It’s time for the car financing experts to meet the car experts. This week, Car Loan Warehouse were lucky enough to interview Zaman Bux, Chief Editor at Road Mag. Zaman gave us a taste of the motoring industry – and some of his expert tips on everything from basic tyre changes to luxury test drives.
When reviewing a car, what key criteria do you examine to ensure a thorough review?
No review is thorough without covering everything readers and potential buyers could question. For example: a Porsche Boxster is famous for its sweet performance and unprecedented handling, but we also enlighten our readers about its practicality and fuel efficiency, just in case they wonder.
Are there any particular manufacturers you feel always hit the mark with
their cars?
Personally, it has to be Jaguar. They’ve moved so far ahead in design, performance and luxury since Tata Motors took ownership. The beautiful and drop-dead gorgeous F-Type Coupe is probably the only modern car that’s actually captured the spirit of an old and iconic predecessor which other manufacturers just fail to do.
The rest of their products are award-winning and class-leading cars. I can’t wait for the upcoming XE Saloon to take the 3 Series’ crown!
What advice would you give to buyers before test driving a car – what questions should you be asking?
My advice to car buyers prior to taking a test drive would be to ask as many questions beforehand. Things like “How fuel efficient is the car?” or even ask to extend the test drive. One question I like to ask is “Is this particular engine available from other manufactures?” because many manufacturers nowadays borrow engines from other manufacturers to create lower emission and more efficient vehicles, e.g. the Mercedes-Benz A180 CDI’s engine is actually a Renault unit – believe it or not. This can have problems in itself as there could be reliability issues.
A crucial question to ask is how safe the vehicle is and ensure they give you a Euro NCAP rating. The salesman’s job is to sucker you in and persuade you that the car is perfect for you – only you know what’s perfect and what’s not for you. Do your research on the car; questions will only ever be answered positively in order to sell it to you.
What skills do you believe every car owner should know? (change a tire, change oil, etc.)
It’s crucial for a car owner to know how to change a tyre. Tyres can puncture at random points and sitting by the road-side hoping somebody turns up who has the know-how to change a tyre is immensely frustrating.
I also think it’s important for owners to know how to do light maintenance to their cars. Many car owners waste hundreds of pounds on experienced mechanics for things as small as worn air filters or even contaminated engine oil. It’s important to know these skills to save you from a massive bill. Much of this can all be done at home without having to hire a workshop.
If Zaman’s tips have given you the new car itch, the Car Loan Warehouse has just the thing for it. You choose the car, and leave the rest up to us. We’re experts in car financing, and we work with dealers and lenders to find you the best car loan around. Try our quick and easy car finance calculator now for an instant quote.
