Latest news with #Parkers
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
BMW 1 Series used cars: I've driven 47 used hatchback cars – this BMW is by far a standout
BARGAIN BEEMER BMW 1 Series used cars: I've driven 47 used hatchback cars – this BMW is by far a standout Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) OK, so 47 is an estimate, but I have driven a lot of hatchbacks, and the BMW Series 1 is a standout. The quintessential hatchback is, of course, the Golf, which in all its incarnations has delivered – but the BMW pips it, and I'll explain why. 4 I'd always associated BMWs with committed middle managers driving company cars. A few minutes behind the wheel of the BMW Series 1 M Sport changed all that. I'm not going to say that the VW Golf has had its day (or make a joke that the current version of the car is as unfashionable as the sport, as that would be cruel). But the BMW Series 1 does everything you need a hatch to do – but better than the others. What is a hatchback? A hatchback is a car with a large rear door that opens to create a large boot space. Hatchback cars are flexible. You can typically carry 4 or more passengers in comfort. When you need extra carrying space, you can lower the back seats. (Make sure the passengers aren't in there first.) The VW Golf pretty much defined what a hatchback is and what it does, and – despite what we've written above – we still love it. Reviewers know it still does the business, but the Golf spawned a whole lot of imitators – some of which are now ready to challenge for the hatchback king's crown. Most read in Buy NEED FOR SPEED I'm a used car expert, these are the top FASTEST selling cars I'd recommend Benefits of a hatchback Small, manoeuvrable, great handling Excellent visibility from the large rear window Sporty looks (especially souped-up variants, including GTI, M Sport, FR, etc.) Versatile, with space for 4 passengers and luggage Fold-down seats provide extra carrying capacity Perfect for families, city drivers or country dwellers BMW 1 Series: An overview When you're buying a hatchback, it's 50% heart and 50% head. It's got to look great and have the speed and performance you want. It's also got to be fuel efficient, reliable and – in these cash-strapped times – affordable. Let's work through the list. The BMW 1 Series looks, to me, fantastic. Looks are personal, so feel free to disagree. Parkers call it the best premium hatchback. The M Sport version goes above and beyond with 18' alloys, a rear spoiler and splitters, as well as a full leather interior and a beast of an engine. (Ticks box) It's hard to argue with performance. The majority of modern (post-2019) Series 1s are front-wheel drive with either a 3- or 4-cylinder engine. Front-wheel drive makes more space for luggage at the back without impacting the driving experience, which is impeccable. (Ticks box) In-car entertainment and tech is top-notch, as you'd expect on a premium BMW. (Ticks box) It's not a class leader (and real-life returns will vary on your driving style, condition, etc.), but you can expect around 40mpg from an older Series 1. (Ticks box) The BMW Series 1 was one of only two cars that achieved a 100% reliability rating from WhatCar?. (Ticks box) Affordable? Check out this round-up of used BMW Series 1 cars for sale. Buying a used car? Find cars for under £200 on Sun Motors here. Used BMW 1 Series for sale Here are some of the BMW Series-1s for sale on Sun Motors that piqued our interest… Great value: BMW 1 SERIES 1.5 118i SE 4 Model: BMW Series 1 1.5 118i SE This 2018 BMW Series-1 isn't the cheapest on the market at £6,949, but represents something of a bargain. The mileage is low, with 65,000 miles half that of others on the market. The relatively low use shows up in the condition of the car, which is excellent. It's a well-presented car – and the good bits don't stop. The 118i SE model is a slightly more premium package (just below M Sport). The 138 bhp engine is a bit of a beast, but you'll still get almost 40mpg. (Check out the full specs on Parkers.) If we were looking for a great family runaround that would still turn a few heads, this would be a perfect choice. M Sport Monster: BMW 1 Series 1.5 118i M Sport 4 Model: BMW 1 Series 1.5 118i M Sport BMW M Sport is legendary, with better internal trim, external styling and engine. If you're buying a BMW, we all want that little badge, don't we? (Forget about the insurance premiums for a minute…) If comfort, acceleration and speed are important to you, then check out this BMW 1 Series 1.5 118i M Sport. Stylish? Absolutely. You'll get the better body kit, leather interior, and large alloys. It's a superb-looking car. Under the bonnet, the BMW has a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine that will fly when you put your foot to the floor. Thinking with the head, it's a good price for a relatively new BMW Series-1 with just 61,000 miles under its belt. Go on, you know you want it. 