Latest news with #Autotrader
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
See the lavish gifts the British royals have received since 2020, including a $450,000 Rolls-Royce and a signed 'Charles 3' soccer shirt from Paris Saint-Germain
Buckingham Palace has published lists of the gifts the royal family received between 2020 and 2023. Among the most eye-catching gifts was a luxury Rolls-Royce from the King of Bahrain. King Charles III also received a "Charles 3" soccer shirt signed by players from Paris Saint-Germain FC. Buckingham Palace has published lists of gifts received by the royal family between 2020 and 2023. The official register, which was published on Friday, shows the royals have received some particularly expensive gifts over the last few years. One of the standout presents — a Rolls-Royce car from the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa — was gifted to King Charles III for his coronation in 2023. The Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II costs around $450,000, according to Autotrader, and it will reportedly be used for official occasions. The luxury vehicle, along with all the other gifts, is not considered to be personal property and cannot be sold or exchanged. The royals also do not pay tax on official gifts. Other eye-catching gifts presented to Charles in 2023 included a leather folder from former President Joe Biden containing letters between the late Queen Elizabeth II and former President Dwight Eisenhower inviting him to the UK, a "Charles 3" soccer shirt signed by players from the French Ligue 1 team Paris Saint-Germain, and a ceremonial sword from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Elsewhere, the lists showed that in the final years before her death in 2022, the late Queen Elizabeth was gifted dog jackets from the Royal Australian Air Force, a Cedar of Lebanon tree from the late Pope Francis, and an engraved Tiffany sterling silver box from Biden. You can check out the full lists for 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 here. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle do not appear on the lists, having stepped back from their duties as working royals in 2020. The publication of the lists comes after it was reported last year that the royals had failed to publish details of official gifts for the past four years. Guidelines have been in place governing the royals' acceptance and use of gifts since 1995. Read the original article on Business Insider
Business Insider
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Insider
See the lavish gifts the British royals have received since 2020, including a $450,000 Rolls-Royce and a signed 'Charles 3' soccer shirt from Paris Saint-Germain
Buckingham Palace has published lists of gifts received by the royal family between 2020 and 2023. The official register, which was published on Friday, shows the royals have received some particularly expensive gifts over the last few years. One of the standout presents — a Rolls-Royce car from the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa — was gifted to King Charles III for his coronation in 2023. The Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II costs around $450,000, according to Autotrader, and it will reportedly be used for official occasions. The luxury vehicle, along with all the other gifts, is not considered to be personal property and cannot be sold or exchanged. The royals also do not pay tax on official gifts. Other eye-catching gifts presented to Charles in 2023 included a leather folder from former President Joe Biden containing letters between the late Queen Elizabeth II and former President Dwight Eisenhower inviting him to the UK, a "Charles 3" soccer shirt signed by players from the French Ligue 1 team Paris Saint-Germain, and a ceremonial sword from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Elsewhere, the lists showed that in the final years before her death in 2022, the late Queen Elizabeth was gifted dog jackets from the Royal Australian Air Force, a Cedar of Lebanon tree from the late Pope Francis, and an engraved Tiffany sterling silver box from Biden. You can check out the full lists for 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 here. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle do not appear on the lists, having stepped back from their duties as working royals in 2020. The publication of the lists comes after it was reported last year that the royals had failed to publish details of official gifts for the past four years. Guidelines have been in place governing the royals' acceptance and use of gifts since 1995.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Seven best used cars you can pick up for under £5,000 including ‘sharp looker' Seat and ‘astonishing' Hyundai
