JUST a year ago if I talked about used hybrids I would have been talking about the Toyota Prius.
But that would be boring because you don’t want to drive around in something that looks that silly.
In reality, you want a high-driving position for the school run. You want four-wheel drive in case this winter is as bad as last. You want a 4x4 – don’t deny it, it is the most popular car type search on the Internet.
But you don’t want being safe on the school run to ruin your child’s future through it’s staggering CO2 output.
Well, if you can afford big, nearly new 4x4s, then it’s no longer an issue. To stretch an analogy, you can have your organic cake and eat it without gaining weight.
And this is a pattern that will surely extend to smaller 4x4s over the coming years.
Lexus RX 450h
No longer a wannabe premium brand, a Lexus is a stylish, luxury vehicle that commands respect. To prove the point, used car prices are remarkably firm. It rides rather like you would imagine a spaceship would. But with considerably more gadgets and leather. The latest cars often have panoramic glass ceilings too – so you can see the stars.
CO2 g/km: 145
Tax band: F
UsedCarExpert.co.uk cars for sale: We found a LEXUS RX 450h 3.5 SE-I 5dr CVT Auto 2010 for sale with 5,000 miles for £39,995. A saving over new of £7,000.
Volkswagen Touareg
A smooth ride and an understated appearance, this is a premium car that doesn’t need to be embarrassed about parking next to a Mercedes. It’s easier to live with than the Audi Q7 but matches it for build quality and refinement. The great news for nearly new buyers is that the new Touareg still doesn’t heads like some other premium 4x4s and so used prices already look appetisingly soft.
CO2 g/km: 193
Tax band: J
UsedCarExpert.co.uk cars for sale: We found a Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 V6 TSI Hybrid 5dr Tip Auto 2011 for sale with 5,000 miles for £47,000. A saving of over new of £10,000.