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 Sun Motors is a seamless, straightforward, transparent platform that ranks by customer searches, not payments. It offers innovative financing and concierge services, ensuring a simple, fair car-buying experience. 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 Get started finding your next used vehicle here. Latest model: BMW 1 Series M135 xDrive 4 Model: BMW 1 Series M135 xDrive We've gone for the super powerful and ultra-cool BMW 1 Series M135 xDrive. We're talking about 0-60mph in under 5 seconds. That's achievable because of the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that knocks out 301 bhp. Ouch. It's a 4WD car, which delivers good handling, traction and stability. The 2025 model here is the latest version with updated and improved external styling. This isn't your average motorway munching BMW, but a powerful sports car that's been somehow sanitised a little bit. Our choice is basically a new car with 100 miles on the clock. If you buy it, can we have a drive? Are BMW 1 Series reliable cars? The BMW 1 Series is the best in class for build quality, which means an ultra-reliable drive, which is vital for families. OK, things can still go wrong, but buy a good BMW Series 1, and you should be OK. Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you're looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Top 5 Best used cars for new drivers from a used motors expert
FIRST WHEELS Top 5 Best used cars for new drivers from a used motors expert JUST passed your driving test? It's time to get a car. We all know buying your first used car can be nerve-wracking, especially if you're doing it on your own. Advertisement 6 Don't worry! At Sun Motors, we're going to take you through our selection of some of the best-used cars for first-time drivers. When comparing the best used first cars, we've weighed up a range of factors, including safety and security, insurance, running costs and repairs. The models here are tried and trusted and should perform well as safe, secure and reliable runarounds. You want to hit the road, so let's start with finding five fantastic car deals for new drivers. Advertisement Top 5 best used cars for new drivers Here are 5 tried and tested cars that are ideal for first-time buyers. We've selected small cars with solid engines and engineering. They may not be the fastest or most attractive motors, but they're a great place to start on your car owning career. Cheapest to insure: Ford KA 6 MODEL: Ford KA Advertisement Insurance for new drivers is, quite frankly, bonkers – but not if you buy a Ford Ka. This popular city car is in the lowest insurance group (group 1-10, says Parkers), which means it's the lowest risk. Low risk = low premium. It's cheap to insure, but is it any good? Absolutely! The reliable, affordable and quirky Ford Ka is a great first car. It's economical to run, and the no-frills exterior and interior are perfect as you're highly likely to add a few dents, scratches and damage yourself. You can pick up a good quality 10-year-old Ford Ka for around £5k. Advertisement Dull but functional: Skoda Fabia 6 The Skoda brand name has been revitalised since its VW ownership, with the brand now known for dull but functional cars that last. The Skoda Fabia is a basic motor that's also in a low insurance group, meaning it's cheap to insure. Driving is more fun than you'd imagine, with a strong and solid engine and a leisurely ride. Advertisement We recommend new drivers go for third-generation models (2014-2021) with the 1.0 litre engine if possible. Prices for a bog-standard, 10-year old Skoda Fabia are around £3.5k and rising to £23,000 for a nearly new model. German precision: VW Polo 6 OK, so the older (2014-21) VW Polos and the Skoda Fabias share a common platform (PQ26) which makes them similar, but they're not identical twins. Advertisement The Polo is a bit more refined, with better handling and a finer finish. The driving experience is similar to a Fabia, with reviewers loving the 2009-17 version, praising its comfortable ride and classy looks. You might expect to pay a premium, but you can pick up a 2015 VW Polo for £3,500. Tiny tearaway: Fiat 500 6 Advertisement When it was launched, the Fiat 500 blew us all away. The micro-car is a 60s-inspired piece of design that's as evocative as the Italian job. Slide inside (if you can fit) and it's a surprisingly good drive. The short wheelbase and small overall size make it feel fast on the road. There's not much luggage space and carrying passengers will be a problem, but it's an ideal first car for urban motorists on a budget. Its popularity keeps prices down. Basic models of the Fiat 