Latest news with #Mazdas
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Used convertibles UK: Find out which used soft-tops you are eligible for this summer, from Mazdas to Mercs.
sun seeker Used convertibles UK: Find out which used soft-tops you are eligible for this summer, from Mazdas to Mercs. Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SUN'S out, funs out – it's time to make that dream of a convertible car a reality. While car experts will tell you spring is the perfect time to bag a convertible car bargain, you can still find great deals in summer. 12 Sellers in a crowded market are still itching for the cash and can often reduce costs to make a deal. No cash? No worries. Buyers can get a boost with Sun Motors Finance, an affordable and accessible way to access cash to buy a new car. We're working with some of the UK's best lenders to provide every driver with access to the low-cost credit they need to pick up a dream car. PCP Representative Example - Total Cash Price £6995 Deposit £2000 Amount of Credit £4995 47 Monthly Payments £95.09 Total Amount Payable £8834.23 Fixed Rate of Interest 6.715% Optional Final Payment £2365 Duration of Agreement 48 Months Annual Mileage Limit 10,000 Miles APR (Representative) 12.9% There's no waiting, either. You'll get an instant decision on eligibility and affordability in just 60 seconds. Whatever the season, when you're buying a convertible, you'll want to do some research to find the right make, model, and specification before parting with your pounds. In this guide, we're going to explain why spring and summer are the best time to buy a convertible car. Sun Motors experts have also selected their top 5 used convertibles for sale today, including two-seater and four-seater convertibles and super sporty models. It's top-down and shades on for our round-up of the best used convertible cars in the UK today for you to ponder ahead of the heatwave. Why is spring and summer a good time to buy a used car? March (and spring in general) is the best time to buy a used convertible car. Why? The age-old rules of supply and demand. The market for convertible cars hibernates during the winter, as drivers and dealers forget the sun and focus on surviving wind, rain, ice, and snow. Convertibles are designed for fair weather. By March, we've banished the winter blues, and things are beginning to heat up – including the market for convertibles. As we head into summer, market forces take over. As demand for convertible cars increases (reaching a peak during the summer), dealers can respond by putting up their prices. 2025 is breaking records for car sales, with more buyers, sellers, and motors on the market. That's good because competition encourages sellers to price competitively and provides buyers with the power to bag a bargain. Sellers don't want stock hanging around, and convertibles are harder to sell than a standard saloon, for example, as the market is smaller. Basically, while spring is probably the best time to buy a convertible, competition in the market and the pressure to make a profit mean you'll still be able to strike a good deal on a used convertible in summer. Stuck for cash? Spread the payments for your summer convertible Convertible cars, as you'll see from the list below, aren't exactly cheap, but there is a way you can get your dream car. Sun Motors offers car buyers a straightforward and simple way to finance a new car. The easy-to-use affordability calculator provides a guideline on the amount you can borrow, including interest rates and monthly repayments. That means you can have complete confidence that you can afford a car before falling in love with it. Even better, you don't need to worry about any searches damaging your credit rating. Our finance partner will only do a soft check. 12 The finance checker aligns your budget to your dream car, so there is no disappointment when sourcing which car you can afford. It's worth checking even if you've been previously denied credit. We work with a specialist lender who may consider applications from those with a bad credit rating. Give it a try, you've got nothing to lose. What is a convertible car? A convertible car is a car that can be driven without a roof. Most convertibles will have a roof that can be secured in place, converting it back into a car with a roof. (Hence the name.) On the market, you'll find two types of convertibles: soft tops and hard tops. What is the difference between soft-top and hard-top convertibles? Soft tops have a roof (made from canvas, cloth, vinyl, or another material) that can fold up or down. Hard-top convertibles have a solid roof that folds down. 12 This 2015 Audi TT is a great example of a hard-top convertible and is available on Sun Motors for £12,995 with finance options available. Model: Audi TT There are advantages and disadvantages of each. Soft top convertibles can be cheaper to buy and often easier to maintain. On the other hand, soft roofs are more likely to degrade over time, are easier to damage, and won't be as warm as a hard top. Hard tops are more durable, warmer (because of greater insulation), and more secure. However, they can be more expensive to buy, maintain, and fix if they break. Benefits of a convertible car There's really only one reason you'd buy a convertible car, and that's because you want to experience the fun and freedom of driving without a roof. If you haven't tried it before, you should. Convertible cars