FLICKING through the current edition of Used Car Expert magazine, compared to last year’s January edition, reveals some exciting news for those in need of a new car.
Everything is much cheaper. Well actually, not everything is cheaper. Lots of popular – dull – cars have not been reduced so you can still waste your money quite easily.
But the savvy buyer, who does some research, can pick up any number of sporty, chunky or glamorous cars for a lot less than they would have cost 12 months ago. Here is an example of each you might like to check out.
Bmw Z4
Very well finished and distinctive styling set it apart as do the great engines. Still a huge demand and values are solid but that should weaken over the coming year.
Most economical: 2.2 – 32.1mpg
UsedCarExpert.com checks: 6
Best used deal: Last year a 2004 Z4 3.0 SE was £17,000-£19,000. We expected it to drop to £16,000-£18,000 by now. But it has dropped to £10,000-£14,000. So canny buyers can save £4,000 to £6,000. Average mileage is 35,000 miles.
Volkswagen Touareg
Here you get a Porsche Cayenne for a lot less. It is tough and very able off road. With decent equipment, although many would prefer the SE specification.
Most economical: 2.5 Tdi – 29mpg
UsedCarExpert.com checks: N/a
Best used deal: Last year a 2004 Touareg 3.2 V6 was £17,000-£19,000. We expected it to drop to £16,000-£18,000. Instead it has fallen to £9,000-£11,000 with average mileage of 43,000 this is the bargain of the year saving buyers up to £10,000.
Mercedes E-Class
Image quality and reliability. The executive saloon with the most gravitas. Later versions are more affordable, especially big petrols.
Most economical: E220 Cdi – 44.8mpg
UsedCarExpert.com checks: 22
Best used deal: Last year a 2004 2.6 E240 Elegance was around £15,000-£17,000. Now it is £8,000-£11,000, so £5,0000-£6,000 cheaper than we would have predicted under normal depreciation. Average mileage is now 35,000, which is lower than expected too.