The Carlover Blog

Helping you find your next used car

Used Cars Northern Ireland: Shelbourne Motors

Shelbourne Motors is one of Northern Ireland’s most established car dealerships. Based in Portadown and Newry, their award winning dealership, the team at Shelbourne Motors specialise in a number of services, including new and used car sales, car rental, motability, fleet and body shop, and also servicing and maintenance.

The team at Shelbourne Motors have a fantastic knowledge of cars and other vehicles. With one of the largest ranges of used cars NI, they have something to suit everyone’s needs.

At Shelbourne Motors you will be spoiled for choice. They are proud to be representatives of the top major car brands around the world. These include Toyota, Kia, Nissan, Renault and many more!

Their range of vehicles within their dealerships offer a broad range of vans and cars that are suitable for families, daily commutes and for longer journeys.

View Our Range Of Used Cars

Top Tips On How To Stay Safe On The Roads In Winter

Used car dealerships NI
Stay Safe On The Roads In The Cold Weather.

Used car dealerships Northern Ireland wide are set for a busy month, if this applies to you, then make sure you are getting a good deal and staying safe on the roads. Driving is always a dangerous practice, trying to understand the minds of other drivers and trying to predict their next move, of course is nearly impossible.

The winter months bring with them certain extra challenges and with January being extra cold, unfortunately more accidents occur as the roads become glazed with ice and visibility is reduced. 

Whether you are driving a new car or a used car, make sure that your vehicle is in good health as we navigate the end of December and the early part of 2022 and if you are in need of used cars NI wide, Carlover have got you covered with Northern Ireland’s top car dealerships there with a huge range of used cars.

Will Used Car Prices Drop In 2022?

The price of used cars in Northern Ireland and the UK as a whole have reached unprecedented levels with the nation as a whole struggling to believe the sky high prices that they are met with when purchasing a used vehicle.

There are opinions that are being formed by experts stating that we are in the middle of a car recession that will see prices plummet mid 2022, so the advice at the moment from those experts is that if you are hoping to bag a bargain on a used car, you should exercise patience.

New Or Used Cars 2022

The used car market in Belfast is still strong, even after the plummeting sales of cars that the world saw when we all went into lockdown, the rise back has been meteoric. The people want to buy cars again and they want to buy a lot.

So the question on the lips of many – Is it better to buy a new or a used car? And  Is it cheaper to insure a new or a used car? 

New cars vs used cars

The pandemic wreaked havoc across many sectors and the used car market was hit especially hard with every month of 2020 playing out, the figures got worse and worse, with record breaking lows. Car dealers are still not receiving the volume of cars they need because of course Covid stopped production and shipping.

Updates On The Used Car Market Northern Ireland

Get the keys to your perfect used car and drive away happy.

Since the start of the Covid – 19 pandemic, the used cars NI market has been unpredictable for dealerships and consumers across the country. Not only have dealerships had to deal with the lockdown restrictions, but they also have to consider the implications of Brexit and the continuing chip shortage that has affected car manufacturing across the world.

If you can’t keep up with the ever changing news within the car market, don’t worry as Carlover has got you covered. We have made a list of the latest updates on the used car market Northern Ireland to give you a helping hand when purchasing a used car.

Used Cars Belfast: The Demand

As the manufacture of new cars has slowed down due to the result of the chip shortage. The new cars that have been able to reach the car market are in high demand, resulting in their prices rising dramatically. As a result of this a majority of customers have been forced to purchase from the used car market. This has led to higher prices and longer delays within the used car market.

Car dealerships have also seen a rise in the demand for used cars since the start of the global pandemic as people across Northern Ireland were investing their money in a car rather than having to travel to and from work on public transport. Carlover have a range of used cars available in dealerships across Northern Ireland, with cars to suit everyone’s needs. 

Increase in Sales of Used Electric Vehicles

In recent years there has been an increased awareness of the effects that fuel powered vehicles can have on the environment. In 2021 there was an increase of 86% in electric car registrations compared to the previous year.

Switching your car to an electric model will have many benefits for the driver, including lower road tax, cheaper running costs, government grants that offer a discount when buying a new EV vehicle, and it lowers Co2 emissions.

One of our favourite used car models on the market is the Tesla Model S. If you are after something a bit more luxurious, this car is the best option for you. This electric hybrid has a slick exterior that will stand out when moving between traffic on the roads.

The Tesla Model S has a spacious interior that will comfortably fit the passengers in the back seat and a spacious boot that is perfect for your personal items and luggage. This car is fun to drive with a strong acceleration and a fantastic driving range of 400 miles on a single charge.

