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

56% of drivers 'underestimated car expense'

MORE THAN half of people who have bought a second-hand car in the last two years have found it more expensive to run than they expected, according to a Government-backed body. Some 56% of motorists said that total cost, including maintenance, repairs, insurance and fuel had turned out to be higher than anticipated and one in five drivers (20%) have resorted to going into debt just to keep their vehicle on the road, the Money Advice Service (MAS) found. One in four (26%) of the 3,000 people surveyed who have bought a second-hand car since 2012 now has regrets about their purchase, with many of them saying they had not worked out whether it was really affordable or that the purchase price was too much in the first place.

Ford reveals four Focus ST concepts for SEMA

Ford revealed customized versions of the Focus ST on Monday for the upcoming SEMA show in November. The four new hatches add to the company's Dreamcase, a website that shows off what Ford will offer at the aftermarket show. The Focus ST by PM Lifestyle gets a Banks Power straight-shot water methanol injection system along with 19-inch wheels from Rotiform, GT Radial Champiro tires, Sparco seats and Schroth Racing five-point harness.

Drivers 'changing their habits'

ALMOST a third of motorists have modified their on-the-road habits in the 12 months since new careless driving fines were introduced, according to an AA/Populus survey. But while 29% have altered their behaviour, as many as 74% say they have not noticed a change in other drivers' habits. The new measures have allowed police to issue a fixed penalty notice for less serious examples of careless driving, such as tailgating and middle-lane hogging.