From being a first timer in a supercar to commuting in style, we asked Team Oracle which car they’ve had the most fun driving, and some of the answers are not what you’d expect!

Aerial Atom

“I’ve regrettably not driven anything else as fun!” – David Brennan, Account Manager

Not one, but two Oracle Finance team members claimed Aerial Atom was the most fun drive they’ve ever had. Account manager, Liam Eccles described it as “Exhilarating. It’s so low to the ground – you really feel the speed of it.” Even AutoCar describe the road-legal high-performance sports car as “sublime in every sense of the word”.

The most fun car - Oracle Car Finance Aerial Atom
Image: arielmotor.co.uk

Porsche 997

“It put a smile on my face every time I got in it” – David Moss, Senior Account Manager

With a top speed of 193mph, the Porsche 997 offers an unforgettable driving experience. The vehicle, which can get to 60mph in 3.7 seconds, was voted ‘most fun’ by senior account manager, David Moss “It was my first real sports car. It’s extremely fast and timeless in its looks”, what more could you want?

The most fun car - Oracle Car Finance Porsche 997
Image: Lawton Brook

Mercedes-Benz CLS53

“They’re so easy to drive that it leaves you to just enjoy the ride.” – Ingrid Smith, Business Controller

Despite the fact that the Mercedes-Benz CLS isn’t one of the usual “exciting and sporty” models, Oracle business controller, Ingrid Smith still enjoyed it the most – even though she’s also driven more powerful cars like the G63. The vehicle has a top speed of 155mph and can get from –62mph in 4.5 seconds, is that quick enough for you?

The most fun car - Oracle Car Finance Mercedes-Benz CLS53
Image Mercedes-Benz

Range Rover SVR

“Even though it’s ridiculously noisy, it’s lots of fun” Madeline Mannakee, Company Secretary

The Range Rover was literally “built to thrill” with a V8 Supercharged Petrol 575hp engine that “drives like no other” according to Land Rover. The car seems to be a hit with the whole family too. Madeline continues, “my six-year-old thinks it’s hilarious when we go roaring down the road, obviously within speed limits”.

Range Rover SVR
Image: Land Rover

Honda Civic Type R

“I’ve driven quite a few cars, including supercars, but honestly, I’d say my current car is the most fun.” Edward Williams, Account Manager

At one point, it was the fastest front-wheel-drive production car to go around Nurburgring with a time of 7’50”. “It’s such a well-balanced and engaging car to drive, especially on Yorkshire roads. Supercars are great but you can’t beat a hot hatchback”.

The most fun car - Oracle Car Finance Honda Civic Type R
Image: Honda

 

What’s the most fun car you’ve ever driven? Get in touch and let us know your stories.

Other articles you might like:

8 of the best iconic film cars

8 of the most unusual items sold by car brands

We measure how successful we are through several methods, but the most public one is Trustpilot.  We’re extremely proud of our consistent 5 star rating on the Trustpilot platform.

Our business is all about people and providing the best possible experience for our customers.  Our team are on hand 6 days a week to provide service excellence on every single transaction.

If you have some feedback, we’d love to hear from you; it only takes a minute!  Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to let us know how we’re doing.

This week, these three reviews caught our eye…

 

Oracle Car Finance TrustPilot feedback

Oracle Car Finance TrustPilot feedback

Oracle Car Finance TrustPilot feedback

 

You can read all of our reviews here

If you’d like to understand how Trustpilot calculate their ratings, you can read about the TrustScore

Other articles you might like:

8 of the best iconic film cars

8 of the most unusual items sold by car brands

Last week, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) released a consultation paper which challenged how car finance providers earn commission. They’ve suggested that the level of clarity the consumer receives from our particular area of the finance industry needs re-visiting. We sat down with our managing director, Peter Brook, to understand what this means for you.

Peter Brook Oracle Car Finance
Peter Brook photographed by Tom Simpson

“Like most regulators, the FCA is actively trying to get the best outcome, quite rightly, for the consumer.”

Peter explains more:  “As suppliers of car finance, our funding is allied to the supply of a motor vehicle, unlike other finance markets. There’s a lot of moving variables in the transaction for example; the part exchange price, discounts on supplied vehicles, ‘free’ accessories etc, which makes it difficult for a customer to make an informed decision.”

How do lenders and brokers make money?

In the car finance industry, there are three main drivers that determine how the lender or broker profits from a transaction:

  • the amount of money borrowed
  • the amount of time that the agreement will be in place
  • the interest that’s being charged on that money

The consumer has control over the amount borrowed and the term, but at the stage, has limited choice over the interest charge. The interest is usually calculated on a “risk-based approach” taking account of your credit rating and several other factors.

