Bumper has acquired Cocoon Payments, the UK-based business providing a digital payments platform to the car retailing sector.

Cocoon was launched in 2021 and its services are currently used by over 20% of the UK’s top 100 franchised dealer groups. 

The management team and staff have all transferred to Bumper as part of the acquisition.

The acquisition follows Bumper’s November 2024 purchase of AutoBI, the specialist provider of business intelligence tools for car retailers and OEMs.

Cocoon has rapidly gained traction by helping dealers reduce costs and streamline payment operations across sales, servicing and parts. 

Its platform supports all major payment types, including credit and debit cards, via in-store terminals or remote pay-by-link, Pay by Bank App and its unique Automated Bank Transfer feature used for handling large balance payments at significantly lower transaction fees than cards.

Cocoon also integrates with several leading Dealer Management Systems, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing administrative time. Additionally, dealers use the platform to pay customers directly for vehicle purchases and part-exchange settlements.

“Cocoon has come a long way since launching just four years ago due to the value it provides dealers across sales and aftersales. It has also grown its customer base at a rapid speed, adding a new dealer group every couple of weeks,” said James Jackson, CEO of Bumper.

“What impressed us about the business was the tech behind its platform and the way it is achieving considerable savings for dealers, especially with its Pay By Bank service, which eliminates the charges retailers pay on credit and debit card transactions and aligns perfectly with Bumper’s proposition.

“We’re delighted to welcome Cocoon’s talented team and customers to Bumper. By homogenising our platforms, this acquisition will accelerate our growth as the leading digital payment solution for car dealers in the UK and across Europe,” said Jackson.

Commenting on the acquisition Sam Meekins, Cocoon Co-Founder, said: “Cocoon was built to give our customers faster settlements, lower costs and a better customer payment experience. 

“We’ve focused on solving real problems in automotive payments – like simplifying pay-by-link, automating bank transfers and integrating with dealer systems. Joining Bumper means we can bring these tools and the benefits they deliver to more dealers, faster.”

Bumper acquires Cocoon Payments to rapidly grow its digital sales and aftersales payment services for dealers

Bumper adquiere Cocoon Payments para reforzar su liderazgo en soluciones de pago digital en el sector de la automoción

Bumper übernimmt Cocoon Payments, um seine digitalen Zahlungsdienste für Verkauf und After-Sales im Autohausbereich schnell auszubauen.

The Dacia Duster has a reputation as a no-nonsense, budget-friendly SUV that often punches above its weight. But how reliable is it? Whether you’re thinking about buying one or dealing with a few unexpected issues, this guide breaks down the most common Dacia Duster problems and what they might cost to fix.

The Dacia Duster offers a reliable drive overall, but a few well-known faults do pop up, especially in older models or higher-mileage cars. Some issues are just niggles. Others could become expensive if left unchecked. 

What are the common Dacia Duster problems?

The most reported Dacia Duster problems include gearbox faults, electrical glitches, DPF blockages, clutch wear, and rear axle noise. These issues show up across both petrol and diesel models, though not every car is affected.

Drivers have reported gearbox stiffness, grinding noises, or difficulty shifting, especially in earlier diesel models. In most cases, this comes down to worn synchros or clutch issues. It’s not a deal-breaker, but if left too long, it can become trickier to handle, potentially leading to some inconvenient 

From lighting systems to dashboard glitches, the Dacia Duster has its fair share of electrical issues. Some owners also report faulty airbag sensors or warning lights that won't clear. These tend to be frustrating rather than dangerous, but they can affect MOT results if not fixed.

If you drive mostly short journeys with your Dacia Duster, the DPF can clog up, especially in diesel engines, though this is common in most diesel cars, not just the Duster. Even so, a 

can lead to performance issues, reduced fuel efficiency, and warning lights that won’t go away. A clean-out might sort it, but a full DPF replacement can really set you back.

Some Dacia Duster drivers also experience clutch slipping or sticking, resulting in jerky driving and faster wear. There have also been reports of rear axle noise and vibration in certain situations. Not dangerous, but 

 can be expensive if you’re out of warranty.

