salaries/Courier-Driver-Salaries,-England

MAKE UP TO £1,000 WITH YOUR OLD TAX DISC

The paper tax disc might be a thing of the past but hopefully you didn’t throw yours away – it could be worth a nice sum of money (we did warn you)!

Admittedly your tax disc probably isn’t worth very much at this particular moment, even tax discs from 1926 in average condition are only selling for £4018, but hold onto it and the value will increase.

People actually collect tax discs (veleologists) and the highest amount paid was for a disc from 1921, which sold for £81019. Much like stamps, your tax disc may become a rare collectable and a veleologist might be willing to pay big money for it.

Collectors are often most excited about saying they have the ‘earliest’ and ‘last’ version of the items they collect, so it will be your latest tax disc that’s most desirable.

If you happen to have a tax disc without perforated paper around it then you’re in luck – the DVLA ran out of the paper towards the end, which means your disc is rare! Remember, look after your disc well as you wait for it to become valuable. Any damage will reduce the value straight away. Click here to learn more about getting money for your old tax disc.

TURN YOUR EMPTY SEATS INTO CASH BY CAR SHARING

Why travel alone when you could turn your empty seats into cash? To do this, look at the regular journeys you make, whether it be to work each day or a trip to see your family over the weekend, and find out if anyone you know is heading the same way.

If there’s a colleague at work who regularly gets the train, why not offer to give them a lift in return for a contribution towards the petrol money? We all know the cost of train travel, so you’ll be saving them money and making some yourself.

If you can fill all your empty seats, then you could cover your fuel bill completely!

MAKE MONEY DOING THE SCHOOL RUN

Lots of parents aren’t able to do the school run and so are happy to pay for a school run nanny As a school run nanny it would be your job to pick the kids up from school and then supervise them as they do their homework until their parents return.

You don’t need to be qualified to do this, but it will help if you have a nanny qualification or you’re an ex-nurse or teacher (this reassures the parents that their kids will be safe with you).

Whatever your qualifications, though, you’ll definitely need:

• An up-to-date CV

• A copy of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate

• Nanny certificates

•Written references

• An up-to-date first aid certificate

You may need to alter your car insurance as well to cover the child passenger or invest in a child car seat – if this is the case, make sure the parents reimburse you.

The most effective way to get a job is through a nanny agency, such as Top Notch Nannies, and you should expect to be making at least £10 an hour20. Click here to learn more about making money doing the school run.

18https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-2736865/Tax-discs-abolished-October-old-ones-worth-bob-two.html

19https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-2736865/Tax-discs-abolished-October-old-ones-worth-bob-two.html

20https://www.indeed.co.uk/Morning-School-Run-Nanny-jobs-in-England?vjk=f9ac5bbddbd1b947

MAKE MONEY SELLING YOUR CAR

This is perhaps the most obvious way of generating some extra cash from your car. It is also the easiest. There are so many cars in circulation today and so many drivers in the market that you really can flog your vehicle in no time.

SELL YOUR CAR ONLINE

If you feel like your car spends more days on the driveway than off it, it might be time to think about selling. That clunky automobile could pay for your next holiday

That’s why we’ve teamed up with Gumtree to take you through a step-by-step guide to selling your car, from valuing it, to putting up an ad with the perfect pics and preparing it for sale. It can seem like a lot of effort, but by the end of this section it will all make sense. This info all comes direct from Gumtree, so if you use their marketplace to sell, you’ll know you’re doing it right!

Gumtree says: “There are a number of things you can proactively do to both protect your car’s value, ensuring that you get the best return when it’s time to sell - with taking care of your car’s condition and maintenance a key priority.

Then when it comes to selling, it’s essentially worth treating your car ad like you would a dating profile - the more time you spend on perfecting it, the more likely you are to receive interest and potential buyers. Show your car off at its best, such as on a bright, sunny day, and make sure it has been preened and polished to look shiny and clean.

Gumtree is a great website where you can sell your motor quickly, easily, and successfully, and has tons more information on how to use the platform to its full potential. For starters, check out our video on how to sell a pre-owned car online.”

VALUING YOUR CAR

MAIN SOURCES OF VALUATION

•If the car is rare and/or worth a lot of money, it might be worth having the car professionally valued.

•Use valuation guides. A car is only worth what people are prepared to pay for it. Gumtree’s Car Price Index is a good starting point to help you uncover used car market values.

•Check out the competition. Look at other people’s car adverts of the same make and model with similar level of trim. Price your car competitively.

FACTORS AFFECTING PRICE

•Mileage – a high mileage reduces a car’s value.

•Service records – think about when the last service was carried out. Full service history can be an indication of how well the car has been looked after.

•Overall condition – scratches and bumps will cost buyers money to put right so could lower the purchase price.

• Condition of consumables – including tyres, brake pads and discs. Worn consumables will require replacement, further attention and cost to the buyer.

•Factory fitted features – extras such as leather seats can increase the car’s appeal to the buyer.

•Modifications – assess carefully whether the car is more desirable to buyers if they can refit standard parts themselves, or if modifications you make pre-sale would add value to the car

• Latest repairs – e.g. new windscreen. New parts can indicate a well-looked after car, or if the car has had an accident. Be prepared to explain the reason for carrying out the repairs.

• Transferable warranties – and particularly breakdown coverage could provide peace of mind for the buyer. This in turn can increase the car’s appeal and the asking price.

•Accident history – damage, although repairable, can reduce a car’s value.

•Spares or repair – too many can indicate a car is not road legal, therefore it cannot be driven on UK roads. If this is the case, the price should reflect this and be lower than average, as it is likely to be a risky purchase for the buyer. Buyers can always check if their car is road legal here

•Time of year and demand – sell 4×4s in autumn and convertibles in spring to get the best response and price.

