THIS time last year the car market was on its knees and there was a fire sale of sorts going on with large 4x4s and premium-money cars.
A few brave souls picked up Range Rover Vogues, Jaguar XJs and Volkswagen Touaregs for thousands and thousands less than they would have paid in either October or January.
This year, sadly, the market is not proving so thrilling. But, the fact remains that mid-December is a painfully quiet time for car dealers, especially the mid-size independents.
Where a dealer has cars that have not sold for 90 days, he may want to get shot. A small loss and good cashflow may well be the better move, so they can have newer, more desirable stock on the forecourt for the January rush. As you will see from the three I have picked here, these deals can turn up in any segment.
Vauxhall Astra
The 2004 Astra was a major step forward with lots of clever technology. Strong engines, space and sharp handling make it a good alternative to the Focus. It also as well built as any VW.
Most economical: 1.7 CDTi
Best used buy: 1.9 petrols
Used Car Expert magazine price guide: Estates are worth £500 less than hatchbacks. A 2007 year car with average mileage of around 25,000, most are priced at about £7,000 - £7,500, which is our fair price. But we found one for just over £6,000. This is a car still under warranty that costs around £16,000 when new.
Volkswagen Polo
Everyone loves the badge and the image. There are plenty of engine options and a very comfortable ride. Other manufactures have more fun drives and equipment and they cost less when new or used. Unless you can find a Christmas discount, like the one below.
Most economical: 1.4 TDi
Best used buy: 1.4 FSI petrols
Used Car Expert magazine price guide: While most 1.6 five door Polos from 2007 will be around £,7500 - £7,800 - which is our fair price - we have found a number of independent garages offering them at a price of £6,200. And they all have manufacturer warranty left and around 20,000 miles on the clock.
Toyota Prius
By hybrid standards, it was very popular new, despite a strange driving experience. Hard to sell used. Supermarkets, especially in the south east, have loads at high mileage that aren't selling.
Most economical & best used buy: Only one engine - 1.5 petrol hybrid
Used Car Expert magazine price guide: While most 2005 year cars are around our fair price of £9,000, despite the lack of manufacturer warranty and 47,000 average miles, there are a number, even in the big cities where there is more demand for hybrids at our 'best price of £7,000.