man on the phone with a laptop looking ta a car deal

How to compare car leasing deals

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When you are making a big purchasing decision, you are always going to look at your options to ensure that you are making the right decision. And, leasing a car is no different.

Leasing a car is a big commitment so it’s important that you are sure you’ve made the right choice. Therefore, it is understandable that you would want to, for want of a better phrase, shop around before you make your choice.

But how do you compare car leasing deals? How do you know what to look for, and how do you know if you are getting the best deal out there?

At OSV, we think it’s important that we are completely transparent with our customers, and that means educating them on how they can find the best deal for them. So, in this article, we are going to look at how to compare car leasing deals, and what to look out for when looking at deals online.

How to compare car leasing deals Read More »

Can I lease from OSV if I live in the Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey, Northern Ireland

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Can anyone in the UK lease a car from OSV? What are the eligibility requirements for leasing a car?
If you live outside of the UK you may be wondering if you can lease a car from OSV. In this article, we’ll cover all of the areas we work within and any limitations to coverage and service in the Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey and Northern Ireland.

Can I lease from OSV if I live in the Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey, Northern Ireland Read More »

BMW 7 Series Metallic outside building

Are BMW expensive to own?

1 Comment / Brand Reliability, Learning Centre /

When you are looking at a new car, there are many different costs that you need to think about. Of course, there is the initial purchase of the car (or lease), but there are also running costs, insurance, tax…the list goes on. These further costs can make some cars considerably more expensive than others. A car that doesn’t cost much initially could cost a lot in running or repair costs. So it’s important that you think about all of these things before you decide which car you buy. And on that note, one of the questions we get a lot at here at OSV is ‘are BMW cars expensive to own?’ and it’s a very valid question…

Are BMW expensive to own? Read More »

Black BMW Bonnet with BMW Logo

Crazy facts about BMW

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BMW or by its full name Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, is a German manufacturer of luxury vehicles. But BMW don’t just produce brilliant luxury road cars, they are also famed for their contribution to sports cars and motorcycles. That’s without mentioning their renowned development of some of the best performing engines on the market. Founded in 1916 they are hailed as one of the best-selling luxury automakers in the world.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at BMW and the history of the company revealing some of the crazy facts about BMW as we go.

Crazy facts about BMW Read More »

Yellow Peugeot 107 parked with a building in the background

Is Peugeot reliable? An unbiased look at the French brand

32 Comments / Brand Reliability, Learning Centre /

Peugeot started as a family business in 1810 and has since become a huge car manufacturer, with cars being sold across the world. Peugeot have long been popular cars, and have won five European Car of the Year awards. They are also a pretty common sight on our roads here in the UK.

And, with a company as established as Peugeot, they have gained a reputation for making solidly built cars. But, are Peugeot reliable?
In this article, we look at whether Peugeot are reliable, and how they compare to some of their rivals.

Is Peugeot reliable? An unbiased look at the French brand Read More »

Best cars for cleaners

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I take my hat off to cleaners, I really do. Cleaning is my least favourite past time and so I have a great deal of respect for anyone who gets a kick out of hoovering and polishing. Whether they are self-employed and driving to multiple destinations to scrub, mop and wipe or perhaps they just have one big public space they are responsible for keeping pristine. In this article, we’ll take a look at a day in the life of a self-employed cleaner. This will help us to understand what they need from their vehicle, and then what cars we recommend to transport them between destinations in comfort.

Best cars for cleaners Read More »

a blue Toyota Auris outside a city in beached area

Is Toyota reliable? An unbiased look at the car manufacturer

16 Comments / Brand Reliability, Learning Centre /

As of 2016, Toyota were the world’s largest car manufacturer. They were also the world’s first car manufacturer to produce more than 10 million vehicles per year and are the market leader in sales of hybrid electric vehicles. Toyota’s are a common sight on British roads, and there aren’t many people who haven’t heard of a Toyota model. But, in amongst their huge achievements, can they tick off dependability? Are Toyota reliable?
In this article, we look at how reliable Toyota are, and how this compares to their rivals.

