Learning Centre

If you’re unsure about anything motoring, whether it’s what happens once you’ve placed your order, or where does vehicle tax go when you’ve paid it, then you’re in the right place. We have articles on everything you could want to know about leasing, buying and owning a car. Our learning centre is full of answers to the questions you want to ask when it comes to your car.
Young couple is smiling while buying a car, middle aged worker of a motor show is giving keys, close-up

There’s always someone who will do it cheaper: Why OSV aren’t the cheapest vehicle broker

There is always someone who will do it cheaper, that’s often what people say, right? Despite how much searching and research you do, there will always be someone who finds the same thing but for a better price. At OSV, we know that we aren’t the cheapest vehicle broker. This is a fact that we do not try to hide. We do promise that we are going to try and find the best deal for you, but sometimes this doesn’t always mean the cheapest deal. Because we believe that sometimes, the cheapest deal is not always the best deal. And in this article, we are going to try and explain why we believe that, and why OSV aren’t the cheapest broker.

There’s always someone who will do it cheaper: Why OSV aren’t the cheapest vehicle broker Read More »

Employees shaking hands celebrating rewards

How to write a company car policy

If you are a business and you are providing an employee with a company car, or several employees with a fleet of company cars, then you will have to write a company car policy. This is essentially where you set out the rules that your employees have to abide by when they are driving their company car. But, how do you even go about writing a company car policy? That’s where we come in. In this article, we are going to talk about how to write a company car policy and what you sort of things you should be thinking about when you give your employees a company car.

How to write a company car policy Read More »

Red Maserati 3200 GT parked outside a manor house

A brief history of Maserati

Maserati are one of the most well-known brands in the world, and one of the most luxurious. Synonymous with luxury and style, the Maserati tagline is “Luxury, sports and style cast in exclusive cars”, and they are exclusive. Their emblem is a trident, particularly fitting for such a strong luxury sports manufacturer, and a homage to the company’s home city. So where did it all begin? How did Maserati become the status symbol it is today? We look at the interesting history of Maserati, from the Maserati brothers to FCA.

A brief history of Maserati Read More »

Yellow DS7 Crossback parked at Westfield shopping centre

A brief history of DS

DS haven’t been around for that long, and in the grand scheme of the automobile industry, they were basically born yesterday.

Interestingly, though, there are two DS brands, one is the premium brand of Groupe PSA and the other is the historical Citroen DS. Though the two aren’t the same, they are linked.
So how did Citroen DS become DS?

In this article, we look at the history of DS, from the historical brand to the present day.

A brief history of DS Read More »

BMW 335 parked on a cobbled street with buildings behind it

A brief history of BMW

BMW are one of the most well-known, established car brands in the world. Producing both executive and city cars alike, BMW have a rich and interesting history. In fact, BMW started as three other manufacturing companies. So how did it become the prestigious car brand we know and love today? In this article, we look at the history of BMW, from its founding to the present day.

A brief history of BMW Read More »

The Nissan Micra Hatchback - Best Fleet Cars of 2017

Best Fleet Cars 2017

If you are a business, you might be considering getting vehicles for your employees, otherwise known as a fleet of cars. There are loads of benefits of getting a fleet of cars for your business and there are lots of ways to go about getting a fleet of cars. But where do you start? The best place to start is to look at which cars you are going to get. Once you know which vehicles you want in your fleet, you will be able to move onto the next steps. So which fleet cars are the best? In this article, we look at the best fleet cars of 2017, the benefits of fleet leasing and how it works.

Best Fleet Cars 2017 Read More »

Aston Martin DB5 in white parked outside a manor house on a driveway

A brief history of Aston Martin

Aston Martin are one of the most luxurious car manufacturers in the world. Synonymous with style, luxury and James Bond, Aston Martin are one of the most well-known brands in the world. However, despite its huge success, it has seen some troubled times.

So where did it all begin?

In this article, we look at the history of Aston Martin, from its founding to James Bond.

A brief history of Aston Martin Read More »

Silver metal cogs with 'leasing' written on them

How do car leasing companies work?

When you are looking at leasing a car, or perhaps even buying a car, you may have come across some leasing companies. As leasing became more popular, so did leasing companies. And now, there are lots of different leasing companies to choose from. However, while leasing companies are very popular, many still don’t quite know what they are, how they work, and what makes them different from dealerships. That’s where we come in. OSV have been trading since 1997, and over that time we have seen leasing companies come and go. We have also learnt that transparency is key, and being completely honest with our customers has meant we have customers who return to us year on year. So in this article, we are going to tell you exactly how car leasing companies work, how they make their money and how they differ from a dealership. We are also going to give you some tips on how to find the best car leasing company for you.

