Thurlow Nunn Luton has been crowned Bumper’s Dealership of the Month for May 2024. 

The Vauxhall site had an incredible month in May helping lots of drivers to split the cost of their repairs into interest-free monthly instalments. 

Thurlow Nunn joined the Bumper network back in 2015 and has been a committed Bumper partner; empowering drivers with flexible payment options on their repairs for almost a decade. 

The Luton-based team have integrated Bumper into their everyday process by using the Bumper plug-in on their dealer management system, Pinewood, and introducing flexible payment options early in the customer journey via their bookings team at their contact centre. 

On Trustpilot, customers expressed their approval of the Thurlow Nunn and Bumper partnership. 

One Luton customer said, “It was very much appreciated when Thurlow Nunn offered to spread the cost of my service at no extra cost”. 

Another impressed customer said, “What can I say? A great way to spread the cost of service. Just give them your details and they do the rest. 

“The service team at Thurlow Nunn complete the process, take your payment details and it’s done. It was so easy I had to double-check it had been completed”. 

Bumper Business Development Consultant for East England, Darren Gloster, visited the site to hand over their award. 

Darren said, “Congratulations to the team at Thurlow Nunn Vauxhall Luton. They’re one of our longest-standing partners on the network and this shows in their approach to interest-free monthly payments; truly recognising the importance of accommodating every need of every customer.”

Well done on your much-deserved win, team Luton! 

Thurlow Nunn Luton Awarded Dealer of the Month 

With nearly 10% of all cars on the road in 2023 being 

, it’s safe to say they are one of the fastest-growing motor trends. 

One question many have, though, is if hybrid cars cost more to maintain and run. We’ll answer all your questions in this article about hybrid 

Why Are Hybrid Cars More Expensive To Buy? 

As well as containing all the usual engine and drivetrain parts found in a petrol car, the addition of an electric motor, 

 and associated components adds to the cost. These extra components also use large amounts of expensive metals such as copper, lithium and platinum. 

Furthermore, as demand for electric cars and batteries for other devices increases, the price of these materials also increases, adding to the already high cost of purchase. 

No, hybrid cars cost no more per year to maintain than a typical petrol or diesel car. 

 is relatively maintenance-free, the batteries do not need topping up with fluid like old-style car batteries, and the motors are typically sealed for life. 

They do still need the same level of maintenance and 

How Much Do Hybrid Cars Cost to Maintain? 

Usually, hybrid cars cost around the same as a petrol or diesel car to maintain, the biggest cost factor is the brand and type of car, here are some indicative costs for maintaining your hybrid: 

Hybrid cars are very similar to regular internal combustion engine cars other than that they have an extra battery and motor to provide power, which means that their maintenance is also quite similar 

, Toyota even gives a 10 year or 150,000 mile warranty on most of its hybrid range. That said, hybrid motors and their batteries don’t need any maintenance during their lifespan. 

The brakes on a hybrid vehicle actually work less than a traditional car, as regen braking reduces some of the load on the normal braking system. The brakes still need replacing though, both 

Another system that still needs maintenance is the

, which should be replaced at the interval as specified by the manufacturer. 

Engine oil changes on hybrid vehicles are to be done at roughly the same intervals as petrol and diesel cars, typically around 10,000 miles. 

Like most modern engines, hybrids typically require fully synthetic oil that provides good lubrication with less degradation over time and heat. 

Rotating your tyres periodically is recommended to prolong the life of them, typically the front tyres wear faster than the rear as they do most of the braking. Hybrid vehicles are slightly more harsh on tyres as they tend to be heavier, but not by a noticeable amount. 

Rotating your tyres should be done in accordance with your vehicle's manual, typically around the 6,000 mile mark. 

The main selling point of many hybrid vehicles is 

, MPG figures around 60 miles to the gallon are not uncommon with modern hybrid vehicles, and this can offset the higher purchase cost. 

Depending on how much and what type of driving you do, the improvement over a traditional petrol or diesel car could be enough to justify the higher purchase price. 

