Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Claudia Tuñón

Isobel Coughlan

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

Dealers offering discounts on servicing and repair work risk trading customer retention for eroded margins and long term damage to their businesses, according to new research. 

Three-quarters of the 4,269 car owners polled for the forthcoming Bumper UK Automotive Aftersales Report 2024/25 said they expect dealers to offer an initial discount on the prices they quote for aftersales work. 

When it comes to subsequent jobs over half (51%) expect the same level of discounts and nearly a quarter (23%) expect even larger discounts. Only 20% view such discounts as a one-off offer.

Dealerships who fail to offer the same, or greater, discounts on subsequent visits run the risk of losing repeat business with 57% of respondents saying it would affect their likelihood of returning.

However, the research found dealers offering interest-free financing to spread the costs of bills were likely to have stronger customer retention rates, with 89% of respondents saying they were more likely to return to a dealer providing it as an option.

“Discounting can only ever deliver a quick fix as it erodes profit margins and once withdrawn can have a damaging impact on repeat business,” said Daniel Christie, Bumper’s Head of Sales.

“The research shows how interest-free monthly payment options deliver a more consistent long-term solution to winning business and then retaining customers, while delivering transparency and protecting margins,” he said. 

The research also identified that over a quarter (27%) of customers spent between £500-£1,000 on servicing and repair work in the last 12 months. 

Higher and lower bills were equally balanced with 21% paying £250-£500 and 21% paying £1,000-£2,000. Bills totalling up to £5,000 were paid by just 3% of respondents.

Dealers urged to rethink “quick fix” discounting on workshop bills, or face margin erosion

Buying on the used market can offer incredible value, as long as you’re prepared to make a few sacrifices regarding the newest features. In my opinion, £5,000 is plenty to get something reliable and safe, here are some of the best options.

Naturally, the smaller the car the cheaper they are, this means in some cases being able to secure a fairly modern-looking set of wheels for £5k.

A city car first sold in the UK in 2005, the Aygo is a favourite of new drivers and inner-city commuters across the country. It features a spritely but dependable 

 and a surprising amount of tech for the price. 

Just under £4,500 can get you a sub-10-year-old car, but if you want one with a nice spec and under 90,000 miles, a 2014 plate is more realistic.

 comes with a touchscreen for multimedia, air conditioning and even a parking camera. 

For something a little bigger, the Fiesta is a nice compromise between a city car and a family hatchback. This is the later Mk6 model, which might look a bit dated to some, but it offers a great amount of space for the money.

 comes with the basic but reliable 1.4 engine - I would personally avoid any 1.0T EcoBoost cars unless they have impeccable service history, a recent 

, air conditioning, and an aux hookup. As it's a titanium trim it also has the larger alloys and darkened rear glass.

2016 Mazda Mazda2 1.5 SKYACTIV-G - £4,990

Another great small car, the Mazda2 has been a popular 

 since its launch. This one features the innovative 1.5-litre petrol engine, capable of a respectable 90 horsepower, but more importantly over 70 MPG.

At £20 per year to tax, and an insurance band of 13E it shouldn’t break the bank to keep on the road too. 

 with under 70,000 miles, full-service history and modern infotainment. If you’re after a small city car, these are a top-pick.

If you have kids and possibly pets to transport, a city car isn’t going to cut it. Whilst still being easy to park and navigate towns and cities with, these hatchbacks offer that bit more space, and even more features. 

Volvo are known for their safe cars, the V40 was introduced as a slight deviation from their normal lineup of saloons or estates but has gone on to become one of their more popular models. Interior space is good, with plenty of room in the back for 3, and the 

I’d suggest a post-2015 model, just to avoid ULEZ and large VED (road tax) costs, pre-2015 models are still good cars, but I would strongly suggest picking one with a 5-cylinder Volvo engine and not the 1.6 diesel. This model has a few more miles on the clock, but that shouldn’t be an issue as it has a good service history. 

 has been a byword for the family hatchback for decades, and it’s still a great choice. They are a great combination of space and functionality. The 1.6 TDI engine in 

 claims over 80 MPG, and costs nothing per year to tax!

Further to this, it comes with both adaptive cruise control and a decent infotainment system. At £4,995 it’s pretty good value, having only covered 86,000 miles. Bear in mind it won’t be ULEZ-compliant, though.

