Richard Kilpatrick

Planning Manager, parkers.co.uk

Richard is a writer and automotive enthusiast fascinated by the fundamental interconnectedness of all things. Working in tech journalism since 1992 as editor/associate editor and publisher of titles such as Cameracraft, Master Photography, F2, Photon and Photo Pro, he previously created some of the first photo-industry websites. With a life-long interest in electronics and computing, he developed in-depth review techniques for the first digital cameras, and has been a contributor to titles such as the British Journal of Photography and Sound on Sound.

A keen driver, often running four or five different cars simultanously to enjoy 4x4s, convertibles, as well as old and modern motors without having to choose just one, in 2015 Richard swapped from publishing photographic magazines and driving cars, to writing for automotive titles and photographing cars.

Starting with contributions to various websites and publications, Richard's first regular automotive gig was writing for Classic Car Weekly, testing products and writing about running, modifying and upgrading classic cars. That lead to some newer models, as consumer editor and planning manager at Parkers.

Richard's interests include music, electronics, computing and in particular how those things tie into consumer habits, marketing, engineering and the semiotics of brand design - the cues that ultimately refinforce emotional attachment to machines, and the magic that transforms a good car into part of the family.

Richard's advice for Parkers readers:

Alwys consider total cost of ownership - is the depreciation and maintenenace of a car you own costing more than leasing a brand new one?
Find a good garage or mechanic and stick with them - and your car - as long as you can
If anything about a car you're buying gives you doubt - don't haggle, walk away. There are plenty of cars out there

'Working with Parkers' eclectic team - and variety of cars to be tested - means life is never dull! I find all cars - and why people choose them - fascinating, having owned over 180 myself - from 602cc 2CVs to massive American V8s'.

As well as contributing to new car reviews and advice, Richard curates the used cars section and writes the cars for sale and reviews newsletters you receive via email.