May 2025
i have a bmw 2015 65 plate bmw x3 with 52,000 miles. Im looking for an ev as replacement. not sure what ev would be suitable for a small family of 3. My office is 310 miles from home and i have to go in once a month. Rest the car is driven about 5000 miles more for trips and general local commute. Im a bit confused as whether to buy brand new or buy used? Looking at lease deals even though tempting I hate to see money being thrown to pay a depeciation for a new car which is not owned by me. the x3 was bought on HP and is fully paid for. So looking for this to trade it in and buy something used/new.Max budget for monthly payment would be 500 pounds a month.
I have a drive so can charge at home but would have to get the setup installed.higher range 300 plus miles is needed. Rest not too bothered but if we can get similar higher driving position it would be great, if not also fine.... Read more
Today, whilst driving home from B&Q in Weston-Super-Mare in my entirely unremarkable Suzuki Vitara, I overtook the Vampire. It's the UK land speed record holder and nearly rid us of Richard Hammond in 2006.
It was on a trailer. Read more
I knew what you were talking about, I just found the wooden jet fighter more interesting, and not much more distant from actual cars.
Congratulations on your overtaking victory though....
Finally bought a replacement for SWMBO’s much beloved Nissan Leaf. After viewing numerous tatty Leaf’s, and several overpriced Kia Niro’s most with zero history (so no battery warranty) and poor accident repairs, we’ve bought a 22 plate 18,000 mile VW ID3 58kwh Pro Performance Max instead - bring back L/LX/GL etc.
Car is mint, approved used and as part of VW’s used car event it comes with two years VW warranty, breakdown cover, a £250 finance contribution and free servicing. If you take a PCP, which I have and will pay off immediately. Managed to bag it for £1000 less than our local dealer for the same thing too. Arnold Clark had one almost identical that was a year older for the same money and a measly 90 day warranty - I honestly don’t know why people buy cars from them. The same branch had a basic NA 1.0 VW Polo at £9695!!!!
It’s surprisingly practical, with more rear leg room than the Leaf and a decent comparable boot. It drives very well too with 204PS it goes very well indeed. It’s a much more modern EV and the range is officially 260 miles so it’s much more usable than the Leaf - though it did the job 99% of the time just fine. I’ll reserve judgement for when we get it and I manage to pry the keys from the gaffer. Hopefully it’s a good one, the last owner is now on her third ID3 from the same dealer, which is a good sign. Read more
I'm surprised the Kias have no service history - isn't this a requirement to benefit from the 7 year warranty.
Or does that not apply to EVs?...
New RAV4 for 2026
www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/new-cars/2025-05/2026-to.../... Read more
6 generations of what was a niche-making model, only to look like a Freelander with body kit. Poor show.
Baffled by this as I see nothing at all within the looks of the new RAV4 which remind me of the Freelander?....
So my 18 plate CR-V exec 1.5 turbo needs a new reversing camera - well that's ok surely it cant cost much ...
Generic ones are about £65 but not one there for my year so went to dealer (Vertu Honda Grantham)... Read more
Hi all,
I wanted to get some honest feedback from people who actually care about cars and insurance.... Read more
Safe drivers with no claims are a lower risk and are charged less.
It is dressed up as a "no claim discount" to encourage the idea that it is a reward for safe driving and not making a claim. It is illusory like many discounts - it all depends where the "normal" price is set....
I’m wondering whether Lotus are staging a bit of a revival after a few quiet years?
Over the past ten days of so, I’ve seen four Eletres and two Emeyas (all different colours, so I’m not seeing the same car more than once).
They are in ‘Others’ in SMMT listings, so it’s not easy to see how they’re definitively doing, but they do seem to be on the up. Read more
Here’s one more registered in the UK -
www.topgear.com/car-news/electric/his-majesty-king...Q
Just helping youngrovergirl to renew her licence
using gov.uk/renew-driving-licence... Read more
Update...
Went to the Local Post office to get the renewal done....
Dunno if I have done the right thing, but I bought 2x Pirelli P7 for front of car. They are dated 2022 and tread depth is practically as if brand new.
No issues so far with these.... Read more
I'd take the PIrellis over Rotalla if there's no visible damage.
Definately....
Is there profit to be made buying cars in mainland UK and shipping them out to Ireland or elsewhere?
I used to work as a trade plate driver and I was forever collecting vehicles from auctions and delivering them to docks – particularly Birkenhead for the ferry to Belfast. Given that the customers who ordered the vehicle deliveries will have been paying out quite a lot for both the deliveries and the ferries, I assume they must have sold for a considerably higher amount in Belfast to make it worth their while!... Read more
EU is mostly RHD
Malta & Cypris drive on the left...
I would go for a fairly small low range EV like a Nissan Leaf or one of the Kias or Hyundais. You can probably get one for the value of your X3. Then spend part of your £500 a month on trains and taxis to work and have the rest left over.