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Car Buying Advice

The Car Expert has a wide range of articles covering every aspect of buying a new or used car.

Buying a car can be a very stressful and confusing time for many people. Fortunately, The Car Expert has a wide range of articles covering every aspect of buying a new or used car.

Take your time, read through several articles and consider all your options before signing on the dotted line. With our award-winning advice to guide you, you’ll end up with a much better chance of getting the right deal on the right car for your needs.

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Our top car buying articles

The ten golden rules for buying a car

Buying a new or used car? Follow these pearls of wisdom from The Car Expert and make sure you get the right car for the right price.
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The best websites for buying a new or used car

Online car buying has become hugely popular in the UK, which sites should you trust? We've updated our guide to the top contenders.
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I bought a car and now I’ve changed my mind

Buyer’s Remorse is common in the car industry. You've bought a car, and now you've changed your mind or run into problems. What can you do?
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Should I buy a pre-registered car?

Pre-registered cars are on the increase again. The salesman says it's a great deal on what is basically a 'brand new car', but what's the real story?
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More car buying advice

How important is mileage on a used car?

Mileage affects price, resale value and future repair costs. Here’s how to judge whether a high-mileage used car is a smart buy or an expensive mistake.

Front-wheel, rear-wheel and four-wheel drive explained

Many cars drive from the front, some deliver their power through the rear and yet more have 4x4 capability. But which do you need?

The Expert Rating Index methodology

Discover how The Car Expert’s Expert Rating Index combines independent reviews, safety results, reliability data, warranty cover and running costs into a structured score for new and used cars.

Are electric car fires really that common?

Spend time on social media and you'll read plenty of headlines about electric car fires. But do EVs really catch fire all the time or is it a myth?

Electric car grant – all the EVs with discounts in 2026

Between the government's EV grant and car companies' own discounts, there are some great new car offers available. We have the most comprehensive guide around to help you find out what's available.

How to handle a dispute with a car dealer

We regularly get readers asking for advice on how to resolve their dispute with a car dealer. So let's look at the steps you should take to get your problem sorted.

The best websites for checking a car before you buy

How can you be sure that used car is as good as it looks? We check out the online car checking aids that help prevent you losing your cash.

Spares or repairs – and other dodgy trader tricks

There are various tricks employed by dodgy traders to try and get around the laws that apply when selling cars, using phrases like "spares or repair only".

New cars – what’s coming in 2026

With more than 100 new models set to go on sale in 2026, here’s our annual guide to what’s on the way to showrooms.

What does the 2025 Budget mean for UK car drivers?

Well, another Budget is in the books. And there's a lot to cover for car owners, car drivers and anyone looking to buy a car over the next few years. We have the answers to all your questions here.

Five of the safest new small cars on sale in 2025

Safety is a core component of any new car. Using Euro NCAP data, we list five of the safest new small cars on sale, including both petrol and electric models.

The ten worst new cars on sale in 2025

From superminis to SUVs and everything in between, we use our Expert Ratings Index to discover the worst new cars on sale in the UK in 2025.

Does a seller have to declare damage on a car?

What are the rules about any damage being declared on a car you're buying? Well, it's complicated, which car dealers use to their advantage.

How does the UK number plate system work?

Many people find the UK number plate system bewildering. The Car Expert explains how it all works and what all the letters and numbers really mean.

What is a Head-Up Display?

While browsing through trims on your new car search, you might come across head-up display tech on higher equipment levels. But what is it?

What to consider when switching from petrol to an EV

Planning on swapping your petrol car for an EV? There are a few important things you should think about first before making the switch.

The safest new cars on sale in the UK in 2025

Is safety your top priority when looking for your next car? Here are the ten safest new cars currently on sale in the UK.

The best used family cars for every budget in 2025

With value-for-money and practicality in mind, we take a look at the best family-friendly cars you can buy on the used market right now.

China – the world’s new automotive superpower

Many people still see China as a looming threat to the future of the Western car industry, which was certainly true – about 20 years ago.

What is a hybrid?

Designed to be more efficient and economical, the number of hybrid cars has been growing in recent years. But what are they and how do they work?

Which new cars are built in China?