Is Toyota reliable? An unbiased look at the car manufacturer Read More »

Black sports car front headlight and wheel

Sports cars with low emissions

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Today’s savvy sports car buyer is looking for the perfect combination of handling, driving experience, speed and …… low emissions?! It’s not something you’d typically associate with luxury sports cars. However, while the driving experience and thrill are crucial, so is the focus on being more environmentally aware. The media are increasingly focusing on pollution caused by cars and now buyers are demanding the same of their sports cars. Selecting a model with low emissions will not only have a less harmful impact on the environment but even result in lower running costs.

Sports cars with low emissions Read More »

Dark red Sideview Mini clubman at sunset with sculpture in the background

How reliable is MINI? An impartial look at the British classic

22 Comments / Brand Reliability, Learning Centre /

The Mini is an iconic car brand, and as British as you could possibly get. The original Mini was a staple of British culture in the 1960s, and was voted the second most influential car of the 20th century in 1999.

Currently owned by BMW, Mini continues to be a very popular brand in the UK and are a common sight on British roads.

But, how reliable are Mini’s? BMW aren’t exactly famed for their reliability, so are Mini the same?

In this article, we look at how reliable Mini are, and how this compares to some of their rivals.

How reliable is MINI? An impartial look at the British classic Read More »

bright red mazda 3 hatchback parked next to bricked building

Mazda 3 Hatchback vs Ford Focus vs Subaru Impreza: Review & Comparisons

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The new Mazda 3 Hatchback is probably the brand’s suavest-looking car yet. It’s handsome, great fun to drive, and affordable to run. It’s perfect for stylish families who want to keep costs down.

A prominent front grille and slender headlights add a touch of sharpness to the way it looks, while the direct steering give it handling prowess. Even better, the manual gearbox is an absolutely joy.

Mazda 3 Hatchback vs Ford Focus vs Subaru Impreza: Review & Comparisons Read More »

Silver lexus gs saloon driving on tarmac road

How reliable is Lexus? An honest assessment of the luxury brand

27 Comments / Brand Reliability, Learning Centre /

Lexus are a brand that have grown in popularity here in the UK. In fact, last year was a record year for sales of Lexus models in the United Kingdom, with over 13,000 models sold.

The luxury division of Toyota, Lexus has become known for building stylish, comfortable cars that are great to drive. And, being an off-shoot of Toyota, are reliable.
But how reliable are Lexus?
In this article, we look at just how dependable Lexus are, and how this compares to their rivals.

How reliable is Lexus? An honest assessment of the luxury brand Read More »

The FCA - financial conduct authority logo on a white background

Who is the FCA?

2 Comments / Learning Centre, Resources /

From bank accounts to mortgages, credit cards, loans, savings insurance and pensions, virtually every adult in the UK is a consumer of financial services. When looking at financial products, including car finance in all its forms, you’ll likely see or hear the phrase “Regulated by the FCA”. But who exactly are the FCA? What do they do to regulate finance providers and how does the FCA benefit consumers? In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the FCA and how they work.

Who is the FCA? Read More »

red warranty stamp isolated on white background

What vehicles come with warranties

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All new cars come with a warranty. However, not all warranties are alike. A warranty is a promise from the manufacturer that the vehicle will be fit for purpose for a minimum amount of time. This time frame can vary significantly between manufacturers. Your vehicle warranty will cover the cost of any repair to restore the car to its original working state, excluding wear and tear items. We’ll go into more detail about what is and isn’t covered by a manufacturers warranty in a moment.
A long warranty can be a big selling point and the deciding factor for some people when choosing the make of car they want to buy. Afterall, if a manufacturer is confident enough to guarantee their workmanship for a number of years they must be fairly confident in their product or they’d be paying for repairs all the time.

What vehicles come with warranties Read More »

red fiat 500l parked on road in front of rows of green trees

Is Fiat reliable? An honest assessment of the Italian brand

31 Comments / Brand Reliability, Learning Centre /

Fiat have always been a pretty popular brand, but when they released the Fiat 500, Fiat were suddenly propelled into the mainstream. The Fiat 500 quickly entered the top ten most popular cars in the UK, and it’s quirky shape and funky colours made them a welcome addition to British roads.

However, there has been something that has been plaguing Fiat for many years. And that’s reliability. In fact, at one point, Fiat were so unreliable that people began the joke ‘Fix It Again Tony’.
But, has that changed? How reliable are Fiat?
In this article, we look at whether Fiat have been able to shrug off their unreliability and how their reliability compares to their rivals.

