Car experts at the online marketplace Carwow have recently highlighted the best budget-friendly cars available in Britain for under £5,000. Among the top picks, the beloved Ford Fiesta features prominently, offering a perfect balance of performance and affordability. These selections not only provide great purchase value but also boast reliability, low insurance costs, and minimal maintenance needs, making them ideal choices for budget-conscious drivers.
A Closer Look at the Top Affordable Models
The lineup offers a variety of cars that all fall into the hatchback and supermini categories, ensuring there’s a style to suit any taste. All selected models comply with ULEZ or Clean Air Zone regulations, which is a significant benefit for residents in urban areas looking to avoid extra environmental fees. Among the highlighted vehicles, the Peugeot 208 stands out with its spacious interior and lively performance, available for under £3,000, making it an exceptional deal for small families and younger drivers alike.
Highlighted Models and Their Unique Features
Peugeot 208: Positioned strategically between the 108 and 308 in Peugeot’s range, the 208 offers versatility and fun driving dynamics, all while being one of the most economical cars to operate due to its low insurance group placement.
Peugeot 208Credit: Newspress
Ford Ka: This compact car is noted for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness, enhanced by a strong partnership with Fiat that has bolstered its engineering. Despite its smaller size, the Ka remains competitive in performance and cost, especially for city driving.
Ford KaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Ford Fiesta: A staple in the UK car market, the Fiesta has been a preferred choice for decades, known for its spaciousness and driving pleasure. As Ford phases out this model, its enduring popularity ensures it remains a sought-after option for families.
Ford FiestaCredit: Alamy
Citroen C1: Often recommended as the perfect city car, the C1 is compact, maneuverable, and stylish, making it ideal for urban environments. Its design shares a platform with the Peugeot 108, offering a cohesive blend of size and functionality.
Citroen C1Credit: Alamy
Nissan Note: Known for its roominess and affordability, the Note provides practicality without the hefty price tag, standing out as an economical option for those needing a bit more space.
Nissan Note
These vehicles represent the best of affordability, efficiency, and comfort in the current market, providing excellent options for those seeking dependable transportation without a significant financial burden.
In a devastating turn of events, a birthday celebration at the Swan Boat Club in Monroe County was marred by tragedy when a suspected drunk driver veered into the party area. An eight-year-old girl and her five-year-old brother tragically lost their lives due to the accident. This incident has left the community in shock and mourning the untimely loss of such young lives.
Legal Proceedings Await the Responsible Driver
The driver, a 66-year-old woman, is now facing severe legal consequences as she is expected to appear before a judge on April 22. The case has drawn attention to the dangers of impaired driving and the irreversible harm it can cause. Local authorities and community members are calling for stricter enforcement of DUI laws to prevent such heart-wrenching incidents in the future.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the catastrophic impact of driving under the influence. The community grieves for the family of the young victims and calls for collective action to enhance road safety and prevent future tragedies.
A CAR dubbed “the most amazing in Britain” by Jeremy Clarkson can be picked up for as little as £15,000.
The Top Gear star crowned the mid-size saloon as the best in the nation despite it being “one of the most boring-looking”.
The Mazda 3 saloon is available for as little as £15,000 on AutoTrader.
It won praise from Jeremy Clarkson, who dubbed it the ‘most amazing car in Britain’Credit: PA
However, what’s “underneath its invisible skin” makes the Mazda 3 one of the best cars on sale in the UK, according to Clarkson.
Mazda ignores the hybrid systems which make family cars today complicated.
Instead, the Japanese manufacturer focuses on improving fuel usage.
Clarkson wrote in The Times: “What the two-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine in the 3 does is combine the characteristics of diesel and petrol technology.”
You are driving something from a place, a very long way in the future, called, ‘sensible.’
Jeremy Clarkson
The Grand Tour host explained that Mazda had designed the perfect engine which uses fuel more efficiently than a lot of other motors.
The Mazda 3 saloon can go 54 miles per gallon which is more than 15 mpg than the average car in the UK.
Clarkson said: ” You are driving something from a place, a very long way in the future, called, ‘sensible.'”
He added that Mazda’s design trumps the previous turbo and diesel engines in other cars and even the best electric vehicles.
“With Mazda’s tech, there’s no obvious downside at all.
“It’s just a nice, smooth engine.”
Ultra-rare Ford Mondeo once branded ‘one of the most exclusive cars in the world’ by Jeremy Clarkson available for bargain price
Mazda’s chassis was made for comfort and attempts to remove any “bumps and shudders” away from the driver.
“Even the tyres have soft and squidgy sidewalls,” said Clarkson.
He added: “So if you’re a private detective who needs to remain fresh and alert while using a car that’s invisible to tail an errant husband, this has to be your No 1 choice.”
