Jan 14, 2022 | Electronics |
There's almost nothing more annoying, your car won't start and you were already late! It can be frustrating and disappointing, but in this article we cover the most common problems. So in the best case you can solve it yourself or at least know why your car won't start.
Car will not start due to a flat battery
If a car won't start, a flat battery is the most likely problem. A flat battery can be recognised by:
- You can hear the starter motor spinning with difficulty
- You hear a clicking sound
- Light flashes when starting
- The central locking system does not work any more
- The dashboard no longer lights up.
A flat battery can be caused by burning interior lights. It often happens that someone leaves a light on by accident. Another cause can be an old battery that no longer charges sufficiently and cannot turn the starter motor. Another problem can also be a worn out alternator. This does not have to do with the battery itself but with the charger, the dynamo.
How do I start a car with a flat battery?
Fortunately, you can often start a car if you are dealing with a flat battery. To do this, you have several options:
- Is there anyone around with a car and jumper cables? Then put the jumper cables on the right poles, black on minus and red on plus. Then start the car and try to start your own car. If your car starts; leave the jumper cables in place for another 2 minutes. It is possible that the battery and therefore the car do not have enough power yet. One consequence may be that the car will stall again.
- Another possibility is to put the car (if manual) in 2nd gear. Then you need a couple of strong people to push you. At the right moment, with sufficient speed, try to let out the clutch. This can start the car, but it usually takes a few pushes.
- If you have a spare battery or another car, you can choose to install it. A battery replacement is not very complicated and should be possible in 10-15 minutes.
If you are pushed or you have used jumper cables, it is important that you drive for at least 20 minutes. Otherwise, there is a chance that the car will not start because the battery has not yet been charged.
TIP: If you are a multimeter If you have a battery, check the battery voltage and it should be more than 12 volts.
Problems with the engine itself
To understand what can go wrong with an engine, let's look at what happens when you want to start it. The first thing any driver does after getting into a car is to put his key in and turn the ignition switch. Then the charge from the battery goes to the starter motor that turns the crankshaft. Meanwhile, fuel from the fuel tank is pumped into the engine through the fuel pump, then through the fuel lines, the fuel rail, and finally the injectors.
At the same time, air is drawn in through the air filter and enters the engine through the intake manifold. In the case of a petrol engine, a distributor sends sparks into the engine through the spark plugs. This ignites the air-fuel mixture and voila, there's your horsepower.
Ignition system
Alternator not working properly
The alternator is the device that draws power from the engine and charges the battery when the vehicle is running. It is essential for the electrical cycle of a car, as its failure can prevent the car from starting.
If charging does not take place, the electrical systems in the car will draw power from the battery. This can eventually drain all the juice from the battery, killing it. In order to start an engine, the starter motor needs a good surge of electricity from the battery. In this case, the battery does not have this electricity.
Check the alternator
Checking the alternator is an easy job. Start the car with a starter cable and measure the voltage at the battery terminals with a multimeter. If it is less than 12 volts, the battery may be dead. But the main event we expect is an increase in voltage when you rev the engine. The alternator, if it's good, should be flowing a lot of electrons to the battery when the engine is running. If no change or a meagre increase in voltage is observed, it indicates that the alternator is not doing its job.
Problems with the starter motor
This is the third and last element in the ignition circuit. The starter motor is directly connected to the engine crankshaft. It turns the crankshaft to start the engine when we turn the key. A defective starter motor can be a reason why your car will not start but has power.
The diagnosis of this problem is quite simple. When you turn the key, it should start. The cranking of the engine is initiated by the starter motor. So, if the starter motor has died, turning the key will make no difference. No rotation, no desperate attempts to get the cylinders to fire. Just silence.
Problems with fuse and wiring
Before replacing the alternator, starter motor and battery all at once, check the fuse box first. If the ignition fuses are blown, a simple fuse replacement can get your car running. Do check what caused the blown fuse.
Fuel system
The fuel system is what supplies the engine with fuel. Petrol and diesel engines have different fuel system designs, but the general working principle is almost the same. So, if your car won't start, the fuel system could be a source of the problem. But the fuel system should be checked after the whole battery & ignition system is found to be faultless.
Faulty fuel pump
This is not a problem with most new cars. If your car is driven regularly and filled with proper gas/diesel fuel, it should not be a problem. Unless your car was fitted with a faulty fuel pump right from the factory. But, if your car is quite old or the fuel quality in your area is questionable, a faulty pump may occur.
