When you purchase or lease a new vehicle you also benefit from a manufacturer’s warranty. Not all warranties are the same, so what is covered and what isn’t? In this article we take a look at the finer details (not the small print) of manufacturers’ warranties.
What is covered by a manufacturer’s warranty? Read More »
When you get a new car you have the responsibility for maintaining, servicing and repairing it. This can bring with it unexpected costs that stretch your budget. In this article we look at who is responsible for ensuring that your lease vehicle is maintained for the duration of the agreement.
Who’s responsible for lease car repairs Read More »
If you’re thinking about getting a new vehicle on a lease it’s important to know what is included inyour monthly payments. In this article we take a look at everything that is included in the price of the agreement and everything that isn’t.
What’s included in a vehicle lease? Read More »
Ensuring that your vehicle (if it’s 3 years old or more) has a valid MOT is a legal requirement. A service is a voluntary check that, as a broker, we would recommend you have regularly to ensure that any issues with your vehicle are resolved before you are presented with a very high bill. So, are they actually different?
What’s the difference between an MOT and a service? Read More »
Leasing a new vehicle is a huge investment, both in time and money. So when you are told about admin fees it can feel as though it’s just another thing for you to pay out for. So, what are admin fees? What do they cover? Where do they go? In this article we take a look at all the reasons why it’s worth paying to get a better, more reliable service from your Vehicle Broker.
What do admin fees pay for? Read More »
So, which one is better when it comes to getting you the best deal on a new vehicle? A broker or a dealership? In this article we look at the pros and cons of both and help you to decide which one is the best route for you.
Dealer vs car broker – what’s the difference? Read More »
If you’re thinking about getting a new car and wondering whether a new lease or a used one will be better for you, we have put together this article that highlights the differences between leasing new and used and which is going to be better for your bank balance in the long run.
Should I lease a new or used vehicle? Read More »
Things are in upheaval right now across almost every industry. If you have a car on order, or are looking for a new vehicle, you’ll likely want to know what’s happening in the motoring industry. In this article we have the rundown of the current state of affairs.
The motoring industry: What’s happening during the Covid-19 pandemic? Read More »
If you’re approaching the end of your current lease contract, you may be wondering ‘can my lease be extended?’ You’re not alone. Many people find that there is a period between one contract ending and another starting, and they don’t want to be without a car. Or, perhaps they’re just not ready to part ways with their trusty four wheels just yet. Whatever the reasons, there are certain ways to extend the lease contract on a car.
Can I extend my car lease? Read More »
If you’ve got a car on order and you’ve already been informed about delays to your delivery it’s going to be frustrating. We’ve put together an article explaining what’s happening behind the scenes and offering a few suggestions for solutions if your lease is about to end and you need a vehicle quickly.
The current global situation – What’s going to happen to my vehicle order? Read More »
The Covid-19 crisis has affected every single country in the world. While some are well on the road to recovery, others are still in lockdown. So, what does this mean if you’re looking for a new car? With many factories closed it can be difficult. We’re here to answer your questions.
The motoring industry and the current global situation Read More »
When you buy a car what’s the first thing you think about? Is it the mileage, the car safety rating, the extras, the colour? Or do you think about where the car was made and how it’s going to get to your front door?
Where’s my new car coming from? Read More »
The Road Tax changes for 2020 might seem confusing, as there don’t appear to be any increases in cost. However, if you are registering your vehicle with the DVLA for the first time, there will be a difference in cost if you wait until after April 6th, 2020. Vehicles are now being tested using the more realistic WLTP and this has signalled a change in the band that your vehicle will be placed in for first year VED. So, if you have any questions, we’ve got the answers. Read our detailed article to find out more.
Road Tax – what are the changes in 2020? Read More »
You have your lease car for quite a while. It may not seem that 1-5 years is any time at all in the scheme of things, but over that time you will do a lot of driving. It’s possible that during the time you have the vehicle you may end up damaging it because accidents do happen.
What happens if I damage my lease car? Read More »
Car leasing isn’t for everyone, in the same way that not everyone wants to purchase their car. That said, there are huge benefits to both but it all depends on what you want out of your car and what suits your situation the best.
What are the positives and negatives of car leasing? Read More »
When looking at your finance options, you might want to consider hire purchase.
Hire purchase isn’t a lease, it’s a finance agreement.
But what is hire purchase?
In this article, we look at what hire purchase is, its pros and cons, and whether hire purchase is right for you.
