Best Selling Cars – Matt's blog

The Suzuki Alto K10 is imported to Uruguay from India.

* See the Top 40 brands by clicking on the title *

Shy start of the year for new car sales in Uruguay, down 6% on January 2014 this month to 3,958 registrations. As it did over the last two months of 2014, Suzuki takes the lead of the brands ranking off Chevrolet thanks to 539 deliveries and 13.6% share vs. 521 and 13.2% for the American manufacturer. Volkswagen rounds up the podium at 10.2%, followed by Nissan and Renault, both overtaking Fiat compared to the FY2014 ranking. The particularity of the Uruguayan new car market is the impressive show of strength of Chinese carmakers, and this month is no exception: they add up to a massive 20.3% share and have no less than 8 reps in the Top 20 (vs. 6 in 2014): Chery (#8), FAW (#10), Lifan (#12), Geely (#15), BYD (#16), Great Wall (#18), Dongfeng (#19) and Chana (#20).

Previous post: Uruguay Full Year 2014: Chevrolet leads, Suzuki up 50% to #2

Full January 2015 Top 40 brands below.

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Safety inspections and emissions are common in many large city areas. These tests are a way to ensure a vehicle is operating at an optimal efficiency for both safety and environmental concerns. Although many people may feel inconvenienced by this annual process, they should consider the efficiency that is enhanced for any given vehicle. It may actually save money and reduce risks for the driver by operating an automobile in good condition.

Fuel Mileage Alterations

During an emissions test, there could be a variety of adjustments that may be needed in order to pass. Depending on the results, repairs may need to be completed which could directly affect your gas mileage for the better. An optimal performing engine can use less gas to operate than one that has several complications such as a oxygen mixtures or bad spark plugs.

Wheel Alignments and Steering

By having your wheels aligned and steering adjusted regularly, you can reduce risks to yourself and others while driving. With faulty steering, black ice on the road and other hazards may be more dangerous. An accident resulting from bad alignment or faulty steering could also affect your insurance premiums.

Headlight Alignments and Functionality

Headlights allow you to drive at night while reducing risk to yourself and everything else on the road. However, a light that is burnt out or misaligned can become a hazard as it reduces your line of sight. Objects on the side of the road could be unseen immediately before darting out in front of you.

Brakes Are Important

Complications within the brakes can cause severe accidents if not addressed. Although your vehicle may stop while creating an awful noise, you don’t know the extent of the damage. Perhaps that noise is a precursor to brake failure.

Tests such as Pittsburgh state inspection can be greatly beneficial for you as a driver as well as other people on the road. The more efficient your vehicle is, the less risks it presents while possibly saving you thousands of dollars in property damage. Have your vehicle properly maintained and reduce complications and financial burden on yourself.

Ford Fiesta

* See the Top 30 best-selling models by clicking on the title *

Data provided by SEMO Cyprus and analysed by INNOSOFT bring to light a very dynamic start of the year for new car sales in Cyprus: up 15% year-on-year in January to 846 registrations. Leader in 2012 and 2013 but down to #3 in 2014, the Ford Fiesta reclaims the Cypriot top spot this month with 5.8% share, albeit just one sale above the Toyota Yaris and 3 above the Nissan Qashqai, last minute leader in 2014. The VW Golf is faithful to its 4th position while the Toyota RAV4 is up 4 to #5. Other great performers this month include the Hyundai ix35 at #7, the Ford Kuga at #12, Mercedes C-Class at #14 and Toyota Aygo at #15.

Previous post: Cyprus Full Year 2014: Nissan Qashqai snaps last minute top spot

Full January 2015 Top 30 models Ranking Table below.

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Private number plates are a popular purchase amongst the rich and super rich. As a number plate combination can only be produced once, this makes certain number plates such as short number plates, and number plates that spell out popular words highly sought after amongst the rich and super rich that want a way of further showing their wealth or among investors that obtain rare number plates to sell for a higher price a later date. But what are the most expensive number plates ever sold?… The people at Car Buyer Tom have done the research, so in reverse order…

The fifth most expensive number ever sold was the plate “VIP 1” which was initially meant for Pople John Paul 2nd’s “popemobile” but was instead purchased by Roman Abramovich for a cool £285,000.

The M1 plate was the first registration to ever be issued, all the way back in 1902. It was originally kept on a rare Meredes Benz at Tatton Park, but was later put on sale to raise money for the grounds. Mike McComb (who made his money selling his mobile phone store to BT in 2000) purchased the plate for his sons 6^th Birthday present. It cost him an incredible £330,000.

This plate “F1” was purchased by Bradford born Afzal Khan in 2008. It cost an eye watering £440,000. Which makes it the most expensive number plate to ever be purchased in Britain.

Talal Ali Mohammed Khoury paid £3,500,000 for the number plate “5”. Yes, you read that correctly. He also spent a considerable £800,000 on the number plate “55”.

Saeed Abdul Ghaffar Khouri purchased the number plate “1” for a staggering £7 million. Khouri is a member of a wealthy Abu Dhabi family.