The diagnosis of this problem is quite simple. If you turn your key to the ignition before cranking the engine, you can hear a hum coming from behind. This is the operation of the fuel pump. Before the car is started, the fuel pump supplies fuel and prepares it for injection.
But if you have a defective fuel pump, this cannot happen. The engine will not get its fuel and will refuse to start. So, if you turn the key and don't hear a hum coming out of the back, it may be a problem with the fuel pump.
But if you suspect a fuel pump failure, it should be checked. Maybe
it is simply blocked and unable to function. But that is for a trained eye to decide. A skilled technician is therefore needed for this work.
Low fuel pressure/blocked fuel lines or fuel rail
Your fuel pump may be working, but what if the fuel pressure is not reaching the injectors? A clogged fuel rail or fuel line could be a problem. Or it could be a problem with the fuel pump causing the fuel pressure to drop. Some fuel rails may have a Schrader valve on the fuel rail that allows you to test the fuel pressure.
If the fuel pressure is found to be low, you should give it to a mechanic for further diagnosis. But be aware, these problems usually only appear at high mileage.
Defective fuel injector
This is a rare possibility if your car will not start. If you have a four-cylinder engine, all four fuel injectors must stop working for the engine not to start. So this is a rare scenario, but still possible.
Air intake system problems
This is another rare problem that prevents a car from starting. If your car won't start, it could mean that the engine isn't getting everything it needs. We dealt with the starting movement and the fuel supply. Now let's focus on the air supply. The engine needs air to burn the fuel. If less air is pumped in, your car won't start.
Clogged air filter
In rare cases, a clogged air filter or air pipe can cause the engine not to start. Check for a blocked filter. Change the filter if necessary. Look as far as possible into the air duct leading to the engine to find dirt, animal nests, etc.
Defective air mass meter
The air mass meter ( MAP / MAF) measures the volume and pressure of the air pumped into the engine. If these sensors are defective, the engine may get a wrong measurement and not start. Disconnect these sensors and start the engine. If it starts, replace the defective sensors.
Spark ignition system (For petrol engines)
Diesel engine owners, you can skip this section. Petrol engine owners, read on. If your car won't start and has a petrol engine, it could be a spark problem. The system is important for spark igniters such as petrol or natural gas engines. So, what can go wrong in this area?
Problems with the ignition coil or distributor
The ignition coil and distributor are two important components of the ignition system. If they are defective, the engine does not get sparked in time and will not start. You can test them with a multimeter, but a mechanic is a better option.
Faulty spark plugs
Spark plugs ignite the fuel that is injected into each cylinder. They can wear out over time, leaving the engine with no spark to burn fuel, and your car will not start.
Removing the spark plugs is easy. Once removed, the spark plugs can be inspected for cracks or blockages. If the ceramic part of the spark plug is cracked, the insulation is affected, and it is a broken spark plug. If the tip of the spark plug is clogged with gunk or dirt, you need to replace it.
Spark plugs should be replaced as part of a service. By replacing them in time, you can avoid this problem.
Once you have the spark plugs out and they look OK, you can test them again with a multimeter. It measures the resistance across the ends of the spark plug. If it shows the wrong resistance across the ends, it's a faulty spark plug. If it shows resistance between any two points other than the ends, it is still a defective spark plug.
As you have read, there can be several causes for a car refusing to start. In most cases it has to do with the battery. And if you can't manage it, roadside assistance is often available within 45 minutes.
Jan 10, 2022 | Financial |
Classic car insurance, also known as heritage car insurance, is designed for older cars used mainly for recreational purposes. These cars are tax-exempt and have access to all environmental zones. In addition, there is no longer an MOT requirement for (genuine) vintage cars over 50 years old. This rule was introduced in 2020 with the aim of reducing costs for owners. Of course, getting a car over 50 years old through the MOT can be quite a challenge.
Although classic car insurance has some similarities with regular car insurance, it is not a universal insurance. car insuranceHowever, there are some important differences. Classic car insurance is often cheaper than regular car insurance, because if you have a classic car, you will probably drive less kilometres with it than with your daily car.
How much does classic car insurance cost?
The cost of a oldtimer insurance are usually dependent on the car you drive and how many kilometres you drive per year. In addition, your age and the number of years without claims also play a role. However, the insurance costs will always be lower if you drive a vintage car.
The insurance company does expect old-timer owners to maintain their classic cars well (after all, it is usually an expensive possession!). Therefore, extra conditions may apply when taking out old-timer insurance. So pay close attention to these conditions when you take out insurance. Also, there is often a kilometre limit of for example 5000 kilometres per year.
