A Guide To Buying Used Cars

When looking at used cars, the list of things to watch out for could be endless. Because of this, it can be difficult to see if there’s anything wrong with the car. It could seem perfect but then a year down the line you could start seeing problems. As a general rule, if a deal seems like it could be too good to be true then it probably is. Hopefully though, you can avoid many of these by looking at this handy guide to buying used cars.

Good things to look for

Here are a few qualities that you want to see in a used car. If a car has been garaged for its entire life then you can bet that the bodywork is in good condition, no matter if the car is a few years old. Another good sign is if the car has had a minimal number of owners. One owner means that you have an idea of how the car has been driven, and can speak with the owner about the car. 

They will also likely have the full history of the car, which is a big advantage. If the mileage is reasonable, for example less than 10,000 per year, then this is also a good sign. However, if the mileage too good to be true then stay clear of the car.

Things to watch out for

Do some research on the internet about your car, and have a look at some guide prices. Make sure that the price meets your expectations and don’t get overcharged, even if it looks like a good deal. Similarly, check to see if there are any common faults with that particular model of car and if they appear on the one you are viewing.

Also have a look at the car. If there are any misaligned panels or unexplained discolouration in the bodywork this could indicate an accident which has not been documented properly. It could also indicate a possible ‘cut and shut’ job where two or more written off cars are fused together to create one vehicle. This can be extremely dangerous so make sure you view the car in a good light.

Hopefully you buy well, but if you find your used Vauxhall may need some spare vehicle parts then don’t hesitate, come to Megavaux for all your Vauxhall needs.

Vauxhall’s New Range

Vauxhall have released several exciting new cars recently, adding to their extensive range. Here, we take a look at some of them, as well as some that have yet to be released.

Probably the most notable is the new Vauxhall Cascada. The convertible borrows the tagline from Ford’s marketing campaign for the Capri as ‘The car you always promised yourself.’

And in many ways, unlike a Capri, it can live up to that promise. Despite sounding like a nightclub, the Cascada has a lot going for it. The car is a flagship for Vauxhall’s new 1.6 turbo petrol engine, due to appear alongside the Monza next month at the Frankfurt motor show.

It also looks good, too, and is also practical with a roof that opens or closes in just 14 seconds. It’s also big, with plenty of room for a family of 4.

At the other end of the spectrum, there’s the new Vauxhall Adam, the rival to the Fiat 500. It’s been announced that the Adam will soon receive a 1-litre turbo petrol with 130hp+. Certainly a hot hatch if we ever saw one, this will also be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show.

At the third end of the spectrum, Vauxhall have also announced an update to the Insignia VXR. One of the most insane ways to spend £30,000 , the 325hp monster has undergone a few cosmetic changes, as well as some mechanical ones too, as the Insignia receives a reworked rear axle.

The ESP has also been tinkered with in an effort to improve the handling capabilities of he car.
One thing’s assured, no matter how big or small your Vauxhall, Megavaux will always have the parts and spares to fix it. That includes any new models, too!

Vauxhall Release More Details About Monza Concept

Vauxhall have released even more information about their Monza concept car, ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Certain figures have been announced for the very secretive project, which Vauxhall claim is what their next generation of cars could look like. The shape of the car takes many hints from nature, the sweeping body resembling wave formations, with the huge gullwing doors modelled on a condor. It's a big departure from the original Monza (pictured).

It will also feature a revolutionary dashboard, using 18 LED projectors to display all the relevant information across the specially sculpted front dash. It will be voice activated and will let users share pictures and videos as well as selected routes.

However the Monza, which was initially revealed over a month ago, sounds more like a family car in many respects that a futuristic concept.

It will have a 500 – litre boot and enough space inside to comfortably seat a family of four. It’s frugal, too, with an electric motor and a turbocharged one litre natural gas engine working together.

Experts in Vauxhall Spares and Parts for over ten years, you can be sure that Megavaux will have more information on the Opel Monza concept as it becomes available.

How To Maintain Your Vehicle

Here at Megavaux, we recognise the importance of regularly performing maintenance on your vehicle. Here’s a little check-list of some of the most important things you need to look over.

Oil Check
One of the most important things you’ll need to do is check your oil levels regularly. This is because oil helps lubricate and cool your car, and without the correct levels it could start to damage your engine.
To check your oil levels, make sure the car is level, and then pull the oil dipstick out (the yellow one) and wipe it clean. Place it back in the engine and then pull it out again, and check whether the oil is between the max and min markers.

If there is not enough oil, find the oil filler cap and gradually refill the engine until there is a suitable amount. Doing this in stages, checking each time, ensures that you do not overfill the oil level. Make sure to use the same oil that is already in the car.

Tyre Maintenance 
Tyre maintenance is also important, as any wear and cracking can result in a fine of up to £2500. Many modern tyres have tread wear indicators, which are bumps which show that the tyre should be replaced when the tread reaches these levels. Tyres should have no less than 1.6mm of tread left before being replaced.