Carlover has a range of electric vehicles from major brands such as Audi, Hyundai, Volkswagen and Hyundai. For more information on the benefits of electric vehicles, get in touch with one of our local dealerships today.

Most Popular Used Cars To Buy

There are so many used car models out there to choose from with a range of quality features. Here are the most popular used cars to buy on the market and why you should consider them when visiting our dealerships.

Ford Fiesta

This car has consistently been one of the UK’s top selling cars for a number of years in a row. It has a modern exterior design, it is reliable and has lower running costs than other used cars on the market.

The Ford Fiesta has a spacious interior that can comfortably fit three passengers in the back set, and the car also comes with a range of safety features that will give you peace of mind when out on the road. As the Ford Fiesta is such a popular car, this means that there are plenty available on the used market.

BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series has everything that you could ever want in a used car. It has a sporty design with a stylish interior, a spacious interior perfect for the family and will perfectly fit most garages. This car is practical and is reliable as it is a long lasting car.

The BMW 3 Series offers drivers the perfect combination of low running costs, modern technology, dynamic driving and performance. 

Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf is a popular hatchback among families across the UK. This car has a fresh look that is sure to turn heads when you are out on your daily commutes. The Golf is practical to run, low on running costs and it has a new engine that is energy efficient. Not only is this car perfect for families, but if you are a new driver the Golf is one of the best cars to help you to gain confidence when out on the road.

Purchasing a used car can be confusing, especially in the current climate where the demand is higher and prices are on the rise. If you would like more information on what used car is the best option for you, Carlover is the right place for you.

Trusted Car Dealers Belfast

When you visit one of our car dealers Belfast wide, you can view cars that are family friendly, electric and that are ideal for first time buyers. With the team at Carlover at your side the process of buying a used car could not be simpler.

The Convertibles Belfast Will Be Seeing Next Summer

The Convertibles Belfast Will Be Seeing Next Summer

The colder months are one of the best times to purchase a convertible, as sales are slower due to the colder weather and constant rainfall. The UK is one of the top places in Europe for convertible sales as the weather isn’t too hot and sticky compared to cities with hotter climates.

Driving with the roof of your convertible down is one of the best ways to refresh all of your senses. If a convertible is on your bucket list for 2022, let the team at Carlover help you to decide which model will be the best option for you.

What Is The Best Car Insurance?

The best car insurance is a necessity that will help to protect drivers from financial burdens caused by damaged cars, damaging another driver’s vehicle, injuring someone while driving and so much more. When deciding on a car to purchase the main question asked by drivers is ‘What insurance should they get’

There are so many car insurance providers to choose from across the UK, it is no wonder why drivers become overwhelmed. Although used cars insurance in Belfast can be expensive, it doesn’t mean that drivers have to lose out on great cover in order to get a cheaper price. To help car buyers to make the best choice for their insurance, the team at Carlover have made a list of insurance providers in 2021.

10 Things That You Didn’t Know Where Illegal When Driving

There are many laws that you will be aware of that you wouldn’t dare break. Whether your into new cars or used cars the Belfast market is there for you, but the law regardless of age of your car remains the same for all drivers in the UK.

You might think that you are following all of the rules, but often that is not the case and you probably didn’t even know it until now. We broke down a staggering list into the top ten laws you probably didn’t know you were breaking when driving.

So here we go and these can result in a fine or points on your license, not just a slap on the wrist.

Top Tips For Buying A Car From Car Dealers Belfast

Buying a new car is an exciting experience, however it can also be quite stressful for those who don’t have much experience when it comes to cars, our trusted car dealers Belfast wide are the solution to your problem.

With Carlover here to help, we can help you to research used cars NI and choose the perfect model that suits your daily needs and works within your budget.

We have created the ultimate list on how to drive away with a bargain: top tips for buying a new car in 2021 that will help you to take the correct steps before you make that final purchase.

Electric Cars Northern Ireland.

The Future Is Electric!

The pressure is growing on car owners across Northern Ireland to switch to electric cars and ditch their fuel powered vehicles. In recent years the sale of electric cars Northern Ireland is on the rise and it’s clear to see why. They are cost efficient to run, kinder to the environment and smooth to drive.

These cars also range in size, for large family SUVs to smaller city cars. There is an electric car in the market to suit everyone’s lifestyle, but which are the best electric cars to buy on the market? At Carlover we have created a list of our top favourite electric cars and their range of amazing features, the future of cars NI wide is electric.

The Top Electric Cars Northern Ireland

  1. Hyundai Kona Electric

The Hyundai Kona Electric is an affordable electric car that can drive the same distance as a fuel powered vehicle when it is charged with a full battery. Drivers will be able to travel up to 300 miles after charging the battery due to its 64kWh battery. This SUV is stylish and is the perfect family friendly car. 

