Car loans

Buying a car is one of the most important purchases you are likely to make,

 therefore it's worth doing your research. AA Cars can help, with 1000's

 of listed vehicles which all come with a free car history check so you can

 buy with confidence. Once you've chosen your perfect car, a low rate loan

 from the AA could help get you on the road.

CONTINUE....

Free AA Breakdown Cover for a year*

• A Moneyfacts 'best buy' low rate of 4.3% APR representative for loan

              between £7,500 and £15,000 over 18 months to 5 years

• Other rates and loan amounts available from £1,000 to £25,000

• option to sign online to get your funds sooner

• no arrangement fee

• you are aged between 23 and 70 at date of application

• you have a minimum income of £12,000 (gross) per annum

• you have a bank/building society current account from which you can pay direct debits

• you do not have a history of bad credit such as County Court Judgments (CCJs) or bankruptcy

• you have been a permanent UK resident for at least 3 years

Lending criteria

Other loan amounts

Every AA Loan comes with twelve months' free AA Breakdown Cover, so should your car break down at the roadside, we'll be there for you, 24/7.

If you're an AA Member already you can enjoy a half price upgrade to your existing AA Breakdown Cover. Choose from Home Start, Relay or Stay Mobile.

An AA Loan could offer you

Before applying for a loan, please make sure the below are true:

APR stands for annual percentage rate. This is the total charge for the loan including fees

 and interest expressed as a percentage. The APR you are offered may differ from the

 representative example displayed. This is because each loan application is assessed

 on an individual basis and on a number of factors including the information you have

 provided in your application and data we obtain from credit reference agencies.\

By applying for this loan Creation Consumer Finance could offer you an alternative

 loan should you be unsuccessful for an AA Loan. There will be no additional checks

 on your credit rating as a result of this offer.

If you need help with your application or want to speak to someone about AA Loans

 please call 0800 096 8485.

Our loan amounts range from £1,000 to £25,000. Use our loans calculator to find 

out more

AA Loans are provided by Creation Consumer Finance Limited. AA Financial Services Limited acts exclusively in relation to loans as a credit intermediary for Creation Consumer Finance Limited. Registered Office: 6th Floor, Royston House, 34 Upper Queen Street, Belfast BT1 6FD. Registered in Northern Ireland NI32565. Correspondence address: Chadwick House, Blenheim Court, Solihull B91 2AA.

* Free 12 months Roadside Vehicle Breakdown Cover and 50% discount on a Breakdown Cover upgrade offers are only available to AA customers who have been accepted for a new AA Loan and had their loan funds paid to them.

To receive the free 12 months Roadside Vehicle Breakdown Cover you must set up an annually recurring transaction arrangement using your credit or debit card for the Breakdown Cover and it will be renewed automatically after 12 months as long as you choose not to amend or cancel. 50% discount on a Breakdown Cover upgrade is available for the remaining months of your current policy. Offer excludes bank account breakdown policies and excludes upgrades to BRC. If you already have a Breakdown policy with all cover options you are not eligible for the discount on upgrades offer.

For both offers, an email with instructions of how to activate the free breakdown cover or 50% discount on upgrades will be sent within 28 days of the AA Loan funds being paid to you. Offers do not form part of your loan credit agreement. Offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer or in a breakdown situation.

Creation Consumer Finance Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 311518). The status can be checked on the Financial Conduct Authority's website or by calling 0800 111 6768

Buying a used car What you need to think about

Buying a used car is a great way of cutting the cost of your driving as most new cars lose around 40% of their value in the first year.

But there are risks so it's important to take your time rather than rush into any deal, and to buy as far as possible with your head rather than your heart.Pitfalls when buying a used car

Clocking

Clocking is the illegal practice of winding back the odometer on a high–mileage car to increase its apparent value and asking price. Every 1,000 miles removed increases the value substantially.

Car cloning

Sometimes one car is given the identity of another by replacing the number plates with those from an almost identical vehicle - same make, model and colour.