It's not just the Chinese car companies battling for your attention that manufacture their cars in China - several European and US brands assemble cars there too.

What are agency car sales? Explaining the pros and cons

How would you like to buy your next car – from a car dealer, from a shopping centre, or maybe from your sofa? We explain agency car sales.

Petrol vs. electric: which is cheaper to service in 2025?

We've analysed almost every new and near-new car on sale in the UK to give you the most comprehensive look at the average cost of servicing your car each year.

Are you eligible for a Motability car?

Here we take a more in-depth look at how Motability works and who is eligible for a car under the scheme.

Motability: What is it and how does it work?

The Motability scheme has helped millions of people across the UK become more mobile. But how does it actually work and who is eligible?

The new car brands set to appear on UK roads in 2025

These are the new badges we expect to arrive in the UK in the coming year, all vying to steal buyer attention away from established brands.

Should you refuse to drive a Tesla because of Elon Musk?

The richest man in the world has certainly ruffled some feathers in recent months. We discuss whether this should influence your new car search.

Plug-in hybrid cars – what’s on sale and what’s coming in 2025?

Keen to buy a plug-in hybrid in 2025? Our comprehensive guide tells you what models are already on sale and what’s coming.

Jaecoo launches in the UK

Chinese car brand Jaecoo has officially launched in the UK, with its first model now on sale in dealers. Jaecoo is one of two new...

Electric cars – what’s on sale and what’s coming in 2025?

Read The Car Expert's latest 2025 guide to discover what electric cars your favourite brand will be offering this year.

A dozen new cars to keep an eye out for in 2025

There's a whole host of new car arrivals on the horizon in 2025. If you are planning on getting a new car next year, here are a few to keep your eye on.

Christmas bargains for clever car buyers 2024

Christmas time usually means great deals for car buyers. But will the best offers be on petrol or electric cars this year? Here are our tips for buying a new or used car this festive season.

Which alloy wheel size should I choose?

Alloy wheel size is more than just an aesthetic choice. Opting for larger alloys can also impact the way a car drives.

Why the UK is the perfect size for running an electric car

The UK is essentially perfect for EV adoption due to its compact and dense layout compared to the USA or Australia, or even France.

The 10 worst new cars on sale in 2024

From superminis to SUVs and everything in between, we use our Expert Ratings Index to discover the worst new cars on sale in the UK in 2024.

Five of the safest new small cars on sale in 2024

Using Euro NCAP data, we list five of the safest new small cars on sale, including both petrol and electric models.

Omoda launches in the UK

Chinese car brand Omoda has officially launched in the UK, with its first models now on sale.

The best used EV bargains in 2024

With second hand electric car prices tumbling, we look at some of the best battery-powered bargains available on the used market right now.

Plug-in hybrid cars enjoying resurgence in the UK

Plug-in hybrid demand has risen over 30% in the UK since January, but what exactly is a plug-in hybrid, and is it the right choice for you?

Rise of the electric city cars

Electric micro-mobility is becoming a big business, with a growing number of small electric city cars looking to appeal to urban drivers.

2024 half-year report – who’s up and who’s down?

The UK car market is changing as we gradually move from fossil fuel cars to EVs. So as we pass through the halfway point of 2024, which car brands are flying high and which are struggling?

2024 half-year report – a disaster for private new car sales

This year has seen record lows in the number of private buyers choosing a new car. We explore what's going on in the new car market.

Electric car charging when you live in a flat

Living in a flat or a house with no off-street parking can cause some issues if you a looking to charge an electric car. Here’s our advice.

Car subscriptions – here to stay?

Car subscriptions are a growing market. We spoke to industry leaders to find out how subscription companies are faring.

Should I buy a new or used car?

We dissect the costs associated with buying either a new or used car, examining how each choice impacts your wallet both now and over time.

What to look for in a family car

Comfort, safety, space, technology and more - here are the key characteristics that make a car ideal for families.

The best new electric cars for every budget 2024

Looking for a new electric car? Using our Expert Rating Index, we take a look at some of the best new EVs for every budget on sale right now.

The best websites for buying a used luxury car

Looking for a bit of opulence but don’t want to spend your hard-earned savings on a new car? We list the best sites for used luxury cars.

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