are often sportier and more stylish than their hard-top cousins. Drive a convertible, and you're making a statement. (Especially if you forget to put the roof up and it rains.) Convertible cars are more expensive, but they can hold their value better, too. Find Your Next Car by What You Can Actually Afford Sun Motors has created the UK's First Finance-First Marketplace *Finance Powered by DSG Finance who are a Credit Broker Not A Lender. Representative 12.9%. Your rate may differ depending on individual circumstances You can check in less than 60 seconds if you are eligible for financing, and then search for your dream used car within your monthly budget. Here's how... Soft credit check , with no impact on your score , with no impact on your score 60-second decision , get a real finance decision in less than a minute , get a real finance decision in less than a minute Instant match , only see cars that fit your real budget , only see cars that fit your real budget AI-powered help, get tailored advice, suggestions, and instant answers from an AI advisor called Theo Find out what you can afford in just 60 seconds here. Top 5 used convertible cars for sale Here is Sun Motors' choice of the five best used-convertibles for sale in the UK today. Mazda MX-5 12 This 2017 model is currently available on Sun Motors for just £252 a month. Model: Mazda MX-5 Affordable, reliable and the world's best-selling roadster. You knew it would be the Mazda MX-5, didn't you? Since its launch in 1989, the MX-5 has become a firm favourite, with the latest model still getting rave reviews. An abundance of MX-5s on the market keeps prices low. Insurance and maintenance costs won't break the bank – especially when compared to some of the other brands on our list (we're looking at you, Mercedes). Check out the WhatCar? guide on potential problems for your Mazda MX-5. (And always check the roof!) Shop around for the best deals, like this low-mileage 2016 SKYACTIV-G Sportmodel at less than £275 per month. Audi TT Convertible 12 Model: Audi TT Another best-selling classic, the Audi TT convertible, is no longer in production, which makes us sad. It's slightly bigger than the Mazda MX-5 and is highly reliable, says WhatCar?. Common problems include water leaks, faulty roof mechanisms, and issues with the interior trim. Sporty models like S and RS could have been driven hard, and damage to panels, paintwork, and alloys could all be expensive to fix. Find a good Audi TT convertible and you'll get years of stress-free motoring in a modern classic. Check out this almost spotless 10-year-old AUDI TT Coupe 2.0 TDI ultra Sport in impressive (and easy to keep clean) gun metal grey. MINI convertible 12 Model: Mini Cooper S Class The MINI convertible is small but strangely spacious, with enough room for four people, says Autoexpress. While you're not going to be running around with a rugby team, the MINI convertible is a practical, fun and attractive car. We like the 2016 model with its bullet-proof, BMW-approved, 3-cylinder 1.5-litre engine. It's fast enough for country lanes and forgiving for stop-start city driving. You'll often pay a premium for the MINI badge, but they retain value well, so buy with confidence. Our choice? The market for MINIs is vibrant, so it's hard to select one, but we like this box-fresh 2025 Mini Cooper S Class. Mercedes SLK 12 Model: Mercedes SLK The Mercedes SLK is sharper, faster, and more comfortable than many of the other convertibles here. It's a great grand tourer, capable of taking you, a passenger and a few small cases pretty much anywhere you want to go. Pick up an SLK55, and you'll reach 60mph in 4.6 seconds. Ouch. The hardtop roof goes up and down with German precision. Check everything is working, as replacements can be very costly. One thing to mention is that automatics are standard here, while manual cars are rare. Car reviewers seem to favour the SLK 200, which is a great car. Used SLKs are affordable, like this 2016 AMG for a pint under £300 per-month. BMW Z4 12 This 2015 BMW Z4 Convertible has just 69.000 miles and is available on Sun Motors for £10,995 with financing options available. Model: BMW Z4 The BMW Z4 Roadster features a unique long bonnet design with an awesome BMW grill. Modern models are monsters, but we prefer the older – and more affordable – 2013-2017 Z4s. Why? They look great, perform well, and feature a reliable metal folding roof. Find one with a full-service history, and it's a good buy (especially when you see rising prices for older Z3s.) The BMW Z4 is a classic two-seat, big engine, small boot roadster, and we love it for that. It doesn't take long to find bargain BMWs out there. We like this 2015 M-Sport model. Best 4-seater convertible cars Need to carry you, your partner and the kids? Get a four-door convertible. Here are a couple of our favourites: The Mercedes C Class isn't particularly roomy, but you'll get four in at a push. And they will all want to get into this superbly-specced 2018 Mercedes C220 AMG Line D Auto. 12 Model: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Another shout-out for the Germans, the BMW 4 Series Convertible is our second-favourite four-door convertible. Current models are all well and good, but we love the classic BMW grill on this sub-£10k BMW 4 Series 2.0 420i SE Euro 6. Best sports car convertibles Here are a couple of our favourite all-out sports convertibles: The Porsche Boxster is a fast and cool mid-engine sports car that's incredible to drive. 