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Nationwide Cars Blog

Best EVs to Buy

Settled on buying or upgrading an electric vehicle? Nationwide Cars’ guide covers the best EVs for businesses and families to add to your garage or driveway.

How to Find the Right Commercial Van for Your Business

Thinking about buying or upgrading your commercial van? Nationwide Cars’ helpful article looks at what to consider when finding a van for your business.

Which Hatchback is Right for Me?

Are you planning to buy or upgrade your current hatchback? Our helpful guide takes you through the process of finding the right hatchback for you.

Android Auto: Explained

Do you have an Android phone and want to connect it to your car’s entertainment system? Our guide looks at what Android Auto is and how it works.

Apple CarPlay: Explained

Own an iPhone and wondering how you can connect it to your car or van? Learn more about what Apple CarPlay is and how you can set it up in your vehicle.

Electric or Hybrid? Which Vehicle Should I Choose?

Choosing whether to choose an electric or hybrid vehicle can be tricky. Our guide will help you decide which vehicle to buy. Find out now.

ULEZ: What is it and Why You Should Upgrade to a ULEZ-Compliant Vehicle

What is ULEZ? Discover more about London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone, as well as why you should your current vehicle to a ULEZ-compliant car or van.

Which Ford Transit is Right for Me?

For nearly 60 years, the Ford Transit has been a common sight on UK roads. This article looks at what are the different Ford Transit models available.

A History of the Renault Trafic

The Renault Trafic has been a popular van for more than 40 years. We look at the van’s history, as well as check how much is a new Renault Trafic.

A DIY Guide to How to Convert a Van into a Camper Van

Wondering how to convert a van into a camper van? Learn more in our DIY guide and we’ll help you transform your van into your own mobile home-from-home.

What are the Benefits of Having an Alliance Motoring Club Membership?

Looking to save money as a motorist? We explore the benefits of having an Alliance Motoring Club Membership so you can start making savings today.

5 Reasons Why You Should Buy the Ford Transit Custom

Buying or upgrading a Ford Transit Custom soon? Nationwide Cars has put together five reasons why you should consider buying a Ford Transit Custom.

Top Tips For Choosing A Volkswagen Van For Your Business

There are several factors to consider when choosing a Volkswagen van for your business. We’ve put some top tips to help you find your dream VW van.

What Are The Best Vans For Electricians?

Thinking about upgrading or buying a new van for your business? Nationwide Cars has picked from our van collections some of the best vans for electricians.

Best Vans For Plumbers In 2023

Are you looking to upgrade or purchase a new plumbing van? We’ve picked some of the best vans for plumbers in 2023 to consider for your business.

Best Medium Sized Vans To Buy In 2023

Are you a business owner or family looking to upgrade your van? We’ve picked some of the best medium sized vans from our collection to buy in 2023.

Best Cars To Buy This Christmas

Finding the best car to buy this Christmas can be tricky as there are so many options to choose from. We've put together some of the best cars to buy this Christmas.

Company Car or Company Van? Which Vehicle Should I Use For My Business?

You may be wondering which vehicle you should use for your business, a company car or van? We look at if it's worth getting a company car or company van.

Best Vans To Buy For Your Camper Conversion

Finding the best van to convert to a camper van can be difficult. We’ve included some of the best vans from our collection for a camper van conversion.

Top 5 Most Reliable Vans

Whether you choose a small van, medium van or a large van, it's crucial that you factor in reliability when purchasing your vehicle. Buying a van is a major investment, particularly if you are looking to convert it into a camper van or buy a fleet of vans for your business.

What Are The Benefits Of Fleet Vehicle Suppliers?

If you’re looking to include vehicles in your business, you may find yourself deciding whether to buy them outright or opt for a fleet vehicle supplier. There are many reasons why your business should use a fleet vehicle supplier. We explore a few benefits to using this type of service, as well as how Nationwide Cars can provide fleet vehicles for your business.

Top 5 Most Economical Commercial Vans To Buy

Fuel economy is an important factor when choosing a vehicle you’re using for commercial use. Nationwide Cars looks at the top 5 most economical vans to buy.

Why Buy From A Dealer Vs A Manufacturer?

