Purchase Price
Prices vary depending on the vehicle in question, but as a general rule you can expect to pay between £500 and £1000 more for a new diesel car when compared to the same make and model petrol car.

Resell
Although diesel cars are more expensive to buy when new, they do have a higher resell price than their petrol counterparts.

Many believe a diesel engine will run for a lot longer than a petrol engine, meaning there is a still a likelihood of getting a good resell price for a diesel car even when it has done upwards of 80,000 miles. The demand for high mileage petrol cars is much lower.

Therefore, if you cover a lot of miles in your car you will find a diesel will be easier to sell on than its petrol equivalent.

Fuel Economy
Diesel and petrol is priced similarly in the UK, so the difference in fuel costs comes down to which engine can do more miles to the gallon. An economical petrol car can do up to 50mpg, but a diesel equivalent can manage as much as 70mpg, making them much more economical in the long run.

If you take your car on regular trips to Europe you will find diesel is much cheaper than petrol, making the diesel engine even more economical.

That said, modern petrol cars are catching up and you may find that in UK motorway driving the difference in fuel economy is less marked.

Driving Experience
There are various arguments for the superiority of the both the petrol and diesel engines, much of which comes down to your driving habits and your personal preferences.

Petrol cars are generally quieter and faster than diesel cars. If you want a high performance car, many agree that petrol is the only option. In addition, a petrol engine will start smoothly from cold, but this is not always true of a diesel engine.

Diesel engines have more torque than petrol engines, making them better for towing. A modern diesel engine will have good pulling power which results in less gear changing when compared with a petrol car. Diesel cars are however noisier than petrol cars especially in cold conditions, but this is less noticeable in newer diesels. Whilst both petrol and diesel cars cost a similar amount to service, you will find a diesel will require more oil than a petrol car.
 

Before you begin your used car search, you first need to have a good think about what type of vehicle will best suit your needs, for example, Size? Diesel or petrol? How many seats do you need? Do you have young kids? If so think about the upholstery!

Meeting the seller

• Always arrange to meet the seller at their address. Never agree to meet at your house or at a service station.
• Always meet the seller in the daylight, this is important for safety reasons and also to allow you to get a good look at the vehicle. 
• Never carry large amounts of cash with you.
• Take someone with you, preferably someone who has some car knowledge. An extra pair of eyes will help you spot any problems with the vehicle and will also make the situation less risky.

Vehicle Crime

Vehicle crime is big business in the UK; make sure you don’t become its latest victim. If you buy a used car privately and later find out it is stolen you will have no legal ownership of the car. In this situation you will lose both the car and they money you paid for it! To avoid buying a stolen vehicle, be sure to check the following:

• Ask to see the vehicle’s registration document. This proves ownership of the vehicle. If the seller doesn’t have a registration document then walk away from the sale.
• Check the vehicle’s VIN (vehicle identification number) and registration plate matches that of the vehicle.
• Check the address on the registration document is the same as the sellers address.
• Check the registration document is genuine by holding it up to the light and checking for the DVLA watermark.
• If there is a VIN or registration number on the windows check this matches the vehicle and the registration certificate.
• Check the VIN is present and shows no signs of being altered.
• Check the key works in all the locks and that there is no sign of forced entry on the vehicle.
• Consider getting an independent vehicle check to reassure you that the vehicle is not stolen or tied to a finance deal.
• If you are at all suspicious about the integrity of the seller or the vehicle then walk away from the sale. 

Vehicle Checks

Once you are satisfied that the seller is the real owner of the vehicle you should then begin a thorough inspection of the vehicle. It is extremely difficult to get your money back from a private seller so you must be absolutely sure of the vehicle’s condition before you commit to the purchase. Think about the following:

