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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

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
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 2025
Best Japanese cars
Best cars

The best Japanese cars you can buy in 2025

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
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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
Car windscreen repair and replacement: what are your options for cracks and chips?
Windscreen repair
Tips and advice

Car windscreen repair and replacement: what are your options for cracks and chips?

If your windscreen is chipped or cracked, it won’t necessarily need to be replaced. Here are your options for getting it fixed
5 Aug 2024
New Smart #5: electric SUV will be its biggest car ever
Smart 5 front teaser
News

New Smart #5: electric SUV will be its biggest car ever

The new Smart #5 is set to be unveiled on 28th August and will be the its largest model yet
5 Aug 2024
The most aerodynamic cars on sale today
Most aerodynamic cars
Best cars

The most aerodynamic cars on sale today

It may be invisible, but aerodynamics has a big impact on a car’s efficiency
2 Aug 2024
Car suspension noise: what to do about creaking, clunking and other worrying sounds
Car suspension
Tips and advice

Car suspension noise: what to do about creaking, clunking and other worrying sounds

An unusual noise from your car’s suspension could indicate a problem – we cover the common causes and what you should do
2 Aug 2024
Volvo EX30 now even cheaper thanks to new £33k Core model
Volvo EX30 Core rear quarter
News

Volvo EX30 now even cheaper thanks to new £33k Core model

New Volvo EX30 Core drops the small EV’s starting price by over £2,000, still gets plenty of kit
1 Aug 2024
New Audi e-tron GT gets £28k price hike – but performance takes a big leap too
Audi S e-tron GT front quarter
News

New Audi e-tron GT gets £28k price hike – but performance takes a big leap too

The Audi e-tron GT has been thoroughly overhauled for 2024, but it comes at a cost
1 Aug 2024
New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle is the biggest VW bus you can buy
Volkswagen Caravelle front quarter
News

New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle is the biggest VW bus you can buy

All-new Transporter Shuttle is the largest of Volkswagen’s four MPVs, with nine seats and a choice of diesel, PHEV and electric powertrains
1 Aug 2024
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Top 10 most reliable cars 2024
Most reliable cars
Best cars

Top 10 most reliable cars 2024

The 2024 Driver Power owner’s survey has revealed the UK’s most reliable cars – here’s the top 10
31 Jul 2024
What is PCP car finance? Personal contract purchase explained
Car dealer for a day
Tips and advice

What is PCP car finance? Personal contract purchase explained

PCP car finance can make buying a new or used car more affordable – here’s how it works
31 Jul 2024
Sporty Volkswagen ID.7 GTX costs more than a Tesla Model 3 Performance
Volkswagen ID7 GTX dynamic
News

Sporty Volkswagen ID.7 GTX costs more than a Tesla Model 3 Performance

Hot Volkswagen ID.7 GTX models get an extra dose of performance, but it doesn’t come cheap
30 Jul 2024
All-new Kia EV3 gets EV9 style for half the price
Kia EV3 front quarter
News

All-new Kia EV3 gets EV9 style for half the price

Pricing has been confirmed for the new electric Kia EV3, and it costs from just £33k
29 Jul 2024
New Cupra Formentor starts at just over £33k
Cupra Formentor 2024 front quarter
News

New Cupra Formentor starts at just over £33k

The new Cupra Formentor starts from £33k and gets a revamped front end design, plus some changes underneath
25 Jul 2024
Brand new Cupra Leon is cheaper than before
Cupra Leon front quarter
News

Brand new Cupra Leon is cheaper than before

Pricing for the facelifted 2024 Cupra Leon has just been revealed, and it’s now more affordable
25 Jul 2024
New Peugeot 5008 on sale, less expensive than expected
Peugeot E-5008 SUV front quarter
News

New Peugeot 5008 on sale, less expensive than expected

The Peugeot 5008 and E-5008 have just gone on sale, costing from just over £37k
25 Jul 2024
Best cars for under £300 per month 2025
Cars for 300 a month
Best cars

Best cars for under £300 per month 2025

There should be a new car for everyone for £300 a month – these are the best deals out there
24 Jul 2024
Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

Thinking of switching to an EV? Here’s everything you need to know about electric car charging stations
23 Jul 2024
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Skoda Enyaq price slashed by £2,000 thanks to new entry-level model
Skoda Enyaq 50 front quarter
News

Skoda Enyaq price slashed by £2,000 thanks to new entry-level model

New entry-level Skoda Enyaq brings a 55kWh battery and a £36,970 price tag
22 Jul 2024
New Nissan Leaf swaps hatchback body for trendy SUV looks
Nissan Leaf SUV render
News

New Nissan Leaf swaps hatchback body for trendy SUV looks

The third-generation Nissan Leaf will be arriving soon as an SUV – here’s what to expect
22 Jul 2024
Feistier Cupra Born VZ gets 322bhp and sports suspension – yours for £45k
Cupra Born VZ front quarter
News

Feistier Cupra Born VZ gets 322bhp and sports suspension – yours for £45k

Spain’s hottest electric hatchback is on sale now – meet the £45k Cupra Born VZ
18 Jul 2024
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5: updated EV is now even cheaper
Hyundai Ioniq 5 2024 front quarter
News

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5: updated EV is now even cheaper

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is refreshed with a sporty N Line trim, a longer range and a lower starting price
18 Jul 2024
Where to buy a used car: dealers, websites, brokers and private sales explained
Dealership
Tips and advice

Where to buy a used car: dealers, websites, brokers and private sales explained

You have several options for where to buy a used car – we cover the pros and cons of each
17 Jul 2024
Porsche Macan Electric now £2,600 cheaper thanks to new entry-level model
Porsche Macan 4S Electric front quarter
News

Porsche Macan Electric now £2,600 cheaper thanks to new entry-level model

New Porsche Macan Electric models offer customers more speed and more range
16 Jul 2024
Top marks! New Skoda Kodiaq and Superb achieve five-star safety scores
Skoda Kodiaq static
News

Top marks! New Skoda Kodiaq and Superb achieve five-star safety scores

Skoda has been awarded the highest Euro NCAP safety rating for its new family cars, the Superb and Kodiaq
15 Jul 2024
Used car buying scams, problems and pitfalls: how to stay safe
Used car scams
Tips and advice

Used car buying scams, problems and pitfalls: how to stay safe

There are a few things to watch out for when buying a used car – here’s what you need to be aware of
15 Jul 2024
How to buy a used car: top tips
Used car dealer
Tips and advice

How to buy a used car: top tips

Buying a used car isn’t always straightforward, but these top tips will help you avoid the common pitfalls
11 Jul 2024
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