Yet, the Mazda is not just a comfy motor but also a rapid one.
The popular TV presenter said he enjoys “whizzing” around country lanes in it and loves their “old-fashioned manual gearbox”.
The Mazda 3 saloon maintains its simplicity by not complicating the dashboard and has modes for all types of petrolheads that will make driving this family car enjoyable.
Another quality feature in Mazda’s saloon car is its leather steering wheel, which Clarkson said was “tremendous”.
Nonetheless, even the motor dubbed the “best car “most amazing” on sale in the UK still has kinks to iron out, according to the presenter.
He cited the limited space at the back of the car and added that there are “some significant blind spots”.
There isn’t a lot of boot space either, however, Clarkson recommends buying the hatchback if this would be a problem for you.
A lot of drivers spend their time disabling safety features in their new motors.
Yet, it was only on Clarkson’s final day of testing the Mazda that he found a switch that “shuts everything up “.
It is unclear how the Japanese manufacturer has managed to do this under “EU law” but it seems they have found a loophole.
The Mazda 3 saloon is one of the most “impressive and satisfying cars” Clarkson has ever driven and it puts the other electric family cars to shame.
It is available for as little as £15,000 on AutoTrader.
Li Auto, a prominent hybrid vehicle manufacturer, has seen a recent adjustment in its market outlook by Citi, which lowered the price target for its stock due to tepid demand for its newly launched SUV, the L6. Citi has also expressed concerns about the impact of Tesla’s recent price reduction strategy in China on the overall market sentiment. This comes as the automotive sector faces shifting dynamics due to aggressive pricing tactics by leading competitors.
Financial Revisions and Market Reactions
On Monday, Citi revised Li Auto’s price target from $48.50 to $43.60 while maintaining a ‘Buy’ rating, despite the initial order of 10,000 units for the L6 within the first 72 hours post-launch. This order volume was considered modest compared to previous models, such as the L7 and L9, which had garnered 21,000 and 50,000 orders, respectively, in the same timeframe. The nature of these orders, potentially refundable, has led to some skepticism about the solidity of the demand figures reported.
Strategic Moves and Future Prospects
Following the market feedback, Li Auto responded by reducing prices by about 5% across four of its five models, a strategy mirrored by Tesla and BYD to maintain competitiveness. The price adjustments, which range from 18,000 to 30,000 yuan, reflect a broader industry trend towards more aggressive pricing to attract consumers. Furthermore, Li Auto is preparing to launch three new pure electric SUV models in the second half of the year, boasting advanced 5C charging capabilities and all-wheel drive, which the company’s leadership has touted as highly competitive.
These strategic adjustments by Li Auto aim to strengthen its position in a rapidly evolving automotive market, highlighting the company’s proactive approach to adapting to consumer needs and market pressures.
In a distressing event late Sunday night in Unionville, Missouri, an elderly woman sustained serious injuries when an SUV collided with her home. The accident occurred just before 11:30 p.m. along U.S. Highway 136, east of North 29th Street. The sudden impact of the crash has shocked the local community, bringing to light concerns about road safety in residential areas.
Details of the Crash
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s report indicates that Jimmy A. Pacheco Dzib, a 32-year-old from Princeton, MO, was driving westbound when he lost control of his vehicle. The SUV veered off the road and disastrously crashed into a nearby residence. Inside the home at the time was 79-year-old Karen Torrey, who was grievously injured as a result of the incident.
Aftermath and Emergency Response
Torrey was urgently airlifted to University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia to receive necessary medical treatment for her injuries. Despite wearing a seatbelt, the driver of the SUV, Pacheco Dzib, escaped the incident without any reported injuries. This accident has raised questions about driver vigilance and the enforcement of traffic laws near residential areas, prompting discussions on how such unfortunate incidents can be prevented in the future.
In a late-night incident that has disrupted the daily commute, an abandoned vehicle was struck by a train near the University of Houston – Downtown. This event occurred on the tracks at the Buffalo Bayou Trail under Main St. shortly after 3:15 a.m., bringing emergency services to the scene. The Houston Police Department, along with Houston Fire and UHD Police Department, quickly responded to manage the situation.
Details of the Train Collision
Upon arrival, responders discovered an SUV abandoned on the Union Pacific Lines. Fortunately, there were no occupants in the vehicle, leading to no reported injuries from the incident. The train, extending several blocks across major thoroughfares including San Jacinto and areas near St. Arnold’s Brewery, posed significant logistical challenges. The full extent of the train’s length and the impacted crossings remained unclear initially, complicating efforts to assess and mitigate the situation.
Traffic Disruptions and Ongoing Investigations
The aftermath of the crash has significantly impacted traffic flow, particularly affecting downtown areas and access to county court buildings from I-10. Authorities are working diligently to remove the vehicle and restore normal train operations. As the investigation continues, updates will be provided to keep the public informed of developments and traffic advisories. This incident highlights the critical need for safety and vigilance near train tracks, particularly in urban areas.