The Civic is another popular hatchback, and whilst Honda are well known for their petrol engines, this 1.6 diesel unit is just as good. Its 119hp power output is unlikely to win any drag races but it does claim to achieve over 85MPG and costs nothing to tax.

Styling wise this age of Civic somehow looks toned down compared to the previous model, but it retains the angular look that sets it apart from most cars in the same segment. 

 with 85,000 miles on the odometer, not bad value.

The second-hand SUV market isn’t as well stocked as the hatchback and small car sectors, mainly because 

 tend to be more expensive, larger and with bigger engines, meaning you’d need to settle for an older model for the same cash. There are still some good options though, here are my 3 picks.

This generation Kuga was based on the same platform as the Ford Focus of the time, meaning it’s not as large as some typical SUVs, but it still comfortably fits 5 plus a good amount of luggage. 

It comes with the 2.0 TDCi diesel engine, a reasonably well-reviewed engine that delivers 

 and power. You can just about get a ULEZ-compliant car for under 5 grand, 

this one having 100,000 miles on the clock

Unfortunately, the only way to get the newer shape Cr-V - the previous generation looks quite dated now - is to settle for one that’s covered over 100,000 miles. This one’s done 120k but has a 

, and being a Honda, it should be perfect for years yet!

Features include cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring and an impressive nearly 589 litres of boot space. As this is a Euro 5 spec car, it isn't ULEZ compliant, but the 1.6 diesel engine claims an impressive 65 MPG. It’s currently for sale over on 

Despite being 10 years old, this shape of Tiguan has aged very well, possibly because the generation on has only just been replaced in the UK. Either way, they present well, with the height and size of an SUV, but in many cases the economy of a much smaller car.

This model, thanks to it being the 2WD version

, claims to be able to do nearly 60 miles to the gallon, although, thanks to its age, it is £190 per year to tax. 

Later cars should fall into the £0 bracket but double check before buying

! For £5,000 though it's a good option for a family car.

What's the Most Reliable Car for Under £5,000?

It's difficult to pin what car is the most reliable, so here are some cars that were rated as very reliable when new, that can now be found for around £5,000:

What Brand of Car is the Most Reliable to Buy Used?

Again, the data varies from year to year, so here are some makers that have been voted the most reliable in the past few years.

Can You Buy a Reliable Car for Under £5,000

Yes! As long as you pay attention to what cars have been heralded as reliable, and those that have a good service history, there’s no reason why a used car bought for less than £5,000 wouldn’t be reliable!

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

Best Used Cars Under £5,000

Ever since the car was invented, people have been vying to design and make the fastest one possible. 100 years ago the fastest car just about managed 130mph. Nowadays half the cars on the road could reach that speed. 

So what are the fastest cars ever made, and which one currently holds the record?

Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut - 330mph (claimed)

Whilst the famous Swedish hypercar maker has not yet conducted an official top speed run, they have plenty of form at breaking world records, previously holding the top speed title with their first car, the CCR, then again with the Agera RS. 

Not only have simulations shown the Jesko can hit 330mph, but real tests have also shown it beating the 0-400-0kmh record (0-249-0mph), achieving the feat in a staggering 27.83 seconds, and hitting the near 250mph peak in only 19 seconds!

Unlike the Chiron it borrows its engine from, the Bolide is a track-only car; not meeting the regulations for use on the public roads. That doesn’t make its speed any less impressive though, with an 8 litre W16 engine producing 1,847 horsepower and some serious aero, it's got all the ingredients to hit the manufacturer's claimed 310mph.

Only 40 cars were made by the German arm of the French automotive legend Bugatti, which helps to make the £3.5m price tag make a little more sense.

The first car on this list to actually set a world record, the Chiron Super Sport is the speed-focussed variant of the Chiron, announced in 2016. Only 30 cars were made, with the cars being delivered between September 2019 and July 2022.

As standard, the car was fitted with a speed limiter that prevented drivers from reaching the top speed on the road. But as part of the package, Bugatti would track-prep the car at the Ehra-Lessien test track in Germany.

John Hennessey started his business tuning and modifying standard vehicles, they still offer tuning packages for many models including the Ford Raptor pickup truck and the Dodge RAM. In 2017 they unveiled the Venom F5, featuring the company's first in-house made engine.

Hennessey squeezed over 1,800 horsepower from the relatively small 6.6 litre LS-based V8 engine, and simulations state the car should actually be capable of 328mph! A notable variant of the Venom F5 is the F5-M, a six-speed manual version, which unsurprisingly holds the record of the most powerful manual car ever built.

