Older Cars Are Always Cheaper to Insure

Older cars are often assumed to be cheaper to insure because their market value is lower. However, factors like repair costs, the car's safety features, and the potential for breakdowns can result in higher premiums. For example, classic cars or vintage models, though old, can cost a fortune to repair and restore, which leads to higher insurance premiums.

Fact: While older cars can sometimes cost less to insure, this isn’t always true. The make, model, and condition of the car play a more significant role in insurance costs. Even in Hexham, older cars may be more expensive to insure due to high repair costs or lack of safety features. Case Study: A 2017 study by the Insurance Information Institute showed that a 10-year-old car could sometimes be more expensive to insure than a newer model because it lacks modern safety features like airbags, backup cameras, or anti-lock braking systems. This makes older vehicles riskier for insurers, even if their market value is lower.

Local Fact: In some parts of the UK, like Hexham, insurance costs for older vehicles can be unexpectedly high due to factors such as safety ratings and crash statistics. Take, for example, a local case: Mrs. X purchased a 1.0 Chevrolet Matiz on eBay for just £650, expecting it to be a cheap and economical car to run. However, when she went to insure it, she was shocked to find that the premiums were actually higher than those for her previous 2.0 Volkswagen Golf. Upon further investigation, the insurer explained that the high insurance cost was due to the Chevrolet Matiz's poor safety record, including a high crash rate and a low NCAP safety rating. These factors made the car riskier to insure, thus driving up the cost. Mrs. X was left surprised, as she had expected the Matiz to be a budget-friendly choice in all aspects. This case highlights how safety ratings and the vehicle's history can significantly impact insurance costs, even for older, seemingly inexpensive cars.

High Mileage Cars Are Always Bad Purchases

Fact: While high-mileage cars may need more maintenance, they can still be reliable if properly maintained. Check the full service history before buying high-mileage cars in Hexham to avoid hidden issues.

High-mileage cars often get a bad reputation, but many can still have plenty of life left if they’ve been well maintained. The key is checking the service history, which will give you an insight into how well the car has been looked after. Case Study: In 2018, a man from Hexham purchased a high-mileage 2008 BMW 3 Series with 250,000 miles on the clock. Despite the mileage, the car had a full service record and had been regularly maintained. Three years later, it was still running smoothly without major issues, proving that high-mileage cars can often last much longer if well cared for.

Fact: According to a 2020 study by AutoTrader, cars with over 100,000 miles can still be very reliable, as long as they’ve been serviced regularly.

You’ll Always Get a Better Deal Private-Selling Your Car in Hexham

Fact: Selling privately may get you a higher price, but you could face scams or long wait times. Selling to a reputable dealer in Hexham offers more convenience and faster payment.

Selling your car privately might seem like a way to get a higher price, but it comes with its own risks. You might end up dealing with tire kickers, negotiating hassles, and even potential scams. Working with a reputable dealership offers you a faster, hassle-free transaction and often a fair market price.

Case Study: A couple from Hexham decided to sell their 2012 Audi privately, expecting to get a better price than at a dealership. After weeks of time-wasting inquiries and one potential buyer backing out last minute, they decided to sell to a trusted local dealership. Not only did they sell their car faster, but they received a fair offer that was close to what they had originally expected. Fact: A report by Autotrader found that nearly 30% of private car sales fall through due to issues like paperwork, scams, or last-minute haggling. Selling to a reputable dealer removes many of these concerns.

You Have to Pay Full Price for a Car

Fact: Many car buyers in Hexham don't realise that there’s often room to negotiate. Whether you're buying a new or used car, dealers are often willing to negotiate prices.

It’s a common myth that car prices are set in stone. In reality, many car dealerships, especially in places like Hexham, expect buyers to negotiate. Whether it’s through offering a trade-in, negotiating the sticker price, or asking about available discounts, you can often get a better deal than initially advertised.

Case Study: A local Hexham buyer managed to knock £2,000 off the price of a used Ford Focus by simply negotiating with the dealer. Fact: According to a 2019 report by the RAC, up to 70% of car buyers successfully negotiate the price of their vehicles, with many dealerships offering discounts or flexible finance terms.

Newer Cars Don’t Need Maintenance for the First Few Years

Fact: Newer cars still require regular maintenance. Just because your car is new doesn’t mean it’s immune to wear and tear. Regular checks and services are essential, even in Hexham.

While newer cars may have fewer mechanical issues in the first few years, that doesn’t mean they’re maintenance-free. Regular oil changes, tyre replacement, and brake inspections are still necessary to keep your car in top condition. Neglecting even minor maintenance can lead to costly repairs down the line.

Case Study: A family from Hexham purchased a brand-new Ford Fiesta in 2015 but neglected regular servicing. By the fourth year, they encountered a major issue when the timing belt snapped, leading to thousands of pounds in repair costs. The cause? They skipped the recommended major service interval. Many people assume service schedules are based solely on mileage, but they are often time-based or mileage-based—whichever comes first. The timing belt's rubber compound naturally degrades over time, and high mileage can accelerate this process, causing cracks and eventual failure if the belt isn't replaced as recommended. Fact: The AA recommends that even new cars should be serviced according to the manufacturer's schedule. Failure to do so can result in a voided warranty and early mechanical failures.