If your classic car insurance specifies a mileage limit, you should ensure that it is not exceeded. If this happens unexpectedly, please contact the insurer. If you do not do so, the insurer may refrain from providing compensation.
When does a car become a classic?
"A car becomes a classic when it has sufficient historical importance to be collectible".
While there is no definitive answer as to what constitutes a 'classic car', 40-year-old vehicles are exempt from road tax (MRB). Note; an oldtimer must have been first registered at least 40 years ago. Therefore, what matters here is not the year of construction of the car but when it first participated in traffic. Furthermore, an oldtimer may not be registered for business purposes, in which case the exemption will be void. So an oldtimer is really meant for private use.
Why is classic car insurance cheaper than standard car insurance?
Classic car insurance policies are often cheaper than standard policies, mostly because insurers consider classic cars to be at a lower risk of being involved in a claim.
This is mostly due to the use of these cars. Usually, the owner is extremely careful on his classic car and therefore takes fewer risks in traffic.
The oldtimer insurance often also includes stricter conditions that reduce the chance of damage to your car, or of you being involved in an accident. Finally, make sure you read the conditions of the insurer concerned carefully. This way you will not be faced with surprises such as very low mileage restrictions or limited use during the winter months.
Dec 9, 2021 | Tyres, Safety |
We are not used to them in the Netherlands, but in some other countries in Europe winter tyres are compulsory. Winter tyres have a different, deeper profile than summer tyres and are therefore suitable for driving through snow and other winter conditions. Of course, you can also fit snow chains. These are prohibited in the Netherlands because they damage the road surface. In the Netherlands, the need to use snow chains will also rarely or never occur.
Different rules per country
Not all countries have the same rules. It is useful to find out in advance about the rules that apply in the country or countries where you will be driving. Below is an overview of the rules that apply to winter tyres in the countries of Europe. We will go into greatest detail about our largest neighbour, Germany. To be on the safe side, always check the latest information on the country you are inquiring about. After Germany we will look at:
winter tyres France, winter tyres Austria, winter tyres Switzerland, winter tyres Sweden, winter tyres Italy, winter tyres Spain, winter tyres Finland, winter tyres Slovenia, winter tyres Croatia, winter tyres Norway, winter tyres UK, winter tyres Czech Republic, winter tyres Belgium and winter tyres Poland.
Winter tyres Germany
Are winter tyres compulsory in Germany? Most people know that winter tyres are compulsory in Germany. Large areas of Germany suffer more from snow and ice than the Netherlands. But when should you put winter tyres on your car? And what is the consequence if you don't? Is there a penalty and, if so, how high is it? And what about all-season tyres? These are all questions about the obligation to have winter tyres in Germany.
Firstly, the question of when winter tyres are compulsory. Some people think that there is a specific date from which the obligation starts, in other words, a seasonal obligation. However, this is not the case. In Germany, winter tyres are compulsory when the weather conditions demand it. This means that in wintery road conditions, such as slippery snow, ice, black ice and so on, winter tyres are compulsory. Germans use the rule of thumb of October to Easter, but this has no legal value. It is therefore really about the situation as it is at the time.
Which winter tyres are suitable?
The abbreviation M+S stands for mud and snow. With this marking you are on the right track. Winter tyres can also be recognised by the Alpine symbol. This is a picture of a mountain with a snowflake. Tyres marked M+S are deemed suitable for winters up to September 2024.
What fine will you receive if you drive without winter tyres?
The driver is punished with a fine of EUR 60 for each offence. But more importantly, you can cause accidents if you drive with the wrong tyres.
Are there exceptions to the compulsory winter tyres?
The obligation to use winter tyres does not apply to the following vehicles, among others:
- Motorbikes
- Agricultural vehicles
- Certain disabled vehicles
What is the minimum tread required for winter tyres?
The legally prescribed minimum tread depth is 1.6 millimetres even for winter tyres. For safety reasons, the German ANWB, the ADACHowever, a minimum of four millimetres should be maintained. Replacement is necessary after no more than six years, because by then the rubber has hardened to such an extent that grip in cold weather is reduced, even if the tyres have been used infrequently.
What if you have an accident in Germany in winter with summer tyres?
You run the risk that the insurance company will pay less. Not using winter tyres will be considered gross negligence. In the event of an accident through no fault of your own, it can also cause a major problem in terms of liability. But the most important thing, of course, is safety. So use them, those winter tyres, when the weather conditions demand it.
