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Am I eligible to lease a car?

You want to lease a car, great! It’s around this point that people start to ask themselves ‘am I eligible to lease a car?’

The chances are, yes you are. You should be able to lease a car with no problem. However, there are some things that you should think about before you make your final decision. It’s pretty much our job to advise people on stuff like this. So we’ve written a guide explaining the criteria for you to be able to lease a car. Firstly, there isn’t a specific criteria. But there are some things that the finance house will look at before they decide whether you are eligible. And those are…

Am I eligible to lease a car? Read More »

why havent I been promised a delivery date

Why won’t my vehicle broker give me a delivery date?

Sometimes our customers ask us why we won’t promise a delivery date for their vehicle. It’s understandable. They’ve paid for something, they want to know when it’s going to arrive at their door. However, we don’t promise delivery dates. Because we don’t make promises we can’t keep. And it’s the same for other trustworthy brokers or new car dealers. Anyone who values customer service will not promise a delivery date. And in this article we will explain why…

Why won’t my vehicle broker give me a delivery date? Read More »

Lady leaning out red car, holding the keys

Can a young driver get car finance?

If you’re a young driver, trying to get car finance can be a daunting task. It’s even more daunting if you haven’t owned a car before. Getting car finance as a young driver can be difficult because the chances are, you have little or no credit history. And, credit checks are one of the main ways a lender will decide whether you can get car finance or not. But, while it’s difficult, it’s not impossible. There are ways you can secure car finance if you are a young driver. We talk to quite a few young drivers, and we guide them through the car finance process to ensure that they can get car finance. So we’re going to do the same in this article. There are three options available that are viable for young drivers. And those are…

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How can I get no deposit car finance

How can I get no deposit finance?

When you go through car finance, you will have to put down a deposit. This tends to be between 10-30% of the car’s value at the time. But, what if you don’t want to put down a deposit? Is there any way to get finance without one?
Not everyone wants to put down a deposit. But as we said, there’s no car finance scheme that doesn’t require a deposit. However, that does not mean it’s not possible. There are three ways you can get car finance if you do not have a deposit, and those are…

How can I get no deposit finance? Read More »

car tax changes 2017

Car tax changes 2017: Everything you need to know

On 8th July 2016, the government published a policy paper on the changes to the Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rates, otherwise known as road tax. For you and me, this means changes to our road tax rates. But don’t worry, we’re going to explain what the changes are, why they’ve changed, and what it means for you.
The changes will be implemented from April 2017, and will only apply to cars first registered after 1st of April. The change has come about due to our cars becoming more efficient. While this is great for our environment, it’s not so great for our government and their car tax pot…

Car tax changes 2017: Everything you need to know Read More »

Can I get car finance without a deposit?

Sometimes, people are put off by the fact that they have to put down a deposit. They may want to keep the cash for something else, or they just don’t want to part with that much money. It’s understandable. So, can you get car finance without putting down a deposit? Unfortunately, there is no car finance option that does not require you to put down a deposit. But, that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. There are some ways in which you can get car finance without putting down a deposit and those are; speak to your dealer or supplier and tell them you don’t have a deposit or get a personal loan. However, there are some things that you should consider before you decide which route to take…

Can I get car finance without a deposit? Read More »

how to get the best deal on a new car

How do I get the best deal on a new car?

So, you’ve decided you want a new car. How do you get the best deal? There are lots of things to consider when buying a new car, and some of these decisions can impact what sort of deal you get. At OSV, our team helps people like you find the best deal for them every day. That’s all we do, ever. So, we know exactly what sort of things you should be thinking about in order to get the best deal on your new car. In this article, we’ll be talking through some of your options in regards to getting a new car, and how these options will help you get the best deal on a new car. One of the things you need to consider when getting a new car is whether you are going to lease or buy…

How do I get the best deal on a new car? Read More »

Mazda CX5 - 19 year old car Finance

Can 19 year olds get car finance?