Is Fiat reliable? An honest assessment of the Italian brand Read More »

do diesel or petrol engines last longer?

Do diesel or petrol engines last longer?

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When considering which car type to buy you may be faced with the decision of what engine type to choose. So will it be diesel or will it be petrol? Common knowledge is that diesel engines offer better fuel economy, and some believe they are better for the environment. So which is best? In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each. We’ll also answer the important question do diesel or petrol engines last longer?

Do diesel or petrol engines last longer? Read More »

How active safety systems work

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An active safety system is a term used to describe features of a car such as ABS, Traction Control and Power Assisted Steering. These features are designed to improve safety while you are driving the vehicle. They are used to maintain the stability of the vehicle while undertaking regular driving tasks such as braking, accelerating and steering. Active Safety Systems are constantly being improved by vehicle manufacturers and in this article, we’ll take a look how active safety systems work.
What are active safety systems?
You might not have heard of Active Safety Systems before. But you probably have heard of things like ABS (Anti-lock brake system) or power steering. Collectively these popular car safety features are named Active Safety Systems. With vehicle safety coming under constant scrutiny, manufacturer’s are investing more into developing Active Safety Systems. It is generally believed that Active Safety Systems will play an increasing role in collision avoidance and mitigation in the future.

How active safety systems work Read More »

a red mazda cx-3 hatchback driving down desert road

Mazda CX-3 Hatchback vs Suzuki Vitara vs Kia Sportage: Review & Comparisons

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The new Mazda CX3 Hatchback is a stylish alternative in the already impressive Crossover market. It’s got an upmarket interior, sharp looks, and it’s good fun to drive. It’s like a conventional Hatchback but super-sized, and offers plenty of room for growing families.
Compared to rivals, the CX3 is a bit on the expensive side. However, Mazda can feel justified with their pricing when you take a look at the list of standard kit: The likes of a 7” touchscreen, alloys and cruise control all comes with the entry level model.
It’s reasonably practical too, its 350-litre boot out-sizing some competitors.

Mazda CX-3 Hatchback vs Suzuki Vitara vs Kia Sportage: Review & Comparisons Read More »

Red Renault Megane on the road in the rain

How reliable is Renault? An honest assessment of the car brand

34 Comments / Brand Reliability, Learning Centre /

In 2015, Renault were the tenth biggest automaker in the world by production volume. One of the most well known brands in the UK, Renault are known for making affordable city and family cars that are great to drive and are well built.

But, how reliable are Renault?
In this article, we look at how reliable Renault are, and how this compares to their rivals.

How reliable is Renault? An honest assessment of the car brand Read More »

A cars dashboard and traction control button

Controlling vehicle stability

Leave a Comment / Learning Centre, On the Road /

We all want to feel in control when we’re on the roads. Stability is key and controlling your vehicle’s stability will undoubtedly make you feel more comfortable behind the wheel. Unfortunately, every time you brake, steer or accelerate the stability of the vehicle could be compromised. Sounds scary but that’s what manufacturers have been working hard to solve for many years. Making our cars safer is a top priority. Three simple actions that we do in our cars day-in day-out are braking, accelerating and steering. They are the fundamental parts of driving. These actions produce forces which alter the car’s weight distribution, balance and tyre grip.
New vehicles benefit from the latest technology and active safety features designed to keep the car stable. In this article, we’ll look at what you can do to stay in control of your vehicle and reduce reliance on active safety technology features.

Controlling vehicle stability Read More »

Red MG3 on a road

Is MG reliable? An objective look into the brand

24 Comments / Brand Reliability, Learning Centre /

MG are very much making a comeback as of late. Once known as MG Rover, MG Motors was founded in 2006 under Nanjing Automobile, a Chinese company. It was in 2011 that MG launched their first model for 16 years and, after a few mis-steps, MG were on their way to becoming a common sight on British roads.

In fact, it was reported this year that MG are seeing a 5% increase in year-to-date sales, bucking the trend of a slight downturn the car market saw at the start of the year.
Though MG are seeing a real increase in sales and are becoming more common, they are yet to shake of their reputation for unreliability. Are MG reliable?
In this article, we look at whether MG are reliable, and how this compares to their rivals.

