Perrys Motor Sales

Welcome To The Perrys Motor Sales Blog. We cover New Car deals, Perrys Corporate Social Responsibility Programme, and other items that we think will be of interest to readers.

One of the most popular types of vehicle in recent years has been the ‘off road’ car, even among town and city dwellers who are unlikely to use its cross-country capabilities. The major barrier to actually going out and buying one has been the relatively high cost of such cars - but this is becoming less and less the case. There are some fantastic deals available at present on new and used ‘off road’ vehicles and 4×4’s - and a quick look at Perrys Off Road Deals will prove the point!

The many fans of the Ford Focus will be interested to learn that Ford has released a new Zetec S. All the engine choices which are on offer on the standard model are available on the Zetec S, along with a 1.6 Ti-VCT 115PS petrol unit, and both 3- and 5-door versions are on offer.

Sports Styling Kit
The car comes with a sports styling kit, including an S badge on the fender, 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear spoilers with lower sill extensions and aluminium-style foot pedals and handbrake cover. Those who want to personalise their vehicle even further can select one of two optional styling packs - the sport package or the world rally championship add-ons.

Great Value
Ford describes the model as “Great Value for Money”, as it costs only £750 more than the original edition, while the extra features included are worth over £1,600. Perrys have a wide range of new and used Fords in stock, and there are some real bargains to be had at the moment.

Perrys Portsmouth car dealership has been out in the community to offer advice on its Motability Scheme.

Motability specialist, Chris Stead, from Perrys Peugeot, Farlington, has been available at Morrisons Supermarket in Hordean during October to show how easily vehicles can be adapted for the needs of disabled people, and to advise on the various adaptations available.

Perrys’ Chris Stead has 18 years experience as a Motability Specialist and works closely with customers to ensure that each vehicle is tailor made to fit their exact requirements and needs. From the specific types of adaptations available to payment plans, Chris is always on hand to guide customers through it all. He is also able to offer advice and answer questions people have relating to the Motability Scheme and how it can benefit them, or someone they know.

“Customers can be safe in the knowledge that Perrys’ Motability Scheme covers aftersales and service” says Chris. “Our dealership’s highly skilled service technicians offer individual support throughout the cycle of ownership, meaning that, from the minute you are handed the keys to the time you hand them back, you can enjoy hassle-free motoring.”

It doesn’t matter how old you are, or even if you cannot drive, if you receive the Higher Rate Motability Component of the Disability Living Allowance, then you or someone else in the family can be nominated as drivers.

Perrys Peugeot of Milton Keynes has reported strong sales as it continues to adapt to the needs of its customers affected by the poor economic climate.

The dealership, on Bilton Road in Bletchley, has seen trade remain the same as last year, despite the credit crunch, as prices have fallen in the used car market. This, coupled with Perrys buying power, enables the dealership to pass on the savings to its customers.

Companies with fleet vehicles have been buying from Perrys, as the dealership sees firms switching to nearly new, six-month-old cars with lower mileages and no VAT content.

“The fact of the matter is that customers are still buying but they are just buying differently due to the country’s current financial situation,” said Stephen Thompson, used car manager at Perrys Milton Keynes.

“At Perrys we aim to accommodate the needs of our customers and give them options that they find financially viable. Often people find that the car they are currently driving is worth less than they originally hoped when they get it valued. However, what they have to remember is that the car they are buying is actually selling for a lot less than usual. Its all these factors that Perrys has taken into account that have helped maintain sales across the Group.”

Other noticeable buying patterns include customers trading in larger vehicles for more economical ones due to the cost of petrol and the potential impact of the suspected rise in the road fund license. However, Perrys is still selling larger cars to the customers who can now afford them.

Stephen explains: “For people who would ordinarily be unable to afford the larger car and who don’t cover that many miles, bigger cars are selling for a lot less at the moment and therefore these people are realising that bigger cars are now within their price bracket.”

Because of all these factors, Perrys Milton Keynes has managed to maintain its volume sales of used cars at a healthy level, selling an average of 200 each month.

“Our best selling model in the last six months has been the Peugot 307, which is fantastic value, and the Vauxhall Zafira seven seater,” said Stephen.

“We are lucky to have a loyal customer base at Perrys Peugeot in Milton Keynes and I hope that other people will also start to think of us as the best place to come to for a car that is financially viable and perfect for their needs”.

Average used car values fell to their lowest this year in October, according to British Car Auction . In a twelve month period used car values have fallen by over £1,000.

This is good news for anybody looking to buy a used car, there are some great deals availiable. Perrys stock nearly three thousand used cars, over five hundred of the used cars are less than £5,500, they are branded as Value Cars and represent affordable quality used cars.

Staff at Perrys Barnsley “Dared to Wear it Pink” on the 31st October in support of the Breast Cancer Campaign, as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year, Breast Cancer Campaign dared everyone in the UK to wear an item of pink on Friday 31 October and donate £2 each to the charity to help beat breast cancer. The Perrys Team pictured here are clearly out to have a bit of fun while they raise money for a worthy cause.

The Breast Cancer Campaign uses all “Wear it Pink” donations to fund innovative, world-class research throughout the UK to understand how breast cancer develops, leading to improved diagnosis, treatment, prevention and cure.