500 can be picked up for a little over £3,000. Small price and perfect for small driers. Advertisement Money-no-object: Mini 6 Who doesn't want a Mini? The BMW reboot of the Mini has created a brand new icon, and we love it. The 'modern' MINI is every bit as popular as the previous version, with almost 3000 for sale today on Sun Motors. When the car looks this good, who cares what it drives like? (Take our word for it, it's a fantastic car to drive and own.) Advertisement There are so many models to choose from, you could get lost for a long time. We recommend first-time drivers go for an older model, like this 2015 MINI Hatch 1.5 Cooper for a few litres of fuel under £5,000. MINIs will wrack up a lot of miles, so don't be put off by a model that's done over 100k. Instead, check the MOT history and service history, that's a better indication of how a car has been cared for and will perform. What is the best car for a new driver? Personally, I'd go for a Dacia Sandero - because that's what I drive. But I'm old. Advertisement If I were a first time car buyer, I'd try and find the perfect middle ground. That's going to be a great looking car that's fun to drive but cheap to insure and fill up. My personal choice for the best used car for a first time buyer would be the Skoda Fabia. If you can, take one out for a drive. It's surprisingly spacious, stylish to look at and well built. Go for one with low-mileage and a full service history. Why Sun Motors makes first-time buying easy Sun Motors makes buying a new car easy. The AI feature and sophisticated search function enable anyone to find the right car for them at the right price. Advertisement When buying from Sun Motors, you're dealing with dealers you can trust. All cars for sale have been checked over, with any faults or problems fixed. Dealers will also offer a warranty, giving you peace of mind for thousands of miles. Why would you buy from anywhere else? New driver car buying FAQs Car finance for new drivers: Can I get a used car on finance if I'm a first-time driver? Of course first time drivers can access finance – but only if you're over 18. Advertisement If you are, the amount you can borrow and the terms (including interest rate) will depend on your individual circumstances, including income, outgoings and credit history. Sun Motors makes it simple to check eligibility and affordability of finance. Our advice is to always read the small print and make sure you can manage all motoring costs, including car repayments, insurance, tax and (of course) fuel! How much is insurance for a new driver? New drivers can expect to pay £1500 or more for insurance, say finance experts Moneyshake. Advertisement The exact cost of car insurance depends on a huge range of factors, including your age and location, driving history, car make, model, age and value. Before buying a car, you can use comparison sites to compare insurance prices. Don't ever buy a car without knowing how much it'll cost to insure, or you could face a nasty surprise. What size engine can a new driver drive uk? If you've passed your test, you can drive anything you want – as long as you can afford to insure it. Our advice is to start with a small and safe car, then work your way up. Stats about new driver accidents are scary, so be safe and get a smaller car. Advertisement What to look for when buying a used car for the first time Check out our guide on what to look out for when buying a used car here. Safety – Always buy a car from a trusted dealer. Check out old MOTs and ask the seller if the car has been written off and returned to the road. Walk away if a dealer won't share this information. – Always buy a car from a trusted dealer. Check out old MOTs and ask the seller if the car has been written off and returned to the road. Walk away if a dealer won't share this information. Reliability – Being stranded by the roadside is no fun, so ensure the car has a full service history and all essential work has been done. – Being stranded by the roadside is no fun, so ensure the car has a full service history and all essential work has been done. Economy – Smaller cars use less fuel, so start small. – Smaller cars use less fuel, so start small. Size – Don't get a big car. New drivers are much more likely to get into accidents. – Don't get a big car. New drivers are much more likely to get into accidents. Cost of ownership – Consider the purchase price of the car and all running costs. Make a budget before buying a car. Are used cars as safe as new cars? Yes, used cars are as safe as new cars. Always check the MOT record and service history and, if possible, buy from a dealer. This will ensure your new used car is in the best condition it can be. Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you're looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.
