Latest news with #Motors
Scottish Sun
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
I'm a motors expert… here are the top used cars you can buy for less than £10k – they're totally underrated
A MOTORS expert has revealed the best cars you can buy for less than £10,000. The driving whizz from Cars with JB took to YouTube to run through a list of 10 cheap and cheerful rides to bring joy to petrolheads. 12 Motors expert JB revealed the top 10 cars you can buy for under £10,000 You can also find these models on Sun Motors, with financing options available. Toyota GT86 12 Toyota GT86 Credit: toyota UK Coming in tenth, JB said that the Toyota gives drivers a "Mazda-style go-karty feel but in a coupe body shell". It's actually one of the slower cars on the list, with a 0-60mph time of 7.4 seconds but is more than nifty enough to provide plenty of fun. Insurance and running costs tend to be cheap and handling very stable, making it an ideal first sports car for aspiring motors nuts. The cheapest examples come in well below budget at around £8,000. VW Golf GTI Mk6 12 VW Golf GTI Mk6 Credit: Handout The Golf model has been an international best-seller for decades and is one of the most iconic car ranges in history. It's attraction has always lain in the fact that it can give drivers a rough and ready experience with plenty of speed at a low price point and the GTI Mk6 is no exception. Its 2-litre inline-four engine is turbocharged to crunch the 0-60 down to just 6.7 seconds and they can be found online for as little as £4,000. And they may be about to become a little more valuable as VW confirmed it would discontinue the petrol Golf after the Mk8, with the model going fully electric moving forward. 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. Jaguar XK 12 Jaguar XK Jaguar is a name more usually associated with high-end luxury roadsters and racing pedigree. However, the XK can be picked up for £6,500 and can match the Mazda for speed. The power comes wrapped up in the curves of classic Jag styling and is sure to set any retro car lover's pulse racing. Subaru Impreza WRX 12 Subaru Impreza WRX Credit: Handout The Impreza model is well-renowned in the world of rallying as well and JB described the WRX as "some of the best value for money out there". They are known for reliability and pure fun. They may not be as quick as some of the others on the list but when they start at £3,000 you can see why they're a bargain deal. Porsche Boxter 987 S 12 Porsche Boxster 987 From something that looks like a Porsche, to an actual Porsche, the 987 is some of the best of what the German giant has to offer. An out-and-out fast sports car for its era, the 987 S can make 0-60 in just 5.2 seconds. However, they are a little on the pricier side, with more basic examples still clocking in at around £7,400. Nissan 350Z 12 Nissan 350Z Credit: Nissan Picked out as a future classic by JB, the Nissan looks every bit the part with its long bonnet and short backside giving it the appearance of a Porsche 911. Sleekly designed and quick as the wind, they can also be had for as little as £3,500. It also offers versatility, with the car as comfortable on a track as it is cruising down the motorway. Sun Motors: Buy your next vehicle today If you're part of the 3.3 million Brits looking to buy a used vehicle this year, Sun Motors is an ideal place to start *If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue Sun Motors is a seamless, straightforward, transparent platform that ranks by customer searches, not payments. It offers innovative financing and concierge services, ensuring a simple, fair car-buying experience. Enjoy: A choice of fuel type whether it's petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid A range of models from convertible, estate, saloon and many more A range of top brands such as Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota and BMW Financing options Trusted dealers Get started finding your next used vehicle here. BMW M135i 12 BMW M135i Speaking of German giants, BMW has dominated the sport coupe market with its M series, and the 135i is no exception. Even quicker than the Porsche despite its greater weight, it is tuned up with Beemer's top-line hardware. The only issue is that most are automatic, which doesn't quite give drivers the control and road sense that many look for in performance cars. Nonetheless, at just £6,500 for a decent example, they aren't the most expensive item either. Audi S5 12 AUDI S5 It's the Audi S5 that tops the list, with JB saying: "The A5 is one of the most beautiful modern designs on any Audi. "It won a bunch of design awards for it troubles. "The 4.2-litre V8 is known to be very is a massive positive." It comes joint quickest with the BMW, but JB gave it the edge as a "fast, useful and good looking daily driver." The S5 is also a fair bit cheaper, starting at just £4,800. Mercedes SL500 12 Mercedes Benz SL 500 Credit: Handout German reliability and plenty of performance are the essence of this beloved convertible. Mercedes dropped in a chunky 5-litre V8 to carry its sleek frame, generating a sturdy 320 horsepower. This gives the SL500 an impressive 0-60 of 6.3 seconds, while the handling remains smooth without being overly sanitised. Older models can be found for around £5,000 but a little more will get you one in better nick. Mazda 3 MPS 12 Mazda 3 MPS Credit: AFP On the Mazda, JB said: "I think the Mazda 3 MPS is one of the most underrated hot hatches on the market. "For a sensible hot hatch enjoyer it's an excellent car." It's quicker even than the Merc too with a 5.9 second 0-60. They retail online for around £5,000 at the bottom end. What is Sun Motors? Sun Motors makes the car-buying process extremely easy through a combination of verified dealerships and advanced digital tools. All dealers on the platform are vetted to meet Sun Motors' standards of reliability and trustworthiness, ensuring that you can shop with trust and confidence at all stages. You'll be able to search and reserve vehicles online and complete their purchases through a streamlined digital checkout. Car financing with Sun Motors Credit Check: After completing your credit check with Sun Motors, you'll find out if you've been approved for a car loan, your interest rate, and the monthly repayment amount. 