Is MG reliable? An objective look into the brand Read More »

dark colouerd Maserati GranCabrio Convertible parked on concrete dock with sea below

Maserati GranCabrio Convertible vs Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster vs Mercedes S Class Cabriolet: Review & Comparisons

Leave a Comment / Car Reviews /

Want to lighten your wallet in style? The new, bespoke Maserati GranCabrio Convertible is one of the suavest drop-tops to have ever graced our humble planet. Performance is incredible, engine noise is apocalyptic, and four adults can travel in comfort. It’s one of the most versatile cars of its type that can take a walk on the wild side or cruise along riverbanks.
You can just picture yourself relaxing down the French Riviera, not a care in the world, as the gentle breeze laps at your shoulders. It’s just pure luxury straight out of a Hollywood movie.
However, such luxury doesn’t come cheap. Prices start just shy of £100,000, and the economy doesn’t go any higher than 15mpg.

Maserati GranCabrio Convertible vs Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster vs Mercedes S Class Cabriolet: Review & Comparisons Read More »

red Jaguar f-type coupe driving round a corner

How reliable is Jaguar? A balanced look at the luxury British manufacturer

50 Comments / Brand Reliability, Learning Centre /

Jaguar are synonymous with British luxury and style. Jaguar are the luxury vehicle brand of Jaguar Land Rover, and have been a symbol of British engineering for some years now and one dealership supplied cars to the Queen, the Queen Mother and Prince Charles. In fact, they even modified one of the Queen’s Jaguars to make it more environmentally friendly.

But despite this, Jaguar have been plagued with the issue of reliability for some time now. Although they are known for their build quality and style, Jaguar have always been considered quite unreliable cars.
Is this still the case? How reliable are Jaguar?
In this article, we look at how reliable Jaguar are and how this compares to their rivals.

How reliable is Jaguar? A balanced look at the luxury British manufacturer Read More »

cars parked up in a line in car parking spaces with numbers

What are fleet vehicles?

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‘Fleet vehicle’ is a term used to describe cars or vans that have been leased or purchased by a company for their staff to use as part of their employment. If a company requires their staff to travel as part of their job role they will often provide a company vehicle in order to do so. Sometimes it will be a car which the employee can use for personal mileage as well as business mileage. Other times it’s what’s known as a pool car/van which remains on the company property outside of work hours and is used by different members of staff as it is needed throughout the working day. The term fleet makes it sound like there must be a large number of vehicles for it be considered a fleet. But, in reality, even one or two cars can be classed as a fleet.

What are fleet vehicles? Read More »

dark coloured mazda cx5 in front of some mountains at sun set

Mazda CX5 Estate vs Peugeot 3008 vs SEAT ATECA: Review & Comparisons

2 Comments / Car Reviews /

Estate cars have never looked better, and the new Mazda CX5 Estate is a case in point.
Striking in its design, it makes for an excellent transition for growing families who need something bigger than a Hatchback.

And just in case you were worried all Estate cars were boring, Mazda’s all-action DNA is present. If you’ve ever driven a Mazda MX-5 Roadster, be sure that this muscular Estate has taken a few cues from its devil-may-care sibling. It’s well equipped, too – but it is expensive.

Mazda CX5 Estate vs Peugeot 3008 vs SEAT ATECA: Review & Comparisons Read More »

Red Toyota CR-V 2015 on the road

Is Honda reliable? An impartial look at the Japanese car manufacturer

25 Comments / Brand Reliability, Learning Centre /

Did you know that Honda are the world’s largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines? They produce more than 14 million internal combustion engines each year. They are also the eighth largest automobile manufacturer in the world. Honda cars are a common sight on our roads, as well as several other roads across the globe. Their cars are a favourite among many and are synonymous with being trustworthy, well-built and great to drive. But are Honda reliable? In this article, we look at just how reliable Honda are, and how this compares to some of its main rivals…

Is Honda reliable? An impartial look at the Japanese car manufacturer Read More »

grey and black parts inside a car gearbox

Auto Gear Box, What is DSG, What is DCT?