More about car cloning »

'Cut–and–shut'

This is when the remains of two or more cars, which have usually been accident–damaged and written off by insurers, are welded together, then illegally given the identity of one of the wrecks.

The cosmetic work is often outstanding, and it's usually very difficult to spot a 'cut–and–shut' from the outside.

For absolute confidence, invest in a Car Data Check to unearth the car's history.

General advice

Wherever you choose to buy, here are some general tips on buying a used car.

Budget carefully

Get insurance quotes and check car tax rates before signing on the bottom line, and remember to factor in the cost of any work that might be needed too.

If you're going to borrow money to buy the car it's a good idea to get loan quotes before you go out to view any cars.  That way you'll know what you can afford and will be able to tell whether any finance a dealer offers you is good value or not.

Do your homework

Check price guides and compare similar cars in the classifieds so you know as much as you can about the value of different cars to avoid being overcharged.

Websites like www.honestjohn.co.uk  and model-specific forum sites can be a useful source of information on 'common' faults and 'what to look for' tips but bear in mind that the few who've had a poor experience are likely to be more outspoken than satisfied customers.

Don't view a car in the rain, in poor light or at night

You won't be able to check the condition of the car properly if it's wet – water hides scratches, dents and other problems. Make sure you can see the vehicle clearly and from all angles.

Ask about service history

Most cars require some work during the year so the owners of a car a few years old should have amassed quite a sheaf of garage bills for work or parts as well as previous MOT certificates, and records of regular servicing.

• If there's no history then ask why
• Does it look like there might be a persistent fault that still may not have been fixed?
• Does the history tell a consistent story

V5C registration document

Insist on seeing the V5C vehicle registration document - this shows the registered keeper and not the legal owner.

Is the present keeper the person selling you the car?  If not, then why are they selling the car for someone else?

The V5C shows the details of previous keepers too. Why not contact them to find out more about when they owned the car, what work was done and how many miles they covered?

Previous keepers have no vested interest so you should be able to rely on their comments

• Did they service it regularly?
• Did they do much mileage in it?
• Did they have any major servicing work done it?
• Did they modify the vehicle in any way?

MOT

If the car is three years old or more make sure there's a continuous series of annual MOT 'certificates'.

If you know the vehicle's registration number and the document reference on the V5C you can check a vehicle's MOT status and history (back to 2005) online too.

You can also enquire by telephone.  Contact the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency's (VOSA's) MOT status line on 0870 330 0444.

Recorded mileage should increase steadily with age and be consistent with the service record. If it doesn't then you'll want to hear a good explanation as to why not.

Buyer beware

Be wary of anything that seems like a real bargain, or has a very low mileage for its age.  There are bargains to be had but in general, if a deal looks too good to be true then it most likely is.

If you know what you're doing then use our DIY inspection checklist to help make sure you look the car over thoroughly.

To help you avoid making a mistake when you buy a used car, get an AA Car Data Check and consider getting the car looked over by AA Vehicle Inspections.

Cam belt

As well as regular (usually annual) servicing there are major items like brake fluid, antifreeze or cam belt renewal that car manufacturers specify should be done at a certain age or mileage.

If a cam belt breaks the resulting damage is likely to run into several thousand pounds and often a new engine is the most economical option.

Some engines have a chain instead of a belt and these normally last the life of the vehicle but if your car does have a belt you must make sure it's replaced when due.

If a belt change was due but the service record doesn't show clearly that it was done then the belt will have to be renewed as soon as possible for peace of mind.

Handbook

Make sure the handbook is in the car as they can be expensive to replace if not.

Look to see how the security system works – and check that it does – and find out what keys were provided when the car was new. Modern car keys can cost £100+ to replace so if you need more than one key and there's only one available you'll need to bear that cost in mind.

Coloured 'master' keys provided by some manufacturers to programme new spare keys for the car are even more expensive to replace.

There's no legal requirement but cars are generally sold new with at least one spare key.  If there's not a spare now ask why not.