Typically if you buy a new hybrid outright, it will be difficult to save money overall. This can change though, depending on your driving needs and ownership type. 

On average a driver in the UK covers 7,400 miles per year, with that being a mixture of motorway and city driving for most. As an example we’ll take a look at the 2023 Toyota Corolla, as that is available in both petrol and petrol-hybrid versions. This is assuming a fuel cost of £1.50 per litre. 

As you can see, the savings across just one year are significant, with the petrol hybrid engine costing over £420 less to fuel. However, with the purchase price of the hybrid car being over £8,000 more, it would take 20 years for the 

This example is based on an average number of miles per year, if you drive more than this, or drive a lot in the city where hybrid vehicles are more efficient, the breakeven point may be sooner. Many cars, especially hybrids are bought through workplace leasing schemes, which can work out much cheaper, more on this later. 

Whilst fuel efficiency might not achieve as much cost savings as you might expect, there are other benefits of hybrid vehicles, such as lower tax rates. Depending on the car, this could save an additional £300 per year 

Hybrid cars caused a big stir when they first came onto the market, and they have only gained in popularity, so what makes them so great? 

For long journeys, using the internal combustion engine, with its quickly filled fuel tank, removes the restraints imposed by the limited battery capacity and charging rates of an 

Conversely, having a petrol or diesel engine idling whilst sitting in traffic is very inefficient, an electric motor only uses energy when the car is moving, making hybrids great for city driving. 

Some hybrid vehicles also allow electric-only driving, combined with a plug-in hybrid system this can remove the need to fill up with petrol or diesel at all, at least when used on shorter journeys, such as a sub-20 mile commute. 

In April 2020 the government introduced the Salary Sacrifice Scheme for electric and hybrid vehicles. In short, these schemes allow you to pay for a lease on a new hybrid car before tax, effectively saving between 20% and 40% on the monthly cost. 

These schemes are not available on petrol or diesel vehicles, plus you need to be an employee of a company willing to participate. 

As we’ve seen hybrid cars can be a good bit more expensive to buy, due to the extra complexity and materials cost. In general, the hybrid version of a car is 20 - 40% more expensive than the petrol. 

Residual values are not as strong as petrol or diesel cars once the vehicle reaches 6-8 years old. This is because most manufacturers guarantee their batteries for 10 years, and secondhand buyers are wary of this. 

The MPG figures quoted above are combined, meaning they are a mix of city and motorway miles. The former is where hybrids shine, but longer journeys are not their forte. 

If the car is cruising at a constant speed for a long time without regenerative braking, the batteries will deplete, once they aren’t able to contribute much power to the wheels, the car becomes an extra heavy internal combustion engine car, reducing its efficiency significantly. 

As with all battery technology, the capacity reduces over time and eventually the lithium batteries will need to be replaced. For example, a battery for a 10 year old Toyota Prius will typically cost between £1800 - £3,000. 

For more information on hybrid battery replacement, check out

Even though hybrids and EV’s have been around for years now, some garages and mechanics are still wary of working on them. As the batteries are relatively high voltage and capable of supplying an extremely high current, care does have to be taken. 

This therefore means garages specialising in hybrids typically charge slightly more per hour, pushing up the cost of general maintenance and repairs. 

Now we’ve discussed the ins and outs of hybrid ownership, it’s clear they are not perfect for everyone, with some situations making lots of financial sense, and some being less efficient than traditional diesel or petrol cars. 

Whichever fuel type suits your needs best, be sure to consider 

 for zero-interest financing on car repairs from one of their many approved garages, giving you peace of mind and more flexibility with large repair bills. 

Are Hybrid Cars High Maintenance? 

We've all heard of Robin Hood and his adventures in Sherwood Forest, right? At Bumper we tried to recreate that amazing experience a week ago at our corporate retreat. 

This event was not only an opportunity to disconnect and enjoy nature but also to get to know each other a little better. Read on to hear about our incredible adventure. 