What is Hire Purchase? Read More »
When looking at different finance agreements, it’s important you know how the price of each is calculated. This will help you make an informed decision as to which finance agreement is right for you, and gives you complete transparency, so you know exactly what you are paying for.
We think this is a really important aspect of your journey as a buyer, and it’s vital that you fully understand where your money is going.
So, in this article, we’ll look at how the cost of a hire purchase is calculated, and what sort of things affect it. A hire purchase, as it’s a finance agreement, is calculated differently to a lease contract like a contract hire, for example…
How is the price of a Hire Purchase calculated? Read More »
One of the biggest decisions you will make when it comes to choosing a new car is what sort of finance agreement you are going to get. We often get asked to explain the differences between personal contract purchase and personal contract hire as they are quite similar. However, there are some key differences that could be the decider in which agreement is best for you.
Personal Contract Purchase vs. Personal Contract Hire Read More »
Guaranteed Minimum Future Value (sometimes also referred to as the GMFV, Optional Final Payment or Balloon Payment) is the amount that a car or van will be worth at the end of your contract term as calculated by your finance company.
What is Guaranteed Minimum Future Value? Read More »
You can’t get much more British than a Land Rover or a Range Rover. The two have been on our roads for decades and still continue to be an incredibly popular brand, particularly after the release of the Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport. However, their image of off-road ruggedness is damaged somewhat by constant reports of their reliability. But are they really as unreliable as reports suggest? In this article, we look at whether Land Rover and Range Rover are unreliable, and the most reliable and unreliable models. It should be noted that as the brand is Land Rover, we will mainly be referring to Land Rover but we do mean it as a generalisation and Range Rover is also included…
How reliable is Land Rover? Read More »
If we’re being honest, there isn’t actually any way you can 100% guarantee car finance. However, this isn’t an article filled with doom and gloom because there are ways that you can increase your chances of getting a car finance application approved. In this article we look at the ways you can improve your chances, if you are a student, on benefits or have a low income.
Can I guarantee I get car finance? Read More »
Are you going on a road trip this year? Perhaps you’re visiting family or friends, or just getting away for a holiday? Whatever it is, in this article we’ve put together some of our top tips for a safe and enjoyable trip. Whether you’re going alone and need to avoid the stress of traffic jams, or with the family and you need to keep the children amused so there isn’t a riot in the back seat.
So, you want to lease a car. The problem is you have a less than perfect credit score. Maybe you’ve paid one or two bills a bit late, which has resulted in a low credit rating and it feels like you’re never going to get the car you want or need. However, this isn’t always the case. There could be a chance that you can still lease a car.
In this article we look at the things that can affect your credit score and the ways you can still lease a car if your credit score is less than ideal.
Can I lease a car if I have bad credit? Read More »
So, you’ve just ordered a brand new lease car and you’re eyeing the private plate on your current vehicle – or you’ve found one you’d really like. Is it possible for you to put the plate on the vehicle you’ve just ordered?
In this article we answer the question “Can I put a private plate on my lease vehicle”, what the process is and also how you can buy a new plate. We also talk about insuring your private plate so that if your car was stolen, lost or written off you’re aware of what happens next…
Can I have a private plate on my lease car? Read More »
Company cars have always been popular. They can be a great incentive to staff and prove a good way to attract the best candidates to work at your company.
But the changes occurring to tax benefits may have many questioning whether it’s still worth having a company car. In this article, we look at whether a company car is still worth it, and what the alternatives are.
Is it worth having a company car? Read More »
If you’re having difficulty getting approved for car finance, then you might want to consider using a guarantor. But, what exactly is a guarantor? And, how do they help you get car finance? Using a guarantor is not a new concept nor is it uncommon for things such as mortgages. It is more uncommon to be used when it comes to car leasing. But, it can be advantageous and is definitely something you should consider. In this article, we look at what a guarantor is, and how they can help you get approved for car finance.
Can I get car finance with a Guarantor? Read More »
If you find yourself in the unenviable position of having lost your job then it’s possible you will find that you are no longer able to keep up the repayments on your lease vehicle. It can be incredibly stressful if you do find yourself in this situation and it’s easy for panic to take over. In this article we talk about some of the options that are open to you if you do find yourself in financial difficulty.
What happens if I can’t make my car repayments? Read More »
Is Business Contract Hire cheaper than Personal Contract Hire? The question is a completely valid one, of course, because everyone wants to get the best deal they can. If you have the option of leasing a car through a business then you will definitely want to know if that is the cheaper option. In this article we will look at the main differences between Business and Personal Contract Hire, as well as the pros and cons of both options, so that you are well-informed before you make a decision.