12 Model: Porsche Boxster Our choice on the market today is this immaculate 2016 Boxster with a high-powered 3.4-litre engine. 12 Model: Elise Convertible The Lotus Elise is a small, lightweight, and blisteringly fast British-designed sports car. This canary yellow 2016 Lotus Elise convertible is all kinds of crazy, in a good way. Convertible car buying FAQs Here, we answer some common questions convertible car buyers have. What to look out for when buying a used convertible When buying a used convertible, you'll want to ensure that the roof itself is clean, the mechanism functions correctly (basically, that it goes up and down as it should), and there are no splits, tears, or damage. Ask the seller about the age of the roof (if it's a soft top) and if the roof has been repaired or replaced. If you're considering buying a soft-top convertible, get on a stool, chair, or stepladder and check over the whole roof of the car. Tears and splits can (and sometimes are) covered with tape, which can be impossible to spot unless you get up close. If you're happy that the roof goes up and down as it should and isn't damaged, then you can check all the other essentials, including condition, damage, service history, MOT records, mileage, etc. How to clean a convertible roof If you have a hardtop roof, you can clean it in the same way you would clean the rest of your car. Soft-top convertible roofs should be cleaned using a specialist cleaning product. These will help to remove any first and stains (including corrosive substances like bird poo) but won't dry out the material, which could cause it to become brittle and split or break. Take your time, follow the instructions, and you'll be fine. Always check for water ingress into the car after washing your convertible. Early warning enables immediate action! How to look after a convertible Convertible cars should be serviced and maintained in the same way you would any other car. If your car has a soft roof, you should regularly clean it (see above) and apply a protectant. This guide from detailing experts Autoglym is a good place to start. Over time, the soft top covering can wear out or dry out, leaving it susceptible to rips, tears, and other damage. You can protect it by storing it in a garage or under a cover, especially during the worst of the winter weather. Any soft-top convertible car left exposed to the elements for too long will become damaged. How does pre-approved car finance work? The best thing about Sun Motors' pre-approved car finance is that you can check how much you can borrow before you fall in love with a new convertible car. How? The magic of the Sun Motors system is that it runs a soft credit check. The result is a realistic monthly budget with no impact on your credit score. Armed with this, you can start the fun part: finding a new convertible car. 12 How long does car finance approval take? It's very, very fast. In most cases, you'll get a pre-approval decision within 60 seconds. When you find a car you like, you can go through the final approvals process on the same day. Decision in 60 seconds, finance in a day, and a new dream car on its way. Motor Genius Group Ltd t/a Sun Motors is an Appointed Representative (FRN 960504) of The Compliance Guys Ltd who is authorised and regulated by the FCA (FRN 941360). We are a credit broker not a lender. We work with a select group of lenders and will receive commission. The full details of how the commission arrangements work will be provided before you proceed with any arrangement. Finance subject to status and income. Terms and Conditions apply. The advice we provide is not impartial due to our commercial relationships with lenders. ICO number [ZB640135].
Auto Blog
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
U.S. Tariffs Create a Dramatic Shift in Mazda's Strategy
The Japanese automaker is bracing for a huge sales drop in its most important region. Japanese automaker Mazda is withholding its earnings forecast for its current fiscal year According to Automotive News, Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro stated during a May 12 presentation on the fiscal year ending March 31 that the automaker requires more time to assess how tariffs might affect its operations. 'We will work toward maintaining global sales volume at levels close to the previous year to the greatest extent possible,' Moro said. 'Regarding the outlook for the current fiscal year, considering the uncertain business environment, including U.S. tariff policies, we are not yet in a position to provide a forecast.' 0:07 / 0:09 Tesla sales in Europe drop yet again Watch More 2025 Mazda CX-50 — Source: Mazda Mazda plans to offset tariffs and U.S. sales impact by focusing on other key markets Sales in North America, Mazda's biggest market, jumped by a substantial 24 percent to a record 617,000 vehicles during the fiscal year that ended on March 31, driven by all-time-high deliveries in both Mexico and the U.S. In 2024, Mazda's U.S. sales grew by 17% to a record 424,382 vehicles, the best sales year for the brand since 1986. As recently as February, Mazda executives predicted that it would have another year of record U.S. sales, leaning on the success of a redesigned CX-5 to help it move 450,000 vehicles in 2025. However, Mazda CFO Jeffrey Guyton now predicts that U.S. demand will fall due to tariff-induced price increases. Mazda's CEO claimed that tariffs cost the company ¥9 billion to ¥10 billion (~$60.1 million to $66.8 million) in April alone, however, the company intends to combat by pushing Mazdas in other key regions like its native Japan, Southeast Asia, and China, as well as aggressive cost-cutting. 