• Has the seller got a valid MOT certificate? This will give you a good indication that the vehicle is in working order. Check the certificate has been stamped by the garage and the mileage matches the vehicle. If in doubt, call the garage to check the certificate is genuine.
• Check the electrics by pressing every button and making sure all are fully operational.
• Check for obvious signs of rust on the body of the vehicle, and be sure to check in less obvious places such as the wheel arches.
• Check the tyres for tread depth and wear patterns. Although tyres can be easily replaced, bare tyres may give you an indication of a careless owner.
• Check for dents and paint damage. Check the paint is the same colour and consistency all over the vehicle. If the vehicle has had a re spray it may indicate it has been involved in a crash.
• Slight damages such as scratches can be an advantage to you, as you can use these as bargaining chips to get the price down. 
• It is a good idea to get the car checked out by a professional who will be able to spot problems which may go unnoticed to the untrained eye. While you will have to pay for this, it can save you a lot of money down the line.
• Finally take the car for a test drive, but make sure you check you are covered by your or the seller’s insurance first. Be sure to drive the car at a variety of speeds on a variety of roads. Be constantly vigilant for anything with smells, sounds or looks wrong.
• If you are in doubt about any aspect of the vehicle, walk away. There are plenty more fish in the sea.

If you decide to buy

• Never pay in cash. Walk away from any seller who will only accept payment with cash. 
• Get an independent warranty for your new vehicle as you will not have any cover when buying from a private owner (unless the vehicle is still covered by manufacturer’s warranty).

Below is some advice on how to adjust your driving for poor weather conditions:

Heavy Rain

Although the UK is no stranger to rainy weather, it is still important to moderate your driving style to suit the conditions:

• Driving in rainy conditions means your tyres have a reduced grip on the road. As such your stopping distance is at least double the time it would take to stop on dry roads. To combat this you should drive at a reduced speed and always leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead.
• If your steering becomes unresponsive, it can mean that the water on the road is preventing the tyres from gripping. This is known as aquaplaning and can be extremely dangerous. If this happens you should ease off the accelerator and allow the car to slow down gradually. Do not brake suddenly or make any abrupt manoeuvres as this could cause the vehicle to skid out of control.
• Be aware that rain causes reduced visibility. Not only do you need to be more aware of other drivers and pedestrians, but you should also turn on your headlights so that other road users can see you.
• When it rains the water mixes with grime and fuel on the road, creating a slippery surface. This is especially true if it has not rained for some time. In such conditions you should reduce your speed as this will reduce the chance of your vehicle losing its grip on the road.

Hot Weather

Sunny days may seem to be the perfect driving weather, but driving in hot conditions can present a number of hazards:

• Warm conditions can make you feel drowsy, always get plenty of rest before beginning a journey and stop if you feel tired.  If your car has air conditioning it is a good idea to put it on and keep the windows closed. This will help you to stay cool and stop you feeling tired. 
• Sunny conditions can cause glare which can make it difficult to see the road ahead. Always carry a pair of sunglasses with you to help combat this problem. It is also a good idea to use your visor to block out the sun.
• In the summer months always keep plenty of bottled water in the car. If you are stuck in traffic or have an unexpected car problem it is important you have enough water to keep you hydrated and alert. Water can also be used for your radiator.
• Be aware that bright sunlight can often reduce your visibility and cause mirages. As such you should be careful to drive at a moderate speed in order to give yourself plenty of time to read the road ahead. 
• In very hot weather the road surface can become sticky and tacky which can be a danger to road users.
• It is advisable to wear sun cream during any journeys in the summer months. Even if your car is not a convertible you are still exposed to the sun’s harmful rays. 

Snow and Ice

Snow, ice and slush can be especially hazardous in the UK as many road users are simply not used to driving in such conditions.

• Be aware that stopping distances can be increased tenfold on icy roads. As such you must always reduce your speed and allow plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front. This will allow you more time to react to the road ahead. 
• When driving in snow and ice it is advisable to use a higher gear than you would use on dry roads. This will give you more control over your vehicle and help to avoid wheel spin. 
• Icy and snowy weather results in slippery road surfaces. In these conditions you should always accelerate and brake gently, and avoid making any sudden manoeuvres. If your vehicle does lose its grip in the road, you should slowly ease off the accelerator and let the car slow down gradually. 
• Ice can be very dangerous as it is often very difficult to see. Be especially cautious at bends and on roundabouts as these are accident hotspots on icy roads.
• Before embarking on any journey always be sure to completely clear your car of snow and ice. It is especially important to clear your windscreen, windows and lights.

Fog can be a real danger for motorists, especially as it is often patchy and can occur without warning.

