Redgate Recommends

Buying a used car is one of the biggest purchases many people make, and with so many makes, models, fuel types and specifications available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

At Redgate Lodge, we believe choosing the right vehicle is just as important as finding the right dealership.

That’s why we’ve created Redgate Recommends a growing collection of independent buying guides designed to help you choose the right vehicle for your lifestyle, budget and driving habits.

Unlike many buying guides, our advice isn’t based on selling one particular manufacturer or model. We stock a wide variety of vehicles from leading brands, allowing us to provide balanced, practical advice based on experience rather than brand loyalty.

Whether you’re buying your first car, upgrading to something larger for a growing family or considering making the switch to electric, our aim is to make your decision easier.

What You’ll Find in Redgate Recommends

Our buying guides cover many of the questions customers ask us every day.

You’ll find practical advice on reliability, running costs, ownership, fuel types, safety, comfort and value for money.

We continue to add new guides regularly, helping you stay informed as the automotive industry continues to evolve.

Best First Cars for New Drivers

Choosing your first car can be exciting, but it should also be sensible.

We generally recommend looking for vehicles that offer:

• Low insurance costs
• Excellent reliability
• Good fuel economy
• Strong safety ratings
• Affordable servicing
• Easy parking and manoeuvrability

Popular choices often include the Volkswagen Polo, Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris, Hyundai i20, Kia Rio, SEAT Ibiza and Skoda Fabia, although the right vehicle always depends on your individual budget and insurance quote.

Best Family Cars

Family life places different demands on a vehicle.

Whether you’re transporting children, pushchairs, sports equipment or simply want extra space, practical features become increasingly important.

Things to consider include:

• ISOFIX child seat mounting points
• Large boot capacity
• Rear passenger space
• Excellent Euro NCAP safety ratings
• Fuel economy
• Reliability
• Running costs

Popular family vehicles include SUVs, estates and practical hatchbacks depending on your needs.

Best SUVs

SUVs continue to be one of the UK’s most popular vehicle choices.

Customers often choose an SUV because they offer:

• Higher driving position
• Easier access
• Excellent visibility
• Spacious interiors
• Practical luggage space

Compact SUVs suit town driving, while larger models provide additional comfort and space for longer journeys.

Best Cars for Long Distance Driving

If you regularly cover significant motorway mileage, comfort and efficiency become increasingly important.

We recommend looking for:

• Comfortable seating
• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic transmission
• Excellent fuel economy
• Low cabin noise
• Strong reliability

Modern diesel and long range electric vehicles are particularly popular for frequent motorway users.

Best Cars for City Driving

Urban driving places different demands on your vehicle.

Ideal city cars are typically:

• Easy to park
• Economical
• Comfortable in traffic
• Affordable to insure
• Simple to manoeuvre

Electric vehicles also perform exceptionally well in stop start traffic.

Best Automatic Cars

Automatic gearboxes have improved significantly over recent years.

Many drivers now prefer automatic vehicles because they provide:

• Easier driving in traffic
• Reduced driver fatigue
• Smooth gear changes
• Excellent fuel efficiency in many modern models

Best Cars Under £10,000

Buying on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on quality.

When buying in this price range we recommend focusing on:

• Full service history
• Overall condition
• Mileage appropriate for age
• Previous ownership
• Vehicle preparation
• Independent inspections

Often, buying the best maintained example is more important than choosing a particular make or model.

Best Cars Between £10,000 and £20,000

This budget opens up a huge choice of newer vehicles with modern safety technology and improved equipment.

Buyers often find excellent value in nearly new hatchbacks, family SUVs and executive saloons.

Best Prestige Cars

Prestige vehicles offer exceptional comfort, performance and technology.

When purchasing a premium vehicle, always consider:

• Comprehensive service history
• Manufacturer servicing
• Warranty options
• Running costs
• Tyres and maintenance

A well maintained prestige vehicle can provide excellent long term ownership.

Most Reliable Used Cars

Reliability is one of the most important factors when buying any used vehicle.

Rather than focusing purely on one manufacturer, we recommend looking at:

• Complete service history
• Previous maintenance
• Overall condition
• Quality of preparation
• Vehicle inspection reports

Even the most reliable model still benefits from regular servicing and preventative maintenance.

Best Electric Cars

Electric vehicles continue to improve every year.

If you’re considering your first EV, think about:

• Real world driving range
• Home charging
• Public charging availability
• Battery health
• Running costs
• Charging speed

Our Electric Car Hub provides detailed guidance on everything from charging to battery health.

Best Hybrid Cars

Hybrid vehicles provide an excellent balance between fuel economy and convenience.

Many buyers choose a hybrid because they:

• Reduce fuel consumption
• Require no home charging
• Are easy to drive
• Perform well in mixed driving conditions

Petrol, Diesel or Electric?

This remains one of the questions we are asked most often.

The answer depends entirely on your driving habits.

If you drive mainly short local journeys, a petrol or electric vehicle may be ideal.

For regular motorway mileage, a modern diesel may still be the better option.

If you enjoy a mixture of both, a hybrid can offer an excellent compromise.

Our detailed comparison guide explains everything you need to know.

Should You Buy High Mileage?

Mileage should never be considered on its own.

A well maintained vehicle with higher mileage and an excellent service history can often be a better purchase than a lower mileage vehicle that has been poorly maintained.

When assessing any used vehicle we recommend considering:

• Service history
• MOT history
• Previous ownership
• Vehicle condition
• Preparation standards
• Professional inspections

Features Worth Looking For

Modern vehicles offer more technology than ever before.

Popular features include:

• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Heated Seats
• Heated Steering Wheel
• 360° Cameras
• Parking Sensors
• Satellite Navigation
• LED Headlights
• Panoramic Glass Roof
• Wireless Phone Charging
• Keyless Entry
• Digital Driver Display

Choosing the features you genuinely use can make ownership far more enjoyable.

Looking Beyond the Badge

Many buyers naturally focus on the manufacturer’s badge.

While brand reputation is important, we believe it’s equally important to consider:

• Vehicle history
• Condition
• Previous ownership
• Preparation standards
• Independent inspections
• Warranty options
• Customer support after purchase

The best buying experience often comes from purchasing the right example of a vehicle, rather than simply choosing a particular brand.