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When I was learning to drive I thought that it would be so much easier to drive an automatic. I’ve never been particularly good at multitasking so mastering gears while trying to ensure I steered in the right direction and kept my eyes on the road was taxing for me. I’m pleased to say that I persevered and passed my test with a manual transmission first time. There are some advantages to automatic gear boxes and how they work is very clever. When writing this article it became clear to me that driving an automatic might not be as easy as I first thought and there are some significant differences to how you should drive when using an automatic.
Automatic gearboxes change gear automatically depending on the speed and acceleration of the car. Each system is different and offers different features to another. You should always read up on how your vehicle’s automatic transmission works. This way you can accurately match the capabilities of the system to how you drive. For example, modern automatic gearboxes have the capability to change gear faster and more accurately than the actual driver.

Auto Gear Box, What is DSG, What is DCT? Read More »

car on the assembly line with orange robots sparking in the for front

How are vehicle manufacturers preventing distraction to drivers

Leave a Comment / Learning Centre, On the Road /

We have often hailed in our articles that distracted drivers are the leading causes of road traffic accidents worldwide. Whether it’s passing an unusual sight and, like a magpie to a shiny object, our eyes are fixed on that instead of the road. Or, making a bad judgement call and talking on the phone, eating or smoking while behind the wheel. Taking your eyes off the road, even momentarily, can be fatal. The sad truth is that humans are easily distracted by nature. So how do you overcome something that is so ingrained into our being?

Well, leading car manufacturer’s are taking matters into their own hands. Understanding that people are always going to be easily distracted, they have set about creating new technologies to over-ride us as drivers and reduce human error. These new technologies give the vehicles the control. In what seems like a science-fiction dream modern cars are safer than ever with these amazing new technological advancements.
In this article, I’ll take you through how some vehicle manufacturers are helping in the war against distracted drivers and the new technology which is helping keep our roads safer.

How are vehicle manufacturers preventing distraction to drivers Read More »

Line of cars at dusk stuck in traffic with brake lights on

How much time do we waste in traffic and how to avoid traffic jams?

Leave a Comment / Learning Centre, On the Road /

Traffic jams are the bain of most motorists lives. All we want to do when we get into our car is reach our destination as comfortably and quickly as possible. Agreed? Time spent in a car can be enjoyable. Driving along the open road, window down and breeze in your face. But when we’re stuck in a traffic jam our cars can feel like a prison. Not moving anywhere and confined between the doors of your cabin for an undisclosed amount of time isn’t a pleasant thought.

UK roads have been hailed as some of the most gridlocked in the world. I suppose this is to be expected. As a Nation, we are very densely populated and it’s no secret that Brits love cars. But that doesn’t make the ‘traffic jam pill’ any easier to swallow.  So, if you want to reduce your time spent sitting in traffic…. and let’s face it, who doesn’t. Then read on. In this article, we’ll be taking a deeper look into how much time we waste in traffic and how to avoid traffic jams.

How much time do we waste in traffic and how to avoid traffic jams? Read More »

business guy driving nice car

Best cars for accountants

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Accountants have this stereotype of being quite…. vanilla. You know, a bit magnolia. But almost every accountant I have met have been quite the opposite. Working with numbers is no great joy. Least of all for me, I’m very much more of a words type person. So perhaps it’s that perception that working with numbers is boring that leads to this stereotype. When someone utters accountant I am immediately faced with a mental image of someone wearing an ill-fitting suit and thick-rimmed glasses carrying a calculator. Working on the assumption that the stereotypical accountant is more of a myth, I researched some of the most popular cars driven by accountants. To ensure this list of the best cars for accountants is accurate (because let’s face it our accountants love accuracy). I’ve also looked into a typical day in the life of an accountant. So let’s take a look at the best cars for accountants.

Best cars for accountants Read More »

Citroen C4 Picasso

How reliable is Citroen? An unbiased look at the car manufacturer

14 Comments / Brand Reliability, Learning Centre /

Citroen is one of the most well known car brands in the UK, and are a common sight on British roads. They established themselves as the front-runners of innovation with the Traction Avant, the world’s first mass-produced front wheel drive car. And, since then, have achieved success with a range of vehicles, from city cars to larger family cars.

They are currently part of Groupe PSA, a multinational manufacturer that sells Peugeot, Citroen, DS, Opel and Vauxhall cars.
One of the things that Citroen have been particularly known for is their reliability. But, how reliable are Citroen?
In this article, we look at how reliable Citroen cars are, and how this compares to some of their rivals.