The chances are that at 19, buying a new car outright isn’t an option. But, you don’t want a car that’s been around longer than you have. So, you might want to consider applying for car finance. But can 19 year olds get car finance? Of course they can. There are some things you should know first, though. Dealerships and finance houses are very willing to secure young people a finance deal. This is because it is unlikely that you will have any other financial commitments. Or, at least less than those older than you. It’s extremely appealing to lenders if the only substantial amount of money that comes out of your account every month is for your car. However, your youthfulness can have it’s disadvantages…

Can 19 year olds get car finance? Read More »

Man handing out cash - buying a car with cash

What is the best way to buy a car for cash?

Although car leasing is popular, buying for cash is still an appealing option for many. Sometimes, cash purchase is the best option for your situation. After all, leasing isn’t for everyone. A cash purchase is where you buy your car outright. There are no monthly payments or finance agreements. But, before you jump into anything it’s important you do your homework. So, is buying a car with cash the best decision? In this article we’ll look at the pros and cons of buying with cash, what sort of deals you can get and whether buying with cash is the right decision for you. A cash purchase is for those who have the cash in their bank or a pre-agreed credit line with their existing bank. Be aware though…

What is the best way to buy a car for cash? Read More »

How can I get approved for car finance?

Getting approved for car finance may sound scary, but it’s really not. Promise. It does become a whole lot less scary when you understand what exactly finance companies are looking for. If you arm yourself by knowing what they are looking for now, you will save yourself a lot of hassle in the long run. At OSV, we talk people through this process every day so we know how daunting it can be. Which is why we’re going to explain exactly what finance companies are looking for and what you can do to boost your chances of getting approved for car finance.

How can I get approved for car finance? Read More »

Do I need to service my lease car at a franchised dealer?

When you lease a car, you have to get it serviced. Not only do you have to get it serviced, but you also have to get it serviced on time and at the recommended intervals. This is because when you return your lease vehicle, the leasing company will check your service history. But, do you have to get it serviced at a franchised dealer?

We understand that servicing and maintenance of the car is one of the most common worries for customers and we have educated thousands of customers on exactly what the obligations are with regards to servicing lease cars. Which is why we’re going to explain why you have to get your car serviced at a franchised dealer.

Do I need to service my lease car at a franchised dealer? Read More »

Mercedes - Maintenance Agreement

Is my MOT covered in my lease contract?

It’s no secret that leasing a car comes with additional costs, and most of these additional costs involve you having to ensure that your lease vehicle is in top condition.

Depending on your lease contract, you may have to think about your vehicles MOT. Unlike servicing, you don’t always have to get your lease vehicle MOT’d. Whether you do depends on your contract. If you do, then there are some things you should consider because we know that if you’re new to leasing, one of the biggest concerns customers have is being caught out by hidden costs.
We discuss this with customers every day, which is why we’ve written an article explaining whether you have to get your lease car MOT’d, whether you have to pay for it and what happens if your lease car fails its MOT.

Is my MOT covered in my lease contract? Read More »

what are the benefits of leasing privately

What is the best family car?

So, you’re looking for a new car. And, it has to be fit for a family. How do you choose one? There are so many cars that a suitable for families on the market nowadays, and the sheer abundance of family cars around can be quite overwhelming. How do you know where to start? Luckily, we advise people on this sort of thing every day so we know exactly what sort of things you should be looking for in a family car. In this article, we’ll be looking at some of the most popular family cars and what things you should be taking into consideration when you start shopping around for your new family car…

What is the best family car? Read More »

can someone else be insured to drive my lease car

How does car leasing work in the UK?

Car leasing is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. But, how does it work? If you’re new to leasing, there’s a lot to take in. Sometimes it can be difficult to understand what leasing even is. That’s why we thought we would write an essential guide to car leasing and how it works in the United Kingdom. So firstly, what is car leasing? Car leasing is essentially when you have a car for a set period of time, making monthly payments until that time is up. Then, you hand the car back. It’s fairly simple. The main difference between leasing and buying is that when you lease a car, you don’t actually own it. Whether this is an advantage or a disadvantage is completely subjective…

How does car leasing work in the UK? Read More »

can an 18 year old get car finance

Can 18 year olds get car finance?