Test Drive

The test drive is your only opportunity to check the car's general mechanical condition and to find our for sure that it meets all your needs:

• Is the driving position comfortable?
• Can you reach/operate all the controls easily?
• Do the child seats fit?
• Does the golf bag or pushchair fit in the boot?

More test drive advice »

Look carefully

Misaligned panels or mismatched colours on doors, bonnet and tailgate can indicate that the car has been repaired after a shunt.  Traces of spray paint on door handles, window seals and mouldings can indicate repairs too.

If the engine bay looks like it has recently been power-washed clean the owner could be trying to remove evidence of fluid leaks.  A check under the bonnet after a lengthy test drive should reveal any problems.

Seats and carpets

Seats and carpets can always be cleaned, or even replaced, but stains on internal fabric head–linings are impossible to remove completely.

If seat covers have been fitted, check underneath them for signs of damage.  You can get seats replaced but this can be very expensive, particularly if they contain electric motors or airbags.

Locking wheel nuts

Adaptors for locking wheel nuts have a habit of going missing. If locking wheel nuts are fitted, check to make sure that the special adaptor required is included with the toolkit and that it fits the nuts.

Don't be pressured into buying

There are always other vehicles out there so if this one doesn't feel right in any way it's time to walk away.

Be wary of and don't be swayed by  'sob stories'  like change of job, break-up of relationship, moving aboard, new baby on the way and so on.  The bottom line is that you're buying a car to help yourself, not anyone else.

Before you hand over any money

• Agree collection/delivery arrangements
• Confirm exactly what's included in the price
• Confirm any work that the seller has agreed to do
• Make sure you get a receipt showing vehicle details, price, terms of sale and the seller's details.

DOLLY CASTRO---THE PERFECT GIRL

Justin Bieber & Miranda Kerr — Their Flirty, ‘Dirty Texts’ Revealed

Oh no! It appears that Justin’s flirty relationship with Miranda Kerr went past that one night after the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show!

Justin Bieber and Miranda Kerr allegedly partied all night together after the fashion show in Nov. 2012, which caused serious tension in her marriage withOrlando Bloom, ultimately leading to their split. Miranda and Justin have also been exchanging “dirty texts,” according to a new report!

Miranda Kerr & Justin Bieber’s Texts Revealed

“She’s always very flirty with him” and they have exchanged “dirty texts,” a source told Us magazine about Justin and Miranda. Ouch!

Miranda, 30, was spotted backstage after

the fashion show, hanging with Biebs — who was 18 at the time.

“Orlando heard that there had been some ­flirting ­going on and he wasn’t exactly thrilled about it,” a source told The Mirror.

Additionally, she apparently taught their son Flynn how to say “Bieber Fever.” After the show, Justin reportedly headed to a nearby hotel where he partied with Miranda all night.

Miranda & Orlando Bloom: What Went Wrong

The tension over Miranda’s friendship with Justin was one of many factors that played a part in their separation. “Orlando and Miranda argued non stop,” a source told Us.

The couple publicly formalized their separation on Oct. 24, 2013, saying that they had been apart for months.

“Despite this being the end of their marriage, they love, support and respect each other as both parents of their son and as family,” the statement continued.

And we’ve seen the family functioning! Just two days after the split, they stepped out with their son looking happy and even shared a sweet kiss on the cheek goodbye.

It’s good there’s no hard feelings between them — even if she was dirty texting Justin!

Orlando Bloom 'Throws Punch' At Justin Bieber Following Miranda Kerr Cheating Rumours

Orlando Bloom and Justin Bieber got into a heated altercation at Cipriani in Ibiza, Spain, early Wednesday morning, reports The New York Post. 

After getting in each other’s faces—Bloom threw a punch at the pop star—the crowd cheered.

According to witnesses, Bloom took a swing at Bieber after the singer, 20, made a rude comment about Bloom’s ex, Miranda Kerr. But a source close to Bieber insisted that the comment was only made after Bloom took a swing, and missed.

“Justin was at one table, and Orlando was at another,” a source told The New York Post. “But when Bieber and his party were later walking past Bloom’s table, Orlando refused to shake Bieber’s hand.” Then “Bieber said something rude to Orlando, like, ‘She was good.'”