If a Car Has Been in an Accident, It’s a Total Loss

Fact: Not all cars involved in accidents are written off. In many cases, repairs are possible and they may not affect the car’s long-term performance. Always get a detailed HPI vehicle history check for cars in Hexham before making assumptions.

It's a common misconception that a car involved in an accident is always a total loss. Many vehicles are fully repairable and can continue to perform well after a minor accident. However, it's essential to request a vehicle history check to assess the extent of the damage and confirm that the repairs were properly done. Reputable dealers typically won't sell cars that have been significantly damaged or poorly repaired, so buying from a trusted dealer can help you avoid this issue altogether.

Case Study: In 2019, a buyer from Hexham purchased a Ford Fiesta that had been involved in a minor rear-end collision. The car was fully repaired, with no structural damage, and after having it inspected by a mechanic, the buyer experienced no issues for several years. In contrast, another buyer purchased a "damage-repaired" Suzuki Celerio. After inspection, it was revealed that while the car had new panels, the safety integrity of the crash bar had been compromised and concealed beneath a shiny new bumper. This case highlights the importance of thorough inspections to ensure that repairs don’t undermine a car’s safety. Fact: A 2017 study by Thatcham Research found that over 70% of cars involved in accidents were repaired and returned to the market without significant long-term issues.

Financing a Car is Always Expensive

Fact: Car finance options like personal contract purchase (PCP) or hire purchase (HP) can make buying cars in Hexham more affordable. There are even zero percent finance offers from some dealerships.

Many buyers assume car finance is always expensive, but there are plenty of affordable options out there. Personal contract purchase (PCP) and hire purchase (HP) plans allow you to spread the cost over months or years, often with little to no interest. Many dealerships also offer promotional 0% finance deals, especially on new cars.

Case Study: A young couple from Hexham bought a Volkswagen Golf through a PCP deal with 0% interest. They enjoyed a low monthly payment and, after three years, were able to upgrade to a new car. The total finance cost ended up being much lower than they anticipated, and they found that the maintenance costs on their old car were higher than the monthly finance payments, making the deal even more cost-effective. Fact: According to AutoTrader, nearly 50% of UK car buyers finance their cars, and 1 in 4 take advantage of 0% finance offers.

All Used Cars Are Risky to Buy

Fact: While buying a used car can be risky, buying from a reputable dealership significantly reduces the risks. Dealers offer warranties and are subject to consumer protection laws.

Buying a used car doesn't have to be a gamble. Reputable dealers offer cars that have been inspected and often come with warranties, meaning if something goes wrong, you're covered. Additionally, UK consumer protection laws ensure that you have legal recourse if the car turns out to have hidden faults. We provide a service that thoroughly researches the car, the dealership, and the warranties, examining every detail before and during the purchase process. This ensures you can buy with confidence, knowing you're making the right choice.

Case Study: A buyer in Hexham purchased a used Audi from a local dealership that provided a 12-month warranty. After six months, the engine showed signs of trouble, but the dealer honored the warranty, covering the repair costs. Fact: UK consumer law ensures that if a used car has hidden faults, you can return it within 30 days for a refund or repair.

You Should Always Go for the Cheapest Car

Fact: Choosing the cheapest car might lead to expensive repairs in the long run. It's worth paying a bit more for a car that’s reliable and well-maintained, especially when buying used cars in Hexham.

It’s tempting to buy the cheapest car you can find, but sometimes those bargains end up costing you more in repairs and maintenance. A slightly more expensive, but well-maintained car could save you money in the long term by avoiding costly repairs and breakdowns.

Case Study: A Hexham resident bought a used car for £2,000, only to spend over £1,500 in repairs in the first year. By contrast, a similar model that was priced at £3,500 would have cost only £500 in maintenance for the same period. Fact: According to a report by WarrantyWise, cars that are well-maintained and slightly more expensive tend to have lower repair costs over their lifetime.

Car Warranties Are a Waste of Money

Fact: Car warranties offer peace of mind, especially for used cars. A good warranty can cover costly repairs that may arise, particularly for vehicles with higher mileage in Hexham.

Warranties often get a bad rap, but they can provide essential protection against unexpected costs. Especially for used cars, a warranty can cover everything from engine failures to electrical issues, ensuring you're not left with a massive repair bill.

Case Study: A family in Hexham purchased a used car from a VW main dealer, along with a 2-year warranty for added peace of mind. After a year of ownership, the engine developed a serious fault, but thanks to the warranty, the dealer covered the £1,200 repair costs, saving the family a significant amount. However, there have been other cases where customers have faced challenges with independent garages not honoring warranties. In these instances, customers were left with no choice but to take the dealers to small claims court to recover the expensive repair costs, leading to growing distrust in some car warranty providers. Fact: According to the Motor Ombudsman, over 40% of used car buyers have reported that warranties saved them money in repairs.