Are all-season tyres also permitted in Germany?
All-season tyres are considered winter tyres in the legal sense in Germany if they are marked with the Alpine symbol or the M+S sign. If neither of these symbols is present, the tyre is not a winter tyre but a summer tyre. Good all-season tyres can therefore be left on your car all year round.
Winter tyres in other European countries
Below are briefly the rules in the most important car countries in Europe:
Winter tyres Finland
If the weather or road conditions require it, winter tyres must be used between 1 November and 31 March. The tread depth must be at least 3 mm for vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tonnes. Spike tyres can be used from 1 November to 31 March and also in other periods if the weather or road surface requires it.
Winter tyres may have spikes.
In muddy or snowy conditions, or in situations that are difficult for other reasons, the tread pattern of winter tyres must be at least 5 mm.
This regulation also applies to cars registered abroad.
Winter tyres France
In areas indicated by two new road signs, winter tyres or equivalent equipment are mandatory from 1 November to 31 March.
Good to know: This rule applies in certain cities. It is good to inquire in advance with the respective city. Two types of equipment are permitted:
Four winter tyres, certified M+S, or four all-season tyres with certification.
Winter tyres Austria
From 1 November to 15 April, use winter tyres when the weather conditions make this necessary. winter tyres must be fitted on all 4 wheels n the minimum tread depth is 4 mm. If you drive with your summer tyres, because the weather is good, you must have chains. It is the legal responsibility of the driver to carry the required winter equipment. Therefore, also in case of a hire car, check that the chains are present. This regulation applies to all vehicles registered in Austria as well as to other com m unicated vehicles registered abroad.
Winter tyres Switzerland
In Switzerland, the use of winter tyres is, strangely enough, not required by law. It is, however, advisable to use them if the weather conditions demand it. This is because there is a fine for causing a nuisance to other road users. This can certainly be the case if your tyres do not have enough grip and you cause a delay.
Winter tyres Sweden
In Sweden, there are extensive rules governing the use of winter tyres, snow chains and so on. In the winter period, from 1 December to 31 March, winter tyres are compulsory if the weather conditions make this necessary. The winter tyres must be certified. If the weather conditions are not bad come But that means no slippery n or a temperature around freezing point or below, driving on summer tyres is also allowed. It is up to the police to decide if the weather conditions make the use of winter tyres necessary or not. If the road is covered with snow or ice the use of snow chains is allowed.
Winter tyres Italy
There are no general rules on the use of winter tyres in Italy. Sometimes they are compulsory, but this is indicated by signs along the road. Winter tyres must not be used from 15 May to 14 October. This ban also applies to foreign vehicles. There are high fines for breaking this rule. This is due to the lower speed limit for vehicles with winter tyres.
Winter tyres Spain
In Spain, winter tyres are not generally compulsory unless indicated by signs in certain areas. It is therefore regionally determined.
Winter tyres Slovenia
Here, winter tyres are obligatory during the winter period. This is from 15 November to 15 March. But even outside this period, winter tyres may be compulsory in wintery conditions.
Winter tyres Croatia
In this country, at certain
roads (or parts thereof) from 15 November to 15 April winter tyres are compulsory, regardless of the weather conditions, unless snow chains are in the car.
Winter tyres Norway
The use of winter tyres is not compulsory for passenger vehicles in Norway, but you are obliged to ensure that your car has sufficient grip on the road surface in winter conditions. So it is actually the same thing. It is therefore strongly recommended. The minimum tread depth for winter tyres is 3 mm and they must be fitted to all wheels.
Winter tyres UK
In the United Kingdom, winter tyres are not compulsory. However, their use is recommended in winter weather conditions.
Winter tyres Czech Republic
Winter tyres are compulsory in winter conditions. That is, from 1 November to 31 March when the road is covered with snow or ice or when the temperature is lower than 4°C. There must also be a chance of snowfall or black ice.
Winter tyres Belgium
In Belgium, winter tyres are not compulsory but are recommended when the conditions demand it, especially in mountainous regions, such as the Ardennes.
Winter tyres Poland
Winter tyres are not compulsory in Poland either, but their use is recommended in winter weather conditions.
