The first man I worked for had been a private detective, sold car phones before there were mobile phones, made millions in the leasing industry and when I knew him was a sales coach. In his leasing business, a client was so pleased with one deal that he gave him a Porsche 911. My boss decided to let the top performing salesman of any given month have it for the following 4 weeks.
Now the way through economic trouble is to turn on more effort, not less. So perhaps its time to invest in some wheels that will get the team fighting for every sale? Here are some surprisingly affordable used cars that will still get the adrenalin pumping.
Why buy?
If we want people to get excited it can’t be too old, but we don’t want to go bust trying to make this work, so let’s look at 2006 year cars. Remember you can always look for a private number plate.
Alfa Romeo GT
Imagine all the good things about the Alfa Romeo 156 wrapped up in one of the sexiest skins seen on UK roads and you have Alfa's GT. Plus there are lots of ex-fleet, thrifty diesels on the market.
Audi TT
Designer shape still turns heads although there are loads around including left hand drive imports. Prices are now down to almost sensible levels and build quality remains a reassuring constant.
Mercedes C-Class Sport Coupe
Based on the compact executive saloon which was rather ordinary and not that well equipped up to 2001. But the sports coupe, designed to compete with the 3-Series Compact is stylish and well made.
Which one should I choose?
Alfa Romeo GT
Even though driving a diesel Alfa Romeo is far from the exotic and emotive experience one might hope for, it does offer 46 mpg rather than the 2.0 petrol’s 32. While mileages are higher on diesels than petrols, purchase price is about the same and there are far more on the market. So unless you think mileage will be very low, its got to be the 1.9 JTD for most.
Audi TT
The 3.2 V6 is just ridiculous. The 1.8 T is the sensible choice. In two wheel drive format rather than Quattro to ensure you avoid higher service and repair costs. Interestingly the roadster and coupe seem to hold largely the same depreciation pattern, so you can take your pick based purely on preference.
Mercedes C-Class Sport Coupe
While the diesel engines offer around 13 mpg more than the 1.8 petrol’s 33 mpg, it is also up to £5,000 more on the used market. So unless you expect to be paying fuel or the car is going to be doing long commutes, the C200K with 1.8 petrol engine is the way to go. It’s a smoother a drive too.
What sort of price should I pay?
|
Make & Model
(2006 year cars)
|
Fair price
(2006)
|
Depreciation
(and mileage) 2006
|
Depreciation
(and mileage) 2007
|
|
Alfa Romeo GT 1.9 JTD
|
£10,562
|
23% (30,971)
|
22% (13,238)
|
|
Audi TT 1.8T
|
£15,168
|
7% (34,971)
|
9% (27,131)
|
|
Mercedes C-Class Sport Coupe C200K
|
£10,600
|
17% (22,981)
|
N/A
(production ended)
|
Our choice
The Audi will probably turn the most heads, even though it is now the older model. But it is nearly 50% more than the other two and probably won’t turn heads that much.
The Alfa is undeniably sexy and it is the newest design of the three. But will people really get excited about a car that is also available as an everyday company car on lots of fleets?
So, surprisingly, our pick is the Mercedes. It is still a badge that carries bragging rights, the coupe is elegant and far from common, plus it represents great value.
For more used car buying advice, prices and depreciation news, fault checks and more, visit www.UsedCarExpert.co.uk