James Ruppert

James Ruppert
Title: Used car correspondent

James has been a journalist since 1986, and has been writing about used cars for Autocar since 2006. His first book, Dealing with Car Dealers, which outlined how the motor trade operates, was published in 1986.

James has a strong background in retail car sales, and later both founded and ran a nationwide used vehicle inspection company. 

He has won many awards as consumer and classic writer, including automotive Journalist of the Year in 2017. In 2011, James received the Montagu of Beaulieu Trophy for ‘The German Car Industry, My Part in its Victory’. 

Oh, and if you ever wondered where the term Bangernomics came from, James wrote the book in 1993.

James is an expert in:

  • Old cars
  • Classic cars
  • Buying and selling cars
  • Vehicle inspections and checks

Muck Rack

News

How to make an old car last for life

Making your car last longer is the ultimate in sustainable motoring. We show you how to do it

How to make an old car last for life
News

Weird and wonderful secondhand Christmas cars

Autocar's guide to the weird and wonderful Christmas secondhand cars

Weird and wonderful secondhand Christmas cars
01 volkswagen golf estate front quarter
Golf Estate is a great load hauler
Opinion

Bangernomics best buys: Volkswagen Golf

If you need a worker, a Golf is willing and capable

Bangernomics best buys: Volkswagen Golf
News

How to buy a used car: Top tips from an expert

Finding that bargain car is like good comedy: it’s all about timing. Here are the best buys, from superminis to sports cars, and when to buy them

How to buy a used car: Top tips from an expert
99 ford s max front quarter
The Ford S-Max is the driver's choice of MPV
Opinion

Bangernomics best buys: Ford S-Max

This MPV is a socially acceptable family van for true motoring enthusiasts

Bangernomics best buys: Ford S-Max
mr fuel pumps bp
E10 is made up of 90% regular unleaded petrol and 10% renewable ethanol
News

What is E10 fuel and can I use it in my car?

Since September 2021, British fuel retailers have had to adopt a new petrol formula to reduce emissions

What is E10 fuel and can I use it in my car?
99 mercedes c class front
The C-Class is about as good as a mid-sized saloon can get
Opinion

Bangernomics best buys: Mercedes-Benz C Class

Fifteen years later, this saloon is still a great all-rounder

Bangernomics best buys: Mercedes-Benz C Class
01 toyota rav4 front off road
Toyota RAV4 Mk3 is more grown-up yet still happy to splash through muddy puddles
Opinion

Bangernomics best buys: Toyota RAV4

This capable off-roader is a bargain on the used market

Bangernomics best buys: Toyota RAV4
Opinion

Bangernomics best buys: Fiat Panda

This quirky hatchback will bring you smiles for miles

Bangernomics best buys: Fiat Panda
News

The best 10 used city cars

Looking for an interesting around-town runabout? We've got you covered

The best 10 used city cars
01 chyrsler 300c srt front end drifting track
Chrysler 300C does its best Bentley impression in pre-2012 revamp guise
Opinion

Bangernomics best buys: Chrysler 300C

The Hemi-powered Bentley impersonator make a solid used buy

Bangernomics best buys: Chrysler 300C

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