• Foggy conditions will greatly reduce your ability to see the road ahead. As such you should always drive very slowly and be constantly aware of other road users.
• It is best to use dipped headlights in foggy conditions as this will help other road users to see you and will help you see the road more clearly.
• If your visibility is badly reduced you should switch on your fog lights to show other road users your position. However if visibility improves you must remember to switch your fog lights off as it is an offence to use them in clear visibility.
• When it becomes difficult to see the shape of the road ahead you may be tempted to drive closely to the vehicle in front. Avoid doing this as not only does it mean you may not be able to stop in time, but it can also be very distracting for the vehicle you are following.  
   

For the safety and protection of all road users and pedestrians, it is now illegal to use a mobile phone or hand held device whilst driving.

Here is some advice and information about the use of mobile phones when behind the wheel:

The Law
It is illegal to use a hand held mobile phone or device whilst driving any type of vehicle, including a motorbike. A hand held device is defined as something that must be held at some point during the course of making or receiving a call or performing any other interactive communication function. This could be a mobile phone, a PDA, a Blackberry or other similar gadget. However the use of 2-way radio equipment is not a specific offence.

Driving is defined as using a motor vehicle on any public road. This includes when you are stuck in traffic jams (unless your engine is turned off), at a red light and even in a car park. If you really need to make a phone call you must park in a safe place and turn off the engine. Never stop on the hard shoulder to make a phone call as this can be dangerous for yourself and other road users.

The law only extends to the driver of the vehicle; passengers are permitted to make phone calls whilst the vehicle is in motion.

The Consequences
If you are caught using a hand held device whilst in charge of a vehicle (this includes when supervising a learner driver) you will receive an on the spot fine of £60 and 3 penalty points. If the case is taken to court you face a maximum fine of £1000 and possible disqualification from driving. 

If you are involved in an accident as a result of using a hand held device you can face severe penalties including imprisonment.

Hands Free Devices
The law does not prohibit the use of hands free devices; however such equipment can still be distracting and dangerous to use. If the police have reason to believe you are driving dangerously as a result of using a hands free device you can be prosecuted for failing to have proper control of the vehicle. The safest solution is to avoid the use of all devices whilst driving.

Emergencies
In a genuine emergency you may call 999 from a hand held device, but only if it is dangerous or impractical to stop the vehicle. This is the only exception to the law.

In addition to your breakdown cover information it is a good idea to keep some essentials in your car in case of emergencies. We recommend you always carry the following items:

• Mobile phone – to call your breakdown company, family and friends

• Manual phone charger – in case you run out of battery

• Car manual – contains all the essential information for looking after your car

• Blanket – in case you breakdown in winter months

• Torch – in case you breakdown at night time

• Bottled water – for you and your passengers and also handy for the radiator

• High energy foods - such chocolate to keep you going until help arrives

• First aid kit – for any accidents or injuries to you or your passengers

• Car jack – essential for changing a flat tyre

• Spare oil – in case you run out in a remote area

• Spare window washer fluid – especially important in the winter months when the roads are covered in salt and grime.

• Ice Scraper and de-icer – keeps your vision clear in winter months

• Detailed road atlas – to help you to give the breakdown company your precise location

Younger drivers are often known to squeeze as many friends as possible into their cars. This is extremely dangerous as it distracts the driver, overloads the car and most importantly means there is not a seatbelt for each passenger. Always refuse to take more passengers than you can safely carry and ask your passengers to quiet down if they become distracting.

