Alastair Crooks

Joining Auto Express as a Content Editor in 2019, Alastair helped promote traffic to the website and build web pages alongside writing content. Now, Alastair works as a Senior News Reporter for Auto Express and looks to track down the latest news as well as writing reviews, features and contributing to Carbuyer. Days off are car-related for Alastair, regularly attending car shows and track days. Alastair also has a degree in journalism and has worked for a number of manufacturers as a car salesman. 

Alastair says…

“Carbuyer is exactly what it sounds like - the perfect site for anyone looking to buy a car and wanting to equip themselves with the knowledge to make the right decision. There are more ways to buy a car than ever, which is where Carbuyer will be able to help.” 

Alastair’s expertise and interests

• News writing
• Reviews
• Feature writing 
• Social media
• Performance cars
• Sport

Alastair’s top tips for car buyers 

1. Don’t feel pressured into making a purchase. As with any other big purchase, unless you’re 100% confident you should take your time buying a new or used car. Do your research before going to see the car, learn about common faults and issues that may arise (especially when buying used) and make sure you’ve spent enough time behind the wheel - taking it out on a mixture of roads to really broaden your experience. 
2. Check the tyres and wheels. This mainly applies to looking for a used car, but tyres and wheels can tell you a lot about how a car has been treated. Curbed wheels are never a good sign and can cost a lot of money to repair depending on the amount of damage and type of rim design. Chunks missing from the tyre wall, uneven or low tread and even budget or mismatched tyres all point to a car being run on a budget. 
3. Ask questions. Don’t be shy on requesting more photos and information prior to going to see the car, any self-respecting car salesman or even private car seller should be able to provide all the information possible (within reason) about a car for your benefit. 

Social media and e-mail 

• Twitter/X: @alliecrooks
• Instagram: @allie.crooks
• e-mail: alastair_crooks@autovia.co.uk