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AUTHOR

Charlie Harvey

Before he could read, Charlie’s dad would buy him car magazines so he could look at pictures of supercars while sitting pitch-side at his brothers’ football matches – he soon became consumed with everything automotive. Charlie is a speaker of five languages and once lived in Chile, Siberia and the Czech Republic, returning to the UK to write about his life-long passion: cars. Having written for sister sites Auto Express, DrivingElectric, evo and Car Throttle, Charlie now writes and edits news, review and advice articles for Carbuyer, as well as publishing content to its social media platforms.

Charlie says…

“I believe any car has its place depending on what it aims to offer – it’s the humble hatchbacks, affordable sports cars, practical SUVs and saloons that make the biggest impact on consumers’ lives. At Carbuyer we aim to offer useful guidance around the immense choice available on the modern UK car market. We pitch it all in layman’s terms based on what buyers are looking for, and what we as car aficionados think give certain models the edge over others. That’s never been more relevant than now, given the scale of change happening in the automotive world at present.”

Charlie Harvey’s expertise and interests

  • Car ownership tips and advice
  • Affordable city cars and superminis
  • Hot hatchbacks
  • Bargain used cars
  • Car design

Charlie’s top tips for car buyers

  1. As popular as SUVs might be at the moment, plenty of smaller, more traditional bodystyles such as hatchbacks and estate cars are spacious and practical enough for the majority of buyers. With modern buyers often overlooking these types of cars, you might find you can grab one for a more competitive price than that of a fashionable SUV.
  2. When buying used, low mileage is less important than you might think. A consistent service history with documents to prove it is a better sign that a car has been looked after and less likely to give you trouble later down the line. Don’t take written stats and details as the last word to make your decision, make sure you test drive a used car and look for signs of wear and tear before committing to a purchase.
  3. Don’t be a badge snob – as tempting as it can be to get drawn in by a car’s image and looks, the fact is that while many left-field brands may not have as much prestige, they can offer appeal in other ways. You might find they boast better practicality, reliability, or more equipment, not to mention competitive warranties and better value for money.

 

Social media and e-mail

MINI Cooper review – cheeky and fun as ever, but a harsh ride
MINI Cooper UK
In-depth reviews

MINI Cooper review – cheeky and fun as ever, but a harsh ride

“The MINI Cooper offers the same charm and fun as before, but feels even more special despite a higher price and sharp ride”
23 Sep 2024
MG ZS review – even better value than before
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MG ZS review – even better value than before

“The MG ZS is a massive improvement over its predecessor and represents better value than ever before”
20 Sep 2024
The best saloon cars to buy in 2024
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The best saloon cars to buy in 2024

For a balance of space, comfort and performance, saloon cars are hard to beat. Here are the ones to buy
20 Sep 2024
How to check and top up your engine oil
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How to check and top up your engine oil

Checking your engine oil is a vital part of car ownership – here’s the easiest way to do it
20 Sep 2024
Top 10 best large family cars 2024
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Large families require a large family car – we run down the best options on sale today
18 Sep 2024
Renault Megane E-Tech review - a sporty, yet comfortable EV
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Renault Megane E-Tech review - a sporty, yet comfortable EV

“The first all-electric Renault Megane is a trendy and tech-filled family car that offers an enjoyable driving experience and good range, but lacks a …
18 Sep 2024
Ford Ranger owner reviews
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Ford Ranger owner reviews

“The new Ford Ranger is one of the most hi-tech pickup trucks on sale in the UK and a huge improvement over the old model”
17 Sep 2024
Ford Ranger review – a dependable but easy-to-live-with pickup
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Ford Ranger review – a dependable but easy-to-live-with pickup

“The new Ford Ranger is one of the most hi-tech pickup trucks on sale in the UK and a huge improvement over the old model”
17 Sep 2024
Skoda Kamiq owner reviews
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Skoda Kamiq owner reviews

“The Skoda Kamiq is the brand’s smallest SUV but it’s still very practical and well-equipped”
16 Sep 2024
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Skoda Kamiq review - a practical, well-equipped small SUV
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Skoda Kamiq review - a practical, well-equipped small SUV

“The Skoda Kamiq is the brand’s smallest SUV but it’s still very practical and well-equipped”
16 Sep 2024
Skoda Scala review – a practical hatchback at a supermini price
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Skoda Scala review – a practical hatchback at a supermini price

“The Skoda Scala is more practical and less expensive than the similarly sized Volkswagen Golf”
13 Sep 2024
Peugeot 3008 plug-in hybrid joins the lineup, starts from around £40k
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Peugeot 3008 plug-in hybrid joins the lineup, starts from around £40k

Peugeot 3008 plug-in hybrid will be sold alongside the standard hybrid 3008 and electric E-3008
13 Sep 2024
The best mid-size SUVs – our 2024 top picks
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The best mid-size SUVs – our 2024 top picks