In rare cases, airbag warning lights stay on due to sensor faults or loose wiring. A few Dacia Dusters have also had issues with seatbelt tensioners or side airbags not working properly.

Worried about repair costs for your Dacia Duster?

might seem like the only option. But with Bumper, you can spread the cost over monthly instalments at 0% interest, so there’s no need to dip into savings or delay much-needed work on your Dacia.

Dacia Duster repair costs vary, but here’s a rough guide on the common faults we’ve discussed based on typical UK garage prices:

Of course, prices vary by your garage, where you live, and whether original manufacturer parts are used, but it’s clear how fast things can add up.

Take the pressure off with flexible Dacia repair finance

Whether it’s a gearbox glitch or a sensor that won’t stop blinking, 

 from Bumper makes it easy to pay for annoying bills with up to 6 interest-free monthly instalments. Join the half a million drivers across the UK who have gotten back on the road without emptying their bank accounts. Applying is super easy – get started now!

Dacia Duster problems: A reliability guide

Problemas del Dacia Duster: guía de fiabilidad

Problem- und Pannenübersicht zum Dacia Duster

If you’re eyeing the Mazda MX-30, you're likely wondering about its long-term reliability, repair costs, and overall running expenses. That’s what we’re here to break down today. From day-to-day performance to common issues and more, this guide will help you decide if the MX-30 is the right fit and what to expect down the line.

The Mazda MX-30 is a reliable car, according to those who’ve driven it. And that’s not a huge surprise – Mazda is well known for its dependable engineering. Most owners report a smooth experience with very few faults. But it’s still worth knowing what kind of MX-30 repair costs could come up. 

No car is flawless, and the MX-30 has its share of pain points, including:

That said, these aren’t deal-breakers for most city drivers. And aside from a few minor electrical faults reported early on, there’s little sign of widespread mechanical issues. The MX-30 is a plug-in hybrid, so 

may come up less than with cars that drive solely on combustion engines. 

Let’s talk range, because it’s the number one worry for new EV drivers.

The MX-30’s 35.5 kWh battery gives around 100–110 miles of real-world driving. Not class-leading, but manageable for daily commutes. Plus, less battery = lower 

 and a better environmental impact. Just be aware that battery degradation, although slow, can affect range over time. 

EVs like the MX-30 are definitely affordable to own, especially over 3–5 years. Here’s why:

Hit with an unexpected repair bill? Bumper’s 

 lets you spread the cost over 3–6 months with interest-free payments. It’s a smarter way to handle repairs, and applying is super easy – get started now!

What’s the Mazda MX-30 like behind the wheel?

In short? Comfortable, calm, and predictable. The MX-30’s light steering and quiet cabin make it a breeze in town. Plus:

Great for urban routes, school runs, and day-to-day driving. Just don’t expect Tesla-level acceleration.

The MX-30’s cabin is well thought out, with eco-friendly materials and just enough tech to feel fresh, including:

The only downside? Some users find the climate control touchscreen a bit fiddly. But overall, it’s a smart, clean layout.

If the range fits your lifestyle and you value low EV repair costs, good looks, and a reliable badge, the Mazda MX-30 is worth considering. It’s not the biggest or the fastest. But it’s reliable, well-made, easy to live with, and perfect for short daily drives. 

Owning an EV should be worry-free, and that includes any repairs that come your way. With 

 from Bumper, you can split the cost of any Mazda work into interest-free instalments. Fast approval. No stress. Apply now!

Mazda MX-30 Reliability Guide: What you need to know before buying

This question is popping up more and more for Brits these days. What used to be a go-to engine is now uncertain for shoppers. 

From stricter emissions regulations to evolving technology, we have more options, and making a decision is tougher than ever. 

Let’s look at the pros and cons of purchasing a diesel car in the current market. 

Diesel engines aren’t a complete no-go. In fact, for certain drivers, they still make a whole lot of sense! 