Despite the name, SSC or Shelby Super Cars, founded by Jerod Shelby is of no relation to the formidable Carroll Shelby of the 1967 Le Mans winning fame. The passion and performance are there, though. In 2022, the Tuatara hit 295mph on a closed runway in Florida.

This comes after the SSC made headlines in 2020 for releasing a promo video of the new car hitting 331mph, but eagle-eyed viewers noticed the on-board telemetry systems didn’t quite tally. After some discussion and admissions of misinterpreting, the Tuatara may always be known mainly by the controversy, rather than the genuinely impressive performance.

Out-and-out speed is one thing, and the car that holds the top spot will always be talked about, but in a world of simulated top speeds, social media and controversy, it’s often more satisfying to learn and reminisce about the older greats, and special breakthroughs.

First Car to hit 200mph - The Sunbeam 1000hp

Although very much a race car, the Sunbeam 1,000hp is worthy of an essay all on its own, not least because it highlights how far engine and aero design have come in the last 100 years.

In 1927, the Sunbeam 1,000hp set a new world record on Daytona Beach, Florida. Reaching a top speed of 203.79mph. The car, known as ‘The Slug’, was built in Wolverhampton by Sunbeam, a motorcycle, motorcar and aero engine manufacturer. 

It was their access to aeroplane engines that enabled the Sunbeam 1,000 to exist, it used two 22-litre engines that jointly developed over 900 horsepower.

First Road Car to Hit 200mph - Ferrari F40

The F40 is famously the first road car to achieve 200mph, with a top speed of 201mph on its release in 1987. This is, however, strongly contested; the Firebird-based Pontiac Tojan is claimed to have reached at least 203mph three years before.

The Tojan used a marine-based small block V8 with two huge turbochargers, and was built by a small tuning shop in Nebraska, but as that was a very limited run coach built car, the title is usually given to the Italian car.

And what a car, the F40 has to be one of the most recognisable and iconic supercars of all time, with its low, angular body and huge wing. Mechanically it was remarkable too, with a 2.9L turbocharged V8 - Compare that to the 44 litres in the Sunbeam above, just 60 years earlier.

First Car to Achieve 200Kmh (124mph) - The Jaguar XK120

At the time of its debut in 1948, the Jaguar XK120 was the fastest production car in the world, achieving 124 miles an hour in standard trim, and 135 with some slight modifications. The early cars featured a sleek all-aluminium body and convertible roof, it was powered by a 3.4 litre inline 6-cylinder engine.

A number of records were broken with the Jaguar XK120, including averaging 130mph for an hour, over 100mph for 24 hours and one particular test conducted on a racetrack in France, where an XK120 was driven for 7 days and 7 nights averaging just over 100mph for the entire run, a great testament to the durability of the car.

First Car to Hit 150mph - Mercedes Benz 300SL

A few years after the Jaguar XK120 was released, the Stuttgart manufacturer of prestige vehicles decided to make its first road-going sports car, the 300SL. Attention was drawn predominantly to the beautiful body and gullwing doors, but its 160mph top speed was another string to its bow. 

At the time the 300SL was the world's fastest production car, based on the race car of the same name that won Le Mans a few years prior. Thanks to its beauty, prestige and rarity, used prices of the 300SL are some of the highest on this list!

First Car to Hit 250mph - The Bugatti Veyron 16.4

A surprising venture that spawned out of Volkswagen’s re-launch of the Bugatti name, the design brief for the Veyron was that it should be as competent in reaching its proposed 248mph top speed, as it was being driven to the opera.

This led to an ultra-powerful, ultra-luxurious hypercar that produced over 1,000 horsepower from its 16.4-litre engine. Over the course of developing the Veyron, Volkswagen Audi Group spent $1.6 billion, meaning each Veyron cost at least $3.5 million to make. Upon launch, the car was priced at $1.9 million.

Fastest Cars Ever Made

Bells Motor Group is a family-run business operating Kia and Volvo dealerships in Northampton and Bedford. With over 55 years of experience in the automotive industry, the group excels in a customer-first approach. 

Bells has worked with Bumper since January 2023, using PayLater through Bumper’s Keyloop integration to split the cost of customers’ repair and service work into interest-free monthly payments. 