SELECTING AN ASKING PRICE

Although in real terms there’s not much in it, £1,995 looks visually better than £2,000. If the buyer is interested in the car, expect them to try and reduce the asking price. So, increase the asking price slightly to factor this in.

PREPARING YOUR CAR FOR SALE

One of the best ways to achieve the maximum value is to prepare the car for the buyer. You will need to think like a buyer – make the purchase as attractive as possible. First impressions count. Visual and mechanical improvements should increase a car’s value and help you to obtain the best price.

1.GET A MECHANICAL INSPECTION

It might be worth having a mechanical inspection of all possible faults. This will help you develop a picture of the mechanical state of the car before buyers turn up for a viewing. A vehicle history report will give buyers peace of mind and increase saleability. If the mechanical service is due, it may be worth having this carried out.

Renew the MOT if close to expiry as having a fresh 12-month MOT will also increase desirability.

2.CORRECT ANY FAULTS

To get the best price, the seller will have to assess whether they have the time or the resources for any faults to be fixed, bearing in mind that these can become potential leverage for the buyer to reduce the asking price. It’s good practice to present the vehicle in the best possible state of repair as consumables and low-cost replacement parts such as hub caps, carpets, window wipers wear over time. Make sure the tyres are road legal, replace any blown lamps, repair chips in the windscreen or replace entirely

On a test drive the buyer will want to check the brakes. Faulty brakes can put off most buyers. Small dents and scratches can be dealt with by a specialist and can make the world of difference to an appearance of a car. At the very least you should get free quotations for the repairs to any faults.

3.COLLECT YOUR PAPERWORK

Collect all owner paperwork such as the V5 certificate and keep all service receipts and user manuals in a file with a stamped service book, ready to show potential buyers – this will show them you’re an organised, responsible person – the type they’d want to buy a car from. Unless filling out the proof of ownership to the new owner (V5C/2), don’t alter any other paperwork yourself.

4.CLEAN INSIDE

AND OUT

Cleaning will help the car look its best for the photos and for when the buyers view the car. As the seller, you can save some money by doing this yourself. If you are short on time, you can call on a car cleaning company to do this for you. Remove cigarette smoke stains, animal hair, food crumbs and mess made by children.

5.GET

RID OF ANY SMELLS

The car may look clean but having lingering smells can put buyers off. Using an air freshener can help overcome this.

6.CHECK

FLUID LEVELS AND TYRE PRESSURE

Check fluid levels such as oil, coolant and screen wash. Have enough fuel in the tank for at least a test drive. Check the tyre pressure as per the car user manual.

7.REMOVE PERSONAL ITEMS

The buyer would like to visualise owning the car themselves. You can assist by removing personal items. Don’t forget to clean out the magazine racks, glove box and cubby holes.

HOW TO CREATE AN EFFECTIVE CAR AD

You’ve decided to sell your pride and joy. Here is a quick and effective guide for completing your car advert and how it can stand out amongst the crowd.

1.HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY

It’s no good generating interest in your car, only to disappoint prospective buyers when they view and carry out a test drive. Be as accurate as you can throughout the whole of the advert. It is against the law to intentionally misinform when advertising.

2.LIST THE BASICS

By entering your car licence plate in the licence plate tab, your vehicle specifications will automatically be selected for you. If required, these details can be edited. It is advised at this point to add any other relevant information that may not have been found such as transmission type. The information will be set out clearly for you and your prospective readers. This feature will save time when creating your advert. Don’t duplicate the same information in the description box.

3.ADD A PUNCHY TITLE

This will make your car advert stand out and appeal to your target audience. Avoid clichés. Be consistent, but don’t repeat the information you enter in the description tab.

4.USE THE DESCRIPTION BOX WISELY

When buying a car, readers want to make an informed decision before making contact. They will look at the car specification, photos and check the information in the description box. It is possible to include up to 10,000 characters of extra information.

Buyers may be short on time, so be as clear and informative as you can without adding extra waffle.

Include relevant information such as:

• Overall condition of car

• Reason for sale

• Next MOT due date

• Trim: cloth, half leather, leather

• Car features such as power steering, electric windows, keyless start

• Car modifications – non-standard alterations such as aftermarket stereo

• Service records and history

• Number of owners

It would be best to list the known faults and near future component failure. This will develop trust between you and the prospective buyer. They may discover them during the test drive, so it’s worth a mention. Don’t forget to reference any major work that you have had done – e.g. new tyres, new turbo – this gives potential buyers confidence that these items will not need to be paid out for soon.

5.SPELL CHECK AND REVIEW

When entering text in the description box, the spelling will automatically be reviewed. It may seem simple enough but pay special attention to punctuation. Abbreviations can slow the reader down so try to reduce these wherever possible.

Avoid large blocks of text. Break the text down into paragraphs and bullet points. Blocked capital text is a big no no as this can reduce reading speed and annoy the reader.

It is worth getting a second pair of eyes to read over your advert as they may be able to spot a few discrepancies for you to edit.

6.MAKING YOUR AD STAND OUT

There are three main options on Gumtree to help make your ad stand out – featured, urgent and spotlight. Adding these can make it easier to find your car and increase the number of buyers viewing your advert. Choose the options you feel appropriate for your advert.

HOW TO TAKE PHOTOS TO SELL YOUR CAR

A picture speaks a thousand words. Spending the time now to take effective photos will pay dividends to your advert, increase response rate and may impact final sale price. Having great pictures on your advert will give buyers the vital information needed to take the next step and contact you further for a viewing and test drive.

Only include photos of the actual car you are trying to sell, and not the manufacturer’s brochure pictures.