How reliable is Citroen? An unbiased look at the car manufacturer Read More »

White Smart fortwo on a road with the city in the background

How reliable are Smart cars? An honest look at the city cars

20 Comments / Brand Reliability, Learning Centre /

Love them or loathe them, everyone has an opinion on Smart cars. Owned by Daimler-Benz, Smart have established themselves as making microcars, and dividing opinions whilst they were at it.

The brand are called Smart because of the cooperation between Swatch, the watch company, and Mercedes. It’s a combination of Swatch Mercedes ART. It was originally going to be known as the Swatchmobile.

Interesting name origin aside, Smart are known for their city cars that can get into the tightest of places and whether you like it or not, have established themselves into the mainstream automotive industry.

But, how reliable are Smart cars?

In this article, we look at how reliable Smart cars are, and how they compare to their rivals.

How reliable are Smart cars? An honest look at the city cars Read More »

Grey Mitsubishi L200 off road with mountains in the background

How reliable are Mitsubishi cars? An impartial look at the Japanese brand

96 Comments / Brand Reliability, Learning Centre /

Mitsubishi Motors are known for their SUVs and trucks, and once dominated the growing market, predicting its popularity before anyone else.

So how were they awarded Japan’s worst automaker in 2016? There could be several reasons for this, but recent engine problems have led people to ask;
How reliable are Mitsubishi cars?
In this article, we look at just how reliable Mitsubishi are, and how this stacks up against their rivals.

How reliable are Mitsubishi cars? An impartial look at the Japanese brand Read More »

Red Nissan X-Trail driving on country road

Is Nissan reliable? A balanced look at the brand

13 Comments / Brand Reliability, Learning Centre /

As of 2016, Nissan were the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer with sales of more than 275,000 all-electric vehicles as of December 2016.

The Japanese car manufacturer have been leading the way in electric vehicles, and their non-electric vehicles are still proving to be as popular as ever. Their reputation for making solid, affordable cars that drive well is as strong as ever.
But, are Nissan reliable?
In this article, we look at how reliable Nissan really are, and how this compares to their rivals.

Is Nissan reliable? A balanced look at the brand Read More »

Red 2017 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Coupe front on snow with mountain backdrop

How reliable is Aston Martin? A balanced view of the luxury brand

34 Comments / Brand Reliability, Learning Centre /

Aston Martin are synonymous with British luxury. They make you think of James Bond, of prestige and most of all, driving fast.

Beautifully built, incredible to drive, it seems that there is nothing that Aston Martin can’t do when it comes to making some of the greatest, and coolest, cars ever. 
Except, how reliable are Aston Martin?
You would expect that Aston Martin cars are the most reliable out there, after all, they are extraordinarily built and cost a small fortune to own, but is this the case? Are Aston Martin reliable?
In this article, we look at just how reliable Aston Martin are, and compare their reliability to some of their main rivals.  

How reliable is Aston Martin? A balanced view of the luxury brand Read More »

Porsche Cayenne red driving on the road

How reliable is Porsche? An unbiased look at the luxury manufacturer

15 Comments / Brand Reliability, Learning Centre /

Porsche are synonymous with luxury, prestige and style.

One of the more commonly seen prestigious brands, Porsche, have found popularity with their Cayenne, a venture into the crossover market that has more than paid off.

And with luxury and prestige, you expect high quality and reliability. But, how reliable are Porsche?

In this article, we look at just how reliable Porsche are, and compare them to their rivals.

How reliable is Porsche? An unbiased look at the luxury manufacturer Read More »

Infiniti QX70 SUV 2

Is Infiniti reliable? An honest assessment of the luxury brand

27 Comments / Brand Reliability, Learning Centre /

Infiniti are one of the lesser known vehicle manufacturers here in the UK, but across the pond and all over the world, they are an extremely popular brand.

The luxury division of Japanese manufacturer Nissan, Infiniti officially started selling vehicles in 1989 in North America. Now, they are sold in several countries across the world.
Because they are a branch of Nissan, you would think that they are just as reliable as Nissan cars if not more reliable as they are a luxury brand. But, is this the case?
In this article, we look at whether Infiniti are reliable, and compare their reliability to their main rivals.