This year, we set out to do something special by bringing together our teams from across Europe in one place, and what better than Center Parcs in the heart of Sherwood Forest? With its rich history and breathtaking scenery, it was the perfect setting for our team-building activities. 

The day started with an outdoor problem-solving expedition through the forest where teams had to pass various tests, including tests of dexterity, riddle solving and physical challenges. Typical of our British weather, it rained from the outset! 

Throughout the stay, we also had the opportunity to enjoy other outdoor activities that helped us to disconnect from the day-to-day: 

This retreat was a unique opportunity for all of us who were able to attend. 

The team-building activities not only helped us to develop collaborative skills but also helped us to build trust and get to know each other a little better. 

We also shared laughs and experiences during dinner, where we had the opportunity to participate in a charity raffle. The generous contributions of colleagues, family and friends, raised a massive £1,400 for the Ukraine crisis appeal. 

The Bumper Awards celebration, where the work and efforts of colleagues were recognised, rounded off the evening.

In such a relaxed and natural environment, the conversations flowed easily and many creative ideas emerged that we hope to implement in our future projects. 

In a dynamic and ever-changing industry, these events are essential in encouraging colleague collaboration. 

Our retreat at Sherwood Forest was more than just a getaway. It was an experience that allowed us to grow as a team and as individuals. We all returned home with a renewed sense of energy. 

We look forward to the next retreat and the new adventures that await us!

Bumper in Sherwood Forest: An unforgettable retreat

 and leasing have been around for years, but the concept of a car subscription is relatively new. We take a look at the ins and outs of car subscriptions, and whether they’re a useful option for those looking for a new car. 

A car subscription is when you pay a monthly fee in exchange for ‘owning’ a car. Car subscriptions simplify motoring by removing the individual expenses such as purchasing, 

, insuring and maintaining a car. These are replaced by a monthly fee agreed upon starting the subscription. 

For another way of looking at it, consider them the motoring equivalent to a content streaming service such as Netflix, where monthly payments give you access to content without further steps needed. 

 is akin to buying a BluRay player and individual movies, it may cost more initially and take more steps, but you will own the device and have the use of it indefinitely. 

Subscription term lengths generally range from one month to 3 years, but with the critical factor that most suppliers allow extra time to be added at will, meaning you don't have to be tied in to a long-term contract from the outset. 

Buyers can select from a wide range of suppliers, with many independent companies 

vehicle manufacturers offering subscriptions in the UK. Once a suitable supplier and car is selected, the term length and 

Monthly car subscription costs range from £300+/month with mileage and car type affecting the price, but contract length being the biggest factor. 

For example 2 2-year agreements can be as little as £299 per month, but if you only wanted to ‘subscribe’ for 1 month then it rises to £699 (Based on a Seat Ibiza covering 800 miles per month). 

Road tax (VED), insurance, roadside assistance and 

 is usually all covered too, but make sure to check the terms of your agreement beforehand. Any servicing that falls due during your contract will be covered, as will 

The Process of Starting a Car Subscription 

As with signing up to any contract, the vehicle provider will need proof of ID, driving licence and will run a 

. Once the formalities have been addressed you will need to select the car and mileage limits you require. 

Once these terms are agreed and the contract’s signed, you pay a monthly flat rate (assuming you stay inside the mileage cap), and get the exclusive use of a brand-new car. 

Car subscriptions are just one of the ways to get hold of a brand new car to drive, and is just one of the options that comes with monthly payments. Whereas 

 hold the possibility of buying the car, 

is the most comparable with car subscription services. 

Leasing differs in the level of service provided, generally when leasing a car, insurance, 

 and servicing falls to the lessee (the person who takes out the lease). In some cases road tax is accounted for in the lease payment, but not always. 

This partly explains why lease deals are generally cheaper than car subscriptions, but a big part of that is the contract term. Lease terms start at 24 months and can extend to 48 or more. Car subscriptions offer the option of short-term usage, from one month upwards. 