A recent feature update to the Keyloop integration added automatic payment reconciliation. Payments taken through Bumper are automatically reconciled in the Keyloop DMS, negating the need for advisors to double-key payments. 

Automatic payment reconciliation has resulted in tangible results for Bells. Less time spent double-keying customers’ details has resulted in an average saving of 

Considering operational costs, it’s estimated this time saving equates to 

Clive Bell said, ‘Bumper’s new automatic payment reconciliation for Keyloop has massively improved our group’s efficiency. Previously, advisors had to double-key customers' payments; once on the Bumper system and then again on Keyloop. 

‘The process was heavily error-prone and time-consuming for advisors. This new feature automatically updates both systems meaning time can be allocated to other tasks. We’ve found this new feature has saved 4.5 hours per day across our business.’ 

Bumper’s digital payment solutions are built specifically for the automotive market. Register your interest to speak to one of our payment experts now.

Bells Motor Group Case Study: Improving workshop efficiency by harnessing digital tools

We’re celebrating our latest Dealership of the Month – Citygate Kia Slough. 

The Slough-based site had an impressive Month using Bumper’s PayLater to split the cost of customers’ repair bills into monthly payments. 

Doubling the number of transactions year-on-year, the team saw a 21% increase in conversion and an 86% increase in redwork value. 

The team use the Bumper RTC integration to further streamline the process. 

PayLater allowed the service team at Kia Slough to deliver on their commitment to outstanding customer service. 

Charlotte Miller (Kia Slough service team) said: “Whenever one of my customers comes in for a service, I explain we have two payment options – in full or monthly. This really gives drivers peace of mind as they aren’t always aware that option exists for car repairs. 

“Quite often the repair bill is unexpected, so it just eases people’s minds when they find out they need extra work. 

“It’s great for the customer because they drive away happy and it’s great for us as we get that work over the line we otherwise might not have secured.” 

Customers praised the site for being helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. On Trustpilot, Alma wrote: “Very helpful and friendly team”. Kristof said: “I’ve got my service bill sorted with Bumper. They offered me a payment plan in just a couple of minutes. It’s really simple.” 

Congratulations to Katherine, Charlotte, Natalia, Charlie and the whole team at Citygate Kia Slough! 

Citygate Kia Slough crowned Dealer of the Month

Most people will answer with cash or a bank card, but you might want to explore a third option: 

Fuel cards are another helpful way to pay for 

 This article will cover how a fuel card works, what you can use it for, who’s eligible for one, and other key FAQs.

Fuel cards are like credit cards for fuel (petrol and diesel).

You go to the petrol station, fill your car’s tank, and then pay for the fuel with the card. The assistant will swipe it or insert it into the card machine like a normal credit or debit card. 

Allstar and UK Fuels are popular fuel card companies. You can also use petrol-station-specific cards, such as BP fuel cards. However, these limit your options, as you can’t use them with competitor brands.

 or diesel. Like a physical credit or debit card, you give it to the assistant when it’s time to pay.

However, unlike your personal card, payment is sent to your employer as a bill. You won’t need to settle the charge. 

 when you pay with your card. You may also be asked to give the 

 The assistant will enter this information into the till after swiping your card to verify your registration matches the vehicle registered with the card. 

These checks might seem unnecessary, but they’re in play to ensure you’re using the fuel card appropriately to your employer. No filling up friends' and family's tanks here!

Fuel cards are typically used by employees who drive for work, with companies covering costs and verifying usage for the correct vehicles.

Examples include delivery drivers, contractors, and emergency service personnel like police or ambulance drivers. 

Employees with company cars may also use fuel cards, but this ultimately depends on company policy.

Fuel cards are worth it as they make expense claims much easier and faster for company accountants. 

Rather than sorting through loose receipts and one-off charges, fuel cards provide streamlined bills and reduce the 

as they’re only eligible for the company car. 

Not only that, but fuel cards can save money—as much as 10p per litre of petrol for certain cards.

However, there are a few disadvantages you need to consider:

Yes and no, it depends on what your company has set up on the card account. 

Some cards are restricted to fuel purchases, while others also cover

You can even find fuel cards that cover the cost of 

Yes! Self-employed people can also use fuel cards, but only if they have a VAT-registered company. 

Note that some fuel card companies require a monthly minimum spend, so it might not always be advantageous.

You can’t use a fuel card for personal use or if you’re a freelancer without a VAT-registered company. 

