A big part of me thinks that buying nearly new cars is smart. They still have manufacturer warranty, feel and look like new but someone else has paid the first and worst bit of depreciation. But right now, I think buying older cars makes more sense.
Scrappage may be over but the impact of the initiative and the problems it was trying to solve have not played out yet. Scrappage filled a sudden drop in business buyers with consumer buyers, but business buyers bring cars back after 19 or 24 months whereas the scrappage cars will be kept for years.
So main dealers are already struggling to find nearly new used car stock and prices are going to keep going up. But older cars are unaffected by these price hikes so far. My advice therefore is to buy an older car, with an aftermarket warranty and if you are a bit vain, a private number plate. Here are some picks to open your eyes:
Nissan Micra
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Cheeky, practical and well equipped. Easy to drive and live with and there are increasing numbers around which is driving down prices.
Most economical: 1.5 Dci
Best used buy: 1.2 petrol
UsedCarExpert.co.uk faults to check: 7
We found in the classifieds: A 2008 1.2 ACENTA 3DR with 10,000 miles is £6,000.
Skoda Fabia
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A Skoda Fabia sits between the small and small family car categories. Ideal for the family that need space but don't like big cars. Very capable all rounder. A rival to Kia's Rio.
Most economical: 1.4 TDi
Best used buy: 1.2 HTP
UsedCarExpert.co.uk faults to check: Too soon to say
We found in the classifieds: A 2007 5-Dr 1.2 HTP Ambiente with 14,000 miles is £6,000.
BMW 3-Series
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Expensive and popular but probably worth it. Handling and performance are market-leading. Space and equipment are average. But the badge ensures admiring glances.
Most economical: 318d / 320d
Best used buy: 320 or 318
UsedCarExpert.co.uk faults to check: Too soon to say
We found in the classifieds: A 2005 318 with 55,000 miles, with full BMW service history, £6,500