Jacqueline Jones was talking on the phone with her friend Kelly Little in the early hours of April 11 while Little was driving on the Pennsylvania Turnpike back to Harrisburg from Philadelphia.
“Her car was moving and I kept hearing a loud clicking sound,” said Jones. “When she told me that she was only going 20 mph, I asked ‘Why are you going so slow?’”
There are a ton of articles and videos out there on how to clean your car with common household items. Here, I’ll share a few of my own tips and tricks.
You can clean fabric upholstery and carpets with a simple solution
If you don’t have any formal upholstery cleaning equipment, no worries. You can use diluted laundry detergent to freshen up your fabric seats and carpets. My favorite DIY secret ingredient is powdered Tide, but liquid detergent will work, too. You can use a “clean” or “free” detergent if you wish. There are many recipes out there for homemade cloth seat cleansers. Keep in mind that most involve some sort of product like oxygen bleach or dish soap.
In this use case, simply mix a small amount of detergent – think 1/4 teaspoon – into a bucket filled with very warm water. Add a clean rag or soft-bristled brush. Use the rag or brush to swipe the seats well.
Once you’re done wiping with the solution, you can swap for a clean rag and another bucket of clean, warm water. Give the seats another wipe-down.
Repeat the process for carpeting. You can go more aggressive with brushing here. Leave the windows or doors open to let the interior air dry, or you can use a vacuum to speed the process up.
You can use dish soap + water to clean leather seats, the dash, and the center console
To clean leather seats, the car’s dashboard, and the center console, including the steering wheel and cup holders, you can mix dish soap with warm water. You can use well-known brands or more natural castile soap. Like the fabric seat solution, think ½ teaspoon of soap to a filled bucket. Use with a clean towel to wipe all surfaces.
You can use a toothbrush or Q-tips to address any tough areas. Feel free to let cruddy nooks sit in the solution for a bit to loosen up.
Once you’ve gotten everything clean, swap to a clean towel and a fresh bucket of warm water to do a rinse-wipe.
To protect the dash, you can mix a base oil (some have used olive oil, others mineral oil) with a few drops of scented essential oil (pine, orange, whatever) and wipe the hard surfaces with it.
Once you clean your car interior, I typically place a dryer sheet under the driver’s seat. It will absorb future odors plus serve as an air freshener. I’m sensitive to strong car fresheners, so the dryer sheet under the seat has been a good choice for me, at least!
The new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe has a more boxy look than before, but is actually more aerodynamic.
I bought the 2020 Ford Escape Titanium hybrid as a new car. It was a bit more than I wanted but, scarcity was looming and I loved the green colour. It turns out that it does not suit my driving habits. I don’t drive enough in the winter so it constantly goes into battery saver mode.
I need a reliable car to drive from Ottawa to Toronto and to Saint John. I have an adult son and an adult nephew who live with me, so head and leg room are important. And with the long drives that I do on an almost monthly basis, a full electric vehicle is not on my radar yet. I am considering a plug-in hybrid, but I’m not sure whether I will have the same issues. I also don’t want a car that will tempt car thieves as I don’t have a garage. What do you recommend? – Maureen
Petrina Gentile: It’s sad that we have to consider car thieves in our vehicle purchases these days. But it’s unfortunately a reality. So, is it safe to say we can take Honda and Toyota off the list, if she doesn’t want a car that will tempt thieves?
Mark Richardson: It’s a bit of a crap shoot for which makers and which models are most vulnerable. Kia, for example, has a poor reputation for its access codes being easily hacked, but only certain models, like the Stinger. It depends what technology the thief has on hand this week.
Gentile: But it’s not only about the technology – it’s about what cars are in demand in other global markets. Kia isn’t, but Honda and Toyota vehicles are prized in other markets, like Africa.
Richardson: Again, it depends on the model. It doesn’t necessarily pay to ship a Toyota Corolla across the ocean, but it definitely pays to send a Land Cruiser there. Thieves tend to steal larger or luxurious models for export-to-order, and smaller models for local sale or joy rides.
Gentile: Maureen is considering a plug-in hybrid. But one of my favourites, the Toyota RAV4 Prime, might be a target for thieves. Wouldn’t you agree?
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The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime offers 68 kilometres of electric range, but is hard to buy outside Quebec and B.C.Mark Richardson/The Globe and Mail
Richardson: It might be. It’s nearly impossible to buy a new one legitimately. Mind you, my brother-in-law just bought a two-year-old RAV4 Prime in Halifax on the first day he went looking for one. It had 60,000 kilometres and he paid less than $50,000, fully loaded. So it’s not unobtainable. He’s bought a steering-wheel club for it to help him keep it.
