Ted Welford
Senior Staff Writer, Parkers
Reach Ted Welford by email
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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.
Ted is an expert in...
- Facts and figures about new cars, with an almost encyclopaedic memory.
- Modern Audis, and unashamedly so.
- Car valeting and detailing.
Latest from this author
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Skoda Superb Estate (24 on) reviewMassively spacious and ideal for long journeys10 Oct 2024
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Value-packed: Skoda Elroq revealed as new compact electric SUVWhile the best electric cars have historically been much more expensive than their petrol and diesel equivalents, that’s starting to change. In fact, they’re closer to achieving price parity than...4 Oct 2024
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Top 10 plug-in hybrid SUVs of 2024The best hybrid cars come in all shapes and sizes but few are as popular as the scores of hybrid SUVs out there. SUVs are among the most in-demand vehicles...1 Oct 2024
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BMW 1-Series Hatchback (24 on) reviewPosh hatchback is good to drive but has minimal interior space30 Sept 2024
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BMW X3 SUV (24 on) reviewA useful step forward over the last X3, but flawed in places30 Sept 2024
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Audi A7 RS7 Sportback (20 on) reviewA worthy alternative to the slightly more sensible RS6 Avant16 Sept 2024
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Volkswagen Golf GTI (20 on) reviewHot hatch for grown ups is still a brilliant all-rounder10 Sept 2024
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Peugeot 3008 SUV (24 on) reviewThe pick of the 3008 range but much better options exist6 Sept 2024
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Skoda Kodiaq SUV (24 on) reviewClassy, appealing seven seater for growing families3 Sept 2024
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Volkswagen T-Cross SUV (24 on) reviewVW’s smallest SUV is deceptively spacious30 Aug 2024
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MINI Cooper Electric Hatchback (24 on) reviewMuch improved second-gen electric MINI28 Aug 2024
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Audi Q5 SUV (16-24) reviewSecond-generation Audi Q5 is feeling its age28 Aug 2024