Latest news with #cars
Wall Street Journal
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- Wall Street Journal
A VW Hatchback That Gives the Lie to Boomer Nostalgia
In a gift to gearhead posterity, Car and Driver magazine has published an archive of car reviews, comparison tests, columns and features going back to the 1950s. The Greatest Generation of automobile writers—John Phillips, Patrick Bedard, Csaba Csere, Brock Yates, David E. Davis—rides again. A few minutes among these legends will sweep away the cobwebs of nostalgia. No, Virginia, cars didn't used to be better. Were they more affordable? Sure. More repairable? Also fair. But as to whether automobiles were once better built, safer, faster, quieter, more comfortable, durable, capable and efficient? Generally, no.
The Sun
19 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
I'm a motors expert… here are the top used cars you can buy for less than £10k – they're totally underrated
A MOTORS expert has revealed the best cars you can buy for less than £10,000. The driving whizz from Cars with JB took to YouTube to run through a list of 10 cheap and cheerful rides to bring joy to petrolheads. You can also find these models on Sun Motors, with financing options available. Toyota GT86 12 FIND HERE Coming in tenth, JB said that the Toyota gives drivers a "Mazda-style go-karty feel but in a coupe body shell". It's actually one of the slower cars on the list, with a 0-60mph time of 7.4 seconds but is more than nifty enough to provide plenty of fun. Insurance and running costs tend to be cheap and handling very stable, making it an ideal first sports car for aspiring motors nuts. The cheapest examples come in well below budget at around £8,000. VW Golf GTI Mk6 FIND HERE The Golf model has been an international best-seller for decades and is one of the most iconic car ranges in history. It's attraction has always lain in the fact that it can give drivers a rough and ready experience with plenty of speed at a low price point and the GTI Mk6 is no exception. Its 2-litre inline-four engine is turbocharged to crunch the 0-60 down to just 6.7 seconds and they can be found online for as little as £4,000. And they may be about to become a little more valuable as VW confirmed it would discontinue the petrol Golf after the Mk8, with the model going fully electric moving forward. Find Your Next Car by What You Can Actually Afford Sun Motors has created the UK's First Finance-First Marketplace * Finance Powered by DSG Finance who are a Credit Broker Not A Lender. Representative 12.9%. Your rate may differ depending on individual circumstances You can check in less than 60 seconds if you are eligible for financing, and then search for your dream used car within your monthly budget. Here's how... Soft credit check, with no impact on your score 60-second decision, get a real finance decision in less than a minute Instant match, only see cars that fit your real budget AI-powered help, get tailored advice, suggestions, and instant answers from an AI advisor called Theo Find out what you can afford in just 60 seconds here. Jaguar XK FIND HERE Jaguar is a name more usually associated with high-end luxury roadsters and racing pedigree. However, the XK can be picked up for £6,500 and can match the Mazda for speed. The power comes wrapped up in the curves of classic Jag styling and is sure to set any retro car lover's pulse racing. Subaru Impreza WRX 12 The Impreza model is well-renowned in the world of rallying as well and JB described the WRX as "some of the best value for money out there". They are known for reliability and pure fun. They may not be as quick as some of the others on the list but when they start at £3,000 you can see why they're a bargain deal. Porsche Boxter 987 S From something that looks like a Porsche, to an actual Porsche, the 987 is some of the best of what the German giant has to offer. An out-and-out fast sports car for its era, the 987 S can make 0-60 in just 5.2 seconds. However, they are a little on the pricier side, with more basic examples still clocking in at around £7,400. Nissan 350Z Picked out as a future classic by JB, the Nissan looks every bit the part with its long bonnet and short backside giving it the appearance of a Porsche 911. Sleekly designed and quick as the wind, they can also be had for as little as £3,500. It also offers versatility, with the car as comfortable on a track as it is cruising down the motorway. BMW M135i 12 Speaking of German giants, BMW has dominated the sport coupe market with its M series, and the 135i is no exception. Even quicker than the Porsche despite its greater weight, it is tuned up with Beemer's top-line hardware. The only issue is that most are automatic, which doesn't quite give drivers the control and road sense that many look for in performance cars. Nonetheless, at just £6,500 for a decent example, they aren't the most expensive item either. Audi S5 It's the Audi S5 that tops the list, with JB saying: "The A5 is one of the most beautiful modern designs on any Audi. "It won a bunch of design awards for it troubles. "The 4.2-litre V8 is known to be very is a massive positive." It comes joint quickest with the BMW, but JB gave it the edge as a "fast, useful and good looking daily driver." The S5 is also a fair bit cheaper, starting at just £4,800. Mercedes SL500 German reliability and plenty of performance are the essence of this beloved convertible. Mercedes dropped in a chunky 5-litre V8 to carry its sleek frame, generating a sturdy 320 horsepower. This