THE best value second-hand cars you can buy for less than £5,000 have been revealed. Seven cheap alternatives have been identified for bargain hunting Brits looking for luxury vehicles at a fraction of the price. Advertisement 9 One of the cars is available to buy from as little as £1,000 Credit: Getty 9 All seven budget buys can be bought for less than £5,000 Credit: Getty The list contains a mix of four-wheelers for big families, dog owners and car enthusiasts with expensive taste. Some of the popular vehicles can be found in a decent condition from as little as £1,000. The budget cars boast a wide variety of practical features, such as four-wheel drive and turbo-boosted engines. Volkswagen Up ! 9 The Volkswagen Up! is an equally cheap car to run Credit: Alamy First up is the Advertisement The city car has been praised for its slick style and high quality, providing a smooth ride for the driver. As well as its low second-hand cost, the VW is an equally affordable vehicle to run with low fuel consumption and emissions. Young drivers can also benefit from the cheaper insurance prices that come with the Up. Prices start on selling-site Autotrader at around £1,500. Advertisement Most read in Motors Latest Seat Leon 9 It is part of the VW group and shares plenty under the bonnet with the German manufacturer Credit: Alamy Despite being modelled on a It is part of the VW group and shares plenty under the bonnet with the German manufacturer. Even the smaller 1.2-litre petrol engine is capable enough for most journeys, and the handling is more engaging than many rivals. Advertisement The most common problems reported involve the DSG automatic gearboxes, minor satnav faults, and some condensation in the rear lights. Mazda MX-5 9 At under £5,000, you're mostly looking at earlier examples, but the engines tend to be reliable with proper servicing Credit: Alamy Those wanting a car that's more about enjoyment might consider the This version is slightly heavier and more refined than earlier MX-5s, making it more usable on a daily basis while still offering the same fun handling and simple, rear-wheel-drive setup the car is known for. Advertisement At under £5,000, you're mostly looking at earlier examples, but the engines tend to be reliable with proper servicing. Owners should keep an eye on rusty sills and body panels, sticky brake callipers, and hard-top models with roof mechanism issues. Hyundai i30 BlueDrive 9 It officially returns up to 78.4 miles per gallon and, in many versions, qualifies for zero road tax Credit: Alamy If saving money on fuel and tax is your top priority, the Hyundai i30 BlueDrive is a practical choice. Advertisement Built between 2012 and 2017, this diesel hatchback was designed during a time when low emissions and economy were major selling points. It officially returns up to 78.4 miles per gallon and, in many versions, qualifies for zero road tax. It's also chain-driven, meaning you won't need to worry about replacing a cambelt. Most faults reported are minor, such as scuffed interiors, and the engines themselves have a good reputation for dependability. Advertisement Honda CR-V 9 This mid-size SUV had a large, flat boot and a sliding rear seat that allows for even more space when needed Credit: Alamy For dog owners, the Honda CR-V built from 2006 to 2012 is worth a look. This mid-size SUV had a large, flat boot and a sliding rear seat that allows for even more space when needed. It's also known for its mechanical reliability and general durability. Advertisement Four-wheel-drive versions are better suited to rural areas and country walks, especially in poor weather. Some used examples suffer from weak air conditioning, batter drain issues and fading interior trim, but overall, it's a strong all-rounder. Ford S-Max 9 Built between 2006 and 2014, it's an MPV that avoids the usual dull driving experience thanks to its car-like handling Credit: Alamy If you need seven seats, the Ford S-Max offers better practicality than many SUVs in the same price range. Advertisement Built between 2006 and 2014, it's an MPV that avoids the usual dull driving experience thanks to its car-like handling. There's plenty of space inside, and the rear seats can be folded flat when not in use. Older examples can be found for as little as £1,000, though well-kept ones with a full history hover around £5,000. Common faults include electrical issues, damp carpets, and noisy power steering. Advertisement Audi TT 9 Inside, the cabin is smartly finished and doesn't feel dated Credit: Alamy For those who want a more stylish option, the second-generation Audi TT from 2006 to 2014 still looks modern and drives well. It shares its engine with the Golf GTI, giving it decent performance and a solid driving feel. Inside, the cabin is smartly finished and doesn't feel dated. Advertisement These cars can be had for under £5,000, though buyers should watch for high oil consumption, noisy timing chains, and electrical niggles like dodgy window mechanisms or condensation in the lights. Not every used car in this price range is a smart buy, though. One model to avoid is the first-generation BMW 1 Series, sold between 2004 and 2011. Read more on the Irish Sun While the badge may attract some buyers, these cars are often cramped in the back, hard-riding and plagued by mechanical issues in many versions. Advertisement Even well-maintained examples can feel tired, and the dark interiors make them less pleasant to spend time in compared to rivals. Sun Motors: Buy your next vehicle today If you're part of the 3.3 million Brits looking to buy a used vehicle this year, Sun Motors is an ideal place to start * If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue Enjoy: A choice of fuel type whether it's petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid A range of models from convertible, estate, saloon and many more A range of top brands such as Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota and BMW Financing options Trusted dealers