Another source close to Bieber countered that the pop star didn’t make any rude comment and that “Justin didn’t even know Orlando was there. But when they saw each other, it was Orlando who was just being an a-hole to Justin.”“They got in each other’s faces and there were words,” a source said. “But they were separated by their entourages.”

A witness captured 30 seconds of the confrontation on video and posted it to Facebook. It shows Bloom walking away from Bieber and being separated by a crowd, but then turning back to walk to Bieber and confront him.“When they were back together again, Orlando threw a punch at Bieber,” said a source. “He just tried to pop him! The whole place cheered.”


The bad blood between the two began in 2012 when Bieber was seen getting flirty with Kerr after a Victoria’s Secret fashion show, which reportedly led to tension between the model and her Hollywood star husband, Bloom. The married couple then separated in October 2013.

Then newly single Bloom was seen spending time with Bieber’s ex-girlfriend, Selena Gomez, in April.

Fastest Cars and Bikes in the World: A Combined List

The advent of technology and improvement in electronics, led to the fact that cars and bikes became more and more faster, yet safer. The long held mechanical prowess gave way to the electronically controlled, well, everything. Electronic speed limiters, electronic brake distribution, electronic traction control, et. all. Bikes and cars became, super bikes and cars and then a new category called hyper bikes and cars. Let’s have a look at the super and hyper cars and bikes.

We will be looking at both the non-commercial cars and bikes, along with their more known commercial counterparts. Hereon, cars will be tagged as Canines and bikes as Felines.

1. Thrust SSC – Jet Powered (Canine, Non-Commercial)

By far the fastest land vehicle holding the record for the fastest thing on wheels. Not only that the Thrust has actually broken the Sound Barrier, which means it can simply travel faster than sound. How’s that for speed? Here are the stats:

• Top Speed: 763 mph (1228.43 km/hr)
• Engine: After burning. Rolls - Royce turbo fan engine
• Thrust (Power): 223 kN

2. Dodge Tomahawk (Feline, Non-Commercial)

For those of us hoping to see the Bugatti Veyron at the second spot would be surprised to see a bike taking the honours. The only point of contention is that the Dodge is not only non-commercial but also has never been tested for top speed and all the details are more or less estimated. Nonetheless, the estimated details puts it above the rest of the pack.

• Top Speed: 298.14 mph (480 km/hr) [Estimated]
• Power: 420 hp
• Engine: 1275 cc

3. Bugatti Veyron Super Sport (Canine, Commercial)

Here is the true leader of the pack when it comes to practical use. This means that the Bugatti is the fastest street legal vehicle on wheels. No bike or car precedes it, other than the non-commercial variants. Here are the stats:

• Top Speed: 267 mph (429.87 km/hr)
• Power: 1200 hp
• Acceleration: 0-60 in 2.4 se

4. Hennessey Venom GT (Canine, Commercial)

Now here is a dilemma. The fourth spot goes to a car which has very recently won the Guinness World Record for the fastest car to accelerate from 0-300 kmph in just 13.63 seconds. Not only this record, but the Hennessey also did a 270.49 mph run, making it faster than the Bugatti, however, this would not go in to the record books. Why?

• Read more about the reason here:
  Hennessey Venom GT does a 270 mph run beating the Bugatti Veyron and yet is not the fastest car!

The Hennessey, therefore, can out accelerate a Bugatti for the first 300 kmph and then right up to the top speed, but the Bugatti stays ahead; at least for the record books.

• Top Speed: 270.49 mph (435.4.9 km/hr) (Not a record)
• Power: 1200 hp
• Acceleration: 0-60 in 2.5 sec

5. Koenigsegg Agera R (Canine, Commercial)

Koenigsegg holds the fifth spot and was the previous record holder for the fastest 0-300 kmph speed achieving the feat in 14.53 seconds. The top speed of the car is the same as the Henessey’s but the acceleration is slower and therefore, makes it fourth in the overall list.

