Shortage of used car stock is starting to create a serious risk of being ripped off for car buyers, Used car Expert recommends.
A Ford Mondeo Estate at over half a million miles sold for an exceptional price at a sale staged at British Car Auction (BCA) event in London recently. Among the cars on offer, the 2004 04 Ford Mondeo Estate TDCI LX Estate in silver was notable for its recorded mileage of 532,491 - the highest mileage car BCA has seen in recent times. Following some fierce bidding it sold for £825!
Used Car Expert can’t believe that some trade guides suggest a 200,000-mile example would book at £1225. Buyers of this guide know that to be 140,000 miles over average for that engine and specification. Which makes the car worthless when you adjust the price.
The mileage was equivalent to a trip to the moon and back (238,000 miles each way), plus two and quarter trips around the equator (56,000 miles).BCA’s UK Operations Director Simon Henstock commented “The performance by this Mondeo Estate model must be seen as exceptional – and certainly not the norm.”
Used Car Expert responded, “No kidding….” but continued more seriously, “Supermarkets are increasingly stocking high mileage cars because of the shortage of supply in the UK. Buyers must be very careful not to overpay for high mileage cars that are more likely to break down.”