Perrys Mazda in Huddersfield is expecting a rush of customers looking for a breath-taking drive after the Mazda MX-5 was named ‘Best Roadster’ in the 2008 Auto Express Used Car Honours. This is the third successive year the Mazda MX-5 has won the coveted award.

The honour comes just weeks after the judges from the UK’s best-selling weekly automotive magazine selected the Roadster Coupe version for critical acclaim, naming the iconic sports car as ‘Best Convertible’ in the 2008 Auto Express New Car Honours.

“The Mazda MX-5 is a legendary sports car and a great buy whether new or used, so it’s no surprise it receives these top accolades year after year,” enthused Peter Woodley, dealer principal at Perrys Mazda in Huddersfield. “The MX-5 beat the Porsche Boxter and Audi TT to take the ‘Best Roadster’ crown, so that shows just how special it is.”

Commenting on the Mazda MX-5’s victory, Auto Express stated: “In 1989, Mazda took everything that made the British Lotus Elan great, then added superb reliability and a low price to the package. Not only is the MX-5 the world’s best-selling sports car, it has also won over us loyal Brits. It’s poised to knock the classic MGB off the top spot for both popularity and parts supply in the UK. The problem our judges faced come ‘decision time’ was choosing between the current and previous generations of the MX-5 –– the Mazda is a fantastic choice and a thrilling drive.”

The Mazda MX-5 is the world’s most popular open-top sports car, offering the excitement of sports car driving with the added benefits of refinement, security, reliability and affordability. The third generation model also has improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 outputs, thanks to Mazda’s weight-reducing ‘gram strategy’. The soft-top can be opened and closed in just a few seconds, while the Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe boasts the world’s fastest-folding powered retractable hard-top –– up or down in just 12 seconds.

The current Mazda MX-5 range offers customers a line-up of soft-top models priced from £15,750 on-the-road or Roadster Coupe models priced from £18,600. Buyers can choose from three powertrains and a range of individual options and packages.

Accepting the latest award for Mazda UK, marketing director Mark Cameron commented: “In the UK, the iconic two-seater, rear-wheel drive Mazda MX-5 sports car continues to be hugely popular with both the public and media. It delivers on the promise of thrilling open-air motoring, with everyday reliability and modest running costs.”

To find out more about the Mazda MX-5 range or to arrange a test-drive, please call Perrys Mazda on 01484 481250 or visit the showroom on Northgate, Huddersfield.

With Road Saftey Week launching on 10th November, Perrys Dealerships around the country are urging drivers to remember the importance of keeping themselves and other road users safe this winter. Britain’s variable and rapidly changing weather conditions can pose quite a range of problems for road users.

Ken Savage, Perrys’ Chairman, introducing the Perrys initiative, said “Driving requires concentration and preparation at all times. Road Safety Week provides an ideal opportunity to re-affirm the importance of good driving, not only for personal safety, but for pedestrian safety as well.”

Winter puts additional pressure on your car so it is vital that they are properly maintained. Fluid levels and tyre pressure should be checked regularly and wiper blades given the once over. All exterior lights should work properly and the windscreen examined for any cracks.

Remember these tips to keep safe on the roads this winter:

• Check the weather forecast before leaving home and leave plenty of time for your journey
• Remember that bad conditions require more time for breaking. Increase the gap between you and the driver in front
• Keep topped up with plenty of fuel in case of delays
• Always use your headlights in rain or snow and to increase your visibility when the sun is low in the sky
• If visibility is below 100 metres you may legally use front or rear fog lights but they must be turned off if conditions improve
• Good observation is essential so that you can interpret road conditions and adjust your speed accordingly
• Always plan your ‘escape’ route in case you are faced with a hazard and brake, steer and change gear smoothly so as not to affect the grip of your tyres on the road surface

Ken added: “Remember, whether you are walking, cycling or driving – be responsible. Don’t pin your safety on an assumption that others will act responsibly, act responsibly yourself.”

Call your local Perrys Dealership and book your car in for its Winter Safety Check make sure it’s in tip-top condition for winter.

The event no classic car enthusiast should miss is this month’s Classic Motor Show, at Birmingham’s NEC on the 14th, 15th & 16th November. The event will be held in five halls at the Birmingham NEC and, in addition to over 1,000 cars, it will feature numerous trade displays and about 170 club stands.

Mike Brewer and Edd China of the Wheeler Dealer TV Programme (New TV Series back on Discovery in late October) will be on the Live Stage during the show - expect to be entertained with tales of purchasing classic cars across Europe, restoring them and then selling them on E-bay.

Perrys Land Rover customers may be interested in the Range Rover Register stand, and Land Rover’s 60th Anniversary is sure to be marked at the event.

The stunning, ‘head turning’ styling of these Italian favorites are an attractive buy in their own right, but when you take a look at the current ‘Hot Deal’ offers available from Perrys on the Alfa Romeo 159 range they become almost irresistible.

The 1.9-litre diesel JDTM models record a respectable 0 to 62mph time of 9.6 seconds – but reassuringly in these economy-focused times will do a comforting 40mpg.

There are two alternate trim levels available among the Hot Deals, 1.9 JDTM Turismo and the 1.9 JDTM Lusso. The top spec Lusso trim boasts 17-inch alloys, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control and rear parking sensors. The range also includes the 159 Sport Wagon estate version.

On the safety front, due to its strong structure and seven standard airbags, the Alfa 159 get a five star rating (the maximum score) in the EuroNCAP crash tests.