How do car leasing companies work? Read More »

outside the OSV Office in the sun

Problems OSV solve

At OSV, we value transparency and honesty when it comes to our customers. We don’t like to leave you in the dark, and we want you to know everything there is to know about vehicle leasing so you don’t end up with a vehicle that is not right for you. Which is why we’ve written all these articles, to educate you and to help you make the right decision.

However, one thing we don’t really talk about much, is OSV. Very rarely do we discuss what we do, and what part we play in your buying journey should you choose to get your vehicle through us.

So in this article, we are going to look at the problems OSV solve and discuss the process you would go through should you choose to get your vehicle through OSV.

Problems OSV solve Read More »

man in a blue polo shirt and blue jeans standing in front of a silver mid sized van smiling

Leasing Options for Fleet Management

If you are a business, you might be considering leasing several vehicles. This is otherwise known as fleet leasing, and is a hugely popular option for many businesses. Leasing has become hugely popular as of late, and is one of the most popular ways of getting a vehicle or a fleet of vehicles for your business. So what leasing options are there? In this article, we look at the leasing options for fleet management, how fleet leasing works and some of the advantages of fleet leasing.

Leasing Options for Fleet Management Read More »

businessman in car

What are the benefits of fleet leasing?

Some define a fleet as a large number of vehicles. However, at OSV, we treat our fleet customers the same regardless of whether you are looking at a fleet of two or two hundred. When a business has a fleet of vehicles, the chances are that they lease them. This is because there aren’t many businesses that can afford to purchase several vehicles outright every few years. So fleet leasing is extremely popular. There are also a huge amount of benefits to fleet leasing that make it even more appealing for businesses than simply freeing up cash. In this article…

What are the benefits of fleet leasing? Read More »

family in a car smiling with man wearing a denim shirt and sunglasses

Top 5 problems with Personal Leasing

Car leasing has been around for some time now, since the 1990s. However, at that time, it was only really available for business owners who wanted a fleet of company cars. Now, however, leasing for private individuals has become more popular, and is now one of the most popular way of getting a new car. Personal leasing is on the rise, which has led to an increase in people asking about the concept of leasing and what it entails. One of the questions many people ask is ‘what’s the problem with car leasing?’ There aren’t that many problems with personal leasing, which is why it is so popular. It works for pretty much anyone. However, that’s not to say there aren’t a few problems that you should be aware of…

Top 5 problems with Personal Leasing Read More »

porsche

Vehicle Leasing for Dummies

Vehicle leasing has been around for some time now, and was originally introduced to the United Kingdom back in the 1990s. While it has been popular for a while with businesses, it is the rise in personal leasing that has set tongues wagging and people Googling. Personal leasing has taken off as of late, and is currently one of the most popular ways to get a new car.

Vehicle Leasing for Dummies Read More »

delivery man in a van with boxes on the passenger seat wearing a blue uniform and a blue cap

Business leasing for dummies

Business leasing has been around since the 1990s, and has since grown hugely in popularity. In fact, it is one of the most popular ways of getting a new car for your business, with Contract Hire being one of the most popular finance agreements out there. But, how does it all work? What leasing options are there for your business? And, how do you go about getting a business lease? In this article, we look at everything you need to know about business leasing including what it is, how it works, and whether it is right for you.

Business leasing for dummies Read More »

lady in black turtleneck with blonde hair up in a ponytail works something out on her phone and laptop

How are car lease payments determined?

When you are researching lease deals, you are undoubtedly looking at the price. And this is understandable, the price is hugely important when looking at lease deals, and is often the most important thing people look for when choosing which lease deal to go for. On the surface, some lease deals look the same but they are vastly different in price. This can often be confusing, and it begs the question; how are car lease payments determined? The chances are, the lease deals are actually different but don’t look different at first glance. At OSV, we pride ourselves on our transparency and think that it is only fair that you know how car lease prices are calculated. In this article, we are going to look at how car lease payments are determined, and what affects lease prices.