Here are a few benefits and positive reasons to choose a diesel engine.

Diesel engines are inherently more fuel-efficient than their petrol counterparts, particularly for larger SUVs or frequent long motorway drives.

If your idea of a short drive is further than your local shops, a diesel could save you a tidy sum at the pumps. But a diesel might not be the best bet if you rarely hit the road for long.

Diesel cars will always be associated with towing, as they produce more torque at lower RPMs, which means they’re excellent for towing, climbing hills, and overtaking slow-moving lorries. 

Diesel engines are built to withstand higher compression ratios and typically have a longer lifespan than petrol engines. 

When properly maintained, a diesel car can rack up hundreds of thousands of miles, making it appealing to high-mileage drivers who want a car that goes the distance. 

 to tackle those last-minute service bills.

Diesel cars can still be a good option for long trips and may save money under current tax rules (depending on your company’s policy). 

But for the best long-term savings, especially with company car tax perks, electric cars are the smarter choice.

When buying a used car, bigger diesel models often keep their value better than petrol ones. 

Newer diesels that meet Euro 6 standards also hold their value since they’re exempt from charges in clean air zones like London’s ULEZ.

But looking ahead, it’s unclear how used diesel prices will change after the 2035 ban on new diesel sales. With fewer vehicles on the road each year, a lower supply could help keep prices strong.

While diesel cars still have their strengths, there are now several key drawbacks to consider, especially when considering the modern competitors. 

Many UK cities now operate low-emission or clean air zones, which penalise older diesel vehicles (like London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

If your car doesn’t meet Euro 6 emissions standards, you could face daily charges just to drive into town. This typically affects those registered before 2016.

Diesel engines produce more nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter than petrol cars, which can contribute to poor air quality and respiratory issues. 

This is essentially why they’ve become a target in clean air strategies around the UK, and with greener electric options around, people are opting for new, more sustainable alternatives.

Diesel fuel is often more expensive per litre than petrol, and this price gap has widened in recent years. You might still benefit from better fuel economy, the savings aren’t always as clear-cut as they once were.

Sure, EVs have a higher initial cost. But once you look at their monthly running costs, you will notice that diesel engines are suddenly looking much more expensive. 

Modern diesel engines are fitted with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) to trap soot and reduce emissions. 

However, if you frequently do short trips or city driving (or drive less than 12,000 miles per year), the DPF can become clogged, leading to expensive repairs and time with your car in the garage. 

Similarly, other diesel-specific parts, such as high-pressure fuel pumps, can also be costlier to replace if they go wrong.

Older diesel cars cost more in road tax (VED) due to higher CO2 emissions. 

In fairness, newer diesels are cheaper to tax, but EVs are still cheaper with no VED. Plus, diesel drivers pay much more in fuel tax than EV owners pay in electricity VAT.

Diesel cars won’t disappear overnight. There’s still a future for these vehicles, as over 11 million are still on UK roads, and many will continue to run into the 2040s. 

 looming, and shifting public opinion due to their environmental impact, their long-term timeline looks uncertain.

Car manufacturers are also shifting their priorities toward hybrids and electrics. So, the options are also dwindling. 

In short, diesel is being gently but firmly shown the exit.

Unsure whether you should buy a diesel car? Let’s look at the pros and cons of diesel vs petrol, hybrid, and electric cars.

Is it worth it? Should I buy a diesel car?

The real answer is ‘it depends.’ Diesel cars don’t suit everyone, and it depends on your driving habits, where you live, and how long you plan to keep the vehicle. 

Diesel cars still have a role to play, but it’s no longer centre stage. 

Rather than being a go-to, diesel cars are best for drivers who go the distance and need a more robust option. However, for those who drive under 15,000+, live near a low-emission zone, or want an eco-conscious car, it might be time to assess other options.

Whether you drive a diesel, petrol, or EV, staying on top of surprise costs is key.

, you can split the cost of vehicle maintenance into monthly payments without breaking the bank.

