Economical and environmental concerns make buyers choose newer cars

In a recent survey carried out by Exchange & Mart, it was revealed that 84 per cent of over 1,000 buyers surveyed would like their next car to be less than five years old. This figure has increased since the same survey was carried out in 2007 and may be due to growing awareness that newer cars are more economical and environmentally friendly.

The reduced efficiency and increased carbon emissions of older cars are making the news every week, and this may be having an effect on the way car buyers think about their next vehicle. Compared to the 2007 results, it appears that whilst buyers are not necessarily looking for a brand new car they are prepared to make an investment now to save money in the longer term, by spending more on a relatively new car which will cost less to keep running. Whilst the most popular price bracket was £1-5,000, a greater number of buyers are now thinking of spending between £5,000 and £15,000 on their next vehicle.

To buy a car which is just one year old, will save you around 40 per cent of the vehicle’s original value, offering a huge saving on what is still a very economical car which remains covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, showing that choosing wisely can save you a significant amount of money.

“As the saying goes: If you take care of the pennies, the pounds will look after themselves, and you can do this by buying a nearly new car as you save not only on the price of the car, but on the running costs in the long term as well.” says Debra Healy, Digital Director at Exchange & Mart. “A newer car will cost less to keep on the road as there will be fewer mechanical issues due to age, high mileage and wear-and-tear.”

Healy concluded: “From this research, it appears that the used car buyer is becoming more aware of long term value for money and less inclined to opt for an instant bargain. Dealers need to remain responsive to this shift in buying habits and by doing so will easily avoid the risk of significant losses during the crunch.”

To see deals on new and nearly new cars, visit: SaveMoneyOnCars.co.uk

UK motorists will soon be able to place orders to buy the first fully electric powered car later this year, when the new TH!NK city electric vehicle (EV) goes on sale in this country.

Revealed at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show this month by Norwegian electric vehicle pioneers Think, a company with 17 years experience in EVs, the new TH!NK city will be available for customer orders during the last quarter of this year.

TH!NK city is a true, modern urban car, not a quadricycle. It is a fully environmental vehicle, emission free and 95 percent recyclable. With an energy efficiency three times that of a traditional combustion engine car, it is a car that realistically meets the growing challenges of environmental protection and congestion and emissions legislation.

The two seater urban car has a top speed of 65 miles per hour. It accelerates from zero to 30 mph in just 6.5 seconds and 50 mph in 16 seconds. It requires just an overnight top-up of electricity and can travel for 124 miles in city driving on a fully charged battery. A full charge from a domestic electricity socket takes just ten hours. Over 10,000 miles use, the total cost of electricity used to power a TH!NK city will be in the region of £125.

TH!NK city is designed to meet the strict safety requirements of both Europe and the US, as a highway-safe road car. The car is equipped with ABS brakes, airbags and three-point safety belts with pretensioners and it meets all European and US requirements with good margins.

“Unlike the lower-range, electric quadricycles that have had limited success in the UK, TH!NK city is a real car which provides a realistic option for those motorists who want to drive a true zero emissions car,” said Richard Blundell, Managing Director of Think UK.

“Also, concern for the environment has been at the heart of the development of TH!NK city. It’s not only environmentally sound to drive, but the car itself is designed to be recycled,” he added.

Engineers, developers, buyers and designers in the company have focused on utilising clean recyclable materials, non-polluting production processes. The dashboard can be completely recycled. The fabric, body, supports, air ducts, adhesives and fixings are designed using the same recyclable materials.

TH!NK city’s body is made of recyclable ABS plastic, designed specifically for city driving. Not only is it ideal for motorists want to avoid visible scratches and irritating dents, the unpainted plastic bodywork also reduces both energy consumption and toxins, while also making the panels easier to recycle. The batteries are returned to the supplier at the end of their useable life.

Standard equipment on each TH!NK city includes power steering, central locking, a 4kW electric heater, and electric windows and mirrors. Optional equipment will include air conditioning, a pre-heat timer, electrically heated windscreen, full length sunroof, Radio CD with MP3, USB, Bluetooth, a navigation & multimedia system, alloy wheels, roof rack and 2 + 2 children seats (including 3-point seat belts)

Production started last autumn, and the first batch of cars will be delivered to Norwegian customers this spring with orders for UK cars being taken in the last quarter of this year. The expected retail price of TH!NK city is £14,000.

http://www.think.no/