For many of us on the market, looking for a new van or car, where we choose to buy our vehicle is just as difficult as deciding on the vehicle itself. Brand-new? Second-hand? Choosing to buy from a dealer, or directly from the manufacturer? All of these options come with their own unique set of pros and cons.

Top 5 Towing Vans

Towing capacity is something that you should consider before buying or upgrading a van. Nationwide Cars has listed five of the best vans for towing.

The Best VWs To Buy In Spring 2022

Businesses and camping enthusiasts have been using Volkswagen vans for several decades. Our latest blog looks at the best VWs to buy in spring 2022.

What Vans Can I Drive With My Licence?

It’s important that you know the types of vans you can drive and the opportunities there are surrounding your licence. Our latest blog covers this topic.

Best Large Vans To Buy In 2022

There are many things that need to be considered when buying a large van for your business. Our latest blog has listed the best large vans to buy in 2022.

Top Economical Vans For 2022

Looking to upgrade or buy a new fuel-efficient van for your small business? Our latest blog covers the top economical vans on the market for 2022.

Five Of The Best Vans For Carpet Fitters

Having the right van is essential to your job as a carpet fitter. If you are looking for a new van for your business, then check out our list now.

What is the Best Van For Courier Work?

What is the best van for courier work? If you are looking for a van to deliver parcels or cargo, we’ve put together some of our favourites for couriers.

Top 5 Best Gardening Vans

Finding the perfect gardening van for your day-to-day work is crucial for your gardening business. Find here the top 5 gardening vans.

3 Best Vans for Plumbers in 2021

We count down our 3 best vans for plumbers in 2021. If you’re on the hunt for the best plumbing van then check out our list now. Learn more today.

Van security tips to protect your van from theft

A van is a valuable asset, not only because of its purchase price but also because it's an integral part of your business. It’s necessary then to keep your van safe and secure against thieves or criminals and avoid any financial loss or downtime for your business. Read here our top van security tips for van theft prevention.

The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Van for Your Business

Buying a van for a small business is a tricky process. Our guide on buying a van for your business will help you decide which is the right van for you.

Best Vans for Towing

Whether you’re looking for a van to tow your trailer or a means of transport for your fleet, it’s important to find the best van for towing that not only meets your needs but also complies with the law.

How to Vinyl Wrap a Van

Who says that vans only provide a means of transport? By wrapping your commercial van you can not only pick your van out from a crowded car park but also be your own moving local advertisement for your business. Find out how to vinyl wrap a van.

Choosing the Perfect Window Cleaning Van

Window cleaning offers a very simple business venture with low initial investment and a tidy profit to be made. To get started, many may use their personal car to travel from job to job but soon realise the afforded luxury of space when they upgrade to a van. With the ability to carry a tank with increased water capacity for work on larger jobs, a van is essential to any growing window cleaning business.

Which Commercial Van is Best?

We know how big of an investment a van is for your business and understand all your concerns and pet hates. So here is a rundown of what we deem to be the best commercial vans on the market of 2021 by category.

The Pros and Cons of Electric Vans

With Clean Air Zones being introduced across major cities in the UK, we look at the pros and cons to consider before buying a commercial electric van.

How Much Does It Cost to Charge Electric Cars?

With much of the world going green, electric cars have become more popular than ever. There are plenty of environmental benefits of driving an electric vehicle, but is running an electric car cost effective? If you’re looking to cut costs and go green, we’re here to help you weigh up the costs of running and charging your electric vehicle. 

How Long Does it Take to Charge Electric Cars?

Those who drive petrol and diesel cars can remain sceptical on the range of electric vehicles, as they are very used to filling up everywhere when they need to. That fear of being stranded in the middle of nowhere with an electric car remains. However, with rapid charging, this can be avoided. Rapid chargers are still pretty rare, so what options are available for most people? Here we explore all the charging methods available and give you a better idea of how long it takes to charge an electric car.

How Does an Electric Car Work?

Electric cars and hybrid cars are fast becoming the car of choice for new buyers. As every country looks to cut down the amount of emissions it produces, with the UK looking to ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars from 2030, the sales of EVs will skyrocket in the next decade or so. So how does an electric car work?

