Ted Welford

Never rush into buying a car without doing your research, as it's often one of the most expensive purchases a person makes. Also, be mindful of being able to afford both the car and its running costs – especially if you're financing or leasing the vehicle. I'm confident the Parkers team has all the tips and tricks to help you purchase the right car for you, and at a fair price.

Senior Staff Writer, Parkers

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Ted Welford driving shot

Ted has been a journalist since 2017 when, straight after doing his final A-level exam, he joined the automotive news agency Blackball Media as an apprentice. Working for a variety of titles, including the Press Association (PA) and the AA, Ted worked his way up the ladder before joining Parkers.co.uk and our sister publication CAR in 2024. He now works mainly on the road testing team, and is often found driving new cars months before they arrive in showrooms.

Ted has been passionate about cars from a very early age and is as interested in the latest small hatchbacks as he is in a new supercar. As part of his role, he's always jumping in and out of the latest new cars, giving him the knowledge and experience to weigh up the best new cars on sale. He's only an email away if you ever have any questions, with his contact details available above.

Ted loves buying and selling cars and is often found at auctions scouring for the best deals, and not always unsuccessfully. He has a particular passion for Audis, and has owned an S1 and A4 in his eight-year driving career, and currently has an original Audi TT Quattro Sport in his garage – a design classic, he's often found telling us.

Some of Ted's tips for Parkers readers are:

Don't just look at the cost of the car itself, consider the associated running costs (such as fuel and tax) and make sure you can afford it.
If you're looking to keep your car (rather than buying it on finance), look at the expected depreciation as this can save you a lot of money in the long run if you buy a car that holds onto its value.
Even if you have your mind fixed on a particular new car, make sure you at least cross-shop it against two other similar vehicles so you know you're making the right decision.
Many manufacturers are increasingly offering 'fixed pricing' which, on paper, reads as if there is no negotiation to be had. This is not always true and you may be able to secure a better deal from another dealer.
If buying a used car, always research the dealer itself, including on social media and Google Reviews, and be cautious if the dealer has lots of unhappy customers.

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