When did car leasing become popular?
In this article we look at the history of the car leasing industry, and when exactly it became popular…
When did car leasing become popular? Read More »
Resources
7 types of customer that aren’t a good fit for a vehicle broker like OSV
In an ideal world, OSV would be the perfect choice for everyone’s car purchasing and leasing needs. However, we know that this is not the case and that there are some people who are not a good fit for us, and we are not a good fit for you.
7 types of customer that aren’t a good fit for a vehicle broker like OSV Read More »
The ultimate guide to Company Car Tax
If you’re considering getting a company car then it’s likely you’ve come across the term Company Car Tax more than once.
Company Car Tax is something that can be quite complicated. In this article we talk about the rules and regulations behind it, including how it’s calculated and we go into some of the things you’ll really want to know including how driving an electric company car may benefit you between 2020 and 2023.
The ultimate guide to Company Car Tax Read More »
What is Vehicle Excise Duty
Vehicle Excise Duty or VED is commonly referred to as Road Tax. A tax levied by the government to drivers which bring the UK government £730 million every year in revenue. Vehicle Excise Duty is collected by the DVLA, the government department that governs drivers on UK roads. Updated following the March 2020 budget.
What is Vehicle Excise Duty Read More »
What are the best vans for business leasing?
Vans have long been a trusty tool for workers and private individuals. They are ideal for transporting small items, perfect for sole traders and great if you need to take slightly larger pieces of equipment to a job as a gardener or plumber. So, what vans are best for you and your business? In this article we take a look at some of the options available.
What are the best vans for business leasing? Read More »
The best electric van
An electric van might be a bit of an odd concept for some, but they are becoming increasingly popular. While electric cars are becoming ever popular, 100% electric vans are also becoming more appealing for business owners and employers alike. But, which ones are the best? In this article, we take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of an electric van, and which ones are the best…
The best electric van Read More »
The best electric cars
There are so many electric cars on the market with new ones being added every year, so which one is best? What are the things you need to be looking for when searching for your new vehicle? We take a look at what’s on offer.
The best electric cars Read More »
Plug-in hybrid vs. electric: which is best?
Love them or loathe them, low emission vehicles are going to become increasingly popular in the future, and you might already be considering investing in one as your next car. In this article, we’re going to compare the two on a variety of things including efficiency, cost and which one is right for you.
Plug-in hybrid vs. electric: which is best? Read More »
What is the top dog walkers van?
Dog walking and dog grooming have become very popular business ventures over the last few years with more people hiring someone to come to walk or groom their dogs from home. We have put together a list of vehicle recommendations for you whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand.
What is the top dog walkers van? Read More »
Mercedes Service Costs: Are Mercedes expensive to maintain?
Mercedes is a luxury manufacturer and it’s assumed that maintenance costs will reflect this. In this article we look at the cost of the different Mercedes’ services and the benefits of ensuring your vehicle is regularly maintained.
Mercedes Service Costs: Are Mercedes expensive to maintain? Read More »
What is covered by a manufacturer’s warranty?
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 »
Can I have a private plate on my lease car?
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 »
Why is my car not showing on the DVLA database?
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 »
Top car leasing companies in the UK
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 »
What is WLTP?
We know how the story goes – you buy a car that has an official fuel consumption figure of 65.6mpg, but find yourself managing just 52.1mpg all the time. It’s a drag and you’re paying out more than you expected. What gives?
Measuring these figures can’t be easy for the testers involved, but it’s hoped that it’s just about to get a whole lot easier.
For more than thirty years, the New Driving Cycle (NEDC) has been used to carrying out fuel economy and European new car emissions tests. As of September 2017, however, a new test has replaced the dated NEDC. It’s called the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test (WLTP).
In case you were wondering what it’s all about and what it will mean for you as a driver and car owner, OSV has got you covered with our article all about the WLTP.
Getting a used car through OSV: FAQ
At OSV, we mainly talk about new cars and vans. But did you know that we also offer used cars? That’s right, it’s not something we do all that often, but we offer used cars and vans on finance and to buy outright. However, we haven’t done that many articles on getting a used car or van, so we haven’t yet answered many of the questions our customers ask. So in this article, we are going to answer your frequently asked questions, ranging from what finance options are available to why you should get a used car from OSV…
Getting a used car through OSV: FAQ Read More »
5 reasons why your next company should be a Pick-Up
It’s not everyday you would consider getting a pickup as a company car. But pickups are actually a very valid option if you’re looking for a company car that is practical and professional.
We predict that there will be quite a few pickups that are doubling up as company cars in the future, after all, pickups are seriously upping their game when it comes to luxury.
In this article, we will give you our top 5 reasons why we think your next company car should be a pickup.
5 reasons why your next company should be a Pick-Up Read More »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
What is a stock vehicle? Is my vehicle factory or stock?
When you get a new car, you will either get a stock car or a factory order.
You will often have the choice between a stock car or a factory order, but it’s vital you know the difference before you make a decision.
In this article, we are going to go through the key differences between a stock car and a factory order, and the pros and cons of each.
What is a stock vehicle? Is my vehicle factory or stock? Read More »
Who invented car leasing?
The bones of our business is car leasing so it was interesting to discover how it all began and who invented car leasing. It’s a smart concept and with so many variations there is a lease plan which suits most drivers. But how did these variations originate? What changed to make cars accessible to more than the very wealthy?
In this article, we’ll take a look at the cultural changes which triggered the invention of car leasing as well as discover who invented car leasing.
Who invented car leasing? Read More »
Crazy facts about Mercedes
Ever since its launch into the automotive world in 1926, the global automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz has been manufacturing cars which offer definite class and style.