'We can imagine there will be some risk to our U.S. sales in the coming year,' Guyton said. 'And our intention is to find sales opportunities among all the other countries.' Mazda imports a lot of cars One caveat behind the numbers is that Mazda heavily relies on vehicle imports on a larger scale than contemporaries like Toyota, Honda, and even Nissan. In 2024, Mazda imported 235,738 vehicles from Japan to the U.S., including models like the CX-5 crossover and the CX-70 and CX-90 SUVs, which make up roughly 55% of its U.S. sales. In addition, Mazda also imports the compact Mazda3 and the CX-30 crossover from its plant in Mexico, which are compliant with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, U.S.A., the automaker's only stateside factory, is a jointly operated site in Alabama where Mazda makes the CX-50 and Toyota makes the Corolla Cross on different assembly lines. Although the CX-50 is made there, Guyton says it will have to pay tariffs on imported parts used in its assembly, which will range from $2,000 to $4,000 per vehicle. More low-priced cars, fewer incentives Mazda CFO Guyton noted that the automaker will try to push more vehicles that move quicker from dealership lots instead of costlier vehicles that have higher margins. 'In service of keeping production maximized, we need to make sure that we're focused on fast-turn product,' Guyton said. 'That doesn't mean purely entry grade. But higher value and more core models are what we're looking at.' In addition, Mazda will try to curb its incentive spending as car prices increase. Over its past fiscal year, Mazda says that incentives took away over 124.9 billion yen (about $833.9 million) from its operating profits. According to data from Motor Intelligence, Mazda's incentives averaged $3,224 per vehicle from January-March 2025, a 36% year-over-year increase. Mazda3 Overall, Mazda saw a 26% dip in operating profit and a decline in its operating margin from 5.2% the year before to 3.7%. Mazda CEO Moro said that the company expects to give an earnings outlook when it announces its fiscal first-quarter results, which typically happen in August. However, as political leaders from Tokyo and Washington, D.C. negotiate some amendments to the tariffs, Moro maintains that clear guidance won't come unless something gets ironed out between the respective trade representatives. 'At the moment, the Japanese government is still negotiating with the U.S. government. So, I don't think we should provide guidance based on an uncertain outlook or an uncertain premise,' Moro said. 'As the situation is highly volatile, we cannot come up with an estimate at this moment in a rational manner, and so our guidance is undecided.' Final thoughts Mazda's withdrawal of its outlook guidance is the latest in a line that includes big names like its former Dearborn parent, Ford, and German luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz. Though Moro stated that it's unable to get clear guidance until the U.S. and Japan work out a trade deal, such a deal is unlikely to come very quickly. According to a May 11 Bloomberg report, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will not accept any trade deal that excludes an accord on auto imports. Japanese media outlet NHK also reported that the Japanese government proposed expanding auto-related investment in the US as part of its concessions. However, they predict that any agreement will likely be reached in early July, around the time Japan announces a national election.
Miami Herald
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
U.S. Tariffs Create a Dramatic Shift in Mazda's Strategy
According to Automotive News, Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro stated during a May 12 presentation on the fiscal year ending March 31 that the automaker requires more time to assess how tariffs might affect its operations. "We will work toward maintaining global sales volume at levels close to the previous year to the greatest extent possible," Moro said. "Regarding the outlook for the current fiscal year, considering the uncertain business environment, including U.S. tariff policies, we are not yet in a position to provide a forecast." Sales in North America, Mazda's biggest market, jumped by a substantial 24 percent to a record 617,000 vehicles during the fiscal year that ended on March 31, driven by all-time-high deliveries in both Mexico and the U.S. In 2024, Mazda's U.S. sales grew by 17% to a record 424,382 vehicles, the best sales year for the brand since 1986. As recently as February, Mazda executives predicted that it would have another year of record U.S. sales, leaning on the success of a redesigned CX-5 to help it move 450,000 vehicles in 2025. However, Mazda CFO Jeffrey Guyton now predicts that U.S. demand will fall due to tariff-induced price increases. Mazda's CEO claimed that tariffs cost the company ¥9 billion to ¥10 billion (~$60.1 million to $66.8 million) in April alone, however, the company intends to combat by pushing Mazdas in other key regions like its native Japan, Southeast Asia, and China, as well as aggressive cost-cutting. "We can imagine there will be some risk to our U.S. sales in the coming year," Guyton