Is Infiniti reliable? An honest assessment of the luxury brand Read More »

Lotus Elise front view

Is Lotus reliable? An honest assessment of the British brand

3 Comments / Brand Reliability, Learning Centre /

“Lots of Trouble, Usually Serious”. That was the acronym coined for Lotus back in the 1960s.

When the Lotus Elan was first launched it was seen as a triumph for British engineering but it was soon plagued with problems. Soon enough, the Lotus Elan was known for being badly built and filled with draughts and leaks and was considered positively unreliable.

Unfortunately, Lotus have struggled to shake off this reputation of being unreliable, and there are many people today that will still think of Lotus as the unreliable car manufacturer they were back in the sixties.

But is this still the case? Are Lotus still unreliable? In this article, we look at whether Lotus are reliable, and compare their reliability to their main competitors.

Is Lotus reliable? An honest assessment of the British brand Read More »

Kia Niro - top 10 safe cars

Is Kia reliable? A balanced look at the Korean brand

30 Comments / Brand Reliability, Learning Centre /

Kia have quite quickly become a common sight on British roads, with one of their best sellers, the Kia Sportage, seen as often as a Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf. One of the things that make Kia stand out as a brand is their impressive seven-year warranty. With many car manufacturers these days only offering a warranty for three-years, Kia have cemented themselves as one of the most trusted, and reliable, brands around. But are Kia as reliable as they want us to think they are? In this article, we look at whether Kia are really as reliable as everyone thinks they are, and compare their reliability to some of their rivals.

Is Kia reliable? A balanced look at the Korean brand Read More »

best luxury electric cars

Top 10 cars for company directors

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If you’re a Company Director, you have to drive a nice car. It just makes sense. Not only will it make you look good and shows that your company is doing well, but you also deserve to drive a nice car.

However, there are quite a few nice cars on the market. And there are a lot that are perfect for Company Directors.
So, which one do you go for?
In this article, we look at the top cars for Company Directors.

Top 10 cars for company directors Read More »

dark green coloured Peugeots lined up in a row

Fleet leasing vs. buying

Leave a Comment / Learning Centre, Leasing Guide /

To buy or not to buy. That really is the question here. If you simply can’t decide between fleet leasing versus buying then this article is especially for you. It can be a tough decision but as ever, your friends here at OSV are here to help by rounding up all of the key considerations when looking at fleet leasing versus buying.
Like any good versus article, we’ll kick off with the pros of each.
While purchasing a fleet vehicle may seem expensive it does have some benefits. That being said, when purchasing multiple fleet vehicles you’ll find cost savings if you are not buying them all in one go. In the automotive industry, this is known as fleet purchasing. In recent years fleet dealers have been incentivising on fleets upwards of 3-4 cars but discounts used to only qualify on fleets of 10 cars or more.
The cars are an asset within the business which helps with your accounts and the strength of your balance sheet. It can be re-sold to gain some funds into the business. Owning your vehicle’s gives the business some level of control and flexibility. Enabling you to dispose of them whenever you like, Maintaining the vehicles and the condition of them is also down to your discretion.

Fleet leasing vs. buying Read More »

business man in blue suit holding car key ring over car leasing documentation

Things to be aware of when leasing a vehicle

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Making the decision between buying and leasing a car is tricky. Leasing offers some excellent benefits we’ve highlighted previously in our article What are the pros and cons of leasing? But if you’ve already made your decision and leasing is the way you want to go then you’re in the right place. This article is going to run through all of the things to be aware of when leasing a vehicle so you can go into your first leasing journey with your eyes wide open. Knowledge is power so they say, so read on.

Special Offers
If you haven’t got your heart set on a specific make and model of vehicle you could benefit by being flexible. Periodically manufacturers will offer highly discounted lease specials to generate more interest in slow-selling models. Special offers are even available on popular models such as Mercedes and Audi. But if you’re prepared to look outside the box or waiting until a good deal comes along then you could benefit from some significant savings. Using a broker for your lease car will ensure you can shop the whole marketplace for these deals for you.

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How to maintain an electric car

What is “Fair Wear and Tear”?

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One of the most important aspects of leasing a car is looking after it. When you first receive your car, you should be given a copy of the BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Guide, if that be from your broker or the leasing company itself.

The BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Guide is the industry standard of which your car will be judged on when you return it to the finance house at the end of your agreement.
But, what is ‘Fair Wear and Tear’?