The Sun
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Wheeler Dealers star Mike Brewer reveals which ‘modern classic' vehicle will skyrocket 6 times in value in just 10 years
WHEEL DEAL Brewer explains why now is the perfect time to buy Published: 10:46, Updated: 10:46, WHEELER Dealers star Mike Brewer has declared the car he thinks is a 'modern classic'. Brewer said its value could skyrocket over the next few years. 3 Mike Brewer has revealed he thinks the Audi TT Mk1 is a ' modern classic '. Brewer reckons that the TT could shoot up to as much as £10,000. This would be around six times the car's current market price, with motoring experts Parkers saying second-hand models currently go for between £1,130 and £2,205. This is a shadow of the model 's retail price when it was new, of around £27,775. The first-generation TT was made at the turn of the millennium, between 1999 and 2005, before being replaced by the Mk2 a year later. Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Brewer said: 'Definitely a modern classic is a Mk1 Audi TT. 'The 225bhp model, that's a really good car – a very good modern classic. 'People who have still got those today don't realise they're worth 15 hundred or two grand, maybe two-and-a-half-grand, some of them, but that car will be solid in years to come. "People will be paying 10 grand for those in the future.' The TT packs a sizeable punch for its price, with Parkers believing the four-cylinder, 1781cc engine could reach a top speed of 151mph. Chelsea's £115m ace Moises Caicedo has £160k Audi seized by cops after driving without valid licence near training ground The Mk1 is no slouch off the mark either - going from 0-60 in just 6.4 seconds. The main downside of the sports car is a limited luggage capacity of just 220 litres. Even so, car insurance experts at Hagerty UK have also been keen to heap praise on the Mk1 TT, calling it a "future classic." They said: ' Driving it was one of those rare moments when you realise without a shadow of a doubt you're looking the future right in the eye. 'Subsequent generations were of course faster still, and handled better, but lacked entirely the stunning visual innovation of the original.' Brewer has also suggested that now is a great moment in the markets to snap up forgotten classics, explaining that the market for these has settled after a post- COVID bounce. The TV star explained: 'There has been an oversupply of good classic car stock. "Because during Covid people had money and time, went in their garage and finally finished that Ford Cortina or Triumph Herald they promised they would. 'The market got swamped with good quality classics that bumped prices up because sales were high. "But now the market has gone completely flat and prices are on their way down, dropping 10 to 20 per cent over the past six months and still coming down. "I can see that happening for the next six to eight months. It's a resetting of the market to where it should be. 'So it's absolutely the right time to buy, in some cases a good time to hold your nerve if you're buying. "We've got an unsettled market for a load of reasons: the energy crisis, mortgage rates, now we're going through a change of government.' There's further good news for Audi TT fans, as comments by the manufacturer's CEO, Gernot Döllner, sparked speculation of an electric relaunch of the car. The third generation, petrol, Audi TT was discontinued in 2023. But Döllner said: "I believe Audi should have a sports car, for sure." And when asked if a model like the beloved TT could make a return, he said: "Yes, that's thinkable. But we have a broad view on what's possible. "If you're talking about real racing cars for the track, to me, the only way until now is combustion engine or hybrid. "But if it's more for everyday use on normal roads, I would definitely see a transition to the electric era." 3
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Parkers from Comanche, white lines of county namesake meet for barbecue and fellowship