Why is Business Contract Hire cheaper than Personal? Read More »
You can hand your lease car back and terminate your lease contract at any time. However, as with any financial contract, there will be a penalty for doing so. The penalty for terminating your lease contract early will depend on a number of factors. Primarily it will depend on how long is left on the lease contract. In this article, we’ll take you through the process for each lease type and what financial penalties you could expect to pay.
Can I hand my lease car back early? Read More »
What is the approval process of getting car finance?
Getting finance for your new car purchase can be a daunting prospect. Especially if you are unsure if you will be accepted. Take the worry out of getting approved. In this guide, we will take you through the entire process of getting approved for car finance.
What is the approval process for getting car finance? Read More »
So, you’ve decided that you’re going to get a lease car. Now you’re looking at the other outgoings you’ll need to consider, including insurance. We often get asked whether insurance is included in a lease contract, so here we hope we’ve given you all the answers you could possibly need, and maybe give you some information you haven’t thought about.
Is insurance provided when I get a lease car? Read More »
Do you know who the Registered Keeper of your vehicle is? Chances are, if you have a lease car then this is a question you will need the answer to, especially if you’re looking to get a new parking permit, or are going through the process of sorting out your vehicle insurance.
Did you know that the Registered Keeper can differ, depending on what type of lease you have opted to use to get your new vehicle? In this article we set out to answer all the questions you might have about
Who is the Registered Keeper of a lease car? Read More »
You’ve got your new car, and you want to check something on the DVLA. Maybe you want to check when your car tax is due, or you just want to have a look to make sure it’s on there. But, it’s not. You can’t find your car on the DVLA. There are a few reasons why this might be the case, In this article we talk more about what the reasons may be, and what you can do to change it.
Why is my car not showing on the DVLA database? Read More »
Registering a leased vehicle with the DVLA is a legal requirement. The DVLA stands for Driver Vehicle Licencing Agency. The DVLA is a huge database containing information on every car in the UK. This includes vehicles that are no longer on the road. The information the DVLA keep includes the car specifications such as make, model and colour. Alongside the contact information of the registered owner and registered keeper of the car. We get asked a variety of questions about registering leased vehicles, but the most common is whether the responsibility of registering a leased vehicle lies with the lease company or the driver.
Who is responsible for registering a leased vehicle with the DVLA? Read More »
German engineering has long been associated with well-built and reliable cars. However, Volkswagen reliability is something that many people are in two minds about. So, how does the people’s car perform when it comes to reliability? We know that the cars are well-built and they have some of the most popular vehicles on the market today, but are they reliable? In the latest article in our updated reliability series we answer all the questions about many of the popular models that the well-known German brand produce.
Is Volkswagen reliable? An impartial look at the German brand Read More »
When you’re looking for a new car, one of the most important things to look at is the car’s reliability.
One manufacturer that often crops up in the reliability debate is Mercedes-Benz. While the brand is certainly prestigious, its reliability has been thrown into question several times.
In this article we look at several of Mercedes’ more popular ranges and analyse their reliability, hopefully answering some of the pressing questions you may have if you are looking to purchase or lease a new Mercedes.
Is Mercedes-Benz reliable? An impartial look at the luxury brand’s reliability Read More »
Weather is getting more extreme. We can’t deny this, it’s been happening for quite a few years now. Our winters are getting wetter and colder, our summers breaking heat records year on year, and that’s just the UK.
Because our weather is getting more extreme, we need to adjust. Whether that means you invest in an air conditioning system for your bedroom or consider triple glazing, we all need to adjust to this extreme weather.
But, we also need to make sure we adjust how we drive. Your driving should vary depending on the weather, and as the weather gets more extreme you will need to know how to navigate the roads safely.
So in this article, we are going to talk about how to drive safely in each extreme weather condition, including the extreme heat and cold, as well as rain and snow.
Safety tips for driving in extreme weather Read More »
Winter has descended upon us, and quite quickly. Snow has already been and gone, and so has the shortest day of the year. However, while it might seem like it has already been winter for a long time, we still have a way to go before the leaves start reappearing on the trees and the birds start singing again. In the winter months, it’s important to keep safe when out on the road. So in this article…
Keeping safe on the roads in winter Read More »
Hyundai is the largest motor company in South Korea and the third largest manufacturer worldwide. But how reliable are the vehicles they produce?
In this article we look at the company’s performance and placement in UK reliability surveys and also look closely at a number of the vehicles they produce, including the Tucson and the i10.
So, how reliable is Hyundai?
