Long-reads
Opinions, backed by data.
Manufacturer accountability, cultural takes, public-interest pieces. Every claim has a number behind it, every conclusion is something a manufacturer would rather you didn't see.
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Long-read
The used-car market is lying to you — here's the proof
Forecourts show the survivors, not the fleet. MOT data exposes the selection bias hiding in used-car shopping.
2026-04-20 · Jacob Cartwright
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Long-read
The 5 brands whose new cars are aging worst
The brands with the sharpest MOT pass-rate drop once nearly new cars become early used cars, using public UK MOT records.
2026-03-13 · Jacob Cartwright
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Long-read
The Fiesta is dying — what replaces it
Ford killed the Fiesta, but 2.49m MOT tests show why Britain's supermini habit will not die quietly.
2026-03-02 · Jacob Cartwright
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Long-read
The British marque that quietly has the best MOT record
A 2024 MOT data pull puts Jaguar ahead of MG, Mini, Ford and Vauxhall among high-volume British marques.
2026-02-07 · Jacob Cartwright
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Long-read
The end of the cheap reliable hatchback
Ford Ka, Toyota Aygo, VW Up and Peugeot 107 are disappearing. That is changing what cheap used cars cost to buy and keep alive.
2025-11-27 · Jacob Cartwright
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Long-read
Britain's love affair with the diesel SUV is breaking
Diesel SUVs promised thrift and authority. The MOT record now shows the bill landing in soot, sensors, emissions and weight.
2025-11-22 · Jacob Cartwright
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Long-read
Every German diesel from 2013-15 is on borrowed time
The 2013-15 German diesel cohort is ageing into DPF, EGR and belt bills. MOT data shows why cheap prestige needs caution.
2025-11-02 · Jacob Cartwright
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Long-read
Britain's hidden bargains: 12 cars no one talks about that pass first time
Twelve low-volume used cars with strong first-time MOT pass rates, and why smart buyers should look beyond the obvious choices.
2025-10-19 · Jacob Cartwright