How are car lease payments determined? Read More »

Confident young female looking at her laptop in a coffee shop

Car leasing problems

Car leasing is a very popular way to get a new car, and is actually one of them ost common for businesses and private individuals. There are a great number of positives but, as with everything, it’s not for everyone. It’s important that you know the ins and outs of leasing before you can decide if leasing a car is for you. In this article, we are going to look over some of the problems with car leasing, how they are solved, and whether leasing is right for you.

Car leasing problems Read More »

smart business man looking concerned with his and up to his face isolated on a white background

Should I buy or renew my lease agreement?

When you are approaching the end of your lease agreement, you will inevitably be thinking about your options.

Of course, you can hand your car back, as is the case with many lease agreements. However, some may be considering renewing their lease contract or even buying their lease car.

In this article, we will be looking at whether you should buy your lease car or renew your lease agreement at the end of the contract, how it can be done and whether it is right for you.

Should I buy or renew my lease agreement? Read More »

Young couple with car dealer in auto salon

What Leasing a Car Means

Car leasing has become extremely popular as of late, with Contract Hire being one of the fastest growing finance schemes in the country. Although car leasing has become more popular, there are many who still do not know much about car leasing, what it entails, or what car leasing even means. So in this article, we are going to talk about what leasing a car means, the pros and cons of leasing, and whether it is right for you.

What Leasing a Car Means Read More »

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Top 5 concerns when leasing a van

Leasing a van can feel like a bit of a minefield. Luckily, we’re here to help! There are many factors to take into consideration and so many options that you can choose. Everyone has a unique circumstance and so this is the core reason so many options are available. With so much choice there is bound to be a lease van agreement to suit you. There are different types of Lease agreements that you can choose from as well as different payment plans. Each financial provider offers different variants so it is worthwhile using a leasing broker or checking out a few a providers before making your decision.

Top 5 concerns when leasing a van Read More »

Woman looking at her computer deciding what to do end of lease agreement.

What should I consider when approaching the end of my lease agreement?

You’ve had your car for a few years, and now you are approaching the end of your lease agreement. What are your next steps? There are a few things to consider when approaching the end of your lease agreement, and it’s important that you consider these things thoroughly, and in plenty of time for your lease contract to end.

What should I consider when approaching the end of my lease agreement? Read More »

Visiting car dealership. Men are shaking hands while signing documents

Which is better? Leasing or financing?

If you are looking at getting a new car, you might be wondering which is better; leasing or financing. Financing your car is a more traditional way of getting a new car, but leasing has become increasingly more popular and is a very viable option for many. So in this article, we are going to look at both leasing and financing for new cars, weigh up the pros and cons and try to decide which one is better.

Which is better? Leasing or financing? Read More »

Kids driving car

Car Leasing for Young Drivers

If you are looking for a new car, you might be looking at leasing. Leasing has become increasingly popular over the years, and it’s understandable why. It is also understandable why you, as a young driver, would be attracted to the idea of leasing. After all, you can get a brand new car for low monthly payments, what’s not to like about it? However, car leasing for young drivers is not as easy as it looks. That’s not to say it’s impossible, but there are some things that you should consider first. In this article, we look at car leasing for young drivers including whether you can lease, how to get car finance and whether you should look at using a guarantor.

Car Leasing for Young Drivers Read More »

What are my options at the end of my lease agreement?

About six months before the end of your lease agreement, you should be looking at your next steps. There are a few options at the end of your lease agreement, and each option is suited to different people and situations. In this article, we are going to look at the options you have at the end of your lease contract, and how to go about them.

What are my options at the end of my lease agreement? Read More »

Couple looking and smiling at white car.

When should I start looking for my next vehicle?

As you are approaching the end of your lease contract, you might be wondering when it is time for you to start looking for your next vehicle. On average, according to AutoTrader, it takes 14.4 hours to get a new car. Of course, this isn’t all in one go, this is staggered over a period of time. But when you choose to start that journey is up to you…

When should I start looking for my next vehicle? Read More »

Young couple talking to sales guy about purchasing their new vehicle.

What is the process of leasing my next vehicle?

If you are coming up to the end of your lease contract, you might be wondering what your next steps are. Getting a new car is an important decision and there is a process involved. In this article, we are going to look at the process of leasing your next vehicle, what things you should consider, and how long the process will take.