12 Flexible Options for Poor Credit: Even if you've been denied finance by other lenders, you may still be eligible with Sun Motors. They work with a specialist lender who can provide flexible options, including hire-purchase deals, for those with poor credit histories. Quick Decision: If your application is successful, you'll receive a decision within 60 seconds. Car Selection: If approved, you can browse thousands of used cars that fit your budget, giving you confidence that you can secure financing for any car on their marketplace. This process ensures you can shop for your next car with peace of mind, knowing your financing is already in place. Representative APR 12.9% Sun Motors are a credit broker, not a lender Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you're looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Five reasons why Ford Ranger's new plug in hybrid is the best pick-up truck the firm has EVER made
I'VE been everywhere in this motor over the last ten days. Three hours north to Penrith for a top-secret job with M-Sport. You'll read about that another time. Advertisement 3 Ford's petrol/electric combo makes Britain's No1 pick-up even more practical, keeping the same carrying and towing power as a regular Range Credit: Supplied 3 Inside, you feel safe and properly comfy, with acres of cabin space for four people and their kit Credit: Supplied 3 It can glide along silently for 20-odd miles without waking the petrol engine Three-and-a-half hours west to Llangurig for another cool story. Five hours south to West Wittering beach. And more places besides. Here's what I learned. Advertisement READ MORE ROAD TESTS A I came across many farmers doing farmer things on my travels. Builders carrying building stuff. Bikers with bikes in the back. Advertisement Most read in Motors Some bloke towing a climbing wall. Two more with boats. Ranger XL pick-up is totally brilliant and my new favourite Ford - it's proper comfy, pulls like a train and best bit is the price Coastguards patrolling the beach. All of them using their pick-up trucks as tools. Advertisement They probably didn't realise I was testing the first Ford Ranger with a plug-in hybrid. Because you just wouldn't know any different. Unless you spotted the two filler flaps. The thing is, this petrol/electric combo makes It has the same minerals as a regular Advertisement But it's got more torque and an e-mode. So it can glide along silently for 20-odd miles without waking the petrol engine. Plus, you can use it to power work tools. Bosh. Obviously, the most efficient way to charge the 11.8kWh battery is with a plug. Speak to Ford nicely and they'll fit a home charger for a tenner. KEY FACTS: FORD RANGER Price: £40,841 exc VAT Engine: 2.3-litre petrol plug-in hybrid Economy: 28 mpg 0-62mph: 9.2 secs Power: 281 hp Top speed: 105 mph CO2: 71g/km Out: ???? But I recharged the battery on the go by pressing the 'EV Charge' button. Advertisement It sucked up 19 miles of electrons for use later. And I still averaged 32mpg – trumping the official 28mpg. Although admittedly I wasn't doing any heavy lifting at the time. 'Auto EV' is the default mode that uses both power sources for as long as it can to make life as smooth as possible. By the way, the 2.3-litre engine is lifted from the Focus ST. The ten-speed auto from Mustang. So proper kit. Other observations. The cabin. You feel safe up here, properly comfy, with acres of cabin space for four people and their kit. We easily covered 1,000 miles and I didn't get a numb bum once. Advertisement The upright touchscreen is a doddle to use. That shelf in front of the passenger seat is great for storing phones, sunglasses, sweets and receipts. Sometimes it's the little things that please. To conclude, then. Ford hasn't just ticked boxes by adding a plug-in hybrid to the Ranger line-up. I'd say it's the best pick-up truck Ford has ever made.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
I bought first car aged 11 – now I'm the ‘Duke' dealer with garage full of 90s Ferraris & iconic Bentleys worth millions
A LUXURY car dealer known as the "Duke of London" has given fans a peek behind the scenes at his million-pound business. The star owns several iconic cars, including Advertisement 2 Merlin McCormack has a huge collection of vintage cars Credit: Instagram 2 The star is known for his eccentric approach to selling cars Credit: Instagram Merlin McCormack admitted to That spiralled into a love for cars, with the future collector buying his first before he could even drive - a When he finally was able to drive a moped, he began selling cars. Now, the star shows off his incredible collection of cars on Instagram. Advertisement Read More on Motors His stock of vehicles includes 1990s Ferraris, Fiats, One Aston Martin V12 Vantage retails for an eyewatering £54,995 on his website. A glamorous 1973 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe sells for £17,750 and car lovers could take the 1980 Previously, the car dealer has sold a sleek, red 1992 Ferarri 512 TR LHD and a 2011 Bentley Continental Supersports. Advertisement Most read in Motors Exclusive Latest Merlin stores his cars at a discreet location in The collector is known as the Duke of London, in a reference to the title awarded to Churchill after he saw the capital through Iconic British car brand to begin 'new era' with 'urban SUV' to be launched next year He added: 'Because he was humble and I guess haunted by war, he politely declined it. 