Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

Used car sales return to pre-recession levels

USED CAR SALES reached 7.1 million units in 2012, on a par with pre-recession levels and a climb of 6.4%, according to a comprehensive market report. The 2013 BCA Report by British Car Auctions valued the used car market a £38.1 billion in 2012, putting it £5.8 billion ahead of the new car market over the same period. In particular sales of younger used cars (0-2 years) increased significantly, rising by 18.6% to 762,000 and reversing a three year trend of falling volumes in this age sector.

Win a special McLaren goodie bag

CAR is giving away a fantastic framed drawing of the 12C, and a stunning encyclopedia of McLaren’s cars, to celebrate the launch of Britain’s new supercar. You’ll also get a copy of CAR’s March issue, featuring our 15-page 12C first drive review, signed by McLaren Formula 1 driver Jenson Button. Click on this link to enter the prize draw now.

Americans plan to keep their cars longer, AutoPacific study finds

In another chilling sign that auto sales are likely to remain stalled, a new study finds that Americans intend to keep their cars longer, indicating a general concern about the industry and the overall economy. The number of new-car buyers planning to keep their rides more than four years has risen to 59 percent, according to a study released Tuesday by California marketing research firm AutoPacific. That's an increase from last year, when about 45 percent of new buyers intended to wait more than four years for their next purchase, and it's up from 2005's tally of 46 percent.