Car dealer based in Coventry
All cars are handpicked, mechanically inspected and thoroughly prepared. They’re priced below market value in order to keep stock moving and give buyers a good deal.
Sell your car
If you have a car to sell, get in touch – we’ll make you an offer. Quick payment, all paperwork handled and collected same day – no hassle. Contact 07450218049.
Car diagnostics
If you have an issue with your car but can’t pinpoint what it is, bring it in for a full diagnostic scan (£10) before you take it to a mechanic so you know what the issue before being overcharged due to incorrect diagnosis and incompetence. Using dealer level equipment, we’ll perform a full health scan and generate a PDF report for you, addressing any underlying issues of the car.
Car buying guidance
A car is a big investment, so it’s important to do your due diligence before making a purchase. Below are some key points to remember.
- Check engine oil cap – you shouldn’t see any creamy substance. If you do, this indicates a bad head gasket (oil/coolant contamination). Also, there shouldn’t be any oil in the coolant reservoir.
- Check for leaks – both under the car and in the engine bay.
- Listen for unwanted noises – you shouldn’t hear any knocking or rattling noises – the engine should sound smooth.
- Check service history – if the owner has kept up with car maintenance, the car should be mechanically healthy. Ensure that the timing belt has been changed every 70,000 miles (unless it has a timing chain which lasts longer).
- Do a HPI check – if it has been in a minor accident, it’ll show up as Cat N (non-structural) and major accidents will show as up as Cat S (structural). It’ll also show the number of owners and if the car is stolen.
If you need a car mainly for local city use, buy a petrol car. If it’s mainly for long journeys, a diesel car would be better.
In general, petrol cars can usually reach 150k-200k miles and diesel cars can reach 250k-300k miles. Some last even longer – it comes down to careful maintenance and good driving habits.
Car maintenance guide
It’s important to know how to maintain your car to ensure that it stays reliable, in good shape and retains its value if you decide to sell it in the future. Below are some key points to note. Remember – if you take care of it, it will take care of you.
- Check oil & fluid levels monthly – especially before long journeys. Oil levels, screen wash, coolant, brake/clutch fluid etc. Top them up if needed when engine is cool. DO NOT open coolant reservoir when engine is hot – this is pressurized, will explode and burn your skin!
- Service your car annually or every 10,000 miles – choose a transparent, reputable mechanic to ensure the work gets done to a good standard at fair price. Alternate between an interim/basic service and a full service. Also remember to have your service booklet stamped with the date, details and mileage – a clear service history maintains the cars value, so keep all the paperwork organised.
- Use engine flush – ask the mechanic to use engine flush when servicing your car. This costs less than £5 from EuroCarParts and flushes out the sludgy deposits along with the old oil – it “deep cleans” the engine making it run smoother and last longer.
- Wait 3 seconds before turning on engine – when you switch the ignition on, let the fuel system, the electronics and starter system prepare for 3 seconds and then turn on the engine. This is best practice and ensures a smooth, complete start.
- Drive carefully – smooth acceleration, braking and gear changes (at around 2000 rpm) will use less fuel and have less wear and tear on crucial components such as brakes, suspension, clutch, engine and gearbox. This will ultimately make your car last longer.
- Use good quality fuel – Costco fuel is high quality and contains detergents that also cleans out the car’s fuel system, resulting in a smoother and more efficient engine. It’s also the cheapest compared to other fuel retailers, so win/win. Shell fuel is also premium quality.
- Check tyre condition/pressure – underinflated tyres waste fuel, so top up your tyre pressure every few months. Look on your fuel cap or door pillar for the correct pressure (psi/kpi). You can fill it up at fuel stations or use a tyre inflator at home. Tyres must legally have 1.6mm tread minimum – 3mm recommended.
- Keep your car clean – stay on top of cleanliness both inside and out. Give it a quick vacuum, clean the interior and get the exterior washed either at home or the car wash when needed. Dirt and bird droppings on a car’s surface can scratch and damage the paintwork, which reduces its appearance and lowers its value.
- A/C regas – if your A/C doesn’t blow cold air, it may just need re-gassing. This can be topped up at most garages for around £50. Using A/C also consumes more fuel, so use sensibly.
- Plan ahead of your journeys – conduct these simple checks, ensure you have sufficient fuel and adopt good driving habits to stay safe, prevent breakdown and get the best out of your car.