• Top Speed: 260 mph (418.6 km/hr)
• Power: 1099 hp
• Acceleration: 0-60 in 2.9 sec

6. SSC Ultimate Aero (Canine, Commercial)

This car held the fastest car tag briefly, before Bugatti Veyron Super Sport took over once again. Since then, other cars in the list have gone faster.

• Top Speed: 257 mph (413.77 km/hr)
• Power: 1183 hp
• Acceleration: 0-60 in 2.7 sec

7. 9ff GT9-R (Canine, Commercial)

This car ties with the SSC Ultimate Aero for the top speed but is slower on acceleration. Here are the stats.

• Top Speed: 257 mph (413.77 km/hr)
• Power: 1120 hp
• Acceleration: 0-60 in 2.9 sec

7. 9ff GT9-R (Canine, Commercial)

This car ties with the SSC Ultimate Aero for the top speed but is slower on acceleration. Here are the stats.

• Top Speed: 257 mph (413.77 km/hr)
• Power: 1120 hp
• Acceleration: 0-60 in 2.9 sec

/...

8. MTT – Streetfighter (Feline, Commercial)

This is only the second bike in the all time list of fastest cars and bikes. The interesting aspect of this bike is that it is powered by a jet engine which was earlier powering real jets.

• Top Speed: 248.45 mph (400 km/hr)
• Acceleration: Not Available
• Power: 420 hp

Source: http://visualogs.com/

9. Koenigsegg CCX (Canine, Commercial)

• Top Speed: 245 mph (394.45 km/hr)
• Power: 800 hp
• Acceleration: 0-60 in 3.2 sec

10. McLaren F1 (Canine, Commercial)

The original leader of the pack at the turn of the century, now stands at an overall tenth spot.

• Top Speed: 240 mph (386.4 km/hr)
• Power: 627 hp
• Acceleration: 0-60 in 3.2 sec

11. Zenvo ST1 (Canine, Commercial)

• Top Speed: 233 mph (375.13 km/hr)
• Power: 1104 hp
• Acceleration: 0-60 in 2.9 sec

Source: http://www.redline.co.za/

12. MTT Turbine Superbike (Feline, Commercial)

This is the original jet powered bike from which the Streetfighter was conceptualized.

• Top Speed: 230 mph (370.3 km/hr)
• Power: 320 hp
• Acceleration: Not Available

Federica Nargi “Goldenpoint” Swimwear

CHECK FULL GALLERY

Munich’s next top model – only 3 for Australia

The BMW M3 Edition Model is the latest incarnation of the M3 to be released from Munich. Based on the Coupé, the car will go on sale across the globe from July this year and production will be limited to six months.

The M3 Edition Model will be available in just four colours,
Alpine White Non-Metallic, Black Non-Metallic, Dakar Yellow Non-Metallic or Monte Carlo Blue Metallic.

Engine specs remain as per the regular M3. That means you still get a hugely impressive 309kW from the 4.0 litre V8, capable of launching the car to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds. The sprint time can be further reduced to 4.6 seconds by ticking the optional 7-speed Drivelogic double clutch transmission.

Exterior tweaks include the kidney grille, bonnet openings, side gills and exhaust tips that are finished in a darkened chrome. The wing mirrors, too, are given a once over with black paint. Exclusive 19″ wheels are part of the package and can be optioned in the usual colouring, along with black or a special white contrasting colour with polished spokes. Sounds interesting! No pics of that white option from BMW PR, sadly.

The car has also been lowered by 10mm over a standard M3, however no detail is given. Until information to the contrary is supplied, we can assume that this is revised springs only.

Interior trim is dependent on external colour choice, with a variety of areas such as armrests, contrast stitching on the Black Novillo leather seats and door sills getting the M3 Edition Model treatment.

No idea on pricing for the Australian market at this point, but it looks like the M3 Edition model will be available down under with BMW’s press release (available after the jump) clearly announcing a worldwide launch.

