| This year as in every year, thousands of drivers will be | | | | costs to consider when buying a "chelsea tractor". |
| looking to change their auto at some point, but the | | | | Four-wheel drive uses more fuel than 2-wheel drive so |
| hardest thing to do is to decide on which auto best | | | | you will likely be topping up your tank more often. You |
| suits their needs and their lifestyle. Many factors play a | | | | will also pay a higher road tax (in the UK) because of |
| part in this choice, including the size of the vehicle, | | | | the larger engine capacity. |
| weight, economy of running and of course, finance. All | | | | Another thought to bear in mind is Should you buy a |
| these play an important role in the auto buying process. | | | | petrol or diesel car or a hybrid or electric. All of these |
| When buying a vehicle, size does matter. Unless you | | | | effect the environment in different ways. If you drive |
| are fabulously wealthy and money is no object to you, | | | | mostly long distances then a diesel is a good option. |
| (yeah...wouldn't we all like to be there!) you should | | | | You will in general pay about £3000 more initially |
| choose the most economical style of auto for your | | | | but the fuel cost per mile driven is better than petrol. if |
| expected usage. For example, if you live alone or only | | | | you mostly run about town then your choices are |
| with your partner, there is no point getting a people | | | | between petrol hybrid and electric. Obviously the |
| carrier. You would never use all of the seats and | | | | electric car has the lowest CO2 emissions but where |
| would be paying more than you needed to on fuel | | | | does its electricity come from (coal or gas power |
| emissions and the reduced economy of running | | | | station?) the hybrids are more expensive than petrol |
| compared with if you purchased a smaller vehicle. | | | | cars but their mpg is better too. By simply looking at |
| Another question considered by many people (that is | | | | the cars CO2 output we can all do our bit for the |
| people who do not reside in the US) is whether they | | | | environment as the lower the value, the less we are |
| should buy a manual or automatic transmission. | | | | going to pollute. There is a government incentive to |
| Automatics may give a slightly smoother ride with less | | | | buy a low emissions car as your road tax will be |
| noticeable gear changing but they do, in general, use | | | | considerably less if your car has a low CO2 rating. |
| slightly more fuel (about 5% more than a manual | | | | Some cars even qualify for zero road tax! |
| gearbox driven economically.) If you are buying a car | | | | There are many other things to consider when buying |
| for a youngster or new driver then an automatic could | | | | a new car not only the price on the windscreen. You |
| be considered as a good option because a manual | | | | need to bare in mind the cost of maintaining the car |
| gearbox in the hands of a "boy/girl racer" will burn up | | | | and the cost of spare parts, the price of road tax, the |
| much more fuel than an automatic (up to 10% more!) | | | | insurance and the fuel economy. If you can keep all of |
| Four wheel drives were growing in popularity before | | | | this clear in your head whilst choosing your next car |
| the snow and ice and With the recent problems, they | | | | you should be able to pick one that compliments your |
| have become even more popular but there are other | | | | lifestyle and your wallet! |