Dec 8, 2021 | Environment |
Science moves on. Where cars used to run only on diesel, petrol or gas, electric cars have now successfully made their appearance. Students at the TU have been experimenting with solar-powered cars for some time. Relatively new is the emergence of driving on hydrogen. You can fill up with hydrogen just as quickly as with a fossil fuel, while only water comes out of the exhaust. Would you like to know what hydrogen is, how it is produced and how a hydrogen car works? Are you curious whether there are enough filling stations to fill up with hydrogen? Read all about it in this article.
What is hydrogen?
Hydrogen is the most common element in the universe. Many stars consist of hydrogen. Hydrogen is an odourless, tasteless, colourless but highly flammable gas. It is not poisonous. It is referred to as a chemical element as H1 (Hydrogenium).
It does not exist in pure form on Earth because the molecule binds directly to oxygen, forming water (h2O). This is why hydrogen has to be produced in a different way. This can be done using coal or natural gas, but this method is not sustainable. It releases CO2 (carbon dioxide). Nevertheless, hydrogen is mostly produced this way. It is also called grey hydrogen.
When grey hydrogen is produced but the released CO2 is stored in underground tanks, it is called blue hydrogen. At present blue hydrogen can be produced more cheaply than green hydrogen in most countries (see below). The development of green hydrogen is still in its early stages.
Fortunately, hydrogen can be produced in a more sustainable way by means of electrolysis. No CO2 is released. However, electricity is needed for this method. When this electricity is generated entirely from solar or wind energy, it is called green hydrogen.
Since hydrogen is the most common element and since its combustion releases water, a shortage of hydrogen is highly unlikely. That is a pleasant thought and guarantees energy security for all of us and for our descendants in the future.
Hydrogen, is it safe?
The use of hydrogen is no more dangerous or safer than the use of other fuels. The use of energy always involves some risk. However, the properties of hydrogen differ greatly from those of other fossil fuels. These rather different properties (such as high pressure) must be learned to deal with.
Hydrogen is not toxic. In the unlikely event that it is inhaled, there is no danger. Because hydrogen is odourless, colourless and tasteless, it cannot be detected by humans.
In industry, hydrogen has been used safely for decades. Hydrogen is a safe energy carrier.
The main safety risks of hydrogen are related to its volatility, low ignition energy and high pressure.
Hydrogen is explosive in enclosed spaces where both oxygen and an ignition source are present.
Although the volatility of hydrogen may cause leaks from storage tanks, pipes or pressure vessels, in the event of a fire or other calamity, it can be drained quickly. This is because hydrogen is 14 times lighter than air.
If manufacturers make good material choices in accordance with calibrated standards, leakage or ignition in hydrogen installations can be prevented.
Therefore, smoking and other ignition-causing activities are not allowed in hydrogen installations and, of course, there are strict fire safety regulations. At hydrogen filling stations, external influences such as collisions are prevented by concrete constructions. Did you know that hydrogen tanks in vehicles are subject to bullet and shell tests?
Driving on hydrogen
Since only pure water is released as a residue, hydrogen is a very promising option for mobility. There are already buses and cars running on hydrogen. Driving on hydrogen offers great advantages. There is no air pollution and hydrogen cars produce virtually no noise.
Furthermore, the long range (600 kilometres or more) and fast refuelling time are a big plus in comparison with electric cars, where the charging time is at least 30 minutes and the range is up to 400 kilometres.
Hydrogen cars are relatively expensive to buy.
The degradation of a Lithium-ion battery is bad for the environment.
Recycling a hydrogen car has only a minor impact on the environment because they only have a very small battery. This is in contrast to electric cars.
If you buy a hydrogen car for yourself, you will not have to pay any motor vehicle tax. If you are a business driver, then in 2020 you will only have to pay 8% of additional tax. Entrepreneurs could count on no less than 36% environmental investment deduction in 2020.
Hydrogen filling stations Netherlands
There are currently nine operational hydrogen filling stations in the Netherlands. This is not so surprising in view of the still small market share of vehicles running on hydrogen and the exorbitant operating costs. The construction of a small hydrogen filling station easily amounts to some one million euros.
The number of hydrogen filling stations in the Netherlands and Belgium is expected to at least double in the next few years. Subsidies for some 20 new hydrogen filling stations have already been granted by Europe.
Germany has some 87 hydrogen filling stations.