said. "And our intention is to find sales opportunities among all the other countries." One caveat behind the numbers is that Mazda heavily relies on vehicle imports on a larger scale than contemporaries like Toyota, Honda, and even Nissan. In 2024, Mazda imported 235,738 vehicles from Japan to the U.S., including models like the CX-5 crossover and the CX-70 and CX-90 SUVs, which make up roughly 55% of its U.S. sales. In addition, Mazda also imports the compact Mazda3 and the CX-30 crossover from its plant in Mexico, which are compliant with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, U.S.A., the automaker's only stateside factory, is a jointly operated site in Alabama where Mazda makes the CX-50 and Toyota makes the Corolla Cross on different assembly lines. Although the CX-50 is made there, Guyton says it will have to pay tariffs on imported parts used in its assembly, which will range from $2,000 to $4,000 per vehicle. Mazda CFO Guyton noted that the automaker will try to push more vehicles that move quicker from dealership lots instead of costlier vehicles that have higher margins. "In service of keeping production maximized, we need to make sure that we're focused on fast-turn product," Guyton said. "That doesn't mean purely entry grade. But higher value and more core models are what we're looking at." In addition, Mazda will try to curb its incentive spending as car prices increase. Over its past fiscal year, Mazda says that incentives took away over 124.9 billion yen (about $833.9 million) from its operating profits. According to data from Motor Intelligence, Mazda's incentives averaged $3,224 per vehicle from January-March 2025, a 36% year-over-year increase. Overall, Mazda saw a 26% dip in operating profit and a decline in its operating margin from 5.2% the year before to 3.7%. Mazda CEO Moro said that the company expects to give an earnings outlook when it announces its fiscal first-quarter results, which typically happen in August. However, as political leaders from Tokyo and Washington, D.C. negotiate some amendments to the tariffs, Moro maintains that clear guidance won't come unless something gets ironed out between the respective trade representatives. "At the moment, the Japanese government is still negotiating with the U.S. government. So, I don't think we should provide guidance based on an uncertain outlook or an uncertain premise," Moro said. "As the situation is highly volatile, we cannot come up with an estimate at this moment in a rational manner, and so our guidance is undecided." Mazda's withdrawal of its outlook guidance is the latest in a line that includes big names like its former Dearborn parent, Ford, and German luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz. Though Moro stated that it's unable to get clear guidance until the U.S. and Japan work out a trade deal, such a deal is unlikely to come very quickly. According to a May 11 Bloomberg report, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will not accept any trade deal that excludes an accord on auto imports. Japanese media outlet NHK also reported that the Japanese government proposed expanding auto-related investment in the US as part of its concessions. However, they predict that any agreement will likely be reached in early July, around the time Japan announces a national election. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Scottish Sun
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Used sports cars: Discover the best used sports cars on Sun Motors from £200pm Mazdas to £230K Lamborghinis
Fast and Furious Used sports cars: Discover the best used sports cars on Sun Motors from £200pm Mazdas to £230K Lamborghinis Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SPORTS cars are the kings and queens of the road, delivering fast acceleration, high top speeds and lots of smiles. Owning a sports car used to be a dream for most motorists, but financing options like PCP and HP mean that today, many more of us can afford a sports car. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 OK, it's not cheap to buy and own a sports car, but you can pick up a BMW, Mercedes, Mazda and Porsche sports car for the same monthly payment as a family saloon. Don't believe us? We'll take you through the reasons why buying a used sports car is best, some tips for buying with confidence and our top 5 favourite sports cars. New vs used sports car Sports cars are expensive and exclusive. That's sort of the point, isn't it? The average sports car loses over half of its value in the first three years, says Evo. That might sound frightening, but it's pretty standard for used cars. It means that you'll be able to pick up a bargain if you're not worried about the plate. If you choose to buy used, get one with a full dealer service history and do your research. Sports cars can have a hard life, with engine and component wear difficult to spot, especially for amateurs. Buy a well-maintained sports car and you could bag a bargain that could turn into a pretty good investment over the long term. Why buy new? You get to create the car of your dreams, specifying the colour, specifications, internal trim and extras. Is it worth the extra cost? You can decide. Most read in Buy MICRO MOTORS Best used small cars: Discover the tiny motors with MASSIVE savings Benefits of owning a sports car Sports cars, performance cars and luxury cars can deliver an incredible driving experience. Rapid acceleration, high