How Much Tax Can I Claim Back on a New Van?

As we approach the end of 2020, some businesses may be looking at the books ahead of the new year and looking at ways in which capital can be saved come January. For most, the fiscal year ends in April but it can be useful to begin planning ahead, should your business be thinking about purchasing a new vehicle.

Does My Car Need a New Battery?

As we move into the colder winter months, you should ask yourself whether your car is up to scratch. There are so many things to think about when running a car that it can often feel a little overwhelming, leading to important issues being put off until an MOT is due.

Ford Transit Custom - The Ultimate Performance & Efficiency Review

The Ford Transit Custom van hit the market in 2012 but it has been consistently updated to keep competitive in its class, which has proved very successful. In 2016, a more efficient EcoBlue diesel was added to the range, then we saw a mid-life facelift for the 2018 model.

How to Get the Best Deal on a New Car

If you’re looking to save up for rainy days, buying a brand new car will definitely set you back a few thousands of pounds. However, there are ways to reduce the final bill and still get a shiny new model straight off production lines.  We take a look at the available opportunities on the market and how to get the best deals on new cars. 

From the Iconic Beetle to VW Transporter - A History of the Volkswagen Van

Sixty six year ago, the first ever Volkswagen Transporter Van made its way into the UK market. Dubbed the T1, this iconic vehicle set the milestone for one of the biggest revolutions in the history of commercial automobiles. Today, tens of thousands of VW vans are sold each year across the British territory. From the classic Beetle to the spacious Volkswagen Crafter, we explore the history of the VW van and how it came to be the main choice of over 6 generations.

When Is the Best Time to Buy a New Car?

Buying a new car is an important decision and, for most of us, a considerable investment. What many people don’t know is that choosing the right time to invest in a new vehicle could save them thousands of pounds. We take a look at the best time of year to purchase a new car and how you can get the best dealership discounts.

Which Ford Transit Van is the Best?

In 2016 the Ford Transit took a major step forward and revised its engine to meet stricter Euro-6d emissions standards. This decision secured them a lasting place on the market but what else have they changed or improved to make the vans stand out? Our Nationwide Cars experts review the different ranges trying to find out which Ford Transit is the best. 

How COVID-19 Changed Consumer Behaviours in the Automotive Industry

COVID-19 had an unprecedented impact on buying and consumer behaviour in the automotive industry. Find out what changed in Nationwide Cars' latest blog.

10 Top Tips For Buying a New Car

Buying a new car is not an easy task, especially when you want to fit within a certain budget. There are a lot of things to consider, including the car’s size, model, engine power and most importantly - its purpose. This is why we’ve put together ten expert tips, to help you make the best choice when buying a new car. 

Top 10 Cheap and Reliable Vans in 2020

It’s not easy to find the best van when you’re on a tight budget. To save you time looking for the ideal van, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 cheap and reliable vans available on the market in 2020. 

Top Car-Cleaning Tips from Professionals

Our top car-cleaning tips from professionals will ensure your car is gleaming, shiny and looking brand-new in just an afternoon. Find out more in our blog.

Best New Cars of 2020

Car buyers are in for an exciting year with a vast number of new vehicles set to arrive in the UK. With increasing pressure surrounding emissions and the need to be greener, car manufacturers are creating more hybrid and electric models than ever before.

10 Ways to Be a Greener Driver

Everybody is looking at ways to be more green, as we are seeing the huge environmental impact that we are making on the planet. With 32.5 million cars on UK roads, there are ways for you to be a greener driver.

Best Cars for Winter Weather 2019/20

Winter in the UK is always tricky to predict, with the threat of snow always on the horizon, floods an almost certain occurrence, and ice most likely to disrupt your travel in some way. We have put together a list of some of the best cars you can buy so that you can take this winter in your stride.

Top 5 Vans for Builders

Do you own a building or construction business? The experts at Nationwide Cars have put together from our van collection the best vans for builders.

How Does Company Car Allowance Work

Many businesses offer company cars or company car allowance and it’s a great perk that helps not only recruit fresh talent but retain high-quality staff. There are some job roles where a company car is a necessity - without a company vehicle, they would not be able to do their job.