In this article, we are going to look at what counts as fair wear and tear, what happens if you incur charges and how to dispute them.

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picture taken from the inside on a car focusing on the sat nav on dashboard

How useful are Sat Navs? Waste of time or essential driving companion?

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How useful are Sat Navs? Waste of time or essential driving companion?
76% of UK drivers own a Sat Nav. Whether it’s on their smart phone, one of the stand alone devices that attach to the windscreen or a fancy inbuilt navigation system. They have become ingrained into modern driving and have given confidence to more people to take to the roads on longer journeys in their cars. A staple for business drivers too, the SatNav is not without its fans. But how often do we actually use our SatNav? Are they really useful or do they cause more trouble than they are worth? Does our reliance on Sat Nav mean that we can no longer navigate ourselves or read maps? Do we spend less time looking at road signs as a result of Sat Nav usage? In this article, we’ll investigate how useful are sat navs and discuss whether they are a waste of time or an essential driving companion.
Are Sat Navs a waste of time?
Sat Navs aren’t famed for always giving the right directions. Reports of these devices taking motorists the wrong way down a one-way street or directing drivers into marinas are all over the web. You might not have experienced this first hand. But you will have almost certainly seen what it’s like when ‘Sat Nav Goes Sour’. Putting your Sat Nav on you’re filled with hope that this piece of technology will guide you home. The frequent reality is that it’s taken you on a wild goose chase and the journey has taken far longer than it should. Motorists waste an average of 29 hours every year following bad Sat Nav directions. If you think about all the times this has happened to you it doesn’t seem too inaccurate.

When they work they are a fantastic time saver and some can even help you to avoid traffic jams.

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Most common reasons your car could fail its MOT and top pre-MOT checks

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So you’ve booked your car in for a MOT. In the lead up to D-Day, the heat is on and your brain starts going into overtime wondering what it could possibly fail on. Every journey you take you start to hear new noises. Was that rattle there before? The paranoia sets in and before you know it you’re researching payday loans to cover the imaginary bill. Don’t panic. The chances are your car will pass and if it doesn’t, it’s unlikely it will fail on several counts. In fact, over 50% of MOT’s fail on minor issues with bulbs, windscreens and tyres. In this article, we’ll go through the most common reasons your car could fail its MOT. We’ll also help you be more prepared for your MOT with a handy guide to Pre-MOT checks.

What is a MOT Test for?
A MOT is a means of testing a vehicle and its features for safety. A MOT doesn’t provide a guarantee that a car will be safe to drive for the next 12 months. But what it does do is provide a review of four significant safety systems: brakes, steering, suspension and tyres. If, during the MOT these areas do not meet the standards set then the car will fail the MOT.

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woman getting her car serviced

What is an MOT and servicing?

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When you get a car, regardless of whether you lease or buy, you have to get it MOT’d and serviced.

These happen at set intervals and yes, they do cost money. However, they are extremely beneficial and in the case of an MOT, a legal requirement.

But what is actually involved in an MOT and a Service?

In this article, we look at everything to do with MOT’s and Servicing including what they involve and how much they will cost.

What is an MOT and servicing? Read More »

Original Ford - cars through the years

Manufacturers and their cars through the years

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You’ll have heard the phrase ‘They don’t make them like they used too”. Or “Nothing is built to last these days”. Usually uttered by the older generation in relation to things like microwaves. But from cars to hoovers to fridges, nothing is made like it was in yesteryear. There’s a good reason for that. Despite the conspiracy theories that everything we buy is micro chipped to malfunction almost immediately outside of warranty. I’m not joking. My mum for one is a firm believer of this.

The actual reason things aren’t made the way they used to be, is simply that technology has evolved. Machines have become more advanced and this has opened up additional opportunities for manufacturers the world over.

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two men shaking hands after car deal - who are the bvrla

Should I do a Business Lease or a Personal Lease?

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Nowadays, leasing is not just for businesses but also for private individuals and they work along the same lines with the same concept.

However, when looking at leasing deals, you may have noticed a significant difference between business and private leasing costs. There are some deals that are cheaper on business contract hire than they are on personal contract hire. And you may be wondering why.

In this article, we look at the different types of lease contracts for business and personal, and why business leasing is cheaper than personal leasing.

Should I do a Business Lease or a Personal Lease? Read More »