As the lease provider is guaranteeing 24 - 48 months of payments, they can afford to offer more reasonable terms, whereas a subscription provider will incur more costs from one-month subscription periods. 

The bottom line is that if you want a car for a fixed long-term arrangement, leasing is probably better, but if you’re not sure when you’ll need to hand the car back, go for a car subscription. 

If you use a car subscription for one year or more, then leasing would be the most comparable product, but for periods under that time, the traditional method would be a rental service. So how do they compare? 

For terms of two to three months, car subscriptions can actually work out cheaper than high street rental stores. One caveat is that rental companies don’t usually have mileage limits on their cars. 

The cost will differ depending on the type of car, length of term and your location, so we’d suggest getting some estimates from local companies before deciding. 

What Happens if You Damage a Car on Subscription 

, car subscription services have strict guidelines on what is and is not covered, most providers will deduct from your security deposit for minor scratches, with larger dents and damage being charged at higher rates. 

Best Car Subscription Services in The UK 

There are many independent subscription providers in the UK, as well as multiple manufacturers that provide cars directly through their dealer networks. Each has its own benefits and disadvantages depending on your choice of car and other options, so we’ve listed some below to look into. 

Manufacturer Providers of Car Subscriptions 

Ideal for drivers doing lots of miles per year, 

 offers 12-month unlimited mileage subscription services. Compared to a lease or PCP deal this could really save some money if you do more than 15,000 miles per year. 

Allowing you to select from any car in the Volvo range, 

 allows a 30-day trial with no obligation, then three-month rolling contracts. Perfect for those needing a car for an uncertain amount of time. 

Whilst it is one of the most reasonably priced options, with the i10 being available for less than £250, 

 doesn’t offer the entire range of models, which may be an issue for some. 

The benefit of not taking out a car subscription with a manufacturer is you have a wide range of makes and models to choose from. My Car Direct adds to that, with both 

 and ICE vehicles, cars and vans all available with free nationwide delivery. 

is an EV specialist, meaning you won't be able to subscribe to 

 through their service. This does mean however they are experts on EV makes and models and can advise on charging types and requirements. 

Offering both EV and petrol/diesel cars, 

 doesn’t limit you on fuel type, they also offer a generous 1,000-mile-per-month cap, and insurance included across most of the cars. A rolling one-month contract is also perfect for those that can’t commit to a fixed-term deal. 

Whilst more expensive than leasing, car subscriptions do hold some overall benefits: 

Factors to Consider With Car Subscriptions 

Thankfully because most car subscriptions offer a rolling contract basis, you can sign up for a shorter period first to get a feel for the car you’ve selected, but even so there are a few things. 

Although more expensive than leasing in the short term, and with stricter limitations than owning outright, car subscriptions serve a useful purpose in short-term motoring. In some ways, they can be viewed as a long-term rental, as they offer no strings attached car usage. 

Generally speaking, car subscriptions are ideal for those looking for a car on the luxury end of the market, for a period of 1 to 12 months, and even better for people who are not familiar with or don’t have the time to sort maintenance, 

, vehicle tax and all the other aspects of motoring. 

To ascertain whether they are worth it for you, consider all of the advantages, disadvantages and points to consider above. Also, check out our blogs on other types of 

, or if you think you may need a car for a longer period of time, our guide to 

Car subscriptions are a somewhat novel but handy way to drive a new, reliable and safe car. Whilst they are more expensive than other options over the short term, they do even out when considering the costs included. 

Further to that, the convenience of being able to change or hand back the car month by month is invaluable for some. 

If you’re looking for greater flexibility with vehicle maintenance, why not try 

 you can split the cost of vehicle maintenance into interest-free monthly payments. 

Apply online in a couple of seconds and choose from 1000s of dependable retailers. 

Are Car Subscriptions Worth It?

We’re excited to announce that Best4 has been named our winner of Partner of the Month for April 2024!