It is also worth noting that whilst young or new drivers tend to have faster responses and good vehicle control (due to the recent driving lessons), they do not possess the knowledge or experience of older drivers. You should take extra care when driving in poor weather and at night, as new drivers often lack experience in dealing with these adverse conditions. 
Drive like you own the car, not the road! 
Passing your test is an exciting time but don’t let it go to your head. Some young drivers become cocky and insist on racing around like they own the road. Always consider other road users and pedestrians and don’t drive in a way which is dangerous or disrespectful to others.
Penalty Points
Driving dangerously can not only put you and your passengers at risk; it can also lead you the loss of your licence. If you gain six or more penalty points within two years of passing your test you will have you licence revoked and will have to take your driving test again. You can get penalty points for a variety of offences, including speeding, running a red light, careless driving, driving without insurance and failing to stop after an accident.  A single offence ranges between 3 and 10 points depending on the severity, so even one mistake could put you back to square one.
Speeding
Excess speed is one of the primary causes of new driver accidents. Driving too fast is dangerous because it greatly increases your stopping time, meaning you cannot react as quickly to changes on the road. Always obey speed limits – they are there for a reason. Driving recklessly puts you, your passengers, pedestrians and other road users in danger, and could result in the loss of your licence.  
Alcohol and Drugs
Never ever drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Even legal drugs such as cough medicines can make you drowsy and slow your responses. Not only is driving under the influence incredibly dangerous, it is also illegal and can result in the loss of your licence. Whilst you can have a small amount of alcohol and still legally drive, any amount of alcohol reduces your ability to drive safely and us such the best policy is to not drink at all. It is also advisable to avoid giving lifts to anyone who has been drinking as this can often be distracting and dangerous.
Insurance
Insurance can be very expensive for young drivers, especially males. This is because of the risk involved in covering you against any accidents. Statistically you are most at risk of having an accident in the two years after you pass your test, in fact one in five newly qualified drivers crash within a year. As such the insurance premiums for young newly qualified drivers are higher. The only way to bring your premium down is to drive safely and responsibly. The longer you can drive without cause to claim on your insurance, the more no claims bonus you will build up.  With several years no claims bonus you can reduce your insurance premium by over 50%.

It is also worth taking an advanced driving course such as the Pass Plus scheme; this will bring down your insurance premium as well as making you safer on the roads.
 

Firstly and most importantly, don’t take the risk! It is far better to take out breakdown cover before you encounter any problems. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that help is only a phone call away.

The Motorway

Breaking down on the motorway can be extremely hazardous due to the speed of other road users. Follow our advice to keep you and your passengers safe.

• Pull over on the hard shoulder as far to the left as possible. Make sure you signal your intentions to other road users and avoid making any sudden manoeuvres. Be sure to turn your wheels into the left to avoid the possibility of the vehicle rolling into the path of traffic.  
• Where possible stop near an emergency phone.
• Put your hazard lights on to warn other road users.
• Call your  breakdown company and tell them your membership number, your location (be as precise as possible), details of the problem with the vehicle and any other relevant information. 
• All passengers should exit the vehicle by the left-hand side to avoid other vehicles on the motorway.
• Where possible wait on the verge, away from the motorway. Keep all passengers away from the road, especially children.

Other Roads

•  If possible, drive your vehicle off the road. This will avoid obstructing traffic and keep you and your passengers safe.
• Put your hazard lights on to warn other road users.
• Leave the car by the left side and wait on the side of the road. Be sure to stay well clear of any traffic.
• Call your breakdown provider and wait for them to assist you. 

Points of entry – Whenever you leave you car always make sure all points of entry are secured. This includes windows and sun roofs. Even the smallest opening in a window can give a thief the opportunity to force the window open.

Sat Nav - If you use portable satellite navigation equipment it is important to take it with you every time you leave the car. It is a good idea to remove the cradle and suction pads as well as cleaning off any marks left on the windscreen or dashboard as some thieves will look out for these signs and break into cars expecting to find the sat nav in the glove box.

Car Radios - The most common vehicle crime involves to theft of car stereos. If possible invest in a car radio or stereo which can be removed when you leave the car.

Logbooks - Vehicle documents are rapidly becoming a target for thieves as it is much easier for them to sell a stolen car if they have the log book. If the logbook is stolen along with your vehicle, it can be difficult to prove ownership. Keep your vehicle log book in a safe place and never leave it on display.

Never Leave Your Car Unattended With The Keys in it! Nothing makes your car easier to steal than leaving it unattended with the keys in the ignition! It may sound obvious but many people are caught out every day when they pop to the post box or to fill up on fuel. In the winter thieves are also known to target those who leave their cars unattended whilst defrosting. The only way to prevent this kind of opportunist theft is to always lock your car and take the keys with you.

Never leave valuables on display! The majority of vehicle related crime is not actually car theft, but thieves stealing valuables from inside cars. Always take all your valuables with you when you leave the car. Even if you are only popping into the shop for two minutes, that’s enough time for a thief to smash your car window and make off with your treasured possessions. Something which is worthless to you, such as an old coat or an empty box, may still tempt a thief to break in and check if there is anything valuable inside. The safest option is to avoid leaving anything at all on display.

If you must leave something of value on your car such as a laptop, always lock it in your boot where thieves can’t see it – but make sure you do this beforehand, as thieves have been known to watch people park.