1.CLEAN UP THE CAR

The buyer wants to see the car has been well cared for – it will look better in the photos if it is cleaned first. Don’t let a dirty car be the reason for prospective buyers to not place your vehicle on their shortlist. Remove personal items when taking the photos and when buyers view the car in person.

2.PREPARE THE BACKGROUND

It shouldn’t matter whether the location is on a public road or your private land, but try to avoid busy, distracting backgrounds. The focal point for each picture should be the car. Make sure no one is in the background and avoid having other people’s property in view. There needs to be plenty of space – it’s best to try to keep the car in one location and move around the car.

Take a few practice shots and check to see how they look on the computer.

3.USE THE BEST CAMERA YOU HAVE

Buyers want accurate images of the car and to see the overall condition. Choose either a Digital SLR, digital compact or camera phone and go for quality pictures. Practice with the camera first. If you have a DSLR and a wide-angle lens, getting low down to headlamp level will help you produce some stunning images, giving them depth and presence.

4.CHOOSE THE CORRECT LIGHTING

For your chosen location natural light should work best and bring out the natural colours in the paint. Direct light such as a flash can create glare but could be necessary for interior photos. If glare from the sun is a problem, you could try cloudy days when there is not so much sun glare, mornings just before sunrise or evenings just after sunset, or make sure the sun is behind you when taking the picture. Avoid night time photos as visibility will be poor.

5.ON GUMTREE YOU CAN POST UP TO NINE IMAGES

It is recommended to include nine pictures to help the buyer visualise the car. Try to select angles as though the buyer is viewing the car themselves. This will help them make a quick and final decision when viewing in person.

Pick from the following aspects:

Outside Inside

•Front

•Rear

•Side

Try to include

•Under the bonnet

•Front driver seat

•Rear seats

•The whole of the dashboard or as much as you can fit in

•Inside the boot

•Close up of the alloys

•Any visual defects

•Milometer and VIN numbers

•Keys service history file (often overlooked but if you have a full file, fan out all your receipts for the pictures along with MOT certificates, open stamped service book and the tow keys).

Avoid taking pictures from too high or too low. Normal standing height will work best, as this will be the most realistic portrayal of the car. Keep the car in the whole picture unless you are focusing on one particular aspect or feature.

Make sure you take pictures that are clear and in focus and hold the camera steady to show the general condition of the car. Autofocus setting is advised. Take several pictures of each area and pick the best one.

6.EDITING

Only use Photoshop to hide faces, personal information and the car number plate if necessary

7.SELECT YOUR CHOSEN PICTURES

All that’s left is to save your chosen pictures in a separate file on your device and add them to your advert.

Hooray! Now you just need to create your advert and post it online.

IF THE CAR DOESN’T SELL

The first thing to do is to review the advert again. Ask yourself are the viewing angles and quality of the pictures appropriate? Is the description correct and appealing? Additionally, check if ‘Select an option to promote your ad’ has been chosen to promote your advert, as this will help it stand out from the crowd. Also, have any factors that could deter potential buyers been addressed in the advert (e.g. short MOT)?

If the answer is yes to all of the above, then the asking price may need reviewing. If you do decide to reduce the asking price, state that you have done so in the description and make sure you don’t keep changing the asking price every day.

BEST CARS TO SELL RIGHT NOW

Not all cars are born equal. While it’s easy to sell cars online, there are certain vehicles that could fetch you a rather large amount. Maybe one of them is sitting on your driveway right now? Read on. We’ve added some handy snippets about why each car is so valuable and what to look out for when selling/buying them.

1.FORD FOCUS ST170 – £1,000-£2,000

Why? The Ford Focus followed in the footsteps of the famous first-generation Ford Escort, resetting the bar for family car handling. Prices have begun to pick up in recent months and will more than likely continue to rise as people rediscover the value of this underdog.

What to look out for? They are generally well built and reliable cars, however electrical gremlins and hidden rot are the main issues to look out for. The ST70 has been on the lower end of the pricing scale for a while so the likelihood is many won’t have been maintained well or will have been messed about with in some way. Unmodified versions will be rare, but much more valuable in the long run.

2.JAGUAR XJS V12 – £9,000+

Why? Convertibles have already shot up in value and the prediction is that coupes will soon follow. The V12 is arguably Jaguar’s greatest engine while the XJS model is a superlative GT car – the combination is gold. As with the Focus, good condition models are rare, so if you are lucky enough to have one in your garage, you’ll need to look after it to make a pretty penny.

What to look out for? As a buyer, you should know that the V12 engine is prone to head gasket failure and the XJS bodywork can rot easily, so poor maintenance can lead to some pretty hefty bills. If you own an XJS, make sure you take your car to a reliable garage regularly to keep everything in good working order.

3.FIAT COUPE 20V TURBO – £1,400+

Why? The Coupe 20V Turbo is arguably the prettiest and most capable Fiat of the last 30 years. Its scintillating performance, clever interior detailing and practicality as a four-seater car has no doubt left a lasting impression on petrol-heads and will see it appreciate over the next three decades.

What to look out for? Rust and neglect. The engine is durable and capable of high miles but needs regular servicing. The body rots around the arches and because these cars are on the cheap side, they have often been poorly repaired. Parts supply can be difficult although there are specialists around and a good owners’ network.

4.ASTON MARTIN DB7 V12 – £20,000+

Why? All Aston Martins appreciate – the DB7 is no different! The model has been unloved for a while due to its Jaguar XJS underpinnings, however that will change. It’s best to avoid the six-cylinder cars as they will be much slower to increase; ideally go for a Vantage convertible.

What to look out for? Poor maintenance is the main issue with Astons as cheap cars tend to mean owners with shallow pockets. Be ready for big bills. An Aston Martin needs a recognised specialist servicing it to maintain its value.