The two sides of Parker County's namesake family recently got together for barbecue and brotherhood in Weatherford. More than 30 members of Cynthia Ann Parker's bloodline, white and Native American, shook hands at Baker's Ribs and heard keynotes from their Comanche matriarch and white patriarch. Parker, the 9-year-old settler taken in a Comanche raid on Fort Parker in East Texas, innocently stepped into Texas legend 189 years ago come May 19. 'She had a whole life, and that life changed in the blink of an eye,' her great-great-great-granddaughter, Tina Devlin Emhoolah, said as she started wiping tears that continued throughout her talk. 'Everything she knew — her life was snatched from her that day.' Emhoolah led direct descendants to the meetup in Weatherford from Ft. Sill, Oklahoma and other parts of the former Indian territory. Her distant cousin, Trevor Wardlaw, and the white relatives descend from Parkers who survived the raid on Fort Parker north of Groesbeck. Wardlaw told the Weatherford Democrat those survivors included Cynthia Ann's father, Silas, who with the rest migrated to Elkhart and Palestine in Anderson County. 'So, here we are in Parker County,' he greeted everyone. 'For now, 1836 is where the story begins for the Parkers, but that's not true.' Wardlaw explained the Parkers left their mark in Virginia, Georgia and Illinois before Elder John Parker and his Primitive Baptist congregation arrived in time to make history. 'Here comes the Texas Revolution.' More significantly, for the Parkers, here came the Comanche. Emhoolah's address to the group focused on the 9-year-old girl at the center of the story. Others were kidnapped in the raid, some were rescued. 'But for her, no one came,' Emhoolah said. 'I can't tell you a love story. Her life has been written into a love story, it's been romanticized. Cynthia Ann was a daughter of Silas (Parker), the son of Elder John. I know that I came to be a Comanche because of a little girl that was taken as a child. 'She had the will to live, she had the will to persevere. She had the will to be a survivor.' Parker had two sons and a daughter with the man she married, her captor Chief Peta Nocona. Of sons Pecos and Quanah and daughter Prairie Flower, Quanah grew to be a historical figure in his own right. He also clearly learned things his mother passed to him from her childhood memory of life before the raid. 'The Parker family came, as many families, across the water to this country with freedom of religion, coming in the name of God,' Emhoolah said. 'She would've known these things up to the age of 9.' Quanah, she said, displayed charisma as he grew to be a fierce Comanche leader. He also could read change in the wind. 'He was a leader who was able to adjust,' Emhoolah said. 'So, there were some things that she carried with her that she taught to him.' In his address to the group, Wardlaw said Cynthia Ann didn't know what to think when she was recovered by Texas Rangers in 1860 at Mule Creek, midway between Fort Worth and Amarillo. 'She just didn't know what was going on,' he said. 'She thought, would she be killed?' Wardlaw also highlighted Quanah's closeness to his mother, whom he lost after she'd been returned to the white world. 'Quanah lived a very different life,' he said. 'His mom and sister had been taken away. His father eventually passed away. He was orphaned and had to grow up pretty fast. But he survived — make no doubt about it, Quanah was a warrior.' Wardlaw quoted historian Billy Dixon's account of the 1874 Second Battle of Adobe Walls: ''There was never a more splendidly barbaric sight. Hundreds of mounted warriors in splendid colors on the bodies of the horses.'' By 1875, Wardlaw said, 'Quanah was the holdout,' the last Comanche to lay down arms. 'He saw the progression and where he needed to take his people,' he said. 'He was a huge proponent of education.' He echoed Emhoolah's assessment of Quanah's resilience. 'In 1905, he rode with Teddy Roosevelt in his inauguration parade,' Wardlaw said. 'That's a change, baby.' Quanah remained devoted to his mother after she was taken from him. 'There's not much written about Quanah searching for his father,' Wardlaw said. 'But he never stopped searching for his mother.' Quanah died in 1901 and is buried atop Chiefs Knoll, the highest point in the Fort Sill Post Cemetery in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He lays next to Cynthia Ann. Wardlaw said a photo of the man shows him standing next to pictures of his mother, his sister and Jesus, a pistol in its belt draped over a bedpost. 'That picture captures everything that we know about the Parker family,' he said. Wardlaw and Emhoolah closed with a public invitation to join the clans at their Oct. 11 family reunion at Fort Parker. 'Everybody's welcome,' Wardlaw said.
