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AUTHOR

Tom Gumbrell

From electric SUVs, to diesel estate cars, to hot hatches – Tom can tell you all about it. As a content editor for Carbuyer, Tom contributes to news, reviews and advice across the site, with a focus on deciphering the often complex world of car buying. His lifelong passion for cars, combined with his strong technical understanding of how they work, ensures that Tom can provide the information you need to make your next car buying decision as straightforward as possible.

Tom says…

“As a member of the Carbuyer editorial team, it’s my responsibility to provide readers with the information that matters. Whether it be advice on which car to buy next, tips for how to look after your car or deals to watch out for, we aim to give you reliable advice that you can trust, without the complex jargon.”

Tom Gumbrell’s expertise and interests:

Car market news
Latest automotive technologies
Family cars and SUVs
Great deals on new and used cars

Tom’s top tips for car buyers

  1. Look for cars that depreciate slowly. An unavoidable fact of buying a brand new car is that it begins to lose value from the moment you drive it off the forecourt. By doing your research and finding a particular model that is known to retain its value, you’ll end up saving money when the time comes to trade in.
  2. If you’re shopping for an electric car, don’t be afraid of the second-hand market. Whilst you may hear scare stories of batteries degrading, in reality, the average electric car battery only loses around 2.3% of its capacity per year. Manufacturers often have lengthy battery warranties in place too, so make sure the car you’re looking at is still covered in case anything were to go wrong. 
  3. If you’re buying a used car privately, make sure to use the Government’s online MoT history check tool. This free service allows you to input a vehicle’s registration number and view its MoT records dating back to 2005. Be wary of any advisories on the most recent MoT that the seller hasn’t mentioned.

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All-new MG ZS Hybrid+ is the cheapest hybrid SUV you can buy
New MG ZS driving
News

All-new MG ZS Hybrid+ is the cheapest hybrid SUV you can buy

New MG ZS arrives with a full hybrid powertrain and space for five – all for just £22k
28 Aug 2024
New Vauxhall Frontera EV and hybrid both cost £23,495
Vauxhall Frontera side quarter
News

New Vauxhall Frontera EV and hybrid both cost £23,495

The new Vauxhall Frontera arrives with an identical price tag for both hybrid and electric models
28 Aug 2024
InstaVolt introduces cheaper EV public charging rates – but only if you charge at night
Instavolt charger
News

InstaVolt introduces cheaper EV public charging rates – but only if you charge at night

The UK’s largest public rapid charging network just got cheaper – as long as you charge at the right time
27 Aug 2024
New Volkswagen ID.3 GTX: electric hot hatch costs more than a Golf R
Volkswagen ID3 GTX front quarter
News

New Volkswagen ID.3 GTX: electric hot hatch costs more than a Golf R

You’ll need to cough up £46k for the Volkswagen ID.3 GTX when it goes on sale in the UK
27 Aug 2024
Ford Transit Custom Nugget gets four-wheel drive for proper go-anywhere camping capability
Ford Transit Custom Nugget Active front
News

Ford Transit Custom Nugget gets four-wheel drive for proper go-anywhere camping capability

Nugget range grows to include a 4x4 model, along with PHEV and long-wheelbase options
23 Aug 2024
The coolest family cars you can buy – our expert picks
Coolest family cars
Best cars

The coolest family cars you can buy – our expert picks

Transporting your family needn’t be boring – these are our picks of the coolest family cars on sale
23 Aug 2024
New Cupra Tavascan: striking EV gets a £47,340 price tag
Cupra Tavascan driving
News

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

The Cupra Tavascan is the latest electric SUV to come to the UK, top models cost over £60k
23 Aug 2024
EV range anxiety: what is it and is it still a concern in 2024?
Polestar 2
Tips and advice

EV range anxiety: what is it and is it still a concern in 2024?

The term ‘range anxiety’ has long surrounded EVs, but what does it mean, and do we still need to worry about it?
22 Aug 2024
Vauxhall Mokka Coffe-e puts the EV in beverage with onboard espresso machine
Vauxhall Mokka Coffe-e boot
News

Vauxhall Mokka Coffe-e puts the EV in beverage with onboard espresso machine

Coffee-themed concept car from Vauxhall ensures you’ll never be more than two paces away from a fresh brew
22 Aug 2024
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Dipped headlights: what are they and when to use them
Headlights
Tips and advice

Dipped headlights: what are they and when to use them

We explain dipped headlights, when to use them, and the differences between dipped, main, and daytime running lights
21 Aug 2024
The best 7-seater cars to buy in 2024
Best seven seater cars
Best cars

The best 7-seater cars to buy in 2024

These seven-seater cars have room for all the family but they’re still great to drive
21 Aug 2024
All-new MG ZS arriving on August 28th with hybrid power
MG ZS teaser
News

All-new MG ZS arriving on August 28th with hybrid power

MG has teased the new ZS SUV ahead of its reveal later this month – here’s what we know so far
20 Aug 2024
New Audi RS 3 revealed: five-cylinder hot hatch updated for 2024
2024 Audi RS3 front quarter static
News

New Audi RS 3 revealed: five-cylinder hot hatch updated for 2024

Audi’s high-speed hatchback is updated for 2024, but performance is unchanged from outgoing RS 3
19 Aug 2024
New Fiat family SUV to focus on affordability and spaciousness
Fiat SUV render front quarter
News

New Fiat family SUV to focus on affordability and spaciousness

Fiat squares up to the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage with upcoming mid-size SUV
19 Aug 2024
What is a DSG gearbox? Problems, cost and cars with a DSG
Volkswagen Golf facelift gear selector
Tips and advice