Not only is the Hyundai Kona Electric smart in terms of its efficiency, but it also offers a range of smart features that will make your journey more enjoyable. These features include a smart 10.25 inch touchscreen, silent rapid acceleration, and an unconventional gear stick that you can switch between drive, neutral reverse and park using buttons. 

  1. Fiat 500

The electric Fiat 500 looks similar to previous models with its retro designs, however there are some differences that should be taken note of. The electric model is larger in size and heavier and is a strong contender against other electric cars on the market. The car’s exterior has a more smoother look and has a simple design. 

Compared to the previous Fiat 500 models the interior has also been a redesign that should be mentioned. There is a qo-inch touchscreen on the dashboard, smartphone connectivity, and the traditional retro styled dials have been upgraded to a 7-inch digital dial display. 

The Electric Fiat 500 comes with either two types of batteries. These include either a 23.7kWh battery with 115 mile range or a 42kWh battery that provides a 199-mile range. You can recharge this car using a three pin socket that will take charging overnight to gain full battery life.

  1. Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf is an energy efficient and reliable family hatchback. This car is easy to drive, especially around the city, and offers comfortable seating for all. There are five seats, where the passengers in the back seat can sit comfortably and the boot is a decent size that can fit all of your family’s essentials.

Practicality is a popular selling point when it comes to the Nissan Leaf. They have lower running costs compared to fuel powered cars and it comes with the convenience of charging the car’s battery at home. You can charge the car using a 7kWh charger and it will take up to 7 hours to reach full battery life. 

  1. Peugeot e-208

If you are considering changing your fuel powered car to an electric model, the Peugeot e-208 may be a good car to start with. This car has a distinctive exterior design that will stand out when you are moving between traffic. One of the most exciting features of this electric vehicle is that it has rapid charge and can be controlled through an app.

Space isn’t an issue when it comes to this car. The two front seats offer plenty of legroom as the seats come with manual seat and wheel adjustments. There is also plenty of room in the back seats for passengers to fit comfortably and due to the clever placement of the car’s battery there is a generous amount of space in the boot.

The Peugeot e-208 has a range of exciting features installed that will help to make car journeys more enjoyable. These features include a 7-inch touchscreen dashboard, DAB radio, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that will allow you to connect to your favourite apps. 

  1. BMW i3

The BMW i3 is a stylish electric car that is fun and comfortable to drive. This car is worth considering if you want an electric car that looks more upmarket compared to other electric models on the market. The BMW i3 has a sharp exterior and the interior doesn’t hold back on quality. This car is kitted out with BMW’s iDrive which comes with a 10 inch dashboard and satnav. 

The battery life of the BMW i3 will last for over 15 years, saving drivers plenty of money on fuel and other maintenance that comes with a petrol or diesel powered vehicle. This car is perfect for everyday commutes with a battery life of 42.2kWh that will range up to 190 miles. BMW states that car owners can achieve up to 80% battery life under 15 hours using a domestic charger, or alternatively it can be achieved in 42 mins using a 50kW public charger.

6. Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 is an affordable car that aims to compete against other well known electric models in the market, including Mercedes, BMW and Audi. This car is the cheapest model in the Tesla range, however, it doesn’t hold back on style and luxury. 

The Tesla Model 3 has a unique interior design with a class roof, a black satin trim and has very little presence of buttons or dials. It’s important to mention that a majority of the car is controlled through a central touchscreen, from turning on the window wipers to turning on the headlights during a dark night. Legroom is not something that is a worry when it comes to the Tesla Model 3 as the front and back seats can comfortably fit tall passengers of up to six feet tall. The boot is more spacious than its electric rivals when it comes to fitting luggage and other bags you may have.

This car is similar to most electric cars on the market as they are almost silent when driving through busy traffic in the city. The breaks stand out compared to other electric models as you can break smoothly without your passengers feeling the grabbing movement in the back seats. Buying this model will give drivers access to Tesla’s network of Superchargers, meaning that the car’s battery can go from 10%-80% in less than 30 minutes. Although you have to pay to use this service, it is reasonably priced and is more cost effective than paying for petrol or diesel.

Now that you know a bit more about the models of electric cars that are available in Northern Ireland, it’s time to choose which one would suit you the best. At CarLover we have a range of electric cars in our dealerships Belfast and in other locations across Northern Ireland, including: 

  • Belfast
  • Derry
  • Newry
  • Armagh
  • Enniskillen
  • Cookstown

Whether you are a family looking for a more energy efficient car or you are keen on saving costs on your daily commute, we have an electric car to suit everyone’s needs.