Here is an overview of the current hydrogen filling stations
| Location |
Address |
Filling pressure |
Operator |
| Amsterdam |
Australia Harbour Road 116 |
700 bar |
Orange Gas |
| Amsterdam |
Galwin 6 |
700 bar |
Shell |
| The Hague |
Binckhorstlaan 100 |
350 / 700 bar |
Kerkhof & zn. |
| Nieuwegein |
Morsebaan 1 |
350 / 700 bar |
Hysolar |
| Hoofddorp |
A4 motorway |
700 bar |
Shell |
| Rhoon |
Green Cross Road 397 |
350 / 700 bar |
Holthausen |
| Groningen |
Bornholmstraat 35 |
350 / 700 bar |
Orange Gas |
| Arnhem |
Westervoortsedijk 71 |
350 / 700 bar |
Total Energies |
| Pesse |
Bultinge 2 |
350 / 700 bar |
Green Planet |
Three operational hydrogen filling stations are also available in Belgium.
| Location |
Address |
Filling pressure |
Operator |
| Antwerp |
Mexico Street 11 |
350 / 700 bar |
CMB Tech |
| Halle |
Zinc Street 1 |
700 bar |
DATS 24 |
| Zaventem |
Leuvensesteenweg 546 |
350 / 700 bar |
Air Liquide |
How much does it cost to fill up with hydrogen?
As is the case with ordinary filling stations, the price of a kilo of hydrogen varies from one hydrogen filling station to another. The average price for a kilo of hydrogen is currently around € 11. Converted into kilometres, the price of hydrogen lies somewhere between the prices of diesel and petrol. With one kilo of hydrogen the range is just over 100 kilometres. Many hydrogen cars have a tank capacity of at least five kilos.
Dec 1, 2021 | Buying advice |
did you get your driver's licence? Then it's probably also time for a nice first car. Read in this article what to look for when buying a starter car up to 5000,- euro.
The choice of a starter car is huge. Fortunately, most people already have a brand preference, which makes the choice a lot clearer. Buying your first car is more than just the price; insurance, road tax and maintenance also play a role. We have collected the most important information for you on the subject of buying your first car, so you can make a good decision and not be faced with any unpleasant surprises.
Find a nice first car
Finding a starter car is not something you do lightly. Take your time and do some good research on the model in question. Before you start looking for a specific model, it is a good idea to write down some of your requirements, so that you can focus your search. Then you can select a number of models based on your requirements. Of course, the budget is also an important factor in finding a first car. Most starters buy their first car under 5000 euro. And fortunately, there is more than enough supply for this budget. Here are some points you can use when finding a nice starters car:
- How often do you want to be in the car?
- How many kilometres do you drive a year?
- Do you often drive in city traffic or more often on the motorway?
- How much space is needed in the interior?
- What is the maximum you want to spend?
Small beginners car
Small cars are often recommended as cars for novice drivers. With good reason, because a small vehicle makes it easier to find a parking space, consumes less fuel and is usually cheaper to buy and maintain. However, if you want to transport a lot, it's better to drive an estate car with a not too thirsty engine. In addition, a small car is often less comfortable on the motorway, so if you often drive long distances, a small car is often less suitable as a starter car.
Safety
Older and cheap used cars usually have fewer safety features. However, most 10-year-old cars already have many safety features. These include ABS, ESP and airbags. Of course, a new car is often safer, but also more expensive to buy. A number of brands are known for being safer than average. These include Volvo, Renault and Smart. These brands have been scoring 5 stars in the NCAP safety tests.
Sporty beginner's car
A sporty beginner's car - sounds tempting. But it can be difficult to find spare parts for these cars and they are usually more expensive. In addition, these cars often have a tougher life behind them because they have often had sporty drivers. The consequences are higher workshop costs.
The running costs of a starter car
Not only does the purchase of your first car cost money, but also the running costs have to be paid. These include fuel costs, vehicle taxes and vehicle liability insurance. In addition, there are the maintenance costs, MOT and depreciation of your car. Depending on the make, model and fuel consumption, running costs are around 200 to 400 Euros per month.
For first-time drivers: used or new car?
Used cars are often a good choice for beginners. Minor damage, for example from careless parking or a rear-end collision, is easier to repair with a used car and less painful on the wallet. And the depreciation on a new car is high, making the first few years relatively expensive.
First car under 5000
The list below shows cars that are popular as starter cars:
- VW UP or Polo
- Opel Astra or Corsa
- Skoda Fabia / Citigo
- Citroen C1 / C2
- Toyota Yaris
- Renault Twingo
- Peugeot 108 / 107
- Seat Ibiza
- Ford Ka or Fiesta
Most of the above models can be found for under 5000 Euros.
Finally, we recommend our free car buying checklist download. This will ensure that you are well prepared and there is less chance of making a bad purchase.
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