top speeds and comfortable cruising are all reasons why we choose to overlook the lack of space and practicality. Sports cars look cool. You know it, and we know it. Owning a sports car is more than the driving experience, it's the lifestyle. You become part of an exclusive club, in some cases, literally – with owners clubs a big part of the joy of owning a performance car for many people. Sure, sports cars are expensive to buy and run and are often impractical, but you know all that. Buying a sports car is led by the heart, not the head. What to look for when buying a used sports car When buying a sports car, there's likely to be no such thing as a bargain. Here are some of the things you should look for: Mileage and service history: Always buy a sports car (ideally a low-mileage one) with a full service history. This ensures the right parts have been used and that all recalls have been performed. Always buy a sports car (ideally a low-mileage one) with a full service history. This ensures the right parts have been used and that all recalls have been performed. Previous owners: Avoid cars that have been owned by driving experience providers, for example. (Check out this amazing video by Mat Armstrong to learn why.) Avoid cars that have been owned by driving experience providers, for example. (Check out this amazing video by Mat Armstrong to learn why.) Dealer reputation: Buy a sports car from a main dealer or performance car specialist, if possible. Buy a sports car from a main dealer or performance car specialist, if possible. Warranty: Check out any warranty, including mileage and other conditions, before buying. Check out any warranty, including mileage and other conditions, before buying. Insurance costs: Please, please, please check out insurance costs before buying a luxury car. Please, please, please check out insurance costs before buying a luxury car. Practicality: We don't want to be boring, but is a sports car really suitable for your needs? Five of the best used sports cars available on Sun Motors We could spend all day on this list, but we have to make a choice. So, these are five of the best sports cars available on Sun Motors today *in our opinion*. We all have different preferences when it comes to sports cars, so use this list as inspiration before starting your own search. Cheap, cheerful and cool: Mazda MX-5 1.5 SKYACTIV-G SE-L 6 2022 Mazda Mazda MX-5 1.5 SKYACTIV-G SE-L Euro 6 Is it a sports car or a roadster? We don't care when it's this fun. The Mazda MX5 has spent years topping the charts as an affordable and fun sporty driver. Practical and sporty: Land Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0 6 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0 It's not a top-down, wind in your sports car, but it's got sport in the name, so we think this 2024 model is worthy of the list. In fact, the Range Rover Sport is a stylish, competent and capable daily driver that can switch, in an instant, into a bit of a beast. Even better, it's a plug-in hybrid, which means you're cutting your carbon footprint, too. Mid-range monster: Porsche Boxster 24V S PDK 6 Porsche Boxster 24V S PDK The Porsche Boxster is a classic design that's more affordable to buy and maintain than a 911. This low-mileage, semi-automatic Boxster is in amazing condition and could prove a canny investment, with Porsche values holding up well over the long-term. High-performance beast: 2022 Lamborghini Aventador ULTIMAE 2-Door 6 2022 Lamborghini Aventador ULTIMAE 2-Door A 6.5 litre engine sits at the heart of the canary yellow supercar, powering it to almost 200 mph. It's very much fast and furious, with a price tag to match. If you can afford £7,950 a month in repayments, this could be yours. I mean, who needs a house? Dream car: Aston Martin DB11 Coupe 5.2 6 Aston Martin DB11 Coupe 5.2 This Aston Martin DB11 blends the classic elegance of previous models with all the stuff you'd want in a modern supercar. The DB11 is truly the stuff of dreams… Used sports car FAQS Where can I buy a used sports car? Performance cars are packed full of complex technology, advanced engineering and highly-tuned engines. If you're an engineer or expert, you can scour the free ads for a bargain. But if you're like the rest of us, it's much better to buy from a trusted dealer. Dealers, like those featured on Sun Motors, will have thoroughly checked and serviced every sports car before it's put up for sale. You can have confidence in the quality of the car and that it's 100% honest and ready for the road. Of course, sometimes things happen and cars can go wrong. If you buy from a dealer, you're covered by the Consumer Rights Act 2015 which provides cover and redress. Buy privately, and you're on your own. Caveat emptor and all that. What are the best used sports cars to buy? Thinking with our heads, the lowest depreciating sports cars include the Lamborghini Urus, Range Rover Sport and Porsche 911, says Which?. So these are the best to buy, right? The traditional measures of 'the best' (low cost, fuel efficiency, and so on) are irrelevant. So, what are the best used cars to buy? It depends on you, and entirely on you. Since you asked, we prefer classically styled and elegant cars, like the Aston Martin Vantage, Jaguar F-Type and old school Mercedes SLK. We wouldn't be seen dead in a £230,000 Lamborghini Huracan (mostly because we'd struggle to get in and out of it). But if you love it, buy that one. That's