Tyre Pressure is important to check, not only or safety reasons but also to ensure your car is performing at its most efficient. The correct tyre pressure, which can be found in your car’s manual, will give it the best miles to the gallon possible.
This can be checked with your own pressure gauge, or failing that, an air dispenser found at petrol stations. Always check the pressure of the spare tyre, too.

Checking your brakes
As a general rule of thumb, brakes should be checked every 10,000 miles to ensure they work. However, you might be able to feel signs of your brakes failing whilst driving.
For example, if the brake pedal feels loose, or has to be pushed all the way down to make any effect, then it is possible that there is not enough brake fluid in the system. Any squealing or screeching sounds are also an indication that there is something very wrong with the brakes.

To check the handbrake, see how far the lever has to be pulled up before the car feels secure. If it’s more than a few clicks then it’s likely that the cable or drums to the handbrake need checking.

And of course, if you require any repairs for your Vauxhall, then Megavaux is your one-stop shop for parts and spares.

Vauxhall Celebrates 110th Anniversary

At a time when Vauxhall is looking towards the future, and announcing a set of more powerful and economical engines for its new range, they're also finding time to celebrate the past.

On August 18, the Vauxhall Heritage Centre will be opening to showcase the history and heritage to celebrate their 110th birthday. Visitors will be able to view all the cars that made Vauxhall the company it is today, absolutely free. In addition, there will also be other activities and entertainment, and refreshments throughout the day.

There are over 60 cars in Vauxhall's heritage centre, including many classics, but also a number of concept cars from over the years.

There are several notable cars, such as the first production road car to reach 100mph, the 30-98.

There's an original Mk1 Astra GTE, too, and a Firenza Droop Snoot that was restored recently.

There's also some more modern examples too, such as the VXR220, the sports car based on a Lotus Elise. There will also be a Lotus Carlton on show, the first ever super-saloon, capable of 180mph.

The range of cars on offer date from 1903 up until the current line of cars. No matter what year your car is from though, rest assured that Megavaux have your Vauxhall or Opel covered, with cheap and safe parts for repairs.

For updates, tips, and advice make sure to check out our blog regularly and for more information on our vehicle parts service visit Megavaux online.

The Future Of Vauxhall- Introducing The Vauxhall Monza

This week the Vauxhall Monza was revealed ahead of its official debut screening. The new concept car is due to influence the styling of future models for Vauxhall, bringing Vauxhall into a new era for performance and design.

One singular image was released earlier this week of the Monza concept to tease Vauxhall fans. The image shows Opel/Vauxhall CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumnn kneeling down next to the vehicle, proudly grinning at his design.

Car critics and enthusiasts have all noted that the Monza concept shares very little similarities with current Vauxhall car models on the market with comparisons being made to Audi R8. However, you can still see Vauxhall traits within the grille so not everything has changed!

Reports are circling that the Monza concept will be a sporty coupe, however Vauxhall has neither accepted nor denied this fact so we’ll wait and see.

Soon to be released car models such as the Audi A5 Coupe and the BMW 4-series coupe are likely to be rivals for the latest Vauxhall car.

So what does the name Monza mean we hear you ask? The name refers to the Opel Monza coupe, which was built between 1978 and 1982 and which was badged as the Vauxhall Royale in the UK.

As Vauxhall part specialists we can’t wait until more details are released, so make sure to keep checking our blog at MegaVaux for everything Vauxhall related!

What You Need To Know About Buying Used Car Parts

We all enjoy life’s shortcuts, but sometimes taking the easy way out can be costly. This is especially significant when it comes to fixing your car, why do it yourself when phoning up your local garage is so much easier.

Well, before picking up that phone have a think, “could I actually fix this myself?” In some cases the answer is yes, all you need to do is roll up your sleeves and take a good look which in turn would save on labour costs (plus VAT).

It’s very rare if you just happen to have the car parts you need lying round so this means you have to go out and source them out for yourself. The best thing about getting the parts yourself is that you avoid paying the profit margin for the parts when you go to a garage, you also avoid the repair charges.

When buying parts yourself you have the option of purchasing a generic part, rather than paying a premium price for a more expensive part.

So how do you go out and find these parts we hear you ask? Finding the right part for your car couldn’t be easier now with thanks to the internet, just type into Google what you’re looking for and within a matter of seconds hundreds of quality search results will be at your fingertips. This will save you leaving your house to go hunting in a scrap yard.

If you’re unsure about the part you need then your best option is to go online for a vehicle parts supplier, this will mean you can get in contact with them easily via phone and receive some expert advice for free. Also look for an online supplier who offers a part guarantee regardless of whether the part is new or old.

If you need your part instantly then you will find most vehicle part sites offer next day delivery so you don’t have to be without your car.

Finding your own vehicle parts can save you from spending a lot of excess money, so why not shop online with someone like us here at MegaVaux we have exclusive offers on our website for great quality parts for Vauxhall and Opel cars.