Part of the Autoguard group, Best4 Warranty is a top-rated warranty provider, dedicated to providing drivers with peace of mind, helping prepare for the unexpected. Since 2022, Best4 has utilised Bumper’s pay-monthly option to offer their customers more payment flexibility with their products.

The Camberley-based team just had their best month ever, with more happy customers driving away with warranties split into manageable monthly payments than ever before. With fantastic reviews on Trustpilot, Best4 presents a stellar 4.9-star rating. 

The team have received extremely positive feedback with their customer service, with one customer sharing “Great customer service! Lara Norris was really helpful and couldn’t do more to help!” Another added, “Excellent professional service from Shaneil, very detailed and thorough.”

A previous Best4 customer who used Bumper through Best4 Warranty stated, “Took out a 3-year warranty for my Citroen and the finance was handled by Bumper. It was easy to set up, giving me peace of mind with my new car.”

We extend a huge congratulations to Callum and the entire Best4 team for an outstanding month!

Best4 awarded partner of the month

When you look outside, you can probably only see regular cars. Maybe you’ll spot a few luxury or high-performance vehicles, but you won’t see anything too out of the ordinary.

We’re all guilty of a little car modification. Phone holders, new speakers, and air fresheners can make driving more comfortable. And why not? It’s fun to drive something unique. 

But what about when people take it too far? From banana cars and snow ploughs to the it's-so-bad-it-should-be-illegal, some people take modifications to the next level. Scroll down to see a round-up of the strangest cars ever. 

It looks like this owner took their love for Liam Neeson to the next level. Introducing Liam Nissan, the first contender for the weirdest car in the world prize! Would you show your support for your favourite celebrity like this?

The banana car is a strong contender for one of the craziest cars ever. Unlike some other entries on this list, the banana mobile has a unique shape and an ultra-cool convertible style. It’s like something straight out of a cartoon!

We’re not sure when you’d need a snow plough on the front of a caravan. But we guess it’s always nice to have the option. This older caravan has seen better days, but its snow plough modification puts it in the running for one of the strangest cars in the world.

It looks like Doctor Who’s broken down again. This pick-up truck seems to have a Tardis onboard. Don’t look too closely, though. It’ll ruin the optical illusion!

Have you ever seen a big car with minuscule wheels? Well, now you have! This is one of the craziest cars in the world, for sure. Don’t ask us why, but this has the same energy as a T-Rex, and we’re here for it.

Good news everyone, with the Planet Express car, you can now make deliveries powered by an internal combustion engine along a pre-constructed pathway designed for vehicular traffic in the third dimension. If you’re a Futurama fan, you’ll be impressed. If not, keep scrolling! 

The next car on our craziest cars ever list has made the 7th spot due to its special design. Like a mullet, it’s business in the front and kooky design in the back. Alternatively, you could say it’s like a child’s drawing of a car has come to life. Either way, it’s strange!

At first glance, this sleek car looks like something out of a sci-fi film. With a smooth aesthetic and an alien-green hue, we’re curious as to where it came from. Let’s hope the driver comes in peace!

Motorhomes are already unique cars, but this one’s unique shape takes the biscuit. It also cements it on the 

strangest cars ever list. Congratulations to the driver!

Meet the driving home for Christmas final boss. You can’t question this driver’s festive spirit! However, you will curse them if you get stuck behind this bright monstrosity on the motorway. Sunglasses, anyone?

A car bed might sound like a dream for road trips, but this one actually looks like a hotel you’d leave a 1-star review at. With no protection from the elements, no comfortable pillows or bed sheets, and no privacy, we won’t be checking in here. However, we will be placing this on the weirdest cars in the world list!

Have you seen a grass-covered car before? Well, now you have! We don’t know if this car is as eco as it looks, but we love the green theme. It might not be the craziest car ever, but it’s definitely one that would make you double-take!

Next on the strange car list is the Post-it car. Underneath these neon office supplies lies a Jaguar. But you wouldn’t have been able to tell from first glance! This isn’t one to drive on a windy day.