Should I Buy or Lease a Van for my Business?

If you’re self-employed, a sole trader or your manager has tasked you with buying a new van, knowing whether to lease a van or buy it outright can be a real challenge. Whether it is for domestic or commercial use, a van is a significant investment. Nationwide Cars weigh up the advantages of buying or leasing a van, and then break down the process for you. 

BMW 1 Series: Specs, Models and Features

The BMW 1 Series is one of the most popular choices in the BMW range - and there is good reason for this. Here at Nationwide Cars, we have outlined everything you need to know about the BMW 1 Series.

How To Pack Your Car For Holiday

Going on holiday is exciting, but planning the logistics of the trip can be difficult. The stress usually begins when organising luggage and packing your clothes. If you’re travelling by car for your holiday, things can become even more complex.

Road Trip: Top 10 Tips

Road trips are a fun and exciting way to travel around the country with your close friends without breaking the budget. Aside from creating the perfect road trip playlist on Spotify, there are some essentials that need to be organised before you set off. Check out our Top 10 Road Trip Tips.

What You Should Do If You Breakdown on the Motorway

Although motorway driving is a great way to reduce journey time, it can be incredibly dangerous. High speeds, bad weather, and irresponsible drivers are just some of the issues we can face when travelling around our nation’s roads. Check our list to see what you should do if you breakdown on the motorway.

Top 5 Cars for Graduates

After graduating, it’s likely that you will be starting to think about the next stages of your life. This may involve embarking on a job search to find a suitable career for your degree. Check out our top picks.

Things To Check Before Buying A Used Car

Buying a used car is great for saving money especially with the high prices of buying the equivalent newer model. It remains a popular route for car buyers with nearly 8 million used cars sold in 2018. Read through out

5 Comfortable Cars for Long Journeys

For the majority of us, long car journeys are part of everyday life. If you are one of the millions driving across the country to make a living, you will want a car that is not only reliable and cheap to run, but equally stylish and allows for a comfortable journey. See which cars make our list.

Best Cars for Older Drivers

It’s often hard to know where to start looking when it comes to purchasing a new car; here’s a lot of factors to take into consideration to ensure that you are buying the right car for you. This guide highlights five vehicles currently on the market that are considered to be the best vehicles for older drivers.

Top 5 Most Fuel Efficient Cars

If you’re buying a new car, fuel efficiency is a major factor to consider. With fuel prices ever increasing and added certainty around both petrol and diesel, you’ll want to ensure you are getting the most economical car for you.

New Year Resolutions For You and Your Car

Although we’re well and truly into the new year, it’s not too late to commit to a few resolutions to help drive you through the coming months. We believe that one of the best New Year promises you can make is to not only take better care of yourself, but also your car.

Our Top 10 Vans in 2018

With the new year a time for renovation and change, why not check out our top picks for vans in 2018? From Mercedes to Mitsubishi, we surfed through our collection of highly advanced and reliable vehicles to find the best makes and models for you.

What is WLTP?

During 2018 and 2019, two new rigorous emissions tests are being introduced to provide vehicle buyers with more realistic information on the pollution that is created by cars and vans via their fuel or energy consumption. The new WLTP and RDE tests give consumers a more accurate test figure for every model variant of vehicle. Find out more about these new tests and what they mean for you as a driver.

5 Reasons to Buy a Hybrid

Hybrid cars have been on the market for a while now. While they have seen an increase in popularity, the overall figures fall short of traditional petrol or diesel car sales. With this increasing demand for hybrid cars, find out the five reasons why so many people have begun to make the switch.

The Best Hybrid Cars in 2018

At Nationwide Cars, we offer a vast range of speciality cars to help find the perfect one for you and with an increasing amount of Hybrid cars on the market, they are quickly becoming a mainstream alternative to conventional petrol and diesel models.

Get Your Car Winter Ready

As the Winter Season begins to kick in with minus temperatures and treacherous weather conditions, it’s essential to ensure that your car is ready to take on any challenges you may face on the roads.

What Does the Petrol and Diesel Ban Mean for Cars?

