MotorMad

NEC Motor Show 2005

Over 1000 cars will be on display at this year's Classic Motor Show at the NEC in Birmingham. The Show is on until November 6 and will feature classic car dealers, car clubs and motoring merchandise.
The extremely rare Maserati MC-12 Stradale (left) will have its first public viewing in the UK. With only 25 made and valued at around £600,000, the MC-12 reaches a top speed of 205mph, going from 0-62 mph in 3.8 seconds.

Mercedes Shows Hybrids at Frankfurt

At the International Motor Show (IAA) 2005 in Frankfurt, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the ‘Direct Hybrid’ and the ‘Bluetec Hybrid,’ two concept cars using the new S-Class as an installation example. The goal with these hybrids is to "make petrol cars as efficient as diesels, and diesels as clean as petrol cars". They have been made through the hybrid development agreement between DaimlerChrysler and GM, now to be joined by BMW.

Seat

Seat has come a long way in a short time thanks to Volkswagen and has a much more sporty image.

Volvo

Ford-owned Swedish firm with a deserved reputation for safety, lasting build and decent capacious estate cars. Good for carrying the dogs to the beach.

Aston Martin

Arguably the UK's most desirable marque, currently going through a renaissance thanks to genuinely good supercars. The company has reinvented its image to become cool again.

Chrysler’s New Funky Cabrio

Love it or hate it you’ve got to admit that the new Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabrio is unique. With its chunky roll-over bar, slab sides, bulky rear and rounded front screen it looks like it should be in a cartoon. It’s a fun-looking car that stands out in a crowd, but it’s receiving mixed reactions.
Review

Mercedes-Benz

A giant of the car business since its merger with Chrysler. Proved it had balls with the A-Class and Smart.

Renault

State owned French company that offers plenty of diversity and choice.

Honda

Established in 1948, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is one of today's leading manufacturers of cars and the largest manufacturer of motorcycles in the world. The Company is recognized internationally for its expertise and leadership in developing and manufacturing a wide variety of products that incorporate Honda's highly efficient internal combustion engine technologies, ranging from small general-purpose engines to specialty sports cars. No longer just for the trilby-wearers amongst us, as confirmed by the Civic Type-R, S2000, funky Jazz and even the new Accord.

Used Car Buying Advice

By purchasing a used car you can save a lot of money. You could buy a model that you may not be able to afford brand new. However, buying a used car is still a bit of a gamble as there is no guarantee that the car has not been in an accident, has real mileage, and was properly maintained. There may be some hidden problems like a worn out automatic transmission, or engine problems that may not have been obvious when you test-drove the car. Here are some essential facts you should consider before buying a second-hand car so you won't regret your decision after your purchase.