gives the SL500 an impressive 0-60 of 6.3 seconds, while the handling remains smooth without being overly sanitised. Older models can be found for around £5,000 but a little more will get you one in better nick. Mazda 3 MPS 12 On the Mazda, JB said: "I think the Mazda 3 MPS is one of the most underrated hot hatches on the market. "For a sensible hot hatch enjoyer it's an excellent car." It's quicker even than the Merc too with a 5.9 second 0-60. They retail online for around £5,000 at the bottom end. What is Sun Motors? Sun Motors makes the car-buying process extremely easy through a combination of verified dealerships and advanced digital tools. All dealers on the platform are vetted to meet Sun Motors' standards of reliability and trustworthiness, ensuring that you can shop with trust and confidence at all stages. You'll be able to search and reserve vehicles online and complete their purchases through a streamlined digital checkout. Car financing with Sun Motors Credit Check: After completing your credit check with Sun Motors, you'll find out if you've been approved for a car loan, your interest rate, and the monthly repayment amount. 12 Flexible Options for Poor Credit: Even if you've been denied finance by other lenders, you may still be eligible with Sun Motors. They work with a specialist lender who can provide flexible options, including hire-purchase deals, for those with poor credit histories. Quick Decision: If your application is successful, you'll receive a decision within 60 seconds. Car Selection: If approved, you can browse thousands of used cars that fit your budget, giving you confidence that you can secure financing for any car on their marketplace. This process ensures you can shop for your next car with peace of mind, knowing your financing is already in place. 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.
WIRED
2 days ago
- Automotive
- WIRED
Everything You Wanted to Know About China's Auto Industry Takeover
What is the future of cars? For one thing, after substantial government support and poaching of top Western talent, China's car industry is about to dominate globally with charging rates, ranges, luxury design, technology, and sheer volumes. Moreover, it's no longer content with serving its own enormous market as Chinese brands make serious inroads across Australia and Europe. In May, it was reported that, for the first time, Chinese automaker BYD sold more cars in Europe than Tesla in the previous month. Meanwhile in the US, the affordable car is about to go extinct. With President Donald Trump's back-and-forth tariffs, it may well be time to say goodbye to the sub-$30,000 car. WIRED senior editor and auto obsessive Jeremy White hosted a Reddit AMA earlier this month to directly answer your questions about the future of cars and EVs as the global market dramatically shifts. Here's what you need to know. Questions and responses have been edited for clarity. Musk's horrific journey into politics aside, do you think Tesla has a future, with pressure from BYD and its failure to develop a cheaper model, among other challenges? Yes, I do think Tesla has a future—it was only last year that they lost the top slot of the biggest-selling car in the world (to Toyota). So let's keep in mind that Tesla still sells a lot of cars. That said, Tesla has an aging fleet, it has a CEO with his attention diverted very much elsewhere, and, most of all, right now it has a brand and reputation problem. Musk's DOGE antics have directly hit the company—even their finance chief Vaibhav Taneja was forced to admit so on its April earnings call, saying 'unwarranted hostility towards our brand and our people had an impact in certain markets.' And the Cybertruck has been an unmitigated disaster. Tesla desperately needs a win. It needs a new cheap electric car, and no amount of dressing up the Model Y in new clothes is going to cut it. It also needs to look at its autonomous tech, because Chinese brands all favoring Lidar are beating it there too. Let's face it, the Chinese brands have learned a great deal from Tesla and are now coming for Elon's lunch—and, right now, Tesla is not really in a position to compete. How long can this go on? How long can the board put up with these dismal sales figures? We shall see. But one thing is for sure: it cannot carry on like this. Will China really be able to make inroads into the European market given the combination of tariffs and European consumer preference for their own homegrown brands? Yes, and they already are. Chinese automaker BYD now outsells Tesla in Europe, and it is now launching its premium brand, Denza, there too—think Audi or BMW level. Xpeng is there, too, as is Nio.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
I'm a motors expert – here are the best used cars for under £2,000 which WON'T guzzle your fuel
