New cars are nearly...
New cars are nearly 13 per cent more expensive than three years ago. In 2003, the average price of a Ford Focus was ÷£14,192, but in 2006 this has risen to ÷£15,938. That’s a jump of ÷£1,746, which works out to six times the rate of inflation.
A new loyalty scheme...
A new loyalty scheme has been launched that lets drivers earn points for every litre of fuel they purchase. To promote the Shell Drivers Club Card, the firm is giving away a total of 100,000 points daily – equivalent to ÷£500 worth of petrol, or 5,000 air miles.
Etchings to KO crooks
CHECKING a car’s history is easier if it has a Retinagroup code on it, says the security firm. Unique markings are etched on to glass and parts, helping buyers confirm the chassis number and owner details match. Go to retinagroup.co.uk for information.
IT"S OFFICIAL: Canterbury in Kent is the UK’s safest place in which to park. The British Parking Association handed out the award after the city’s Park Mark-approved sites performed well in a number of safety and security checks carried out by the police.
DRIVEN mad by a mystery cabin squeak? A new CD (left), Rattlebuster, has the answer. You turn the engine off, and the ÷£9.95 disc plays tones which induce road vibrations, allowing you to locate the source of the noise. Visit www.rattlebuster.com for info.
HALFORDS is offering rock-bottom prices for one of its portable sat-nav kits. The LG LN505 is usually ÷£279.99, but has been slashed to ÷£159.99.