Mercedes-Benz is one of the oldest existing motor vehicle manufacturers. During their years they have produced millions of luxury vehicles, coaches, buses and trucks all over the world. The company traces its origins to Karl Benz’s 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen and Daimler-Motorsen-Gesellschaft’s 1901 Mercedes.
Crazy facts about Mercedes Read More »
Crazy facts about BMW
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 »
Best cars for cleaners
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 »
Sports cars with low emissions
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 »
Who is the FCA?
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.
Do diesel or petrol engines last longer?
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 »
Best cars for electricians
Best Vans for Electricians I’ve always considered an electrician as quite a dangerous profession. I think it’s the association between
Best cars for electricians Read More »
How active safety systems work
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 »
What are fleet vehicles?
‘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 »
Auto Gear Box, What is DSG, What is DCT?
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 »
Electric Vans
While it’s an odd concept, electric vans are becoming increasingly popular and a viable choice for many businesses.
So, what are they all about?
In this article, we look at everything to do with electric vans including their pros and cons, how they work in terms of company car tax and the best electric vans.
Best cars for accountants
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 »
Top 10 cars for company directors
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 »
What is an MOT and servicing?
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 »
How do cars work?
Like an inquisitive 6 year old I was curious about how cars work. I mean I get in and drive my car every day. I know what all (ok most) of the pedals, levers, buttons do but how does the car actually work? How do these series of actions I take daily as a driver result in a four-wheeled piece of tin moving forward and backwards? I set about to find the answer to the question How do cars work? It was more complicated than I originally thought. Each collective of components works independently but feeds into one another. I’ll explain more in this article starting with……
Who are the BVRLA? What do they do?
The BVRLA is like a mum and dad to the car rental and leasing industry. The BVRLA teach car rental and leasing companies how to be good, responsible and downright wonderful to our customers. The independent body ensures that anyone who leases a car either long or short term have the protection that comes with choosing a BVRLA approved dealer or broker. In this article, we’ll take you through the membership requirements and rules we must follow and how this benefits our customers.
Who are the BVRLA? What do they do? Read More »
Top 10 safe cars | The top 10 cars putting safety first
Modern motoring is about combining comfort, handling, safety and speed. Rounding up all of this in a neat and stylish package is no mean feat for car manufacturers. Often manufacturers must choose a priority factor in their design. Meaning that while some cars offer maximum comfort and great handling they could lack in speed and not offer so many safety features. The reason? It would be cost prohibitive to offer the best of everything.
Luckily all cars must meet certain safety specifications. In this article, we’ll go through the minimum safety requirements for UK vehicles. We’ll also round up the top 10 safe cars on the market. Make a good choice and put safety first with these top 10 safe cars.
Top 10 safe cars | The top 10 cars putting safety first Read More »
The difference between petrol and diesel
When choosing to buy or lease a new car you’ll be faced with a multitude of decisions. Not less, whether to select a diesel or petrol vehicle for your needs. Diesel has become an increasingly popular option for drivers in the past decade. This is largely because UK government have hailed diesel to be more environmentally friendly. Similarly, diesel cars are more efficient, especially if you travel long distances regularly. In fact, it is their economic credentials which led the government to believe that diesel engines were a more environmentally friendly option. This has now been proven to be inaccurate.
The difference between petrol and diesel Read More »
The evolution of cars
The car is one of those things we couldn’t possibly live without. Sure, you could take away our smartphones and our tablets, we’d complain but we would still be able to carry on with our lives. Take away our cars, however, and then there would be trouble.
Our cars do everything nowadays, you can make phone calls, compose text messages and some cars have their own wifi hotspots, and it won’t be before long that our cars drive us to our destinations.
So, when did it all start?
In this article, we look at the evolution of the car, from the first ever car to what’s next in the world of Automotive technology.
The evolution of cars Read More »
Should I upgrade my car?
If you’ve had your car for a while now, you might be wondering whether it’s time for an upgrade.
On average, it is expected that people will keep their cars for up to six years until they purchase another one. However, that number is changing and it doesn’t always apply to you. Should you upgrade your car? And if so, how should you go about it? In this article, we look at when you should upgrade your car, how you should upgrade it and whether you should go through a dealership or a vehicle broker.
Should I upgrade my car? Read More »
Top cars for carers | The Motability Scheme
A car is a vital tool for Carers. In this article, we’ll be looking at a day in the life of a Carer. Once we know more about our Carers day-to-day activities we’ll list the top 5 cars we recommend as the top cars for Carers. Also taking a brief look at Motability and how you can receive discounted car hire if you provide care for someone else.
Top cars for carers | The Motability Scheme Read More »
Top cars for beauticians
mobile beauticians are our own personal superheroes. Visiting us in the comfort of our own homes and making us over with glamorous looks ready for a big night out! They come in many forms, from nail technicians to masseurs and all have a variety of needs when it comes to their vehicle.
Top cars for beauticians Read More »
Obscure UK driving laws
There are a lot of driving laws, and we mean a lot. And we doubt that you could name all of them. Of course, you know the basics, the laws that you adhere to every day when you get in your car, but do you know some of the more obscure ones? In this article, we look at some of the more obscure driving laws we have here in the UK.
Obscure UK driving laws Read More »
Top cars for estate agents | Which cars are best for estate agents?
Estate agents spend a great deal of time on the road. Dashing between properties is part of their day-to-day life. So choosing the right car is important. We look at a day in the life of an estate agent and what cars are best for estate agents to get around. Whether looking after rural properties or inner city London apartments.
Top cars for estate agents | Which cars are best for estate agents? Read More »