UPDATE 2 June: BMW Australia have released a press statement on this car which reads “BMW Group Australia has been fortunate enough to secure just three exclusive BMW M3 Edition Models for Australia.” The cars will be here “towards the end of the year” and pricing is yet to be confirmed.

Supreme Performance, Exclusive Style: The BMW M3 Edition Models.

29.05.2009 – Munich. Powerful, aesthetic design, supreme performance and exclusive style – the unique characteristics of the BMW M3 are now available in highly attractive Edition Models focusing on the most outstanding highlights of these outstanding cars.

Based on the BMW M3 Coupé, the M3 Edition Models offer a choice of no less than four highly individual cars boasting perfectly harmonised modifications in body design and interior features as well as special light-alloy wheels and an even lower chassis.

The BMW M3 Edition Models will be entering the market worldwide in July 2009 in Alpine White, Black, Dakar Yellow, and Monte Carlo Blue. In the interest of supreme exclusivity their production period is limited to just six months.

Individual highlights both outside and inside.
On the BMW M3 Edition Models the exterior paintwork and interior design are individually matched to one another. Depending on the respective Edition model, the body comes either in Alpine White Non-Metallic, Black Non-Metallic, Dakar Yellow Non-Metallic or Monte Carlo Blue Metallic. The combination with BMW Individual High-Gloss Satin Chrome accentuates the truly sophisticated character of the Edition Models.

The openings on the engine compartment lid on all models are finished in black, the BMW kidney grille, the side gills and the dual tailpipes on the exhaust system come in dark eloxy-plated chrome. The caps on the special BMW M exterior mirrors are likewise finished in black and are connected to the A-pillars by dual arms extending out of the mirror base finished in body colour.

Special colour highlights add an individual touch also to the interior of the BMW M3 Edition Models. The surfaces on the centre armrest, the centre console and the armrests on the door panels are finished in White on the Alpine White and Black models. At the same time these Edition Models come with interior trim in Carbon Structure Leather with white contrasting seams. The seats in Black Novillo Leather feature bespoke contrasting seams as well as vertical trim stripes on the upper section of the backrest and at the front of the legrest. On the Alpine White and Black models, these features come in white, on the Dakar Yellow and Monte Carlo Blue models they are in the appropriate exterior colour.

As a further feature the armrests and door closing handles at the inside on the Dakar Yellow and Monte Carlo Blue models come with yellow and, respectively, blue contrasting seams. And last but certainly not least, entry trim bars in Checkered Flag Design bearing the “M3″ model designation give all Edition Models yet another highlight.

Special rim design and lowered suspension.
To optimise the looks of the car, all four Edition Models come with specially designed light-alloy rims and a unique suspension: On all models the 19-inch forged M light-alloy rims in double-spoke design are available either in black or in the classic rim colour. And on the Alpine White, Black and Monte Carlo Blue models, the same rims are also available in a special white contrasting colour with polished spokes.

The suspension of the BMW M3 Edition Models adds to the sporting style of the cars, lowering the entire body by 10 millimetres or 0.4″.

BMW M3: supreme performance with eight cylinders and seven gears.
The BMW M3 Edition Models give this high-performance athlete a particularly striking look also reflected by the car’s supreme driving dynamics based on a unique all-round concept and drivetrain/suspension technology inspired by motorsport. The V8 high-speed power unit of the BMW M3 develops maximum output of 309 kW/420 hp from 4.0 litres.

Power is transmitted to the rear wheels either through the six-speed manual gearbox featured as standard or through the optional M double-clutch gearbox with Drivelogic enhancing both the dynamic performance and the all-round efficiency of the BMW M3 all in one. In this case acceleration to 100 km/h comes in 4.6 seconds (six-speed manual: 4.8 seconds) and average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 11.9 litres/23.7 mpg imp (six-speed manual: 12.4 litres/22.8 mpg imp)/100 kilometres.

The BMW M3 comes as standard with a lightweight carbon roof, while the options include Electronic Damper Control and the M Drive menu enabling the driver to configure individual, M-specific suspension and drivetrain functions just right for his personal style.