Road safety charity the IAM is offering weekly motoring tips from Britain’s top advanced driver, Peter Rodger. This week, he is advising on buying a new car.

23 February 2012

Road safety charity the IAM is offering weekly motoring tips from Britain’s top advanced driver, Peter Rodger. This week, he is advising on buying a new car.

• Decide on the type of your car you need. Do you need a car to ferry the children around? Or if you make lots of long trips you need to think about luggage space. Make sure your choice fits the purpose.
• Know your budget. How much you are able to spend? Think about potential insurance and other running costs as well.
• Check for hidden extras – such as additional charges for number plates and delivery.
• Check the running costs before you buy. Diesel cars offer better fuel economy but are more expensive. Don’t forget car depreciation; think about how much the car will depreciate in its first three years and how this will affect the price if sold second-hand. Road tax is related to carbon emissions so the lower the emissions, the better.
• Once you’ve decided on budget, make sure you know how you will be financing the car. Most importantly, stick to your budget.
• Test drive. You need to find out if the car is comfortable and suits your needs.

IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: “The new registrations are released in March, so some people will be thinking about a new car. If you are - buy a car with the latest safety technology and aim for five Euro NCAP stars. They rate cars according to how safe they are, with five being the best. But before you take the plunge, do the research.”

To help drivers stay safe this winter, the IAM has launched a new website, drivingadvice.org.uk, with traffic updates, weather forecasts and tips on how to drive safely in winter.

Tips cover rain, snow, ice, fog and wind – everything you can expect in a typically unpredictable British winter. Check it out before you travel.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. www.drivingadvice.org.uk.

2. Peter Rodger is the IAM’s chief examiner

3. The IAM is the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving, motorcycling andThe commercial division of the IAM operates through its occupational driver training company IAM Drive & Survive. The IAM has more than 200 local volunteer groups and over 100,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving, motorcycling and cycling courses. Its policy and research division offers advice and expertise on road safety.

ENDS ALL

Media contacts:

IAM Press Office – 020 8996 9777

press.office@iam.org.uk

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iam.org.uk