Some vehicles are higher risk than others for less obvious reasons. The death rate of the Nissan 350Z is double that of the average sports car. At first glance you might think the car is at fault. However, upon closer inspection, the death rate is higher because the drivers of these cars tend to be younger, less experienced drivers with a higher likelihood of being involved in a collision and require high risk auto insurance. It’s important to look at a vehicle’s safety features to see how dangerous it truly is.

Side-Impact Protection

Having proper side-impact protection can mean the difference between life and death. Crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) resulted in a wide range of results for side-impact and rear whiplash protection. While whiplash on its own is not a life-threatening injury, head injuries can be without proper protection.

The facts don’t lie: drivers and passengers in vehicles with side-curtain airbags have a higher likelihood of survival in a side-impact collision. In the U.S., side-curtain bags are required for all vehicles made after 2009. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it’s estimated these reduce fatal side-impact head injuries by 45 per cent and save up to 1,000 lives each year.

Built to Last

Side airbags are often not enough on their own to save lives. A vehicle needs to be structurally sound to withstand a serious collision. The size and weight of a vehicle are crucial when it comes to vehicle safety. Smaller, lightweight vehicles almost always come up on the short end in collisions.

However, smaller vehicles do have some advantages. A smaller vehicle like the Mazda 3 is a lot easier to maneuver than a bigger vehicle like the Ford Explorer. When trying to avoid a collision, a smaller vehicle may let you get out of the way in the nick of time.

While a larger vehicle may better protect you in multi-vehicle accidents, you aren’t always at an advantage when it comes to single-vehicle collisions. There is a staggering 43 per cent fatality rate in these instances. Both SUVs and pickup trucks have twice the chance of rolling over, according to the NHTSA.

Pickup Trucks

You’d think pickup trucks would better protect you in a collision. Unfortunately, it’s quite the opposite. According to the safety advocacy group Informed for Life, pickup trucks are the most dangerous type of vehicles. Not only do pickups have the highest chance of fatality and serious injury, they have a high risk of rollover. Few pickups offer electronic stability control compared to other vehicles. If you’re an inexperienced driver, you should really think twice before driving a pickup.

Please visit Rates.ca for more information on car insurance for high risk drivers.

Becoming the owner of a new car can be a very exciting event. Here are six money-saving tips to keep in mind when buying a new ride.

Certified pre-owned vehicle

Drivers who are on a tight budget should consider buying a certified pre-owned vehicle. Unlike an average used car, a certified pre-owned vehicle usually comes with a lengthy warranty. Not only are certified pre-owned vehicles in superb condition, but they also have low miles. Car shoppers can actually save as much as $10,000 by opting to purchase a certified pre-owned vehicle.

Avoid purchasing unnecessary options 

Many car buyers are tempted to upgrade their vehicle with additional features. However, these upgraded features will typically cause the total cost of the vehicle to increase. By choosing a cloth upholstery instead of leather, the car buyer can save an average of $1,500. However, safety upgrades such as a rear-view camera may be well-worth the extra cost.

Take advantage of deals

At various times during the year, some car dealerships have outstanding bargains. If the dealership has a surplus of an outgoing model, they will usually offer substantial discounts. This is great news for the drivers who want to put a little extra cash into their pockets. Car shoppers also need to be on the lookout for cost-cutting incentives.

Research the vehicle’s long-term reliability 

After the original warranty expires, the car owner will have to foot the bill for any repair work. Shoppers should seek to purchase a vehicle that has a reputation for being reliable. This will help to avoid costly repairs in the future. It is also a good idea to research the vehicle’s projected cost of maintenance.

Compare the cost

Before making a final decision on a new ride, be sure to perform a car cost comparison. A side-by-side comparison chart will help the car shopper to analyze the cost of each vehicle.

Have a budget in order

Some car shoppers simply cannot resist the appeal of a certain vehicle. However, smart car buyers always consider their personal finances before making a final decision.  Car buyers should never allow the excitement of buying a new vehicle to cloud their judgment. By implementing these tips, car shoppers will be able to save a significant amount of money.

It’s no secret that many high-stakes poker players live lavishly. When your earnings can number into the millions of dollars, why shouldn’t you treat yourself to the finer things? And treat themselves they do. Famous poker players spend their winnings on sprawling mansions, all-inclusive vacation getaways, and, of course, some of the most expensive cars on the market.

For many of these professional gamblers, a trip to the car dealership is the ultimate way to splurge. We can promise you they aren’t picking out a Honda. Just take a look at three of the coolest cars some of the most famous poker players in the world get to call their own.

Bentley Continental GT 

Poker sweetheart Vanessa Rousso made her way onto the professional stage in the early 2000s playing Texas Hold’em and has since secured several career titles in major tournaments. Her biggest win came in 2007 when she walked away from a World Championship of Online Poker No-Limit Texas Hold ‘em event with $700,782.50. Since then, her total winnings have climbed to over $3.5 million. How does she enjoy that money? By taking it down to the dealership.