What is the process of leasing my next vehicle? Read More »

metallic red nissan e-nv200 combi estate isolated on a white background

Nissan e-NV200 Combi Estate vs Ford Transit Courier Combi vs Fiat 500L MPW: Review & Comparisons

Fancy driving a seven-seater without paying road tax or doing any damage to the oZone?
The new Nissan e-NV200 Combi Estate is the only fully-electric car of its type on sale at the moment. For green-minded buyers who need up to seven seats, lots of space and practicality, it’s worth having this on your shortlist.
Its great advantage is that it’s borrowed tech from the already tried and trusted EV star, the Nissan Leaf. It’s also based on the Nissan e-Nv200 van, which means it’s robust enough to deal with everything seven people can chuck at it.

Nissan e-NV200 Combi Estate vs Ford Transit Courier Combi vs Fiat 500L MPW: Review & Comparisons Read More »

Gentleman on phone in car dealership

When should I start looking for my new vehicle? What are the lead times?

Depending on which finance scheme you choose, when you have a lease car, you may have to give it back at the end of the contract, that’s how leasing works. Which means that, at some point during your contract, you will have to start looking for a new vehicle.

But, when should you start looking for a new vehicle?

In this article, we look at when you should start looking for a new vehicle, what lead times are and how long the process can take. We also look at what happens when your old car goes back, so you are fully prepared when the time comes.

When should I start looking for my new vehicle? What are the lead times? Read More »

blond women talking on the phone via Bluetooth headset whilst driving

Why is business leasing cheaper?

While you have been looking at leasing deals, you may have noticed that business leasing can often be cheaper than other lease contracts.

But, why is business leasing cheaper?

We pride ourselves on our transparency and openness at OSV, and we think you deserve to know exactly why business leasing can be cheaper than other types of leasing, how it works and what it could mean for you and your business.

Why is business leasing cheaper? Read More »

Mitsubishi Shogun Diesel Station Wagon vs Jeep Grand Cherokee S vs Ford Escape: Review & Comparisons

The new Mitsubishi Shogun Diesel Wagon is an assured-looking vehicle that’s strong, spacious, tenacious and unbeatable off-road. Not only is Mitsubishi’s awesome reliability record in evidence yet again, this is also a car that won’t let you down in bad conditions.
There is, of course, a price to pay for such a rough and ready car. It’s not exactly the most sophisticated to drive on tarmac, and its functional interior displays a few harder plastics. But if its off-road credentials you’re looking for, this warrior should be a must on your shortlist.

Mitsubishi Shogun Diesel Station Wagon vs Jeep Grand Cherokee S vs Ford Escape: Review & Comparisons Read More »

man in a checked shirt with glasses and a beard on the phone

The most common problems with financing your car

Getting your new car through finance is a hugely popular way of doing it and has become increasingly popular over the past few years.

Generally, financing your car is very simple, and at OSV, we try and make the process as smooth as possible for you.

However, sometimes you can run into problems. While it happens rarely, it does happen, and we think it’s important that you are aware of these problems before you make a decision.

So in this article, we are going to look at the most common problems with financing your car, and how to solve them.

The most common problems with financing your car Read More »

metallic blue mini countryman hatchback parked on grassy and rocky hills with the sea in the background

MINI Countryman Hatchback vs Honda CRV vs Audi Q2: Review & Comparisons

The brand new MINI Countryman Hatchback packs everything we know and love about a MINI into a compact and robust body style – good looks, a keen sense of fun, and economic engines. There is plenty of space, while a roomy boot is a huge bonus.
As far as family cars go, they don’t come much more entertaining than this one. Although it’s never going to be held in high esteem by MINI purists who never thought they’d live to see such a useable MINI, it will strike a chord with buyers who love MINIs but who need something for all the family.

MINI Countryman Hatchback vs Honda CRV vs Audi Q2: Review & Comparisons Read More »

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

Who is my point of contact for order, documents, time scales, and delivery?

When you lease a car, there is a process involved. There are order forms to complete, documents to go through, and of course the delivery process.

There may be some vehicle brokers who are happy to leave you at the point of order, and not contact you until your vehicle is ready to be delivered.

Luckily,OSV is not one of them. We pride ourselves on our transparency and our customer service. And, we think it’s vitally important that you know what happens at each stage of the process and that you are able to contact us at each of those stages should you have any queries or problems.

So in this article, we are going to look at your point of contact for;

Order
Documents
Time Scales
Delivery

And tell you a little bit about each process. Hopefully this article will then put your mind at ease, and also educate you on who best to contact, should you need us for anything.