Empowering the consumer

The FCA is keen to remove the conflict caused by higher interest rates leading to higher rates of Commission. One proposal is that brokers and dealers should be paid a fixed rate of commission, regardless of the interest rate charged to the consumer.  However, at this stage, there has been no change to legislation and the FCA are consulting with the relevant industry providers.  As part of that process, Oracle Finance will be responding to their recommendations by the early part of next year.  Having mystery shopped a number of motor retailers and brokers, the FCA also found that across the industry, it isn’t always made clear to the customer that finance providers earn a commission.

As Peter explains:  “This is damaging for our industry.  At Oracle Finance, we always state what we do and we’re clear that we earn a commission for transactions.  We’re actively abiding by the current legislation”.

Media Coverage

Although the FCA has been working on the consultation for around two years, it only hit the media last week.  At Oracle Finance, we’ve noticed the press coverage about the ‘crackdown’  has led to a level of customer confusion and concern about their current finance agreements.  Peter explains more:  “The media reporting suggested that there had been a ‘ban’ on certain types of car finance, which is simply not true and showed a lack of understanding of the FCA’s proposals and aims”.  Unfortunately, it wasn’t always clear from the coverage that, at this stage, this is only a consultation paper upon which they are requesting feedback from the industry.

What next?

It’s difficult to say what this means exactly for the customer at this stage and whether or not the proposed action will lead to a better customer outcome.

Similarly, it’s equally as difficult to understand what this means for the finance industry. “Until things crystallise, we can try to plan for different scenarios – but we can’t make a firm plan unless the FCA finalise their proposals”

We’ll keep you posted on developments connected to the FCA consultation. If you require any clarification, please do not hesitate to contact your Account Manager.

To understand more about the car finance industry, visit our FAQs.

Recent media coverage about the FCA consultation paper: BBC, Telegraph, The Guardian

From exciting announcements to the serious stuff – Oracle is always staying up to date with the latest news in the car industry. We’ve gathered the top three need-to-know stories from this week, so you don’t have to.

 “I’m a Celebrity’s Ant & Dec head to the BBC to launch brand new car show.”

Ant & Dec
Image: Digital Spy

The duo says they’ve “been fascinated” with the industry since they were teens. The new programme will be called Street Car Showdown and will follow “two teams going head-to-head as they attempt to convert a second-hand motor into a racing car”.

Porsche x Star Wars

The Taycan Turbo S “kicks up dust” as Porsche gear up for “two worlds to collide in spectacular fashion” to celebrate the release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. May the Porsche be with you!

“Audi puts flying taxi development on hold with Airbus”

Audi Audi puts flying taxi development on hold
Image: CNET

Audi has suggested that “maybe this was a little too complicated for the world” as their plans for a flying taxi go into limbo. But, this week, Porsche announced their plans to also develop aero vehicles in collaboration with Boeing.

Get in touch and share the news stories that you’ve been following this week.

Marty McFly: “Are you telling me you built a time machine… out of a DeLorean?”  Doc Brown: “The way I see it, if you’re gonna build a time machine into a car, why not do it with some style?”  Travel back in time with our nostalgic list of 8 iconic film cars.  Whether you’re a first-time viewer or you’ve seen every classic car film ten times over,  you have to agree, these cars deserve an Oscar.

Bullitt, Ford Mustang

Iconic Film Cars - Ford Mustang
(Above) Ford Mustang GT Fastback and (Below) Ford Mustang Bullitt

‘Bullitt’ is home to “one of the most famous car chases ever filmed” starring “King of Cool” Steve McQueen.  At a glance, you immediately associate the forest green Ford Mustang GT Fastback as the Bullitt Car and this year, it’s had a revival. To celebrate the 50th anniversary, the car is available in the same Dark Highland Green paint and is fitted with “ultra-modern, performance-inspired interior”. Would McQueen approve?

Risky Business, Porsche 928

Porsche 928

Tom Cruise’s Risky Business was the coming-of-age comedy of 1983.  With a fantastic soundtrack and a pretty intense car chase featuring a Porsche 928, what’s not to love?

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Ferrari 250GT

Ferrari 250GT

A cult film for the ages. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off includes the iconic (and slightly gut-wrenching) scene of a Ferrari 250GT rolling backwards out of a window.  The scene is as hard to watch as it sounds, but a must-see film overall.