You’re finally 18! Becoming a legal adult is exciting, and one of the things that can make it even more exciting is getting a new car. Of course, a new car costs money. Probably a lot more than you have. And, you’d rather not get a car that was on the road before you even existed. So, what do you do? Well, you could consider car finance. But, can 18-year-olds even get car finance? Yes, they can. Lawfully, you can get car finance when you are 18. But, without trying to sound like a parent; just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. There are pros and cons to car finance, and in this article, we’ll be looking at the pros and cons of car finance, and what options are available to you as an 18-year-old. There are loads of advantages to car finance, otherwise it wouldn’t be so popular. For example…

Can 18 year olds get car finance? Read More »

how does purchase price affect lease price

Does purchase price affect lease price?

You’ve decided you want to lease a car, great! The next step is thinking about your budget. It’s important to note at this point that many things affect lease price. Trying to make sense of these seemingly unrelated things can be overwhelming and can cause unnecessary stress. We go through this every day and we get asked how purchase price affects lease price all the time. It’s one of our most commonly asked questions. So, we’ve written an article explaining what sort of things affect lease price, and whether purchase price is one of them.
So, what does actually affect lease price? Lots of things actually. Some of these include…

Does purchase price affect lease price? Read More »

can someone else be insured to drive my lease car

Can someone else be insured to drive my lease car?

As leasing has increased in popularity, there is a common assumption that there is a lot less flexibility in terms of who can actually drive a lease vehicle.
We get asked ‘can someone else be insured to drive my lease car?’ quite often. And, contrary to popular belief, yes they can. Of course, it’s not quite as easy as just handing the keys over. There is a criteria that you have to ensure you meet, but we’ll go into more detail in the article. We will also be telling you everything you need to know about insuring someone else on your lease car…

Can someone else be insured to drive my lease car? Read More »

Why has my car’s delivery been delayed?

You’ve done your research, spoken to a sales person, signed the documents and now you’re just waiting for your car to arrive. And now, tragedy strikes, and you discover that your car has been delayed!

We understand how frustrating this must be. After all, you’ve gone through such a lengthy process and now you find out you’re going to have to wait even longer. But, there is probably a very valid reason as to why your car is delayed. We have ordered thousands of cars over the years, so we’ve encountered our fair share of delays. We understand how frustrating it can be so we’ve written an article explaining the delivery process, and what sort of things can impact the delivery time…

Why has my car’s delivery been delayed? Read More »

Mercedes - Maintenance Agreement

What’s included in a maintenance agreement on a lease car?

When thinking about the cost of leasing a car, it’s important to think about the servicing costs. This is a necessary additional cost and while thinking about this, you might want to consider adding a maintenance agreement to your lease contract.

But what is a maintenance agreement? And, do I need it?
We understand that sometimes it’s difficult to know if an extra cost is worthwhile or not and we talk this through with our customers every day at OSV, which is why we’ve written an article talking about what the maintenance agreement is, its benefits, and whether it would be right for you.

What’s included in a maintenance agreement on a lease car? Read More »

what is the highway code and why is it important?

What’s the catch with leasing a car?

Car leasing has become extremely popular within the last 5 years, and with the prices some lease companies are offering, it’s easy to see why. However, some people are sceptical about the too-good-to-be-true deals when it comes to leasing a car.

We understand why people are sceptical, with such great deals there simply has to be a catch.
Well, no, there’s not. There are some things that you should take into consideration when leasing a car, and whether these things count as ‘catches’or not is completely subjective. The only way, really, you would get caught out is if your vehicle broker did not go over it with you before you signed along the dotted line. At OSV, we have years of experience educating customers, which is why we are going to explain what we think count as ‘catches’ in lease contracts to reassure you that you won’t get caught out by a hidden cost.

What’s the catch with leasing a car? Read More »

Visiting car dealership. Men are shaking hands while signing documents

What accreditations should a car leasing company have?

Leasing companies; can you trust them? Are they reliable? We’ve heard so many stories about bad experiences it’s difficult to count them all. We understand that dealing with a leasing company for the first time can be daunting and the reality is that there are some leasing companies who just aren’t trustworthy. It’s a fact, a sad one, but a fact nonetheless. So, how can you tell if your leasing company can be trusted? There are lots of ways in which you can tell if your vehicle broker is trustworthy, and one of the most important ways is by looking at their accreditations and memberships.