5.MGF – £1,000-£3,500

Why? It’s easy to laugh at, but once upon a time MGBs were worth peanuts. Once the glut of ropey MGFs have been cleared out, the remaining cars will appreciate – in fact, this has already begun. They are a cheap, capable and fairly reliable weekend convertible and there aren’t many modern classics in that category.

What to look out for? There’s a trend appearing here – rust is a big issue with the MGF. Head gasket failure is another one to watch out for and while easy fixes are inevitable, it tends to happen more often than not. Finally, the quality of the build in later cars is just not the same, so you shouldn’t pass up an opportunity to purchase an earlier model.

6.VW GOLF MK2 GTI – £6,000+

Why? The MK 2 is arguably the best GTI of the lot – practical and fun in a three or five door trim. It’s a late 80s / early 90s icon. Ever popular with VW fans, we’re likely to see this car rise in value as its popularity grows.

What to look out for? There are a lot of these cars about, but very few have been well cared for, have low mileage and haven’t had some kind of modification. These are the cars to go for if you’re looking to buy. However, if you’re already a lucky owner of a MK2 GTI, it’s important to keep an eye out for rot and ensure you get parts from a trusted supplier.

7.JAGUAR XJ6 SERIES 1-3 – £5,500-£20,000

Why? The Jaguar XJ6 is possibly the best saloon car of the last 40 years – beautiful and a superlative ride. It’s no wonder that Jaguar kept recycling the design until the early 2000s. Despite their age, this Jag remains refined and stylish, and is enjoying a real surge in popularity.

What to look out for? Rust in an issue on the XJ6, particularly around the wheel arches, screen surrounds and scuttle. A lot of this is down to neglect, so if you’re considering purchasing this car, you might want to take a closer look if you do spot any rust. Electrical issues and deterioration of the interior trim can also be common.

8.AUDI RS6 C5 AVANT – £8,000-£15,000

Why? This is the car that inspired the fast estate. A watermark for executive cars in the early 2000s, the C5 Avant rivals the performance of the Porsche 911 while providing a spacious ride for a family. Over the next few years, as the number of original RS6s on the road dwindles, values will start to rise, so buying a mint example now will prove a good long-term investment.

What to look out for? With the value of the Avant currently at the lower end of its curve, poor maintenance and cheap parts are expected. Worn suspension and gearbox issues are also common. As an owner of this Audi, it’s certainly worth channelling a little extra cash into this car as it will pay off in the long-run.

9.RENAULT CLIO WILLIAMS – £7,500-£15,000

Why? The Clio Williams was the high watermark of Renault’s hot hatch period and is possibly the best small hatch of its time. The value of a similar rival, the Peugeot 205 GTI, has already taken off and the Renault Clio Williams won’t be far behind.

What to look out for? As with the majority of hot hatches, many of these cars have been well used and therefore have pretty high mileage. Good quality and original parts are also becoming more difficult to obtain.

10.MG ZT V8 – £7,000-£12,000

Why? The last ‘real’ Rover was also the best. Converted to RWD and fitted with a Ford Mustang V8 engine, the ZT V8 wasn’t especially fast (260 bhp) but it was rare. Its rarity and place in the MG Rover story surely guarantee its classic status.

What to look out for? There are very few of these cars still about and those that are have typically been used as normal daily cars, so also have high mileage as well as general wear and tear. As these cars become more difficult to get hold of, so do the parts, so be prepared to forkout a little more money to keep your motor in good nick.

TOP WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR CAR

Cars can be expensive to run, there’s no doubt about it. However, most of that comes from not taking the time to find the best deal on things like insurance and other costs associated with your vehicle. If you really invest time in the costings of your car, you won’t have to invest as much cash!

GET THE BEST POSSIBLE INSURANCE DEAL

Yes, car insurance can cost a fortune, so we wanted to share the following tips that will help you save a lot of money on your insurance plan.

WHAT TYPE OF COVER SHOULD YOU GO FOR?

There are three main types of car insurance cover:

• Third party: this is very basic cover that only covers damage that you (or your passenger) cause to another person or property. It doesn’t cover you against any damage to your vehicle (or yourself)

• Third party, fire and theft: as above, but this cover will repair or replace your vehicle if it’s damaged or destroyed by fire or stolen

• Comprehensive: this extends third party, fire and theft to also cover damage to your own vehicle should you have an accident.

BUY AN OLD CAR

If the car you buy is old, it eliminates the need for collision coverage. This is the coverage you pay for any damage you caused to your vehicle, and it makes up a big chunk of the insurance costs. (By the way, we have heard vintage cars last longer than the modern heap.)

ONE COMPANY

If you want to save money on car insurance, it’s important that you group all policies including home, auto, health, etc. Buy them all from only one company and earn a multi-line discount. This can help you take off 10%-20% of your premium.

WORK OUT THE DEDUCTIBLE

You can cut your auto premium if you raise your deductible. The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket when you make a claim. The difference between a £50-£100 deductible is significant. Therefore, decide how much you can afford to pay out of pocket and adjust the premiums accordingly.

GET QUOTES

You need to call the insurance agent and find out how much it will cost to insure the car you want to buy. Premiums differ from make, model and year. This is one of the areas where smart shopping will pay off! You can save hundreds by consistently swapping insurer!

DRIVE CAREFULLY AND LESS

Do you know that safe drivers get rewarded with affordable premiums? Therefore, drive safe and less. Avoid speeding and drive safely to try and avoid accidents. This will help you save 5% or more on your premiums. Most companies will cut off the insurance rate if you avoid traffic violations for a given period. The time will be mentioned in the terms and conditions, do read them!