Italian Job, Mini Cooper

Mini Cooper

Charlie Croker, played by Michael Caine “uses three Mini Coopers, a couple of Jaguars, and a bus” to bring the Italian city of Turin to a standstill.  Doesn’t ring a bell? What if we said: “You were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!”?

Back to the Future, Delorean

DeLorean

Everyone knows it, and if you don’t – you must be living back in 1955!

An experiment gone wrong allows a modified DeLorean to take a small-town teen through time. An Empire film review boldly states that “if you don’t like Back to The Future, it’s difficult to believe that you like films at all”. So, no pressure.

Top Gun, Porsche Speedster

Porsche Speedster

“I feel the need, the need for speed”…Fighter pilot Tom Cruise’s famous line actually refers to flying rather than driving, but it’s also a perfect fit for Charlie Blackwood’s Porsche Speedster.

 

It’s been speculated, however, that Kelly McGillis’ character won’t be in the 2020 sequel, so the chances of the Speedster’s return are slim.

Cannonball Run

Cannonball Run follows contestants in a cross-country car race from Connecticut to California. It also features one of the most famous opening scenes! Featuring cars like a Lamborghini Countach, an Aston Martin DBS and a Ferrari 308 GTS – you’ll be like a kid in a sweet shop watching this one.

James Bond, Lotus Esprit

Lotus Esprit

If you’re looking for a good film the James Bond franchise should probably be your first port of call. The films are not short on beautiful, innovative cars – from an Aston Martin DB5 to a Ford Mustang. In the 1977 ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’, Bond drives a modified Lotus Esprit which, conveniently, turns into a submarine.

Is your favourite on the list?

Keep an eye out for more iconic car features on our blog.

Whether you’re after a Porsche, Ferrari or a Range Rover – here’s our directory featuring a range of useful buyers guides and features on second-hand luxury cars.

Porsche Club

Oracle Finance an official partner of Porsche Club GB, which is officially recognised by Porsche AG and is the best place to go to before buying a used Porsche. Their buyers’ guides contain full model history, a summary of running costs and tips on what to look out for. The site is home to 22 “in-depth and highly respected buyers’ guides for many of Porsche’s most popular pre-owned cars”.

Image: Porsche Club

AutoCar – Best secondhand Ferraris: used buying guide

If you’re looking for a Ferrari, but not sure which to go for, you’re not short on options. Whether it’s a 456GT or an F40 – AutoCar has helped whittle it down to determine which cars they’d recommend, and which ones are best avoided.

GQ.com – Want a Lamborghini? Read This First

Important notes taken from this: The Lamborghini Huracán has a cup holder.

Back in 2017,  GQ editor Ross McCammon took a lime-green Huracán out for a test drive, to provide you with “a handy primer to the joys and vagaries of Lamborghini ownership”.

Image: GQ

AutoCar – Used buying guide: Range Rover L322

The Range Rover is a car that’s popularity is growing by the year. With a customer base of those who seek practicality or those simply with a taste for luxury SUVs. AutoCar published a guide for buying a Range Rover L322 late last year and described it as “The SUV of your dreams”.

Image: AutoCar

Carbase – The Ultimate Guide To Picking A Used BMW

Carbase describe BMW as “a fine choice” when going to purchase a car, so if you’re in the market for one, congratulations, it has the seal of approval. Their handy guide talks you through reliability, models and eco-friendliness to help inform your decision when picking a model.

WhatCar? – Best used Audis

WhatCar?’s top picks for the best used Audis “regardless of your budget” is sure to convince you to buy one. But which model? From the TT to the R8, WhatCar? let us in on the best (and worst) bits to consider.

Image: WhatCar?

evo – Should I buy a used Aston Martin?

It’s a no-brainer, right? If you are on the fence though, evo takes an in-depth look through the ‘new era’ of Astons to help you decide.

Image: evo

Get in touch and tell us your tips for buying a used car!

It’s not just about driving; it’s a complete lifestyle

Have you ever bought merchandise? Maybe you took a trip and came back with memorabilia or you have a stash of band t-shirts in your bottom drawer.  It’s a revenue stream that an abundance of businesses rely on, but in the luxury car industry, it goes way further than caps and sweatshirts.

There’ll always be a market for toy Audi R8’s or Ferrari branded car seats – but we’ve dug a little deeper and found 8 of the most unusual lifestyle items on the market today.

With Christmas only a matter of months away, Porsche ice cube tray anyone?

BMW i coffee maker by Stelton, £65

Spoiler, it’s dishwasher-proof!