Park Carefully – Thieves like dark, quiet areas where they can break in unobserved. Don’t make it easy for them! If you have to leave your car in a public car park always choose one which is secure and manned. When parking on the road stick to well lit areas and take all your valuables with you.

Show off Your Security! Invest in an immobiliser and steering lock, and be sure to put car alarm stickers on all your windows. These simple measures make your car look much more secure and as such much more of a challenge to steal or break into.  Many thieves are opportunistic and if they think your car looks like too much hard work they are much more likely to move on to an easier target.

• As an older driver you need to take even greater care on the roads and be aware of any changes in your health which may affect your driving. If you experience the onset or deterioration of any medical condition which may affect your ability to drive safely you must alert the DVLA straight away.

• Remember that some medicines, especially cough mixtures can make you drowsy. Never drive under the influence of such medicines. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

• Some older drivers experience problems getting into the car or turning to look at blind spots. A simple adaptation to your car could make a huge difference to your driving experience.

• Modern driving conditions are busy and stressful. To combat the demanding nature of today’s roads always leave plenty of time for journeys and plan the route well in advance. Where possible ask a passenger to navigate for you.

• When driving be sure to leave plenty of space from the car in front of you. Remember your responses are likely to be slower than they used to be.

• By law you must be able to read a number plate from a distance of 67ft. deterioration in eye sight is common as you grow older but this can be a very gradual process, so be sure to visit the opticians regularly as you may not notice any changes. If you do need glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision you must wear these every time you drive.

• An optician can also identify the early stages of eye conditions which can affect your driving ability, such as cataracts, glaucoma and diabetes.

• When you reach the age of 70 and for every three years thereafter, you must renew your driving licence with the DVLA.  There is no legal age to stop driving, as long as you feel safe and comfortable and meet the DVLA standards; you can drive well into your later years.

• Driving on today’s roads is likely to have changed hugely since you took your test. Refresh you driving knowledge by keeping up to date with current driving laws and the Highway Code.

• It is a good idea to have adequate breakdown cover at any age, but this is especially important in your later years when being stuck at the roadside without help can be a very frightening prospect.

• Familiarise yourself with the driving laws of the country you are visiting.  Find out about licence requirements and other driving regulations well in advance of your trip. Be aware that the driving age limit is 18 years in most European countries. Don’t assume all European countries have the same laws! If you plan to visit several countries be sure to find out all the relevant information.
• Make sure you have all necessary documentation with you at all times during your trip. You may be asked to produce these at any time:
1. A full valid driving licence with paper counterpart where applicable s
2. An International Driving Permit if required
3. Your passport
4. Vehicle insurance certificate
5. Vehicle registration document
6. Breakdown cover documents
• Most European countries recognise a valid UK driving licence but an International Driving Permit (IDP) can be used in addition to your own licence. Some countries require an IDP by law so be sure to check before you go. 
• Before you travel ensure you have a sufficient level of European Breakdown Cover. Breaking down abroad without cover can ruin your holiday plans and be very expensive.
•  Make certain you have an adequate level of insurance, which covers you for travel in Europe.
• It is a good idea to have your vehicle serviced before travelling abroad. A well serviced vehicle is much less likely to breakdown when you are away. In addition be sure to check your tyre tread is sufficient; as with the UK, most European countries stipulate a minimum depth of 1.6mm.
• Find out about the safety laws for the countries you are visiting. Many European countries require all cars to carry a warning triangle and reflective jacket at all times. Even if this is not a legal requirement for the country you are visiting it is still a good idea to carry these items for the safety of yourself and other road users.
• Before you go be sure to check the speed limits of the country you are visiting as well as those you are driving through. Speed limits vary across the continent and you could face heavy fines if you break these limits.
• In many European countries it is a legal requirement to adjust your headlight beams. This is because most European countries drive on the right and without adjustment your headlights will dazzle oncoming road users. Headlight beam converter kits are readily available but it is advisable to check in your manual as in some cases a dealer is required to make the adjustments. For safety reasons you must remove the headlight converters as soon as you return to the UK.
• By law you must display a GB sticker, unless your car has Euro-Plates. You can be fined if you do not show a country of origin sticker for the duration of your visit. Some countries outside the EU still require a GB sticker even if you have Euro Plates so it often easier to display a GB sticker regardless of your plates.