One more thing, let your insurance agent know if you are an infrequent driver. The less time you spend on the road means fewer chances of an accident. This also helps to lower your premium. So, make sure you tell the agent about your travelling habits if you are a carpooler, or you perhaps take the underground a few days a week. It can also win you low mileage discount.

SKIP MONTHLY BILL PAY

High insurance costs might make monthly bill-pay an attractive option, but you pay for the convenience with an add-on fee. So, avoid these extra charges, and get billing every 6-12 months. Ask for auto-billing to save even more money

In case you get nervous about large bills, set up the monthly bill-pay. Divide the premium by twelve and deposit the amount into a savings account every month. This will make sure you have the money ready in time.

FORGET ROADSIDE AND RENTAL COVERAGE

Insurance plans come packed with a lot of extra features. But you don’t need most of them. Yes, you don’t need roadside assistance and car rental coverage. Therefore, you should go over the insurance policy line by line and remove stuff you don’t need.

WORK ON YOUR CREDIT SCORE

Your credit score is important for determining the overall cost of your premium. To make sure you get the best deals possible, make sure you pay your bills on time. If you believe your score is not good enough, then wait and work on it before getting your new car.

BUY A HYBRID

This may seem absurd, but insurance companies offer discounts and perks if you buy a hybrid or any other alternative fuel car. So, talk to the insurance agent and see what options they have available.

GETTING A GOOD INSURANCE DEAL IF YOU HAD A DRIVING BAN

It’s not easy to get car insurance after a driving ban, but it is certainly possible. Car insurance after a driving ban can be an ordeal to get and it can feel like you’re being punished twice. When the ban is up, you’ll probably feel like you’ve paid your dues and be keen to get back on the road as soon as possible.

But getting car insurance after a driving ban is not so straightforward: insurance companies see you as a high risk and are reluctant to take your custom or if they will, expect much higher premiums for the pleasure.

HOW EASY IS IT TO GET INSURANCE AFTER A DRIVING BAN?

The good news is that while it’s not easy it’s far from impossible. Your previous insurer may be prepared to offer you an insurance renewal (probably at an increased premium) but this is more likely if the offence is at the less serious end of the spectrum.

Conviction severity is certainly a factor – you are likely to find it easier to get insurance if you were banned for speeding than for drink driving.

WHAT’S THE LEGAL POSITION? (WHAT YOU HAVE TO TELL THE INSURANCE COMPANY)

There’s something called ‘good faith’ which is a duty that you have to disclose all material facts to the insurance company. Material facts are facts that are so important that their disclosure would change the decision of an insurance company in terms of:

• changing the premium offered,

• their decision whether to cover you

• or the details of settling a claim.

These are facts which you should reveal even if you are not asked specifically about them. Convictions which are unspent are classed as material facts.

HOW TO GET CAR INSURANCE AFTER A DRIVING BAN

1.PREPARE YOURSELF

Ensure you have the correct conviction code (for example, SP50 for motorway speeding) to hand and full details of the dates and circumstances of the offence(s), as well as when you were convicted. If it was a ‘totting up’ ban (i.e. you received 12 points but over a period of time) then you’ll need to provide details of the individual offences.

Accept that the process may take some time. Many of the online comparison sites will not offer online quotations if you have any motoring convictions, especially a ban. You will probably need to talk to someone and offer a full explanation of your circumstances.

2.SPEAK TO YOUR PREVIOUS INSURER

A mainstream insurer is more likely to cover a convicted driver if there’s a previous relationship with that individual. So, the first sensible move is to try your former insurer, particularly if you had a good record with them before or were with them for some time.

3.USE THE SPECIALIST RESOURCES AVAILABLE

• The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) offers a helpline to help you find a suitable broker. The number is 0870 950 1790.

• UNLOCK (The National Association of Reformed Offenders) has complied a very useful list of convicted-driver friendly insurers. It can be downloaded here. Most of the specialist companies tend to be brokers (where they check lots of companies’ insurance to find the best deal) rather than insurance companies, but this probably works in your favour as it may save you some leg work. This may well be a cheaper option than trying to get insured by one of the market leaders. It can be a frustrating process but with patience and depending on how serious the offence was, you should find a reasonable deal. On a positive note, once you have your new insurance in place you will be on your way to creating a fresh history.

If you’re careful to keep a clean record, after three years the ban will be considered a lot less significant and your premiums should come down. After five years it’s effectively irrelevant (unless you served a custodial sentence).

GETTING A GOOD INSURANCE DEAL AS A YOUNG PERSON

Getting cheap car insurance for young drivers is a huge challenge. Young drivers’ insurance costs an average of over £1,1001 for a fully comprehensive policy. Since young drivers aged 18 to 24 are considered the riskiest on the road, and therefore more likely to make a claim, it’s no secret that they tend to pay more for their insurance.

The best way to reduce the premium you pay: by getting car insurance based on ‘black box’ technology.

‘Black box’ insurance involves having a monitoring unit invisibly fitted to your car (it’s normally located underneath the dashboard) which monitors your driving behaviour (your braking, acceleration, cornering, speed and so on). It’s not a million miles away from the black boxes that are used in aeroplanes.

All this data is then used to calculate your insurance premium; smooth driving will result in lower premiums, while someone who frequently jams on the brakes and goes around corners on two wheels will see their premiums rise significantly.

The aim is to reward careful driving, whatever your age. With Direct Line’s black box car insurance drivers under 21 can benefit from an upfront discount of up to 25% on their car insurance and drivers aged 21-25 can get at least a 15% discount. As an added bonus, if your car were to get stolen, the GPS technology of the black box would enable the police to quickly track down your vehicle.