What is a DSG gearbox? Problems, cost and cars with a DSG

DSG gearboxes are one of the most popular types of automatic gearbox, but should you buy a car with one?
19 Aug 2024
The best sounding cars you can buy today
best sounding cars
Best cars

The best sounding cars you can buy today

These cars sound so good, you’ll be itching to drop the windows and wind out the engine
16 Aug 2024
Car engine noise explained: engine sounds you should worry about and those you shouldn't
Engine bay
Tips and advice

Car engine noise explained: engine sounds you should worry about and those you shouldn't

Engine making an unusual noise? We help you determine whether it's time to visit the garage or not
15 Aug 2024
Tyre tread depths: minimum legal limit and how to check
Tyre tread depth
Tips and advice

Tyre tread depths: minimum legal limit and how to check

It’s important to regularly check your tyre tread depths to make sure they’re safe and legally compliant
15 Aug 2024
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Best estate cars – the top 10 to buy in 2024
Best estate cars 2024
Best cars

Best estate cars – the top 10 to buy in 2024

Need space but don’t want the bulk of an SUV? Look no further than our top 10 estate cars…
14 Aug 2024
Stylish new Vauxhall Grandland SUV on sale now from £34,700
Vauxhall Grandland front quarter
News

Stylish new Vauxhall Grandland SUV on sale now from £34,700

There’s a whole new generation of Vauxhall Grandland, with petrol, hybrid and EV power
14 Aug 2024
New Skoda Octavia vRS undercuts the VW Golf GTI – but only just
Skoda Octavia vRS estate
News

New Skoda Octavia vRS undercuts the VW Golf GTI – but only just

Pricing has been confirmed for the new Skoda Octavia vRS, with the hatch costing from just under £39k
13 Aug 2024
All-new Audi A5: sleek Audi A4 replacement starts from £42k
Audi A5 Avant
News

All-new Audi A5: sleek Audi A4 replacement starts from £42k

The Audi A4 is dead – all-new Audi A5 steps in to fill the executive void
13 Aug 2024
New Citroen Holidays is a £57k campervan with a not-so-subtle name
Citroen Holidays pop-up roof
News

New Citroen Holidays is a £57k campervan with a not-so-subtle name

The new Citroen Holidays campervan is soon to go on sale in the UK from £56,590
13 Aug 2024
What is a CVT gearbox? Reliability, pros and cons
Lexus LBX CVT
Tips and advice

What is a CVT gearbox? Reliability, pros and cons

We cover how a CVT gearbox works, its benefits, and whether you should buy a car with one
12 Aug 2024
New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe looks sharp in leaked images
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe leaks front quarter
News

New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe looks sharp in leaked images

Leaked images confirm that BMW’s smallest four-door, the 2 Series Gran Coupe, is getting an update
9 Aug 2024
Volvo V60 owner reviews
Volvo V60 header
In-depth reviews

Volvo V60 owner reviews

“The Volvo V60 estate is a stylish, practical and comfortable all-rounder that majors on relaxation rather than driving thrills"
9 Aug 2024
Volvo V60 estate review – a classy estate that prioritises comfort
Volvo V60 header
In-depth reviews

Volvo V60 estate review – a classy estate that prioritises comfort

“The Volvo V60 estate is a stylish, practical and comfortable all-rounder that majors on relaxation rather than driving thrills"
9 Aug 2024
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Exhaust noise: what to do about a noisy car exhaust
Car exhaust
Tips and advice

Exhaust noise: what to do about a noisy car exhaust

An unusual noise from your car’s exhaust might suggest something’s wrong – these are the most common causes and what you should do
9 Aug 2024
Turn off the air-con! New Nissan ‘cool’ car paint cuts cabin temp by 5 degrees
Nissan car paint testing
News

Turn off the air-con! New Nissan ‘cool’ car paint cuts cabin temp by 5 degrees

Nissan is developing a new paint technology designed to keep your car’s interior cool and save energy
8 Aug 2024
The best Japanese cars you can buy in 2024
Best Japanese cars
Best cars

The best Japanese cars you can buy in 2024

Japan builds some of the most hi-tech, reliable and fun cars in the world – here are 10 of the best
8 Aug 2024
Mis-sold car finance: compensation delay explained
Car finance
Tips and advice

Mis-sold car finance: compensation delay explained

You could be waiting a while to see any compensation from mis-sold car finance – here’s why
7 Aug 2024
Used EV bargains? Data suggests EVs are cheaper than petrol cars on the used market
Electric car charging
News

Used EV bargains? Data suggests EVs are cheaper than petrol cars on the used market

New data suggests that EVs are the cheaper option if you’re shopping for a used car
7 Aug 2024
Vauxhall Astra Griffin cuts nearly £3k from petrol and electric models
Vauxhall Astra Griffin front quarter
News

Vauxhall Astra Griffin cuts nearly £3k from petrol and electric models

The Vauxhall Astra gets a new special edition that packs more kit for less cash
7 Aug 2024
The best car brands in the UK: Driver Power 2024
Driver Power Brands 2024
News

The best car brands in the UK: Driver Power 2024

The latest Driver Power results have revealed the UK’s favourite car manufacturers in 2024
6 Aug 2024
New Volkswagen Golf R revealed: 329bhp hot hatch as quick as Audi R8, costs £43k
Volkswagen Golf R front quarter
News

New Volkswagen Golf R revealed: 329bhp hot hatch as quick as Audi R8, costs £43k

Volkswagen’s performance flagship, the Golf R, gets more power, new tech and a fresh look for 2024
6 Aug 2024
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport with aggressive aero package costs from £41k
Golf GTI clubsport
News

Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport with aggressive aero package costs from £41k

2024 brings a facelift to the hot VW Golf GTI Clubsport, with new styling and minor interior upgrades from £41,655
6 Aug 2024
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