Who is my point of contact for order, documents, time scales, and delivery? Read More »

women talking on the phone whilst on a laptop - safety features to look for

Do I have a cooling off period before I can receive my vehicle?

When you make a big purchase, you will often have something called a ‘cooling off period’. This is where you have a certain amount of time to change your mind about your purchase. This doesn’t have to be a purchase, though it is most seen when making a purchase, but can also be a service that you have arranged.

We get asked about cooling off periods from time to time, and the main question we get asked at OSV is ‘do I have a cooling off period before I can receive my vehicle?’. Cooling off period and your rights as a customer can be quite complicated, so we thought it best to write our answer down.

In this article, we explore whether you have a cooling off period, what the cooling off period means and your rights as a customer.

Do I have a cooling off period before I can receive my vehicle? Read More »

cruise control indicator on a car

What safety systems are found in cars?

Cars these days are safer than ever. Volvo have even pledged to eliminate all death and serious injury in new Volvo cars by 2020. An impressive and massive promise to make, but one that we think they will be able to manage.

And Volvo aren’t the only ones improving safety in their cars, car brands are constantly improving safety in our cars.

So what sort of safety systems feature in our cars these days?

In this article, we are going to look at what safety systems you might see in the latest models, how they work, and what safety features you should look out for in a new car.

What safety systems are found in cars? Read More »

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

What potential delays could I experience when leasing a car?

When you lease a car, you want it to be a smooth process. We do too. But, like everything, delays can happen.

Some of these delays are unavoidable, and are out of our hands and yours. However, there are some delays that can be avoided.

In this article, we are going to go through some of the delays you might experience when leasing a car, and how you can help avoid delays throughout the process.

What potential delays could I experience when leasing a car? Read More »

Audi Grill with Audi Logo

Crazy facts about Audi

Audi are a luxury car manufacturer that’s been producing some of the most forward thinking and technically advanced vehicles on the market for more than 100 years. Based in Germany their headquarters are responsible for producing a range to the UK market comprising of 50 different models of car. All Audi cars feature state-of-the-art technology and world-class quality from a proud German manufactured engine. Audi are not only famed for producing road cars, but they have a strong and successful history in racing too.

Crazy facts about Audi Read More »

Rental Agreements papers with car keys and a pen

Choosing the right leasing broker: 7 vital questions you should ask

If you’ve made the excellent decision to lease your next vehicle then you will have already evaluated the pros and cons of leasing vs buying and investigating cost savings long term and up front. Plus, the time saved not having to sell the vehicle when you want a new car. If you want to double check the pros and cons of leasing vs buying your next car take a look at this article.

Choosing the right leasing broker: 7 vital questions you should ask Read More »

The most reliable cars in the UK

When shopping for a new car you might be looking for a number of things in your new set of wheels. Maybe you need space for the whole family or your tools for work. Perhaps the MPG or fuel economy is essential? Maybe you’d like to go green and are looking for an electric vehicle? Whatever your priority in a new vehicle we can all agree that one thing is more important than anything else. Reliability. There’s no sense in having a new car that ticks all the boxes but is unreliable and doesn’t start when you need it most.
Some cars are famed for their reliability and in this article, we’ll take you through the most reliable cars on the market in the UK today.

The most reliable cars in the UK Read More »

Brown and black leather seats

Which vehicles have the most legroom?

If you’ve ever been cramped in a car, plane, train, bus on a long journey with your knees by your ears then you must definitely be aware of the importance of sufficient legroom in the vehicle you are travelling.

For anyone not aware of the term, legroom is basically the ‘space in which a seated person can put their legs.’ It’s not your imagination, with the passing of time, the space allocated as legroom is gradually sinking and measuring it is not as easy as it looks. In fact, it is now treated to be one of the most complex automotive measurements. This is mainly because the method of measuring it is quite controversial. It is still not confirmed whether we should measure it with the front seats all the way back or all the way forward.

Which vehicles have the most legroom? Read More »

Blue Audi A3 Saloon off road with mountains in the background

Best Vehicles for Personal Leasing

Personal leasing is a great way of getting a new car and is becoming increasingly popular in the past few years. But as with anything, you want to make sure that you are getting the best deal you can. And, you may be wondering which cars are better for personal leasing. That’s where we come in. In this article, we look at the best vehicles for personal leasing, and what you should be looking out for when looking at lease deals online.

Best Vehicles for Personal Leasing Read More »