The Sun
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Seven best used cars you can pick up for under £5,000 including ‘sharp looker' Seat and ‘astonishing' Hyundai
THE best value second-hand cars you can buy for less than £5,000 have been revealed. Seven cheap alternatives have been identified for bargain hunting Brits looking for luxury vehicles at a fraction of the price. 9 9 The list contains a mix of four-wheelers for big families, dog owners and car enthusiasts with expensive taste. Some of the popular vehicles can be found in a decent condition from as little as £1,000. The budget cars boast a wide variety of practical features, such as four-wheel drive and turbo-boosted engines. Volkswagen Up! First up is the Volkswagen Up! which provides an ideal small car with plenty of space on the inside. The city car has been praised for its slick style and high quality, providing a smooth ride for the driver. As well as its low second-hand cost, the VW is an equally affordable vehicle to run with low fuel consumption and emissions. Young drivers can also benefit from the cheaper insurance prices that come with the Up. Prices start on selling-site Autotrader at around £1,500. Seat Leon 9 Despite being modelled on a Volkswagen Golf, the cheaper Seat Leon provides a sharper look and better value for money. It is part of the VW group and shares plenty under the bonnet with the German manufacturer. Even the smaller 1.2-litre petrol engine is capable enough for most journeys, and the handling is more engaging than many rivals. The most common problems reported involve the DSG automatic gearboxes, minor satnav faults, and some condensation in the rear lights. Mazda MX-5 9 Those wanting a car that's more about enjoyment might consider the Mazda MX-5, particularly the third generation model built between 2005 and 2015. This version is slightly heavier and more refined than earlier MX-5s, making it more usable on a daily basis while still offering the same fun handling and simple, rear-wheel-drive setup the car is known for. At under £5,000, you're mostly looking at earlier examples, but the engines tend to be reliable with proper servicing. Owners should keep an eye on rusty sills and body panels, sticky brake callipers, and hard-top models with roof mechanism issues. Hyundai i30 BlueDrive If saving money on fuel and tax is your top priority, the Hyundai i30 BlueDrive is a practical choice. Built between 2012 and 2017, this diesel hatchback was designed during a time when low emissions and economy were major selling points. It officially returns up to 78.4 miles per gallon and, in many versions, qualifies for zero road tax. It's also chain-driven, meaning you won't need to worry about replacing a cambelt. Most faults reported are minor, such as scuffed interiors, and the engines themselves have a good reputation for dependability. Honda CR-V 9 For dog owners, the Honda CR-V built from 2006 to 2012 is worth a look. This mid-size SUV had a large, flat boot and a sliding rear seat that allows for even more space when needed. It's also known for its mechanical reliability and general durability. Four-wheel-drive versions are better suited to rural areas and country walks, especially in poor weather. Some used examples suffer from weak air conditioning, batter drain issues and fading interior trim, but overall, it's a strong all-rounder. Ford S-Max 9 If you need seven seats, the Ford S-Max offers better practicality than many SUVs in the same price range. Built between 2006 and 2014, it's an MPV that avoids the usual dull driving experience thanks to its car-like handling. There's plenty of space inside, and the rear seats can be folded flat when not in use. Older examples can be found for as little as £1,000, though well-kept ones with a full history hover around £5,000. Common faults include electrical issues, damp carpets, and noisy power steering. Audi TT 9 For those who want a more stylish option, the second-generation Audi TT from 2006 to 2014 still looks modern and drives well. It shares its engine with the Golf GTI, giving it decent performance and a solid driving feel. Inside, the cabin is smartly finished and doesn't feel dated. These cars can be had for under £5,000, though buyers should watch for high oil consumption, noisy timing chains, and electrical niggles like dodgy window mechanisms or condensation in the lights. Not every used car in this price range is a smart buy, though. One model to avoid is the first-generation BMW 1 Series, sold between 2004 and 2011. While the badge may attract some buyers, these cars are often cramped in the back, hard-riding and plagued by mechanical issues in many versions. Even well-maintained examples can feel tired, and the dark interiors make them less pleasant to spend time in compared to rivals.
