You may have heard on the radio over the last week that used car prices have shot up. I believe this is a story that has resulted from a British Car Auction press release. But don’t be mislead. While dealers are paying more at auction or their stock, retail prices are not all reflecting these rises as yet.
Check the price guides (if they are based on retail like ours) and you will see a very stable market. What this means is you will struggle to get much discount from dealers, so need to do your homework even more. Especially if buying a Vauxhall over the coming year. If there are major redundancies following last week’s sale to Magna used Vauxhalls may become briefly volatile in price, as Rovers did after their collapse.
Indeed significant drops in the volumes of Corsa made for the fleet market have already resulted in used Corsas prices rising. Here is what you should be aiming to pay for a mainstream Vauxhall right now, even if the dealer has had to pay more for it that they did 6 months ago.
Vauxhall Corsa
One of the best looking small cars on the market. Excellent build quality. Huge variety of specifications and equipment.
Most economical: 1.3 CDTi, 58.9mpg
Best used buy: 1.2i life, petrol
Used Car Expert.com Fault Checks: 14
Used Car Expert Price: A 1.2i life with average mileage of 20,000 should be around £6,322.
Vauxhall Astra
The Astra, even though it is about to be replaced, was a major step forward with lots of clever technology. Strong engines space and sharp handling make it a good alternative to the Focus.
Most economical: 1.7 CDTi 58mpg
Best used buy: 1.6 Club
Used Car Expert.com Fault Checks: 7
Used Car Expert Price: A 1.6 Club with average mileage of 23,000 should be around £7,493.
Vauxhall Vectra
Huge, comfy, safe and great value. Ex fleet and company cars that have seriously depreciated over the last few years make huge sense as a value family buy.
Most economical: 2.0 Dti 47.9 mpg
Best used buy: 1.8 Elite
Used Car Expert.com Fault Checks: 10
Used Car Expert Price: A 1.8 Elite with average mileage of 26,000 should be £7,146.