Should I Buy A Diesel Car? A 2025 Guide

What's your go-to fast food order? A classic Big Mac? A foot-long meatball Sub? Or how about a simple sausage roll? 

Whatever your favourite, we all love a bit of fast food. In particular, we love eating it in our cars. I mean, what's the point in fast food if you can't have it passed through a tiny window and immediately spill it down your steering wheel?

In fact, at Bumper, we love fast food so much that we want to take it one step further. What about, instead of having fast food 

Thanks to the magic of artificial intelligence, we've been able to find out.

The absolute king of fast food around the world, McDonald's serves 69 million people daily across more than 100 countries. Fancy a ride in this golden-arched car?

Started in Newcastle upon Tyne in the 1950s, this home-spun fast food giant now has over 2,300 stores across the UK and is famous for their iconic sausage rolls. Imagine cruising next to the Tyne in this buttery, flaky motor? Yes, please!

Like it hot? This Mexican-inspired American fast-food chain is known for its bold flavours and unconventional menu items. Some fan favourites include the Doritos Lacos Tacos (with shells made from Doritos) and the Naked Chicken Chalupa (with shells made from chicken!).

Another strong contender for the king of fast food – of course, Burger King! Founded in 1954 in Miami, this hamburger joint was originally named ‘Insta-Burger King’. 

Famous for their Domino's Tracker allowing you to follow your pizza in real-time and their delicious stuffed crusts, Domino's was founded in 1960 by brothers Tom and James Monaghan. Tom traded his brother's share of the business for a used Volkswagen Beetle. Although we think he'd have preferred driving off in our pepperoni creation.

Focusing on freshness and simplicity, Five Guys only uses coolers so nothing is ever frozen, and their fries are hand-cut every day. Noteworthy Five Guys fans include Barack Obama, who was once pictured tucking into one of their delicious burgers in Washington D.C. 

Colonel Sanders founded KFC during the Great Depression, initially serving food from a gas station in (you guessed it) Kentucky. His iconic white suit and goatee still feature in the brand's logo today. How about a spin in our bargain bucket?

This iconic brand was the first to deliver a pizza to space, when in 2001 they sent a vacuum-sealed pizza to the International Space Station for a Russian cosmonaut – and we thought our AI pizza car was innovative!

As of 2024, this sandwich giant has over 37,000 restaurants, making it the largest fast food chain by number of locations. The brand distinguished itself from the competition as a healthier option during the early 2000s and has become a staple of the UK high street ever since. No doubt this car would run on low-fat mayo as a fuel source!

What if fast food chains made cars?

With sun glare becoming a bigger issue on UK roads as summer approaches, drivers are being urged to carry one simple item in their glovebox that could help them avoid hefty fines, penalty points, and potentially dangerous driving conditions.

Experts are now warning that sudden, intense sunlight can reduce visibility behind the wheel, making it crucial for motorists to be prepared. Their advice? Always keep a spare pair of legal sunglasses in your car.

Sun glare can appear suddenly and completely obscure your vision, especially during early morning or late afternoon driving. Having a spare pair of sunglasses within easy reach could be the difference between driving safely or committing a serious offence.

Although it's not a legal requirement to wear sunglasses while driving, the Highway Code Rule 237 states that drivers must slow down or stop altogether if they are “dazzled by bright sunlight.” Failing to do so could be seen as driving without due care and attention, which carries a £100 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points.

In more serious incidents, police can escalate the offence to dangerous driving, where fines can reach £5,000, along with higher penalty points or a potential driving ban.

Being dazzled by the sun and continuing to drive without slowing down could be seen as reckless. You don’t need to be in a crash for it to be a legal issue — the risk alone can result in a penalty.

However, not all sunglasses are road-safe. Dark-tinted 'category four' lenses, fashion frames with small lenses, or glasses with oversized side arms may obstruct vision or peripheral awareness, and wearing these while driving could also lead to prosecution.

Drivers need to be aware that some sunglasses are actually unsafe for road use. Stick to category two or three lenses, which reduce glare while maintaining clear visibility.