Ever wished you could drive a car on tarmac 

 water? The Amphicar Model 770 could be your dream match. This model has four wheels, two propellers, and a watertight design. Sadly, only 3,878 were manufactured, and they're no longer in supply.

We’re ending the list of strangest cars in the world with the famous General Motors Firebird. This aviation-inspired car is powered by a large gas turbine engine — just like a real fighter jet. However, the cars were so unstable (due to the high power) that they were rarely tested or driven. 

There are almost too many strange cars to choose from. However, we think the banana car is pretty wacky. Do you agree? Or has another car on the list caught your attention?

The ultimate list of strangest cars - Final thoughts

Hopefully, the list of strange cars has given you something to giggle about at work. Who knows? Perhaps it even inspired you to modify your car so you can make the craziest cars in the world list. If we’ve missed any iconic cars, send them our way!

 is here to help you split the cost of car repairs and services. 

Search for a reliable garage in your area by entering your registration and postcode with 

15 of the Strangest Cars in the World

Congratulations to Drive Vauxhall Bury St Edmunds for being named Dealership of the Month. 

Drive Vauxhall Bury St Edmunds use Bumper’s PayLater to split their customers’ aftersales invoices into interest-free monthly payments and PayNow for customers to make instant, digital payments from their device. 

Having joined the network in 2015, the team at Drive have gone from strength to strength using Bumper’s digital payment methods to improve customer satisfaction and retention. 

Flexible payment options have proved to be popular with Drive customers. One said, “So straightforward to use. It's a big help with budgeting and makes the difference between having all the work done at the same time, rather than postponing some, which is less than ideal. No interest charged either.” 

With a near-perfect 4.3 out of 5 stars, customers have also praised the staff at the site. One driver said, “It was so straight forward, the service advisor, Stephen Eboma, helped us as we are elderly. He kept us in tea and coffees in the waiting area while they fixed the car. 

“We are on a pension so splitting the payments was perfect for us like Stephen explained. We would recommend Bumper and Drive Vauxhall Bury St Edmunds to everyone.” 

Part of the site’s success can be attributed to the team’s streamlined process. Drive Vauxhall Bury St Edmunds use the Bumper and CDK integration enabling Bumper applications to be completed within their DMS. 

Congratulations to Harry, Stephen, Sam, and the whole team at Drive Vauxhall Bury St Edmunds for winning this award! 

Drive Vauxhall Bury St Edmunds celebrated as Dealership of the Month 

We're thrilled to have been awarded the Overall Judges' Award at the Northern Tech Awards 2024.

Held at Manchester Central and hosted by GP Bullhound, the awards celebrate the top 100 fastest-growing companies in Northern England, with categories such as Fastest Growing Company of the Year, the Innovation Award and the Entrepreneur Award. A Northern Stars category shines a spotlight on younger companies with potential for growth in tech.

The Overall Judges' Award recognises the company with the highest achievements for growth, innovation, global ambition, cultural excellence and leadership. 

GP Bullhound's ranking of fastest-growing companies comes at a remarkable time for Bumper, having recently closed a $50m Series B funding round. The funding will aid further growth of Bumper's automotive payment platform across Europe. 

Managing Director of GP Bullhound Javed Huq, said, “Congratulations to all the winners of the 2024 Northern Tech Awards. Their success is a testament to the remarkable determination and entrepreneurship, which have enabled their businesses to thrive in a challenging market landscape. 

"We are immensely proud of the dedication and innovation within the Northern tech ecosystem and believe it is important to celebrate these achievements at tonight’s awards. We are honoured to champion these leading tech businesses, and look forward to their continued growth and contribution to the UK economy.”

Over the course of the evening, a wide range of tech companies were recognised, from leading industry experts in AI to digital product development agencies. Amongst those recognised were xDesign, Opencast, Cassie, ProofID, IDHL Easyfundraising, Robiquity and Answer Digital. 

We'd like to say a big thank you GP Bullhound for recognising Bumper with this prestigious award and congratulations to all the other winners.

Alastair Shephard

Content Writer