The Car Expert provides independent, impartial expert advice on everything you need to know about buying a car, new or used.
Expert advice
Award-winning, independent, impartial advice on buying and owning a car
Car buying advice
Car ownership advice
What is a diesel particulate filter?
The diesel particulate filter (DPF) is a key component of every modern diesel engine, but do you understand what it does or how to maintain it?
Christmas bargains for clever car buyers
As another year draws to a close, car dealers start looking at their sales numbers and many of them will be getting quite nervous. If you are in the market to buy a car, you are in a strong position to get a deal on your perfect new set of wheels this Christmas.
Record number of illegally clocked cars on the road
The number of UK cars with false mileages has hit 2.3 million, leading for calls to ban DIY mileage-correction 'clocking' tools.
Misleading electric vehicle range claims exposed
A new test of ‘real-world’ ranges of electric cars has shown that many don’t deliver on their claims – with some overstating their range by up to 100 miles.
The best hot hatches for under £10k
Britain loves a hot hatch, so we’ve picked out some of the best hot hatches you can find on the used market for less than £10K.
10 tips for buying a used car
(sponsored) When buying a used car, there’s a lot to consider. Follow these 10 tips to make sure you pick the right second-hand car at the right price.
What to look for in a student car
(sponsored) For many young people, owning a car is a rite of passage. But selecting the right student car can be tricky.
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Car finance advice
Whether buying or leasing, The Car Expert can give you the right advice and help get you get the best car for your budget.
Car finance advice
What documents do I need for car finance?
When applying for finance for a new or used car, you will need to provide various information, documents and proofs of identification to the finance company so they can assess your application.
Car finance: Voluntary termination of a PCP or HP
Voluntary termination is your legal right to cancel your PCP or HP car finance agreement in certain circumstances. The Car Expert explains how it works.
Car finance: the PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) explained
The PCP (personal contract purchase) is the most popular type of car finance. This guide tells you everything you need to know about PCP car finance.
Car finance: How do I settle a PCP early?
Today we answer one of the most common questions about PCP car finance: What if I want to end my agreement and settle a PCP early?
How to avoid finance and leasing penalty charges
With most new cars funded through either PCP or contract hire, it's important that your car is in good condition when you want to hand it back.
How to understand a PCP car finance quote
Thousands of people look at a PCP car finance quote and are hopelessly confused by all the different numbers. Cut through the confusion with this guide.
Do I have to service my car with the dealer if I have a PCP?
The popularity of PCP car finance has allowed car manufacturers to be sneaky in forcing you to have your car serviced by their dealers.
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More expert advice
Car insurance, servicing and maintenance, car care, driving tips and much more.
Car ownership advice
Premium diesel and petrol – do they work?
Do premium diesel and premium unleaded petrol give you extra performance and economy, and are they worth it? The Car Expert investigates.
Car ownership advice
Essential off-road driving accessories
Many 4x4 owners wouldn’t dream of going off-road for fear of breaking down or getting stuck. But as long as you're properly equipped, you should be fine.
Car safety
Five-star safety ratings for seven new models
Seven new cars have been awarded five-star safety ratings from Euro NCAP, in a very positive end to the year for car manufacturers.
Car safety
Fiat Panda branded a ‘zero-star car’ for safety
The Fiat Panda has become only the second car to ever be awarded zero stars for safety by Euro NCAP – and the other car is the Fiat Punto, tested last year.
Driving
Average of 179 motorists caught drunk-driving every day in December 2017
Police caught an average of 179 drunk-drivers per day across the UK in December 2017, new research has found.
Car safety
Daytime running lights causing confusion for drivers
Drivers across the UK could be causing confusion for other motorists by relying on daytime running lights (DRLs) for illumination in low visibility conditions.
Car insurance
‘Cyclist-aware’ drivers should get cheaper car insurance
A government proposal suggests a course to make drivers more aware of cyclists should be rewarded with cheaper car insurance.
Car industry news
Stricter MOT test doubles emissions failure rate
Changes to MOT emissions testing has seen the number of cars failing more than double since being introduced earlier this year.
Car ownership advice
Car theft across UK hits six-year high
The number of cars stolen in 2017 reached its highest level in six years, according to latest official figures from the DVLA.
Driving
10 tips for driving safely in fog
(sponsored) Even for confident and experienced drivers, fog can be one of the most daunting and dangerous weather conditions to drive in.
Car insurance
Is black-box insurance making young drivers safer?
'Black box' insurance has helped reduce the number of young drivers killed or seriously injured in road traffic accidents, according to new research.
Driving
How to avoid car sickness
Car sickness is a common problem for many of us. We've put together this list of tips for keeping a queasy stomach under control on a road trip.
