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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.

Social Media and email

Next-gen Mercedes C-Class set to go electric-only
Electric Mercedes C-Class render
News

Next-gen Mercedes C-Class set to go electric-only

We preview the upcoming Mercedes C-Class, which is due to go fully-electric for 2026
23 Sep 2024
How to check and top up your engine oil
How to check and top up your engine oil
Tips and advice

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
What is Apple CarPlay? How it works and compatible cars
apple carplay bmw
Tips and advice

What is Apple CarPlay? How it works and compatible cars

Want to connect your iPhone to your car? You’ll need Apple CarPlay – here’s how it works
19 Sep 2024
BMW xDrive explained: what is it, issues, and is it worth it?
BMW X7 rain
Tips and advice

BMW xDrive explained: what is it, issues, and is it worth it?

We explain everything you need to know about BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system
19 Sep 2024
What is a self-charging hybrid car?
Hybrid badge
Tips and advice

What is a self-charging hybrid car?

Find out how self-charging hybrids work and why you might benefit from driving one
17 Sep 2024
What is a Diesel Particulate Filter? Guide to DPFs and how to look after them
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Tips and advice

What is a Diesel Particulate Filter? Guide to DPFs and how to look after them

All modern diesel cars are fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). We explain what it is, why your car needs one and how to keep it maintained
17 Sep 2024
Common car problems explained: DIY diagnose issues before they get serious
Mechanic
Tips and advice

Common car problems explained: DIY diagnose issues before they get serious

Something wrong with your car? We cover common car issues and how to fix them
16 Sep 2024
Ford Ranger PHEV brings plug-in power to the popular pickup
Ford Ranger PHEV front quarter
News

Ford Ranger PHEV brings plug-in power to the popular pickup

New plug-in hybrid Ford Ranger is the first PHEV pickup to be sold in Europe
16 Sep 2024
All-new Volkswagen T-Roc to be VW’s final send-off for combustion power
2025 Volkswagen T-Roc front quarter render
News

All-new Volkswagen T-Roc to be VW’s final send-off for combustion power

Second-generation VW T-Roc will arrive soon, combustion engines will be the last of their kind
16 Sep 2024
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New Renault Rafale 296bhp PHEV order books open
Renault Rafale PHEV
News

New Renault Rafale 296bhp PHEV order books open

The Renault Rafale is a top-of-the-range coupe SUV with hybrid-power only
10 Sep 2024
New Skoda Elroq: details, specs and prototype drive of new electric SUV
Skoda Elroq design sketch front
News

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
All-new Audi A6 e-tron costs from £69k, 463-mile range
Audi S6 e-tron front quarter
News

All-new Audi A6 e-tron costs from £69k, 463-mile range

The Audi A6 returns for its sixth generation as an all-new EV with a super-slippery body
9 Sep 2024
New Dacia Duster on sale now: rugged SUV priced from just £18,745
2024 Dacia Duster front-quarter dynamic view
News

New Dacia Duster on sale now: rugged SUV priced from just £18,745

The all-new Duster finally hits the UK market with a fresh look and new tech; it’s still just as affordable
3 Sep 2024
New Kia EV6: updated battery specs, UK pricing and prototype drive
New Kia EV6 front quarter
News

New Kia EV6: updated battery specs, UK pricing and prototype drive

The 2024 Kia EV6 gets a futuristic facelift and some new tech to match – we’ve driven a prototype
2 Sep 2024
New Omoda 5 and electric E5 arrive to take on Nissan Qashqai, priced from £25k
Omoda E5 front quarter
News

New Omoda 5 and electric E5 arrive to take on Nissan Qashqai, priced from £25k

Chinese brand Omoda launches in the UK with a pair of new affordable SUVs
30 Aug 2024
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
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
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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
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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
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
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
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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
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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
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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
New Skoda Octavia vRS undercuts the VW Golf GTI – but only just
Skoda Octavia vRS estate
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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
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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
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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
New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe looks sharp in leaked images
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe leaks front quarter
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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
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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
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