'But I was arrogant enough to anoint myself as Duke of London.' Advertisement The name became his Instagram handle too, when Merlin realised he needed something 'catchy'. He has now racked up a staggering number of followers, with 73,800 following him on the social media platform. However, he admitted that his friends find his love for selling cars 'weird' before he became successful. Merlin said: 'They thought it was weird. Advertisement 'And they still do to be fair. 'But we were the weird kids at school anyway... we made a little bit of money but then we'd reinvest it and lose it or waste it – it wasn't until the market started picking up around 2012 we saw an opportunity, and that's become Duke of London.' Now, Merlin wants to expand his empire even further and is already refurbishing his storage space to accommodate a car meet-up venue and even a cafe and restaurant.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Busy garage with 200 branches to shut yet another site for good after string of closures
A POPULAR garage with 200 branches is set to shut yet another site after a wave of closures. Staff will be offered new roles at Advertisement 1 Much-loved car garage owned by Halfords announces it will close down Credit: Google Maps Halfords National Tyres and Autocar garage in Greenock, Scotland will close to merge with its sister site, Halfords Autocentre, just down the road. Company bosses confirmed the news via a statement online, where they also revealed plans to "upgrade" the fresh site. This will include improving and But while staff will be moved to different locations "where possible", it remains unclear whether any roles will be made redundant. Advertisement Read more on Motors A closure date is also yet to be confirmed. A spokesperson for Halfords said: 'We can confirm that our National Tyres and Autocare garage on Dalrymple Street will close following a review of our estate in the area. 'At the same time our Halfords Autocentre, which just a one-minute drive away on same road, is undergoing an upgrade as part of a new concept that focuses on providing a better customer experience through improved availability, modernised facilities, and investment in training. 'We are committed to supporting impacted colleagues and are offering alternative roles at nearby locations where possible. Advertisement Most read in Motors 'We'd like to thank our customers for their continued support and hope to welcome them at our upgraded Halfords Autocentre when it reopens.' The closure comes just days after the Halfords customer gets £100 parking ticket for burned out wreck of his Volvo after it erupts into flames in car park The garage had served locals for years, but staff have now been moved to the Halfords Autocentre at Martins Trading Park on Easton Lane — about a seven-minute drive away. Earlier this year, the firm also announced Advertisement The garage had been a trusted spot for locals needing everything from tyre changes to car servicing. Its central location made it convenient for residents and those passing through Broughty Ferry. The building is already up for sale or lease, with Shepherd Chartered Surveyors marketing it at offers over £250,000 or a lease of £25,000 per year. They believe the site has potential for various commercial uses or redevelopment, though any major changes would need planning permission. Advertisement
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Floundering car brand shuts down dealership forever amid wave of closures after profits dropped by 90% in one year
A STRUGGLING car brand has shut its dealership for good after its profits dropped by 90 per cent in just one year. The news comes amid a wave of closures as the 1 Nissan has shut its dealership in Petaluma, California Credit: Getty North Bay It read: "It has been a true honor serving the Petaluma and the North Bay communities and we are deeply grateful for your loyalty and support over the years. 'While this chapter is closing, exciting plans are already in motion for what's next at our location, so stay tuned for updates.' Customers are being redirected to the Vacaville dealership or locations in Santa Rosa and Napa. Read more on Motors The Nissan has been battling with falling vehicle sales in China, huge restructuring costs and US President Donald Trump's international tariff war. Trump's tariffs have raised the cost of importing vehicles, causing car sales of many different brands to nosedive across the world. Earlier this month, the car brand decided to shutter two factories in Mexico - its Civac plant in Morelos and the Cooperation Manufacturing Plant Aguascalientes (COMPAS) plant in Aguascalientes. Most read in Motors Both factories are set to close by 2027, putting thousands of jobs at risk. The Civac plant has been producing cars since 1966 and was the very first international manufacturing site that Farewell to the Nissan Versa: America's Last Affordable Sedan Discontinued It currently produces the South American version of the Frontier, the N18 Versa and the Mexico-only V-Drive. Nissan also announced plans to close its flagship factory in the Kanagawa Prefecture, south of Tokyo . The factory will close at the end of the 2027 fiscal year in March 2028. Over 2,400 jobs will be lost in the closure, which Nissan says was a 'tough but necessary decision'. The Oppama plant has been a prized symbol for Nissan Motor Corp., which rolled out its Chief Executive He promised employees will be treated fairly and responsibly, with transfer offers to other locations, or other work in the area in consultation with the trade union. Nissan has been approached for comment.