In July 2017, the British government announced that all new petrol and diesel cars will be banned in the UK from 2040. This was all part of the government’s £3bn clean air strategy to tackle emissions.

The Best Convertible Cars in 2018

With summer of 2018 drawing to a close, now’s a great time to reflect on the world of motors, and more specifically, the world of convertibles. This summer has been one of the hottest on record, and so it was a great time to be owning either a hardtop or soft top convertible.

Van Driver Safety Tips For Your Commercial Vehicle

A commercial vehicle is an important asset for many businesses. For this reason, it is important for you as a driver to feel that you, your tools and equipment are safely stored within the vehicle. We have compiled our top tips for van safety, so that you can keep your commercial vehicle secure at all times.

The Most Desirable Features in a Car

If you’re looking to buy a car for yourself, a family car or a vehicle that means business, there’s a lot to consider. From accident avoidance systems to extra storage space and heated seats, there are many features people look for when they’re buying a car. In this article, we’ve taken a look at the most desirable features.

10 Tips for Driving at Night

Driving in the dark can often be a little daunting, with some streets dimming street lights after a certain hour, and some drivers taking more risks on darker roads. There’s nothing quite like having someone else’s high beams dazzling your eyes, but beyond the things that cause perpetual annoyance, few realise how dangerous driving at night can actually be.

The Ford Transit Custom vs. The Volkswagen Transporter

To help you get the van that’s perfect for you, we’ve compared two of the market’s leading van models - the Ford Transit Custom and the VW Transporter - and broken things down for you spec by spec to give you the best insight into each van and help you make an informed decision.

The Essential Car Maintenance Guide

Performing basic car maintenance on your car will reduce your chances of breaking down, increase the likelihood of passing your MOT and prolong the life of your car. Follow our essential car maintenance guide and you’ll be making sure that your car is always in optimum condition.

Child Car Safety in the UK

When purchasing a new car, you may not have considered the safety that that car may provide your child. Did you know that not all cars are actually suited to fitting child safety chairs? When you’re travelling with a child in the car, you must ensure you have the correct car seat and restraint in order to protect young ones, especially babies. Find out more.

Cars to Buy if You’ve Just Passed Your Test

Are you a first time driver looking for a new car? Then take a look at our list of cars, perfect for new drivers who have just passed their test. Choose from cheap insurance cars, low road tax cars, and fuel-efficient vehicles. Discover the range of cars you could be driving away with.

Britain's Being Caught Short With Broken Back Lights

It has been revealed today that the UK are needlessly being caught out by police for broken car back lights. All policing constabularies within the UK were asked how many Fixed Penalty Notices and Roadside Prohibition Notices they had given out during the 1st November 2016 to 31st October 2017. From the 29 police forces who answered the request, there were 8,323 Fixed Penalty Notices and Roadside Prohibition notices issued.

Cash Payments vs. Finance: Which is Best?

When it comes to buying a vehicle, whether it’s a large 4x4 family car, a sleek urban motor or a commercial business van, more often than not, people's’ number one concern is the cost of the vehicle. Cars are by no means cheap. Due to this, there are a number of plans and payment methods available for you to choose from. But which one is really providing you with the best value?

The Top 5 Vans For Your Business

A van is not a luxury; it is a commodity for many businesses up and down the nation. A van is much like a car - a trusty companion that you can rely on for long and short journeys, and is able to transport numerous objects and items for you, whether big or small. However, not all vans are as good as they seem at first glance.

What Licence Do I Need to Drive a Van?

When it comes to driving on the roads, there’s a number of documents you need to have on your person at all times. Not only do you need your vehicle’s registration and proof of motoring insurance, but you also (of course) need your driver's license.

What Should You Always Keep in Your Car?

To help you always be prepared and ready for whatever life may throw at you, we’ve created the ultimate car survival checklist, complete with everything that you’ll need to help you along the road should you ever find yourself in a jam.

Quick Ways to De-Ice Your Car

Winter gives many car owners a sense of pride as the days shorten and temperatures dip. There is no standing in the cold waiting for public transport, you have your own private heat source, and - in the case of 4x4 owners - ease of travel with your all wheel drive system.