How reliable is Hyundai? An impartial look at the brand Read More »
Did you know that Jeep became the primary 4-wheel drive vehicle of the United States Army and the Allies during World War 2? Civilian models were then produced in 1945. Since then, Jeep have become renowned for their off-road SUVs, and at one time, pickups.
You would expect that a manufacturer that helped see us to victory in the Second World War would be quite literally bulletproof. Right?
So why are people asking the question; are Jeep reliable?
In this article, we look at whether Jeep are reliable and how this compares to their main rivals.
Is Jeep reliable? An unbiased look at the American classic Read More »
Every year here at OSV, we work with well over 1,000 individuals and businesses in an effort to help them find the right vehicle for their leasing needs. And although we generally can find the right fit for most of our customers, we realise there are occasions when another leasing company may be the better option. In this article we give you a list of some of the companies that have a solid vehicle leasing history in the UK. Please keep in mind there are assuredly companies with a sound reputation that aren’t on this list. Simply put, we can’t include everyone, At OSV we understand that knowledge means better buying decisions.
Top car leasing companies in the UK Read More »
So you’ve ordered your car, now you just have to wait for it to be delivered. The thing is, your vehicle supplier hasn’t actually given you a specific date. We understand that this can be frustrating, you’ve bought something and now you want to know exactly when it will be in your possession; it’s fair enough.
Maybe you have to plan the sale of your current car, or perhaps your existing vehicle may be due to be handed back. Whatever your reasons, it is understandable that you want to have a clear understanding of timeframes.
At OSV, we have had years of experience working with all manufacturers and we understand the complexities and difficulties that can cause delays. Therefore, we have written this article to help you to fully understand how long your car might take to show up, which will enable you to be fully educated and put the right plans in place.
How long will it take for my car to be delivered? Read More »
The London Motor Show, held in 2019 at the ExCeL London was a huge event which attracted over 30,000 visitors in its 4-day run. For the first two days we took some time out to listen to informative panels about the future of electric, women the motor industry and had a chance to see a possible future for James Bond! Of course, it wasn’t all about the panels, we saw stunt shows, supercars and brand new cars from Hyundai, Isuzu and MG. To find out more about what we saw, keep reading.
The London Motor Show – Supercars, Electric Cars, Women in Cars Read More »
Vehicle tax (car tax) or Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) is something that we all have to pay if we want to drive our cars. The same way you have to pay company car tax if you want to drive a company car.
Like it or loathe it, it’s a necessary part of driving and living here in the UK. But, where does vehicle tax actually go? In this article, we explore where our vehicle tax goes and what exactly it pays for.
Where does Vehicle Tax go? Read More »
Subaru is popular with a core set of buyers. The company’s marketing is targeted specifically to their niche in the market. Subaru owners want the cars because of the drivetrain engine, off-road capabilities and the fact that, in the sports market, they are affordable.
Despite being a very niche market, Subaru has been a strong presence when it comes to customer satisfaction and reliability for some time now. But, how reliable are Subaru? In this article, we look at Subaru’s reliability and the things you should look out for as an owner.
How reliable is Subaru? An honest assessment Read More »
Where do you look when you’re searching for ideas and recommendations on a new car? Do you rely on reviews? Or are you more interested in what friends and family have to say? In this article we look at the various things which influence us when making a large purchase.
What are the deciding factors when buying a new car? Read More »
Just-In-Time is an effective production process used by many car manufacturers in the UK. It relies on component delivery being efficient. With the possibility of a no-deal Brexit still looming will this process be affected if their deliveries are delayed at customs. We take a look at how JIT works…
What is Just-In-Time and how could Brexit affect it? Read More »
Did you know that a new list of things to check have been added to the MOT? Are you aware that learner drivers are now allowed on the motorway during lessons? These are just a few of the changes which have been taking place when it comes to driving over the last few months. Continue reading to find out more.
New driving laws and changes to the MOT could incur unexpected costs Read More »
So, you’re thinking about buying or leasing a new car in the next few months? You know that it’s going to take some time for the car to be assembled how you want, but it’s still only going to be a few weeks, right? What happens if you don’t need your car until May? Is Brexit going to make that much of a difference?
What are the consequences of Brexit for the car industry? Read More »
Technology is everywhere, and our cars are no exception, but despite all the sophisticated new features, seatbelts are considered the first – and best – line of defence against potential harm. With 63% of drivers saying that too much in-car tech can be a dangerous distraction, OSV Ltd wanted to know which tech drivers actually wanted, and which they could live without. In some cases, the answer seems to be ‘most of it’.
