Over the weekend a couple of MPs started to listen to what the motoring press have been saying for weeks. Or perhaps the loss of the Crewe by-election was the cause. Or perhaps it’s the convoys of Lorries descending on London this week.
But top level Government is still saying the environment is more important than hauliers jobs or your families being able to afford a car.
As I said a couple of weeks ago, the new policies don’t encourage you to drive cleaner cars, just newer or smaller cars, which isn’t practical or affordable for most. On top of the tax issue, fuel duty is due to go up by 2p in October.
Here are three sensible used cars that are about to cost you through the nose in fuel and tax. You should try to sell them if can – but who is going to want them?
Saab 9-3 (1998 - 2002)
Good performance, comfortable and low prices. Lots of models to choose from including the pretty convertible. Hatchbacks are the cheap, big value buys.
Most economical: 2.2 TiD 45.6mpg
Best used buy: 2.0t 32.8mpg
Used Car Expert.com checks: 12
The one to sell: 2.0t petrol
Tax increase: £210 at present, £300 in 2009 and £310 in 2010
Price: Saab prices have been soft lately, so we have recommended the 2.0t as a bargain at just £ 9,214 - £10,126 for a 2005 model with average mileage of 38,000.
Kia Magentis (2001 - Present)
Executive style, but marginal image which means low prices. Few in circulation but what you get is comfort space and lots of equipment.
Most economical: 2.5 V6 only engine 28.2mpg
Best used buy: SE model has full specification.
Buy from: Kia dealers or private sellers.
Used Car Expert.com checks: 5
The one to sell: 2.0 petrol
Tax increase: £210 at present, £300 in 2009 and £310 in 2010
Price: This used to be a bargain family car with a two year old model costing just £7,252 - £8,568 with around 14,500 miles.
Nissan Primera (1996 - 2002)
Reliable good to drive and great value. Dull to look at, but it does everything a family buyer would want. Lack of image means low, low prices.
Most economical: 2.0 TD 43.4 mpg
Best used buy: 1.8 SE.
Used Car Expert.com checks: 12
Buy from: Car supermarkets, auctions and independent car dealers.
The one to sell: 2.0i petrol
Tax increase: £210 at present, £300 in 2009 and £310 in 2010
Price: Good family transport for £6706 - £7639 for a 2005 car with just 32,000 average miles.
Price and real average mileage source: Used Car Expert magazine.