Cessna Magnetic Compass 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.

2014 Volkswagen Beetle priced at $21,115

The 2014 Volkswagen Beetles are scurrying into dealerships as we speak. The base 1.8-liter turbo model will start at $21,115, including an $820 destination charge, while the convertible will start at $25,990. The hardtop comes with manual transmission; the cabrio gets a six-speed auto.

Alfa Romeo to drop MiTo & Giulietta & go RWD

The Alfa 4C (pictured) is the first part of Alfa’s plans to make proper drivers cars The argument has always been made that you’re not a real petrolhead unless you’ve owned an Alfa. But really, it’s quite some time since Alfa made proper petrolhead cars. In recent years Alfa’s focus has been on competing in the mainstream hatch market, with cars like the MiTo and Giulietta, and credible though those cars are, they’re more Fiat than Alfa.