what owning a sports car is all about. Should I buy a sports car? You're a grown-up and can do what you want with your money, but if you're thinking about purchasing a sports car, here are a few things to consider: Purchase cost: Sports cars aren't cheap. And if a sports car is cheap, it's likely to need a lot of work. Can you afford it? Sports cars aren't cheap. And if a sports car is cheap, it's likely to need a lot of work. Can you afford it? Running costs: Fuel, servicing and repairs are also much higher with sports cars. We're talking about thousands of pounds, so ensure you've got the cash or buy a cheaper car. Fuel, servicing and repairs are also much higher with sports cars. We're talking about thousands of pounds, so ensure you've got the cash or buy a cheaper car. Depreciation: Sports cars can depreciate quickly and be hard to sell. Consider this before signing on the dotted line. Sports cars can depreciate quickly and be hard to sell. Consider this before signing on the dotted line. Insurance costs: A sports car will cost more to insure than a family saloon. In some cases, much more. A sports car will cost more to insure than a family saloon. In some cases, much more. Storage: It's unlikely you'll want to leave a sports car on the street, so off-road parking like a garage is important. It's unlikely you'll want to leave a sports car on the street, so off-road parking like a garage is important. Speed & safety: With great power comes great responsibility. Drive carefully or you could find yourself counting the costs of penalty points, speeding fines and more. With great power comes great responsibility. Drive carefully or you could find yourself counting the costs of penalty points, speeding fines and more. Convenience: Sports cars are small and built for speed. There's likely to be limited space for passengers and luggage. Are sports cars better for the city or outskirts? Sports cars are at their best when they're loaded with a full tank of fuel and a completely open road. Unfortunately, it's unlikely you'll ever find that in the UK (unless you do a track day and turn up first). Driving a sports car in the city can quickly become a frustrating experience. You could find it challenging to stick to low speeds, driving over speed bumps might leave you praying and you'll never want to leave it in a supermarket car park. What is the best time of year to buy a sports car? Sports cars are synonymous with summer, so it's likely you'll get a better deal in the winter. But don't expect massive discounts, with specialist dealers often sticking to their prices. You can learn more about how the seasons impact car sales in this Sun Motors guide. Is buying a sports car different from a normal car? On the one hand, a car is a car so it's the same. On the other hand, sports cars are complex and costly pieces of machinery that can – and do – go wrong. The key is to do your research and ensure that you have total confidence in the car and the dealer before making a deal.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The Best Subcompact SUVs for 2025
A decade ago, most of these subcompact SUVs would have been marketed as hatchbacks. But now the crossover is king and even most entry-level shoppers are seeking tall seating positions, optional all-wheel drive, and extra cargo space. Because of their low price points, not all of these subcompact SUVs offer all-wheel drive, but they are all practical choices that will satisfy the needs of SUV shoppers on a budget. Ranked in order from best to worst, these are the small SUVs that get it right. More SUV Rankings: Best Small SUVs | Cheapest SUVs | Best Three-Row SUVs | Best Electric SUVs | Best Luxury Compact SUVs | Best Luxury Subcompact SUVs | Best Luxury Hybrid SUVsBase Price: $26,415 Mazda established its name in the U.S. with affordable performance cars like the MX-5 Miata, and while it still builds that fun-to-drive roadster, it has now firmly shifted its focus to the world of crossovers. The CX-30, the smallest of the lineup, may be more humble than the delightful CX-50, but it brings the engaging charm we expect from a Mazda to a smaller footprint. Although it's a bit more expensive than the other models here due to its standard all-wheel drive, the CX-30 remains one of the best offerings in its class. And it offers the same turbocharged 2.5-liter engine available in many other Mazdas, making it far more powerful than the other SUVs on this list. Tested: 2025 Mazda CX-30 TurboBase Price: $21,795 The Trax's most attractive element is its low base price, but there are other appealing factors as well. It's far more spacious than the previous-generation Trax, and it's pleasant to drive. The only engine option is a turbocharged 1.3-liter inline-three, and the transmission is a six-speed automatic, meaning it avoids the droning sensation found in many of the other models here that come with CVTs. The only real downside of the Trax is that it doesn't offer all-wheel drive. Tested: 2025 Chevrolet TraxBase Price: $26,000 Hyundai makes two small SUVs, and the Kona is the larger of the two. It was most recently redesigned for 2024 with a futuristic new look. The Kona is a strong offering in any form, but it is at its best with the more powerful turbo engine offered in the more expensive N-Line and Limited trim levels. All-wheel drive is optional with both the turbo engine and the base 2.0-liter inline-four. The driver-focused Kona N from the previous