Of course, making any saving is dependent on being a good driver! After you’ve signed up, you can log into a website and check your driving stats on a day-by-day basis to see how you’re performing.

DON’T FORGET TO SHOP AROUND...

Although specialist policies will often give young drivers the best deal, it’s still worth getting some quotes from the big comparison sites.

Put aside 15 minutes and try the MoneyMagpie car insurance comparison tool. It’s quick, easy to use and compares all the top providers.

TIPS TO REDUCE YOUR INSURANCE COSTS EVEN FURTHER

There are certain things you can do to reduce the cost of your insurance – whatever your policy. You can reduce your insurance premium by:

• Fitting a security device to your car.

• Parking your car in a garage (as it reduces the risk of both theft and accidental damage).

• Adding a mature second driver to the policy can sometimes knock hundreds off your premium – even if they’re not down as a ‘main’ driver. (A word of warning: don’t ever be tempted to lie and put someone else down as the first named driver to try and cut the cost. Not only would it invalidate your insurance, it’s illegal and could even lead to prosecution.)

• Taking an additional driving course, such as Pass Plus.

Travel is usually one of the more significant expenses in our budgets each month, and most of us see it as pretty essential to our day to day lives. However, what if there was a way to run a car and get to all the places we want without it costing a small fortune? Well, you will be pleased to know that there is, and all you need to do is to read on to find out how.

SHOP AROUND FOR PETROL

The number one cost for most people apart from the purchase price of the car is the petrol that it takes to run it. However petrol, like any other commercial asset, is something that varies in price from station to station. What this means is that you can save a significant amount on fuel costs if you know where to look.

It is always worth looking for petrol at a good price. Shopping around always pays off!

One way to do this is to use a website or app which tracks the cost per litre price and can help you find the cheapest one in your area. Another way to reduce the cost of petrol is to buy it from station or supermarkets that include it in their rewards scheme. Then you can use the points you earn to offset the cost.

CONSIDER LEASING

1. IT’S VERY EASY TO ARRANGE

It has never been easier to arrange car leasing thanks to a number of businesses wishing to take the complexity out of the process. For some it is as simple as choosing the car you are interested in, selecting the lease options to suit your requirements and then ordering online. The rest of the process is handled by the car leasing business. So, if you are interested in leasing a car, make sure you do your research into the companies as it can make a big difference not only to the price you will pay but also how simple the process is.

2. IT’S CHEAPER THAN BUYING A CAR

One of the major advantages of leasing a car is that it is often cheaper than buying one. It’s worth remembering that when you lease a car you are technically only paying for the amount that it will depreciate during the period of the contract. This means that it is much more affordable overall than if you were paying for a new car.

3.IT’S A NICER CAR FOR A LOWER PRICE

It is also worth noting that because you are only paying for the depreciation for the car, your money goes a lot further. This means that the money you would spend on buying a car can get you a far better car when leasing.

For example, because premium brands such as Audi and Mercedes tend to depreciate at a slower rate than other brands, they can be far more affordable to lease than they are to buy. This means that you can potentially drive a far nicer car than you expect for the amount that you want to spend.

Many people who lease a car also enjoy the fact that they are able to get a brand-new car every few years as when their lease ends they simple move onto another.

4. THERE’S NO NEED TO WORRY ABOUT DEPRECIATION

When you buy a car, you face the pain of depreciation – the car will be worth far less when you come to sell it than what you paid for it. For example, a car will have around 40 per cent of its new price after three years due to the depreciation. There is no doubt that the fact that you won’t need to worry about depreciation is one of the real benefits of leasing a car, assuming depreciation is an aspect of car ownership that bothers you.

5. YOU WON’T HAVE THE HASSLE OF SELLING YOUR CAR

Of course one of the main frustrations of getting a new car is usually the hassle that you can face in selling your own car before you have to negotiate the purchase, although nowadays sites like Gumtree make it really easy to sell your car with minimum fuss. With leasing, the whole process is far simpler, as once the lease is up the car is returned and then you can simply decide to either move onto another lease or buy a car outright. This can take away one of the most stressful aspects of car ownership.

6. THE PAYMENT STRUCTURE IS SIMPLE

Finally, when you are leasing a car there is a very simple structure to the payments. The cost is fixed at the initial contract and this means that monthly budgeting is far easier for those who are leasing a car compared to those who buy.

When you own a car, this can be very different as there are multiple ways to pay and different aspects of paying for the car that you need to consider. So, leasing really simplifies this entire process.

MAKE SURE YOUR CAR IS WELL MAINTAINED

When you’re struggling to make ends meet, it’s quite tempting to ignore that weird noise coming from your engine, and overlook the faint smell of burning as you’re driving dow the road. Unfortunately ignoring a small problem can cause it to get worse.

For example, you might only see a small bit of rust, but if it continues to expand it could soon affect the exhaust system, costing you £2,000-3,000 for a new catalytic converter. As with your own health, prevention is better than needing a cure. And don’t forget the effect the seasons can have on your car – winter months can be particularly brutal. In fact, that brings us to our next point.

BE WINTER SAVVY

Your car is at its most vulnerable in winter. To make sure it’s not leaking cash, here are some key tips for winter maintenance.

WINTER TYRES

If snow blankets the country, it’s sensible to fit a pair or full set of winter tyres, which are specifically designed to provide more grip on the road and make your journey safer. With frozen roads, the threat of sliding into another car is high and even a small dent can be costly to remove!

However, if you want to avoid buying new winter tyres, the least you should do is check the tread level of your current ones. If your tyres are worn down, they will not be able to grip the road. Remember, if the depth is less than 1.6mm, your tyres will not be road worthy and will have to be replaced by law.