The Scandi-style coffee press flaunts “minimalist” features and a laser-cut BMW i logo.

Montblanc for BMW Ink, £15

Quills at the ready!

This is a Montblanc customisation exclusive to the German manufacturer and is of course in trademark BMW Blue.

Porsche Ice Cube Tray, £13

Whiskey on ice has been re-energised.

The silicone tray leaves you with perfectly 911-shaped ice cubes, but according to Porsche, the tray also makes excellent chocolates.

Mercedes-Benz Dog Snack Bag, £102

Designer doggie treats

Made from Saffiano leather and canvas, the snack bag offers room for snacks and polybags. Mercedes-Benz, by MiaCara could have you kitted out with everything from the dog bed to the collar and have even designed a range of puppy-wear for a man’s best friend.

BMW Active mat £30

A yoga mat to match your car is essential

The two-toned exercise mat comes with a carrying strap and a “soft surface with integrated reinforcement”. Matching activewear is also available.

Audi Red Children’s Snow Sledge, £37

Sledge into Christmas

Fitted with two ergonomic handles and a shaped seat with engraved Audi rings on the front, its a sledge you’d be proud to have in your boot.

Mercedes-Benz Nodding Dog, £28

Move over Churchill! You’ve got competition.

This kitsch addition to the parcel shelf is a sure showstopper. We can’t decide whether that’s because of the distinct look or the logo collar. The accessory retails for £28, but never mind the price – how can you say no to that face?

Porsche Shisha 2.1, £1,350

Offering an “exclusive smoking experience”

Made up of a combination of solid, hand-blown glass and brushed aluminium, the shisha creates “an exciting, ahead of its time look”. We’ve seen the future, and it’s full of Porsche Shisha 2.1.

Get in touch and tell us what unique items you’ve spotted!

 

What do you look for when you’re buying a car? Do you choose the most modern car your budget allows or something that has the potential to become an investment? Ferrari’s been a leading player in the industry since its first badged car rolled off the production line in 1947. It’s a brand based on heritage and tradition and although customers appreciate beautiful cars with modern features, the tradition will sometimes come out on top. This year the Ferrari 458 Italia and the 488 GTB have been subject to this shift. Despite the 488 GTB having launched a full five years after the 458 Italia, recently values of the later (more modern) model have continued a natural depreciation curve, whereas the preceding model has started to enjoy a resurgence in valuation. So now we’ve come to a point where the two cars could experience a crossover in value.

Why the shift?

The Ferrari 458 Italia has won over 30 international awards and was the last ever Ferrari model to be designed with a normal aspirated engine. Owning a supercar designed with the heritage of a normally aspirated engine is something that purist Ferrari fans yearn for.

Non-turbocharged engines are well and truly off the agenda for Ferrari (and most other high-end manufacturers) and they have no future plans to introduce anything other than forced induction models. The ultimate reason for this being an effort to reduce emissions to counteract the ever-increasing pressure on manufacturers to limit their environmental impact.

From an unbiased position, the 488 GTB is technically a better car than the 458. The model has also won an abundance of awards and more importantly is Ferrari’s first model to be made with a turbo-engine. Needless to mention that it’s quicker, more efficient and has better airflow, technology and infotainment than its predecessor.

At a similar price, the choice should be an easy one. However, Ferrari aficionados have a hankering for the traditional normally aspirated car. Ferrari has tried to address this in part (maybe they saw it coming) by badging the newer car ‘GTB’ – a nod to various classic Ferrari model designations of yesteryear.

Will the trend continue?

Normally aspirated Ferraris seem to be holding firm in the marketplace versus their turbocharged replacements. The Ferrari California, with its normally aspirated 4.3 litre V8 has plateaued in value in comparison with its replacements. Both the California T and the Portafino that succeeded it are both sat very firmly on their depreciation curve.

The 812 Superfast and GTC4-Lusso replaced the front-engined Ferrari F12 and FF. Both replacements were turbocharged and are currently decreasing in value week by week. But the models they replaced are holding firm.

“We can’t predict that the trend will continue with any certainty,” says Phil Johnston, General Manager at our sister company, Lawton Brook. He also explains similar patterns happening with some Porsche models, which are “showing no signs of abating at this point”.

The conundrum is simple. In the sphere that we operate, vehicles advance every single year. New technologies, more efficient engines, better driver experience and increased performance.  For every aficionado that wants the best of the previous generation, there will always be the buyer that wants the latest model. The question is, which side are you on?

CALL US GET A QUOTE