Gentile: That’s a smart idea.
Richardson: The challenge here is that I’d normally recommend the Ford Escape Hybrid to Maureen as a smart buy, but she says it’s too much for her. Perhaps she should just trade it in for a regular Escape. Hybrids don’t save her much fuel on those long highway drives.
Gentile: I’m not a fan of the Escape – I don’t really like the ride and handling. I find it lacklustre and the transmission isn’t the smoothest.
Richardson: But you’d agree that if she doesn’t drive much in the winter and she doesn’t want an electric car, then she’ll be better off with a conventionally powered vehicle? Hybrids generally have smaller 12-volt batteries that don’t handle cold weather and long storage so well. Check out the online forums and you’ll see it’s an issue for Fords that sit parked for days at a time in the winter.
Gentile: I agree. And it’s not just an issue for Fords. Other manufacturers have similar issues in the cold.
Richardson: She needs size for her passengers and she shouldn’t be too concerned about fuel consumption because she doesn’t drive much for half the year. How about a Volkswagen Tiguan or Atlas?
Gentile: I don’t think she needs an Atlas. It’s too big and can be cumbersome to drive and park in congested areas because of its size. But the Tiguan would do the trick.
Richardson: I’ve heard stories of glitchy software in the Atlas that can be frustrating to use, but the Tiguan has a good reputation. The Chevrolet Equinox has also been around for a while, and it’s not high on the list for thieves.
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2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS.Courtesy of manufacturer
Gentile: That’s true. It also blends in on the road. But it does get redone for 2025 so she might want to wait and see what’s in store for the new model. What about Hyundai?
Richardson: The new Santa Fe has more space in both rows for passengers. I’m almost six-feet tall and had no issues for head or leg room in any of the seats. And its latest tech should make it less straightforward to steal – for now, at least.
Gentile: I like the new Santa Fe, especially the styling. It’s bold, distinct and looks more like a Land Rover than a Hyundai.
Richardson: It’s definitely more boxy, but apparently the new design makes it more aerodynamic. I’d recommend it as something for Maureen to consider. What else has the passenger space she’s looking for, without being too large? The Mazda CX-70?
Gentile: That would work – it’s basically a two-row version of the CX-90.
Richardson: It’s almost exactly the same as the CX-90, but if you don’t need that third row, why pay for it and lug around the weight of those extra seats? I think it would fit the bill very well for Maureen. Plenty of space and relatively anonymous looks.
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The exterior of the Mazda CX-70, which Mazda revealed on Jan. 30.Courtesy of manufacturer
Gentile: It’s affordable, starting around $50,000, before taxes. And she can get it as a plug-in hybrid model, too. But that’ll cost more.
Richardson: I don’t think many stolen Mazdas are ending up in shipping containers. But whatever Maureen chooses, she should invest in a highly visible steering-wheel lock as a deterrent for when she parks overnight on the street.
Gentile: So what’s your final recommendation for Maureen?
Richardson: I think a conventionally powered Mazda CX-70 or new Hyundai Santa Fe will give her what she’s looking for.
Gentile: My pick is the new Santa Fe – good interior and cargo space, excellent head and leg room and beautiful styling that sets it ahead of the pack.
Martin Lewis, a renowned personal finance expert, recently shared valuable insights on how drivers can secure more cost-effective car insurance while also enjoying additional benefits. According to Lewis, many drivers continue to overpay for insurance due to common misconceptions about coverage types. During an episode of ITV’s “Tonight Show,” he highlighted that comprehensive insurance policies might actually be more affordable than third-party options, contrary to popular belief. This is because insurers often view comprehensive coverage as lower risk, which can lead to cheaper rates despite the broader protection it offers.
Tesla’s Strategic Supercharger Pricing Update
In a strategic move to enhance its service offerings, Tesla has reduced the monthly cost of its supercharger membership, making electric vehicle charging more accessible at its 42 charging sites. The price cut from £10.99 to £8.99 per month aims to attract a broader range of EV drivers to Tesla’s rapidly expanding network of ultra-rapid public chargers. Additionally, Tesla introduced an annual membership option priced at £90, offering substantial savings over the year and equalizing the per-kilowatt-hour rate for Tesla and non-Tesla EV owners alike.
Life in the Slow Lane: UK Drivers and Traffic Delays
A recent study has illuminated the significant amount of time British drivers spend in traffic, with the average motorist facing 84 hours of delay per year—a figure that has doubled since 1994. Over a lifetime, this adds up to 175 full days spent in traffic jams, according to research conducted by TomTom for Quotezone.co.uk. This statistic not only underscores the growing challenge of traffic congestion but also highlights the need for efficient travel planning and possibly reconsidering transportation options to mitigate wasted time.