CHECK FOR RUST

Rust can be hugely damaging during the winter if left unchecked, as the cold and rain causes holes to expand quickly. The majority of rust problems affect the exhaust system which runs along the bottom of cars and is exposed to the elements.

A new catalytic converter will cost around £2,000–£3,000 if there is too much damage, so get the underside of your car checked and you could save a serious amount of money.

A mechanic will be able to weld a hole shut if it’s small enough, but there’s a point of no return unfortunately, which is why checking for rust is so important.

AIRCON REGAS

What’s an aircon regas, we hear you ask! It’s a job carried out by a mechanic to replenish all the gas in a car’s air-conditioning system. A car should have an aircon regas every two years or so, because the gas naturally runs out over time and the effectiveness of the system will decrease. When this happens, the engine of your car will have to work even harder to keep the aircon going, costing petrol and power.

If you’re on a long journey and the aircon is doing its best to keep you and your passengers warm, your car will be using up much more petrol than usual, meaning you’ll be paying for much more fuel over the winter if you don’t get an aircon regas.

DON’T DO THESE, EVEN IF IT IS TEMPTING!

1.POURING BOILING WATER ONTO THE WINDOWS

This could cause a huge crack to appear on a frozen window so make sure to use lukewarm water to clear ice instead.

2.NOT GIVING YOURSELF ENOUGH TIME TO TRAVEL

If it takes you an hour to drive to work during the summer, it won’t take you an hour in difficult conditions, so make sure to give yourself extra time to avoid rushing and driving with more risk.

3.IGNORING A SMALL PROBLEM

As is the case with rust, if a small problem is left unchecked, it will develop into something worse and the last thing you want is to breakdown in the middle of a snowstorm after ignoring that strange burning smell for a week.

4.IMPORTANT PRE-DRIVE CHECKS

Do these, even if it’s tempting not to!

5.HAVE YOU REMOVED ALL UNNECESSARY WEIGHT FROM THE CAR?

The more weight a car has, the longer it will take to stop. This will increase if you’re trying to come to a halt in the snow or rain. That’s why it’s important to remove any unnecessary weight that you may have in your car. Removing unused car seats and luggage in your boot may help your car to stop much faster.

6.HAVE YOU CHECKED YOUR FLUID LEVELS?

Brake fluid, engine oil and windscreen washer liquids are all critical for you to drive safely. If you run out or there’s a leak, your car will be more susceptible to damage and unsafe driving.

7.DO YOU HAVE SUPPLIES?

If the worst-case scenario does end up happening, and you get stuck on a motorway in a broken-down car, it’s important that you have a small amount of food and water inside the vehicle – it could take a while to get rescued!

INVEST IN BREAKDOWN COVER

Shelling out for breakdown cover might sound counter-intuitive to saving money but doing so could save you a small fortune in the long term.

With firms like the AA handling around 30,000 call-outs per month during the winter, you never know when you’re going to be the one in need of rescuing.

If you don’t have breakdown cover, the cost of a roadside emergency could wind up costing you a three or four figure sum — and who needs that when you’re trying to save money?

Find the right breakdown cover for you by using our handy comparison service.

DON’T LET YOUR CAR BECOME A FALSE ECONOMY

If your motor is starting to fall to pieces and you’re regularly having to take it into the garage, maybe it’s time to admit you need a new motor. We’re not saying you should rush out and buy a new car at the first sign of trouble, far from it, but if you’re spending more than what the car is worth fixing it, it might be time to upgrade to a more reliable vehicle.

This also gives you the opportunity to sell your existing car so you can put money towards your new motor. Read our guide on how to get the best deal when selling your car.

TRAVEL ON THE CHEAP

There are some key steps you can take when driving anywhere that will keep you as costefficient as possible. Who doesn’t want cheaper driving day-to-day? Considering that some journeys are better for economy than others –you’ll never get particularly high figures stuck in London traffic, for example – there are still things you can do to add a few more mpg to your tally

Read through the tips below to see what you can do to save some money on fuel and make every journey just a little more pleasant – and cheaper. Plus, make sure that before you even get in the car you have saved as much as you can on the insurance. Find out how much you could save here.

1.PLAN

AHEAD

Getting stuck in traffic is always frustrating but it’s even more frustrating when you’re fruitlessly burning fuel at the same time. For cheaper driving you can minimise this wastage by planning ahead. Whether you’re driving to work or taking a long journey on holiday, don’t just rely on your sat-nav – look at a map beforehand so you can skip onto a different route should yours become clogged.

Keeping moving is more time-efficient and wastes less fuel too. The Google Maps app (available for Android and Apple smartphones) is good at showing tailbacks and suggesting alternative routes.

2.SET

OFF EARLY

Even the best-laid plans can fall through sometimes but giving yourself more time at the start of a trip means you’ll have less to make up if you’re delayed along the way.

Regular motorway drivers will know how easy it is to lose well over an hour to unforeseen traffic. If you set off earlier, you may miss the traffic entirely, or at least make sure you don’t need to drive too quickly later, burning more fuel. Getting stressed because of delays is a natural human reaction, but stressed-out driving is never going to be economical driving.

3.PUMP UP YOUR TYRES

Tyres are one of the most important aspects of your car. After all, they’re the only thing keeping your car on the road. Keeping them in good condition and inflated to the correct pressure is vital –let them deflate too much and they’ll affect ride and handling, dry- and wet-weather grip, and potentially cause overheating that can lead to blowouts.

That’s not all – an under-inflated tyre also creates more drag, harming your fuel economy. Want to know the ideal pressure and get cheaper driving? It’s usually printed on a label inside one of the front door apertures. Depending on where your car was made, you may need to convert the listed pressure from bar to pounds per square inch (PSI).

