2008-2013 Smart Fortwo Rear View Mirror, Smart Car on 2040-parts.com

Used car sales hit record high

USED CAR SALES were at their highest in five years in 2013. There was a 0.9% increase in used car trades, with more than 6.8 million exchanges of ownership recorded, though this is still some way behind the previous record high of 7.8 million used car sales in 2008. Analysis from Experian shows cars aged nine years old or over were among the strongest performers in the used car market, with sales up 6% in 2013 compared to the previous year.

Elio three-wheel prototype revealed

Elio Motors unveiled a prototype of its two-passenger, three-wheeled vehicle Wednesday, confirming the all-new vehicle will have a $6,800 base price when it goes on sale in June 2014. Paul Elio, company founder and CEO, said the vehicle is targeted at first-time or cash-strapped buyers, as well as for families who already have a family car and are seeking something inexpensive for daily commuting. Its sub $7,000-base price makes it almost half the price of the cheapest car in the U.S.

Bad-tempered driving increases over winter

We’re officially a nation of grumpy drivers – not helped by the bad weather and the end of Christmas festivities, a survey has revealed. Halfords Autocentres carried out a study about how winter affects motorists and found that experiences of impatient, aggressive and inconsiderate driving increase at this time of year. On Bing: see pictures of road rage British drivers ‘lack common courtesy’ Rory Carlin from Halfords Autocentres: “It seems that the festivities take their toll on the nation’s road manners and tempers flare leading to less kindness and unselfish behaviour from some motorists.” 23% of respondents felt that unfriendly and bad tempered behaviour was a major issue during the winter months, while a fifth said there was a rise in aggressive and impatient driving.