generation has been discontinued, but we're hoping it makes its return soon. The Electric Version Is a Great EV for the MoneyPrice: $25,095 Say goodbye to the bulky bubble of Grandma Doris' bingo buggy: Buick finally decided to slick back its hair with the Envista, a stylish new entry-level model that joined the lineup for 2025. The Envista, which has a similar rakish roofline to many of today's "coupe" SUV models, is meant to attract younger buyers. The most enticing element is the starting price of just over $25,000, while the standard turbocharged 2-liter inline-three engine is less intriguing. Think of the Envista as a slightly upscale version of the Chevrolet Trax also found on this list. Learn More about the EnvistaBase Price: $27,230 The Crosstrek is a megahit, as it's now one of the bestselling Subaru models. It takes the Impreza hatchback one step further thanks to its extra ground clearance that provides just enough capability to get Subaru's owners to the start of their outdoor adventures. It may lack some of the charm of the outgoing model, but Subaru's latest should be a winner with buyers. There's already an off-road-oriented Wilderness trim, and a hybrid model will join the lineup for 2026, promising better fuel economy and more horsepower than the standard versions. More Info on the Crosstrek Hybrid Arriving SoonPrice: $26,795 The Honda HR-V is a practical and sensible choice. It's spacious, fuel-efficient, and pleasant, but it doesn't offer much to distinguish itself from the other crossovers in this class. The base powertrain is an underpowered 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and a CVT is the only transmission available. The interior is versatile and modern, with good tech offerings. It's essentially a smaller sibling to the popular Honda CR-V, but it doesn't offer that model's enticing hybrid powertrain. We Prefer the Larger CR-V over the HR-VBase Price: $28,385 Kia's second-generation Niro brings a bold new design detail: a contrasting side blade reminiscent of the first-generation Smart ForTwo. The hybrid version is the cheapest of the bunch, but there's also a plug-in-hybrid model and even a fully-electric variant, both of which are available at a significant price premium. None offer all-wheel drive, but they are rated at up to 53 mpg combined by the EPA, an impressive number for a vehicle with this much cargo space. See More of Our Favorite Small Hybrid CarsBase price: $23,220 Thanks to its redesign for 2025, the Kicks went from a middling value player to one of the more interesting-looking SUVs in its class. The new design is cool, and it has substance to back up the style thanks to a more powerful engine and newly available all-wheel drive. Both of these additions enhance the driving experience, although the Kicks still isn't much of a drag-racer given that it only has 141 horsepower. Best of all, the base price isn't up by much, and you get lots of equipment for the money. It's Among the Least-Expensive New Cars You Can BuyBase Price: $21,650 The Hyundai Venue may not be as complete an offering as its Kona stablemate, but it provides exceptional value. At just over $21,000, it is one of the best deals in any market and provides a low entry point into Hyundai's lineup. The main sacrifice you'll make is in the powertrain department, as the tiny 1.6-liter inline-four doesn't provide much power, and front-wheel drive is the only drivetrain choice. It's One of the Cheapest SUVs You Can BuyBase Price: $21,885 Remember cars like the Scion xB and Honda Element? The original Kia Soul was part of a trend when it first arrived, but now it's the only of these box-shaped cars to survive. Beyond the straightforward proportions and the memorable hamster ads, the Soul stands out with its small and maneuverable size and low entry price. Front-wheel drive is the only setup available, but it's surprisingly refined to drive for the Price: $26,585 If you're not satisfied by either of Kia's other offerings in this segment, the Soul and the Niro, perhaps the slightly larger Seltos will have what you're looking for. It provides more space inside than either of those, an optional turbocharged engine, and available all-wheel drive. However, you'll pay considerably more for these benefits, as the Seltos sits at a higher price point and can reach well over $30,000 once you start adding the most desirable Price: $26,420 Unlike some of the other cars on this list, the Taos looks like a real SUV. It has a handsome squared-off look and has plenty of space inside, while also offering optional all-wheel drive. Although the VW Jetta compact sedan remains VW's entry-level model, the Taos effectively replaces the old Golf hatchback on dealer lots, as that model is now offered in the U.S. only in performance-oriented Golf GTI and Golf R configurations. An update for 2025 brings a bit of extra power for the turbo-four, as it now makes 174 hp. Tested: 2025 Volkswagen TaosBase Price: $25,485 The Corolla Cross is one of seven distinct SUVs made by Toyota, but it is the only one that sits at an entry-level price point. The base powertrain is a lackluster 2.0-liter inline-four, but it does offer all-wheel drive. Even the optional hybrid model starts at $29,845, offering considerably better fuel economy and better acceleration but still squeaking in under the $30,000 mark. You Might Also Like You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners The Man Who Signs Every Car
