Since the first wave of summer weather, car buyers registering at UsedCarExpert.co.uk for 4x4s has dropped from a high of 10% around the time of the heavy snowfalls to just 2% of registrations last weekend.
Conversely, the number of people looking for sports cars and cabrios has risen from 12% to 15%. There is no suggestion that 4x4 drivers are switching to sports cars and cabrios; what this illustrates is that car buyers pick their next car based on their current environment, rather than on a savvy judgement of the market.
My advice to you, is that while everyone else is looking at Mazda MX-5s and MG TFs, offer your local dealer a few hundred quid less than the sticker price on his 4x4s and be careful he doesn’t bite your arm off. Here’s a couple that are particularly good value anyway:
Peugeot 4007
A distinctive 4x4 that holds its own in all respects: On road handling, 7 seats, comfort, equipment. Also great value compared to Land Rover Discovery.
Most economical: 2.2
Best used buy: GT Pack
UsedCarExpert.co.uk fault checks: 8
Used Car Expert guide price: A 2008 2.2 GT PACK with 22,000 average miles is around £14,000 – saving over £6,00 against the new price.
Suzuki Grand Vitara
Rugged and stylish with plenty of room inside with lots of safety kit as standard. Not the most refined of off roaders but a great value alternative to the popular Toyota RAV 4.
Most economical: 1.9 DDiS
Best used buy: 1.9 DDiS
UsedCarExpert.co.uk fault checks: 8
Used Car Expert guide price: A 2008 1.9D 5-door with 13,000 average miles is around £12,000 – saving over £6,000 against the new price.