A MOTORS expert has revealed a list of the best cars you can buy for under £2,000 that won't guzzle all your fuel. JB, from CarswithJB on YouTube, posted a video running down a range of cheap and cheerful rides that you can enjoy on a budget. 11 As the cost of living crisis bites and petrol prices soar with inflation, JB's advice couldn't come at a better time. Renault Clio First up, he recommended the much-loved family classic Renault Clio. The 1.2-litre inline-four is not as thirsty as many other hatchbacks, while it can still get you where you need to go with a 0-60 time of 10.6 seconds. JB said: "It's the joint-quickest car on the list but, despite that, it will still manage 51 miles per gallon (mpg) and costs £135 per year in road tax. "This is the perfect first car, but it can substitute as a family hatch instead, given it's not too small in size." Within the budget, drivers should target the third-generation models, starting at around £1,800 online. Skoda Citigo A slightly smaller engine powers the Citigo, with a titchy 1-litre inline-three putting out a 0-60 time of 13.9 seconds. It's more expensive on the tax side, too, with an annual bill of £165, but is more economical than the previous options, at 55mpg. JB said: "It's not my cup of tea due to how small it is, and I'd maybe only recommend it as a city car that's focussed on short journeys. "But I do like how basic it is, with all the amenities you need as a driver, nothing more, nothing less." It is also more expensive at purchase, with basic models sneaking in just under the £2,000 cap online. Ford KA 11 Back to the inline-fours, the Ford is still a touch sluggish, reaching 60mph in 13 seconds. However, in terms of running costs, it's a steal, with a tax bill of just £30 and a 57 mpg economy rate. JB said that the model's shared development with the Fiat 500 led to common issues, including engine problems and corrosion. Meanwhile, initial purchase costs are high, with a starting price right on the £2,000 line. Kia Picanto 11 FIND HERE The slowest car on the list, with a 0-60 of just 14.6 seconds. However, again it is just £30 for the tax and its economy is a generous 58mpg. It was initially marketed by rallying legend Marcus Granholm but JB said it drives more like a city car. Basic models are available for around £1,000, with plenty of options under £2,000. Suzuki Alto FIND HERE A sister car of the Pixo, sharing the same frame and drivetrain, the Suzuki just edges it out as it's 0.5 of a second quicker, with the same excellent economy. JB revealed that it was originally designed for the Indian market but came over to Europe shortly after. It was even built in response to rising prices after the 2008 financial crisis, making it ideal for today's tough times. The Alto is available online for around £1,900 but is a bargain considering its affordability in terms of running costs. Fiat Grande Punto 11 With a similar engine to the Renault, the Fiat is a few seconds off the pace, but slightly more economical at 52 mpg. It is also identical in its road tax expense so is still good value all round. JB added: "One strange fact about these is that, on release, they had the highest level of safety when they were retested in 2012, they go zero stars." He suggested this was likely due to a lack of updates on the safety features between the car's 2005 debut and its retest seven years on. The Grande Punto is available for around £1,500, while high-mileage but more recent examples clock in at £2,000. However, JB warned that issues with "build quality" could lead to some dangerous flaws, including steering failure. Mini Hatch 11 The Mini Hatch ties the Clio for pace and comes with its unique British heritage. Earlier models can be found online for as little as £1,000, though these are likely to be high-mileage. JB explained: "It's quoted as doing 53 mpg...I can attest to them being very solid little cars. "The only negative is them being four-seaters, rather than five, so slightly less practical. "But, I would consider it to be amongst the nicest of the cars on the list and if you find a first example it's even more economical." Peugeot 107 11 JB perhaps summed this model up best when he said: "I had to bring back the Peugeot 107 into this vide, given how incredible the running costs really are." And incredible they are, costing only £20 in tax and doing a whopping 61mpg. He added that the Toyota engine under the Peugeot shell is "renowned for its reliability", but did cite issues around boot space and water leakage. Still for just £1,000 at the bottom end, many will consider this a great deal. Hyundai I10 Back on the quicker side, with a 0-60 of 11.8 seconds, the Hyundai, like the Peugeot, is £20 for the year's worth of tax and manages 61 mpg. JB said: "This is the sister car to the Kia Picanto we mentioned before. "Though they are very cheap feeling, they are the definition of cheap and cheerful." Although, they do start at the limit of £2,000 so are on the more expensive end of the list. Nissan Pixo 11 The Pixo is another slower option, but manages a list-topping 65mpg and still only costs £20 in road tax. JB said: "What made the Pixo famous for me was its appearance on Top Gear." They clock in at a minimum of £1,500, with 2010 models at £2,000.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Trump's trade deals could push the average new car price well above $50,000
Markets have cheered President Trump's trade deals with Japan and the European Union. New 15% tariffs on most imported products from those countries are lower than many analysts expected, and they finally bring some predictability to Trump's chaotic on-and-off-and-on-again tariff policy. But import taxes are still going up, and past experience tells us that American consumers will ultimately bear most of the cost. Some of the most important imports from Europe and Japan are cars and car parts, and the higher taxes are sure to make all facets of owning a car costlier, just as drivers were hoping for a break from soaring prices. Trump is still working on trade deals with Canada, Mexico, and South Korea, other major sources of auto imports, and those outcomes will likely hike prices further. The average new car costs nearly $49,000, according to