Mid-size SUVs offer everything most families could ever need from a car; we rank some of the best
13 Sep 2024
BYD Seal U review – lots of kit, but vague to drive
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BYD Seal U review – lots of kit, but vague to drive

“The BYD Seal U offers lots of tech and a nice cabin, but is let down by a mediocre driving experience”
12 Sep 2024
Jeep Avenger review – a characterful and value-packed small SUV
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Jeep Avenger review – a characterful and value-packed small SUV

“The Jeep Avenger is a refreshing take on the small electric SUV, that also looks like good value”
12 Sep 2024
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What is AdBlue? Diesel exhaust fluid explained

Most modern diesel cars require AdBlue – here’s everything you need to know
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The best convertible cars on sale 2024
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The best convertible cars on sale 2024

The best convertibles and cabriolets aren't just toys for the summer, they can be used all year round
11 Sep 2024
Honda HR-V review – an economical but flawed small SUV
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Honda HR-V review – an economical but flawed small SUV

"The Honda HR-V has evolved into a hybrid-only SUV with smooth styling but it's a shame boot space has shrunk"
9 Sep 2024
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Honda HR-V owner reviews
Honda HR-V front quarter dynamic
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Honda HR-V owner reviews

"The Honda HR-V has evolved into a hybrid-only SUV with smooth styling but it's a shame boot space has shrunk"
9 Sep 2024
New Skoda Elroq: details, specs and prototype drive of new electric SUV
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New Skoda Elroq: details, specs and prototype drive of new electric SUV

New design sketches reveal the Skoda Elroq electric SUV’s styling
9 Sep 2024
BYD Dolphin review – our favourite new car
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BYD Dolphin review – our favourite new car

“Don’t write the Dolphin off just because it’s cheap – this is an extraordinarily talented small electric car”
6 Sep 2024
The best electric family cars – our top picks of 2024
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The best electric family cars – our top picks of 2024

Are you and your family ready to go electric? We list the 10 best cars to supercharge your school run
4 Sep 2024
Kia Sorento review – a great SUV now made even better
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Kia Sorento review – a great SUV now made even better

"The latest Kia Sorento is a versatile SUV that’s dropped in price and shot up in quality”
4 Sep 2024
Volvo EX90 review – a remarkable EV SUV, despite the price tag
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Volvo EX90 review – a remarkable EV SUV, despite the price tag

“There’s no doubt the Volvo EX90 is an expensive car, but it’s a classy, spacious and refined flagship SUV”
3 Sep 2024
BYD Dolphin 45kWh battery arrives with cheaper price
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BYD Dolphin 45kWh battery arrives with cheaper price

BYD has expanded its lineup with more affordable Active and Boost trims
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The best sports cars to buy in 2024
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The best sports cars to buy in 2024

If you’re looking for a car with driving pleasure in mind, our list of the best sports cars is a must-read
30 Aug 2024
Skoda Superb Estate review – a near-faultless, practical family car
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Skoda Superb Estate review – a near-faultless, practical family car

“The latest Skoda Superb Estate builds on its predecessor’s impressive practicality and value with improved build quality and interior flair”
30 Aug 2024
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Mazda MX-5 owner reviews
2024 Mazda MX-5
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Mazda MX-5 owner reviews

"The MX-5 combines usability, driving fun and dependability to make it one of the most engaging convertibles on the road"
29 Aug 2024
Mazda MX-5 review – the benchmark affordable sports car
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Mazda MX-5 review – the benchmark affordable sports car

"The MX-5 combines usability, driving fun and dependability to make it one of the most engaging convertibles on the road"
29 Aug 2024
Top 10 best small hybrid cars 2024
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Top 10 best small hybrid cars 2024

Small hybrid cars are some of the most efficient cars on the market and are perfect for urban driving
28 Aug 2024
Ford Puma review – a fun-to-drive small SUV
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Ford Puma review – a fun-to-drive small SUV

"The Ford Puma is the best small SUV to drive and it’s highly rated by its owners"
28 Aug 2024
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Ford Puma owner reviews

"The Ford Puma is the best small SUV to drive and it’s highly rated by its owners"
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The coolest family cars you can buy – our expert picks
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The coolest family cars you can buy – our expert picks

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New Cupra Tavascan: striking EV gets a £47,340 price tag

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Nissan Juke owner reviews
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Nissan Juke owner reviews

"The latest Nissan Juke is better to drive and more family-friendly, with improved space and a bigger boot"
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Nissan Juke review – popular small SUV is sharper to drive
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Nissan Juke review – popular small SUV is sharper to drive

"The latest Nissan Juke is better to drive and more family-friendly, with improved space and a bigger boot"
22 Aug 2024
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