4.READ THE ROAD

Do you find yourself braking sharply for every traffic light? Chances are you’ve not read the road situation, and it’s affecting your fuel economy. If you’re approaching a green light at quite a distance, chances are it’ll go red before you reach it – so why not back off the accelerator early and save some fuel?

The same applies when leaving a motorway on a slip road – you’ll have to stop at the top anyway, so why accelerate hard from behind that truck? Always think about what the road ahead might mean for your progress and drive accordingly.

5.ANTICIPATE TRAFFIC

This is an extension of reading the road. If you find yourself stopping at a roundabout even when there’s nothing coming around, you’ve not been looking far enough ahead. Watch what other road users are doing, and you’ll find you don’t need to vary your speed as much. Cruising along steadily is great for economy, but constantly slowing down and having to speed up again is not.

6.DRIVE SMOOTHLY

Another extension of the above. Economical driving doesn’t have to mean driving slowly, it just means appropriate use of acceleration and braking. If you can conserve momentum (in safety) then you won’t just see the benefits in fuel use; your passengers will thank you for the smoother ride. Treat the pedals and the wheel as analogue instruments, rather than on-off switches.

7.WATCH YOUR SPEED

It should come as no surprise that higher speeds mean using more fuel. Particularly at motorway velocities, more speed means more aerodynamic drag. In our years of testing cars, we’ve noticed it’s not uncommon to see a 10-mpg difference in economy between 70mph and 80mph.

You may find travelling a little slower less stressful too, because getting stuck behind slower traffic means you slow down less than you would if you were driving along quickly – beat the traffic jam using psychology!

Save HUNDREDS on your car insurance by shopping around for a better deal here

8. USE CRUISE!

One way of getting cheaper driving on the motorway is to use cruise control. A skilled driver can actually be even more economical without it, but for most drivers it’s a way of preventing yourself creeping over speed limits and with cruise control’s smooth throttle inputs, economy can improve too.

HOW TO GET THE BEST DEAL ON A SECONDHAND CAR

While buying a car new offers you some comforts in the sense that you know everything should work fine, it’s not the most cost-effective way to get a car. Second-hand vehicles will always offer you a bigger deal, and they don’t even have to be that old. You can get great value cars this way - and if they’re only a few years old, their condition is often as good as new.

We’re here to help you find out how to get exactly what you’re looking for in a second hand car.

If you’re looking to buy an affordable car, Gumtree is the ideal place to start, as it’s one of the biggest private motors markets in the UK. With Gumtree, drivers are able to search, try and buy a car, all within easy reach of home. Gumtree has also created a helpful, visual video guide on how to best go about buying a pre-owned car online.

When picking a car, there are points to be aware of which will ensure you get the most for your money. For example, if your budget is £1k and under, know that less is more - it’s not about the specs or fancy toys, instead always look for the lowest mileage and fewest owners to get the best car you can afford.

Moreover, history is key! Make sure to request a full-service history when looking to purchase any vehicle. Take careful note of how the car has been cared for and make sure the vehicle is up to date with oil changes and general maintenance so your new car is in the best condition it can possibly be.

Additionally, check out Gumtree’s Car Price Index, as this can provide some useful insight before meeting with a seller. With average prices listed for popular makes of cars, the index can help to manage expectations before a meeting and help you feel more confident when negotiating a price.

When going to view a prospective car, consider taking a friend or relative who is motor savvy or can offer specialist knowledge. They can also offer support if you would rather not meet up with a seller or potential buyer alone.

Finally, if you can, take the car on a test drive so you can see how it feels. This could raise any immediate flags on why the car might not be for you, as well as anything admissible from the seller. If the seller isn’t comfortable with you driving the car, you can suggest that they drive it and you accompany them. That way, you can have your full attention on the car

Bearing all these points in mind, you should be able to bag yourself a good deal on a great motor a few streets away to last you for years to come.

GUMTREE’S TOP TIPS FOR BUYING A CAR ONLINE

1. Check the paperwork: Request purchase receipts, V5C and do an HPI check for outstanding finance, mileage and to ensure the car is legal to sell. If you have the registration in advance, check the car’s history online and ask about servicing and MOT status.

2. Examine the exterior: Carefully check for corrosion, damage or signs of accident repair. Look at tyre quality and for stone chips on the windscreen. Check the engine bay, underside, wheel arches and under the carpets in the boot for signs of overspray from a rushed crash repair or water ingress.

3. Look under the bonnet: Check fluid levels are fresh and topped up and be wary of whiffs of steam or hot oil. Ask about the age of the cambelt and the battery to uncover an instant bargaining chip. Check the underside of the oil filler cap for white splodges (known as ‘mayonnaise’) that can reveal a failed head gasket and look for oil splatter on the engine, which might suggest a previous leak.

4. Check under the car: Look for any rust or leaks and check the condition of the exhaust system.

5. Interrogate the inside: Check the keys/fobs are present and ask if there’s a spare set. Consider the mileage and any wear and tear to the gearstick, steering wheel and pedals. Start the car and test the wipers and lights. Press all the buttons and look out for any warning lights from the engine management system.

6. Take it for a test drive:

It’s always best to see the car in action so even if your insurance doesn’t allow it, ask the owner to take you for a quick spin and perform some basic tests like an emergency stop and watch the gauges work properly, settle quickly and remain steady. Listen out for any nasty noises and ensure the steering is straight, there is no judder at speed, and the car is not pulling to one side.

7. Make handovers official: Ensure you and the owner have filled in the correct transfer sections on the V5C and you have a ‘chit’ to confirm change of ownership. Make sure the MOT is valid and that you’ve insured and taxed it in your name as the rules around this have changed since the disc system. Enjoy your new car!