Securing a fuel card is simple! You can apply for a card online with companies like UK Fuels and All-Stars. 

You’ll have to enter personal information, business details, and information on how you’ll use the fuel card (e.g., how many cars you need to fuel). 

Fuel cards help businesses streamline expenses and allow employees to pay for fuel easily while on the clock.

Are fuel cards worth it? Well, that’s up to you to decide. Whether you’re looking to stay more organized or maintain professional expense management, fuel cards are an excellent option to consider.

, you can split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at no extra cost. 

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers. 

How Does A Fuel Card Work?

No driver sets off wanting a speed ticket.

However, with so many speed cameras around, it’s easy to accidentally get flashed if you’re not closely watching your speed.

Knowing how average speed cameras work and what they look like can help you avoid fines and drive safely.

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about speed cameras in the UK.

Average speed cameras have systems that track how long a car travels between two set points on a road.

Two cameras at each point (at least 200m apart) calculate your speed. The first camera records your 

 and the second registers how quickly you got from point A to B, which calculates your average speed.

So, at an average speed of 80 mph, it would take approximately 5.59 seconds to travel the 200 meters between the two cameras.

In other words, speeding up before the camera and then slowing down as you approach it won’t help, as your overall average speed will still exceed the limit.

Average speed cameras vs normal speed cameras

As explained above, average speed cameras monitor your speed over a set distance, 

calculating your average speed between two points. 

In contrast, normal speed cameras capture your 

Generally, average speed cameras are harder to avoid, promoting consistent speed limits and 

Average speed cameras are distinctively yellow and mounted on yellow poles. They also have the same shape as CCTV cameras.

These cameras are typically positioned at the side of the road, and are taller than normal fixed speed cameras.

Average speed cameras are used on lots of roads, including dual carriageways, motorways, urban areas, and A roads.

Temporary average speed cameras can also be

 installed at roadworks with reduced speed limits, which will always be 

Average speed camera locations are marked by signs featuring an old-fashioned camera, also used for mobile speed checks and normal cameras. 

What are the average speed camera limits?

You can technically be prosecuted for exceeding the speed limit by just one mph. However, this is very unlikely.

There are rumours about speed camera tolerances. It’s true that some cameras allow leeway for car speedometer inaccuracies.

In reality, the amount of tolerance varies depending on the police force operating the camera.

Some police forces in the UK allow a tolerance of 10% + 2mph, meaning you’re safe up to 79mph in a 70mph zone. 

Remember this is not law, so sticking to the speed limit is the safest bet.

How can I avoid getting caught by average speed cameras?

There’s only one answer to this — and it’s by 

What happens if I’m caught by an average speed camera?

The penalty for being caught by an average-speed camera is the same as normal cameras: 

a £100 fine and three points on your licence.

The fine also increased based on how much over the limit you were speeding.

In some cases, speeding can result in up to six points and possible disqualification, with fines reaching £1,000 or £2,500 for motorway offences.

If you’re caught, a speeding ticket usually arrives within 14 days, starting with a 

 to confirm the driver, followed by the official ticket detailing the punishment.

There are plenty of myths and legends about average speed cameras.

Don’t fall for fakes! Here are the facts you need to know:

Can an average speed camera catch you on your phone?

No. While police are creating cameras that catch speeding and phones, these are normal units—not average speed cameras.

No. Average speed cameras don’t flash like normal fixed cameras. This is because they use infrared light rather than a photo to record your speed.

More or less yes, average speed cameras are always turned on. The only time you’ll know one is off is if it has a sign saying ‘camera not in use.’

Do average speed cameras take photos of you?

No, average speed cameras don’t take photos of drivers. If you get caught, you instead have to fill out a form and declare who was driving at the time.

What do average speed camera signs look like?

Average speed camera signs have the standard camera picture, but they’ll also say ‘average speed check’ on the bottom.

Average speed cameras might seem like a nuisance, but it’s critical to remember that they're there for your road safety. Stick to the speed limit, and you’ll be just fine!

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers.

How Do Average Speed Cameras Work?

For over a decade, self-charging hybrids were the only hybrids vehicles on the market, and they’re still extremely popular today. The first mass-produced hybrid was released in 1997, so automakers have had plenty of time to perfect the recipe.

But now, over 25 years later, what are the best self-charging hybrids on sale?

Toyota Corolla 1.8 VVTi Hybrid - £30,505