Kelley Blue Book. Trump's tariffs could raise costs by $3,000 or more once fully priced in, with costs rising less for cheaper models and more for luxury makes. It could take several months for those import taxes to work through supply chains, but unless there's a recession that ravages demand, car prices seem certain to hit new record highs during Trump's second presidential term. Read more: The latest news and updates on Trump's tariffs Ten years ago, the average car price was just $30,000. Several factors have pushed prices higher. Americans increasingly buy big pickups and SUVs, which cost more. Manufacturers struggle to make money on small economy cars and have been pulling them from their lineups. An explosion of digital gizmos adds to the cost, as does new automaker investments in electrification, which still isn't profitable industrywide. The COVID pandemic turbocharged auto inflation due to supply chain disruptions, parts shortages, stronger demand for non-urban transportation, and other factors. Costlier new cars increased demand for used cars, fueling inflation there, as well. More expensive parts and higher repair costs caused a surge in insurance premiums, which have doubled during the last 10 years. The charts below show the trends. Auto inflation has stabilized — but prices aren't coming down. They're basically stuck at new, higher levels. The only real break for drivers has been gasoline prices, down about 10% during the last year, to a national average of about $3.15 per have been first-line victims of Trump's tariffs. That means their customers will feel the pain too. General Motors (GM) and Jeep-parent Stellantis (STLA) both said tariffs harmed profitability in the second quarter. Ford (F) will probably echo that theme when it reports earnings on July 30. Automakers aren't just suffering from tariffs on imported parts, but also from Trump's new 50% tariff on most imported steel and aluminum, which are major components in cars. Most car prices haven't risen yet. The all-in cost of buying a car has actually dropped from peak levels of 2022, when the average cost of a new car equated to 42 weeks of work for the typical buyer, according to the Cox Automotive/Moody's Analytics affordability index, which accounts for prices, incomes, and interest rates. That's now down to about 37 weeks of work. But overall costs are still about 10% higher in real terms than they were from 2012 through 2021. And it's only a matter of time before automakers start passing higher tariff costs onto buyers. Some of the most popular cars in the US market are imports. The Subaru Impreza, Toyota (TM) Prius, and Mazda (7261.T) Miata come from Japan, as a few examples. Many Audis, BMWs ( and Mercedes ( come from Europe, along with the Volkswagen (VWAGY) Golf. Those imports will all come with the new 15% tax. Korean imports include the Hyundai ( Elantra, Kia Soul, and many other models from the two Korean manufacturers. They seem likely to face the same 15% import tax, since that is becoming the standard for Trump's trade deals. Read more: What Trump's tariffs mean for the economy and your wallet Mexico is the biggest source of automotive imports, supplying about 40% of all imported components, plus finished vehicles such as the Ford Maverick, Chevy Blazer, Mazda 3, and Nissan (NSANY) Sentra. Canada is another major source of vehicles such as the Chrysler Pacifica, Lexus RX 350, and many Honda (HMC) Civics. New Trump trade deals with Mexico and Canada seem further off, but in the meantime, he imposed a 25% tax on imported products from those countries that don't satisfy complex domestic-content requirements. All told, about 46% of the 16 million cars sold in the United States each year are imports, and almost all of the cheapest economy cars on the market are imports because carmakers generally can't afford to make them in America. Virtually all of those products will cost more because of the Trump tariffs. Earlier this year, when Trump was threatening 25% taxes on all imported cars, the Yale Budget Lab estimated such an across-the-board tariff would raise the cost of an average car by $6,400. That applied to all cars, whether imported or domestic, because price hikes in one major sector allow competitors to raise their prices too. If the across-the-board tariff is 15% instead of 25%, price hikes would obviously be less. Manufacturers might make adjustments and 'eat' some of the cost by accepting lower profits. But they can't eat all of the additional cost. Shareholders won't accept it, and with costs rising throughout the industry, all automakers will have pricing power, allowing them to charge more. Even if prices rise by less than under some other scenario, car buyers still have reason to expect lower prices from Trump, not higher ones. Trump ran for president last year, vowing to 'bring prices way down,' after three years of excessive inflation. Voters who went for Trump in 2024 said that was one of the main reasons they picked him. Yet earlier this year, Trump said he 'couldn't care less' if automakers raised prices to offset the cost of his tariffs. They're going to. Maybe it won't be by as much as analysts thought before, but that won't comfort buyers facing sticker shock anew at the dealership, service center, auto parts store, and insurance agency. Those Trump trade deals won't look so rosy once people start to pay for them. Rick Newman is a senior columnist for Yahoo Finance. Follow him on Bluesky and X: @rickjnewman. 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