The market has around 300 used Alfa Romeo GTs on the market, two thirds of which are diesels. Now a brand new Alfa Romeo GT 1.9 JTD will cost around £25,000 and who can really justify spending that kind of money on a pretty but slightly slow, slightly unrefined, diesel?
Well, it seems the answer is, your boss. The majority of GTs on the used market are 1.9 JTD diesels because their 46 mpg makes them a sensible but pretty company car. There aren’t that many exciting cars for people on company car schemes.
Once these cars have been traded in by the company car driver, they tend to go through auctions to main dealers, who will then sell them to you at fabulous prices. For example a 2008 year car will have an average mileage of around 12,000 and be between £15,000 and £17,000. That’s a saving of £8,000 to £10,000 over the new price. A 2007 year car with average mileage of 25,000 will be as little as £12,000 - £15,000. Some £10,000 less than the new car, but with just 25,000 miles.
Editor’s top picks
1. Peugeot 407 Coupe
As you will see in the price pages, the 407 Coupe may be a derivative of the family saloon in both looks and prices, but it has a totally different personality. It feels almost supercar-like to drive, the rear-end styling is retro Ferrari and the heavy early depreciation makes it a cheap nearly new purchase.
2. Volvo C70
The Volvo C70 may not be the best handling car in this class, but it is a stylish cruiser, with a fully automatic hard top folding rood and impressive luxury feel. A £28,000 car when new, can be yours in the shape of a 22,000 mile 2007 year car for prices around £15,000. But you will need to shop around to find them.
3. Mazda RX-8
The Mazda RX-8 is still impressive to look at with a sleek design that has aged well. That combined with a thrilling ride and handy performance make it a candidate for used sportscar of the year. The price ranges of around £7,000 for 42,000 average mileage cars on 03 plates through to the £14,000 2008 year cars mean there is something for everyone.