What accreditations should a car leasing company have? Read More »

nissan juke - Pros and Cons Of Car Leasing

What are the pros and cons of car leasing?

In the US, one in four new cars is personally leased in some way. Now, car leasing is growing increasingly popular in the UK. In fact, last year leasing brokers’ combined car and van volumes grew by 27% over the course of 2015 (bvrla.co.uk).

If you are thinking about leasing a car, it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons to make sure that car leasing is the right option for you. After all, it’s not going to be right for everyone. However, we understand that there is a lot of information to take in when looking into leasing a car, which is why we’ve written an article on the advantages and disadvantages of leasing a car.
It should be noted that the pros and cons on this list are subjective, so while something may be a con to some, it could be a pro for others…

What are the pros and cons of car leasing? Read More »

What affects the lease price of a vehicle?

As living costs soar upwards and transport becomes more and more essential to daily life, leasing has become one of the more popular and cost-effective methods of vehicle usage in the past few years. But, why is it so much cheaper to lease a car than it is to buy? How can I get the latest model Mercedes for less than a three-year-old Toyota? It seems implausible, but that’s the beauty of car leasing. OSV has been helping car buyers find the perfect vehicle since 1997 so we know the ins and outs of car leasing and exactly what affects car leasing prices. in this article, we’re going to reveal what affects lease prices, and how you can get the best car for your money.

What affects the lease price of a vehicle? Read More »

mazda cx5

It’s all the rage on the road – the rise of the in-car selfie

It seems that everyone is taking selfies these days, with even the Prime Minister unashamedly posing in front of a camera phone at state events, and Her Majesty the Queen doing a bit of well-timed photo-bombing during the Olympics. While the selfie itself may be a bit of harmless fun, a new survey by OSV, the UK’s best independent vehicle supply professionals, hints that the selfie may be getting out of hand, with drivers throwing caution to the wind and taking photos when behind the wheel.

It’s all the rage on the road – the rise of the in-car selfie Read More »

why has my car been delayed

Driving Talent – Company cars prove huge pull to potential employees.

It’s always been a difficult question – how to attract the best talent to your business. Sure; money talks, but it’s not the only influencer. These days the savvy job-hunter is looking for company kudos; the old ‘how good will this look on my CV?’ chestnut. They want an attractive and comfortable work environment. They look for the potential to progress. And, all other things being equal, they look to employment perks: assisted childcare; healthcare; dental; and yes, according to a recent survey by OSV, the UK’s best independent vehicle supply professionals, they look for a company car.

Driving Talent – Company cars prove huge pull to potential employees. Read More »

Things That Go Bump in the Car – OSV Talk Parking Prangs and Other Minor Mishaps

Although it seems that men are far less likely to confess to it than women, recent research conducted by OSV, the UK’s leading independent vehicle supply professionals, has revealed that in the last twelve months a whopping 29 percent of motorists has had a minor prang while parking. While small bumps are often inconsequential, it’s a little more worrying that a naughty 12% confessed to the fact that they didn’t inform the owner of the other car involved or even leave a note, after a parking incident.

Things That Go Bump in the Car – OSV Talk Parking Prangs and Other Minor Mishaps Read More »

Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake in Silver driving

Birmingham named car washing capital of the UK as the great bank holiday car wash begins!

If you think the Easter bank holiday weekend is about overindulging in chocolate eggs and eating roast lamb then think again. Research released by OSV.ltd.uk today suggests the bank holiday is for car maintenance and in particular car washing. A huge 15 million cars could be in for a polish this weekend with 57% of men and 22% of women surveyed planning to wash their car this bank holiday.

Birmingham named car washing capital of the UK as the great bank holiday car wash begins! Read More »

How to choose the best car leasing company for you

So, you’ve come to the decision that you want to lease your next car and that you want to use a leasing company to do so. What now? Well, now you have to choose which leasing company you’re going to go through.
But, how do you know you’re choosing the right company to lease from? We understand what a tough decision this can be so we’ve written an article on the things you should look for when you’re choosing a leasing company.
A risk involved with leasing through a car broker is that they may not be reputable. However, this risk can easily be eliminated if you know what accreditations to look for. Here are some of the accreditations to look out for when choosing a leasing company…

How to choose the best car leasing company for you Read More »

Vauxhall Mokka Review by Tim Barnes-Clay

The Ultimate 2016 Vauxhall Mokka Tech Line 1.6 CDTi (110PS) ecoFLEX Review: Features / Price / Comparison

The Vauxhall Mokka has been around since 2013 and was thrust into the UK’s money-making and rapidly swelling compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment.