Motorists who already wear prescription lenses are advised to consider prescription sunglasses or anti-glare coatings, especially for vehicles without built-in tinting or sun visors.

Drivers urged to keep this ‘essential’ item in glovebox to avoid summer fines and points

As the weather gets warmer, the number of drivers on the road increases, but so do the number of wasp colonies which may leave you with an unwelcome passenger in your car.

While it may seem unlikely to happen, wasp numbers are significantly higher in the summer months. During this time, wasps pose an additional hazard to drivers, who may become distracted by the flying insects entering their car whilst they are driving, especially when travelling on high-speed roads and motorways.

If you fear bugs, flies, and other insects, the sudden appearance of one inside your car might be startling and could cause erratic driving behaviour.

Driving whilst distracted by a wasp or any other insect could lead to up to 9 penalty points and a £2,500 fine for careless driving in extreme circumstances. In some cases, if it results in someone getting hurt, the punishments could be even more severe.

Even to people who don’t mind wasps, the sudden appearance of one could be quite alarming. When in the enclosed space of a car, it's understandable that they could prove to be a distraction to the driver.

Nevertheless, it's crucial that we stay as calm as possible and don’t let wasps or other insects distract us from driving safely.

Experts advise maintaining a clean and tidy car, free from food and drink containers, as these usually attract insects.

If you encounter a wasp flying around your vehicle whilst driving, remember to remain calm. The calmer you are, the less likely the wasp is to sting you. Be sure to wind down your windows to give the wasp an opportunity to escape. Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

Drivers warned to stay calm over deadly insect or risk fine of £2,500

With millions of motorists preparing for summer holidays and long-distance travel, experts are warning drivers to pay close attention to their dashboard warning lights — particularly one that could signal serious engine damage if ignored.

Experts are urging drivers to take immediate action if they see a red oil can icon appear on their dashboard, warning that it could mean the engine is not being properly lubricated and may be at risk of catastrophic failure.

When the oil warning light comes on, the best thing you can do is stop driving straight away.

Without proper lubrication, the engine components can grind together, leading to extreme wear — or even complete engine failure. Continuing to drive in this state could result in a costly repair bill.

Drivers are advised to turn off the engine, check underneath the car for any signs of an oil leak, and inspect the oil level using the dipstick. 

In some cases, the issue can be resolved by simply topping up the oil. However, if the warning light remains on after this, it’s essential to call for breakdown assistance and avoid restarting the engine.

Another critical symbol to watch out for is the red battery light — usually a rectangle with plus and minus symbols inside — which can indicate problems with the car’s charging system, including a faulty battery or alternator.

Even if the vehicle seems to be running fine, a battery warning light means it could stop working at any moment.

Once the battery dies, you’re going nowhere. It’s always better to get it checked before it leaves you stranded.

Brake system alerts are also not to be ignored. A red circle with an exclamation mark may signify a handbrake left on — but it can also warn of low brake fluid or mechanical failure in the braking system.

If the light doesn’t go out after you’ve disengaged the handbrake, it could mean there’s a serious fault with your brakes. In that case, you must see a professional as soon as possible. Driving without fully functioning brakes puts everyone at risk.

One of the most misunderstood warning lights is the amber engine management light — which can sometimes be mistaken for less urgent alerts. However, the colour and behaviour of the light make all the difference.

If the engine warning light is amber and steady, it’s usually safe to keep driving for now — but you should book a check-up as soon as you can. If the light is flashing, though, it suggests a more serious issue like a misfire, and you’ll need to drive cautiously straight to a garage.

Know your warning lights before it’s too late

With modern vehicles relying heavily on digital sensors and warning systems, dashboard lights are often the first sign that something’s wrong. Ignoring them could lead to breakdowns, costly repairs — or worse, a dangerous situation on the road.

Warning lights aren’t there to be ignored. They’re an early alert system designed to protect both your car and your safety. If you’re unsure, always err on the side of caution and speak to a qualified mechanic.

Alastair Shephard

Content Writer