Recently, she traded in her Lamborghini for a Bentley Continental GT, which has an MSRP of $189,000. The coupe combines modern technology with classic Continental inspiration, while sporting sharp, contemporary lines and a lush interior. The powerful yet refined 12-cylinder 6-liter engine has twin turbochargers that make for an exhilarating drive, complemented by one of the world’s most advanced all-wheel-drive systems. Despite its power, the GT is amazingly efficient as evidenced by the 12 percent reduction in fuel consumption. Although the car is mass-produced, much of it is hand-assembled, giving the Bentley Continental GT a personalised, unique feel.

Mercedes Benz SLR Roadster

Phil Ivey is often lauded as one of professional poker’s most successful players, having excelled at many different games including Omaha, Stud, and H.O.R.S.E. Since appearing on the scene in the late 90s, Ivey has earned a reputation as the Tiger Woods of Poker as well as countless career titles, including 10 World Series of Poker bracelets. Currently, his career winnings stand at over $21 million. He spent part of that on a Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren Roadster, one of the world’s most sought-after supercars.

The supercharged 617 horsepower V-8 engine is hand-built, while the body shell and chassis are made from high-strength carbon fiber composite. In short: It’s a sturdy ride. The Roadster’s arrow-shaped nose and twin fin front spoiler give the illusion that it might take flight at any moment, accented by swing-wing doors that open forwards and then up at a wide angle. Inside, premium leather lines the dash, doors, armrests, and consoles for a sophisticated finish, while body-contoured carbon fiber seats grip the driver just right. While not commanding poker tables around the nation and the globe, you can spot Ivey cruising around Las Vegas in this sleek ride.

Rolls Royce Phantom

Regarded as the best all-around poker player worldwide, it makes sense that one lavish sports car wouldn’t be enough to satisfy Ivey. He is also the proud owner of the iconic Rolls Royce Phantom, joining the elite ranks of fellow Phantom owners like Jay Z and David Beckham. The Rolls Royce Phantom is a $400,000 car that embodies the modern luxury driving experience. The Phantom commands attention with its poise and sophistication, as well as stunning attention to detail. For example, each door cleverly hides an umbrella just in case of rain.

The leather interior is soft and supple, complemented by polished veneer throughout; each piece is harvested from the same tree. Lamb wool rugs are underfoot. The curve of the exterior suggests movement even while the Phantom sits still. A state-of-the-art suspension system and smooth power delivery make for a ride that could be likened to a trip on a magic carpet, effortless and air-cushioned. All of which make riding in the Phantom a luxurious and unforgettable experience that Ivey gets to enjoy daily.

These are just a few examples of the many auto indulgences some of the world’s most famous poker players have treated themselves to. As stakes climb higher, you can bet that these superstars will continue to drop insane amounts of money on some of the world’s coolest cars. Who knows what cars we can expect to see Ivey, Rousso and the next crop of successful poker players riding around in 2016, but here’s hoping they are even more luxurious and outlandish than this year’s picks.

Buying a new car is an exciting time. There is such a vast array of options and dealerships to choose from that it’s easy to become overwhelmed by an overly pushy car dealer. Unless you’re friends with the dealer, there is a legitimate chance they’ll try to take advantage of your trusting nature. The average dealer marks up interest rates by 2.7% — one of many mark-ups new car buyers can avoid by simply doing a bit of research before arriving at the dealership.

A car purchase is a big expensive for just about any budget. In fact, buying a new car is one of the most expensive purchases most of us will make in our lifetime. Around 90% of prospective car buyers conduct an online search before buying a vehicle, while around 48% of people spend 1-3 months browsing and researching before making a purchasing decision.

Car dealers benefit from each vehicle they sell via a commission. They will often do anything to get that commission, especially if it involves persuading an impulsive buyer. About 38% of consumers make a purchase within four hours when buying a car, which is the type of buyer car dealers crave for each day — the type who doesn’t have the time or patience to research a car or its offered price.

Car dealers are able to manipulate impulsive buyers, either by raising the price or even initiating some popular car salesman scams. One of the most popular scams is the bait and switch, where the dealer advertises a too-good-to-be-true price, purely as a way to get prospective customers to the car lot. Upon learning that the price is different, many customers will leave – but the more impulsive buyers will remain.

Other scams include the aforementioned dealership financing, which can result in significant interest, as well as fake fees and yo-yo financing, where buyers drive off the lot in their new car before financing comes through, only to be told by the dealer a day or two later that their financing fell through and they have to finance with a different lender at a 5% higher rate.

Clearly, dealing with car salesman can be stressful and financially complicated, but simply being an informed customer will go a long way toward getting you a car at a fair price. For a more detailed look at how to get a fair price at the dealership, check out the infographic video below, courtesy of CJ Pony Parts.

Picture courtesy Charlie Fisher

You may have noticed over the past month that making a comment on BSCB was harder. To be precise it was restricted to Premium Members of the site. This temporary block was for security reasons to prevent scam comments to clog the site and affect its performance. The problem has now been resolved and comments are back to more accessible. You just need to enter a few “Captcha” characters, this to avoid robots making comments on the site. So please comment away and let us know by commenting on here if you encounter any issues.