When it was launched, the Griffin-badged motor company’s aim was for the adroitly styled, down-to-earth and well equipped vehicle to attract youthful motorists with a dynamic lifestyle.
That goal may have shifted somewhat as there are plenty of older people behind the wheel of the Mokka now. And much of that has to do with the ever more efficient and green power units Vauxhall is lowering into the model’s engine bay.
The latest, on test here, is the 110ps 1.6 CDTi diesel, in Tech Line, ecoFLEX, front wheel drive guise, costing only £18,614.

The Ultimate 2016 Vauxhall Mokka Tech Line 1.6 CDTi (110PS) ecoFLEX Review: Features / Price / Comparison Read More »

how to get the best lease car deal

How to get the best car lease deal

So you’ve decided you want to lease a car, hooray! Now, you just have to try and find the best deal.

There are lots of different factors involved when trying to find your perfect car and many lease deals are time sensitive. Therefore, finding a deal that works best for both you and your timeline can prove to be difficult. Understandably, you might be wondering;

How do I get the best lease deal?
How do I know I am getting a good deal on my lease car?

We understand that the process of leasing a car can sometimes be daunting and potentially overwhelming. That’s why we decided to provide you with some key tips to help you find the best car lease deal.

How to get the best car lease deal Read More »

What are the risks involved when buying from a vehicle broker?

One of the most important decisions when buying a car is who you’re going to buy it through. You might be considering a broker, or perhaps going through a dealership. Either way, it’s worth knowing the risks involved with these options. While buying from a vehicle broker should be a stress-free experience, there are some things you should be aware of. In this article we’ll be talking about some of the risks involved with buying through a vehicle broker, and how you can reduce or eliminate those risks. One of the risks involved with going through a vehicle broker is that they might not be reputable. To ensure that your vehicle broker is reputable, you should…

What are the risks involved when buying from a vehicle broker? Read More »

What paperwork will I need to complete for my lease car?

It’s not the most exciting bit of the leasing process, but it’a absolutely vital that you know exactly what you are signing and that it is all correct. This is so you can drive away in your shiny new car as soon as possible. At OSV, we go through the documentation process with our customers everyday, so we know that this can be a lengthy process. In this article we talk you through the paperwork process, providing information on everything you need to know.

What paperwork will I need to complete for my lease car? Read More »

Price vs customer service: What’s more important when buying a car?

Low price and a high standard of customer service. You want both, right?

Unfortunately, a great price doesn’t always come with great customer service.
It goes without saying that price is one of the biggest, and in some cases the biggest, consideration for customers when deciding on a purchase. But, no matter how great the price is, we want to have our expectations met and have a hassle free experience. While pricing in the automotive industry is becoming increasingly competitive and therefore more attractive, research shows that no matter how good the deal is, customers want and expect great customer service.
So, can you have a great price and a great customer service experience? You can, but there are things you should be aware of beforehand…

Price vs customer service: What’s more important when buying a car? Read More »

Vauxhall Meriva

Vauxhall Meriva Review

If you’re driving an MPV you probably aren’t looking to engage in stoplight drag races. Even so, the Vauxhall Meriva provides enough scoot for mum (or dad) to get the kids to school swiftly. The former 1.7-litre CDTi diesel engine has been replaced by the 1.6 CDTi diesel scooped from the Zafira Tourer. This Euro-6 compliant mill cranks out 136PS and 320Nm of torque at 2,000rpm – more than enough power for a family wagon. If you ever do decide to take the kiddies to the race track, the mini will sprint to 60mph from a standstill in under nine seconds. In addition to the new oil burner, the Meriva’s carryover petrol engine range (1.4 100PS, 1.4T 120 & 140PS) remains and is now fully Euro-6 compliant.

Vauxhall Meriva Review Read More »