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Warning to EV drivers as cars' value PLUMMETS after just two years – are you set to lose thousands?
EV DRIVERS face losing thousands in the first two years of buying a car as manufacturers scramble to meet net zero targets, experts have warned. The average electric vehicle will reportedly retain just 49 per cent of its value after 24 months - a dramatic dip on the 83 per cent in 2022. Advertisement 2 Electric vehicles are becoming a much less secure bet if consumers or companies are looking to resell, compared to the more robust petrol/diesel market Credit: Getty 2 Many are pointing towards the governments "zero emission vehicle mandate" to explain the drop in second hand EV prices Credit: Getty Diesel and petrol cars, in comparison, typically retain 70 per cent of their value, a whopping 20 per cent more than their supposedly higher-tech counterparts. This collapse in the second hand EV market has likely been triggered by a trend of mass-discounts applied by car markers trying to meet government net zero standards for EV sales. The governments "zero emission vehicle mandate" rules that 80% of new cars sales must be EVs by 2030, with the goal of 100% by 2035. If manufacturers fail to meet this target, they may be liable for a cash fined levied according to the number of vehicles short they are. Advertisement Read more in Electric Cars The EV market is also being affected by a steep rise in competition, with cheaper models slashing the average price from nearly £40,000 down to less than £25,000 between 2022-2025, according to Autotrader. Philip Nothard, of Cox Automotive Europe, However, Mr Nothard also said: " The current performance of nearly-new EVs in the used market is still much lower than we would anticipate for vehicles in this age profile. 'The heavy discounts offered on new vehicles mean that consumers can pick up a brand-new model for the same price as a nearly-new model. Advertisement Most read in Motors 'This gives consumers very little incentive to consider them, which is a real blow to a market that needs all the incentives it can get its hands on.' Mr Nothard added that "middle-aged" EVs, between three to five years old, were holding their value considerably better in recent years, only dipping 15% in resale price. The first-ever all-electric MINI JCW Aceman Discounting of new EVs has seen £4 billion slashed from price tags last year, amounting to an average of £11,000 per vehicle, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Although these tumbling prices are good for consumers, the rate of reductions has sparked concern in elements of the car industry. Advertisement Fleet operators, such as car rental companies, are particularly vulnerable to these market changes. Accounting for two thirds of all new car sales, car rentals usually buy their vehicles new every few years, relying on the resale market to makeup some of these costs. With this market plummeting, companies are have to take deep cuts to profits when updating their fleets. I n 2023, the EV leasing firm Onto fell into administration after it was forced to write down the value of its 7,000-car fleet by £21m that year. Advertisement The British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association (BVRLA) last year warned that many similar companies were experiencing heavy losses when reselling EVs because of this 'unsustainable' depreciation. Consumers may have to foot some of these rising costs in order for leasing companies to remain trading positively. The BVRLA has since made a plea to the government for intervention, calling for market stimulus measures to prop up faltering industries.
