When it comes to buying cars, good depreciation stats are bad and bad stats are good. Obviously if you want to sell, then the reverse is true. So looking at Used Car Expert’s Depreciation Index I headed for the worst performers of 2008.
These are basically new cars with tiny mileage on the clock where the price has dropped massively. But be careful, just because on variant of a model is suffering it doesn’t mean the entire model range is. One Astra is not the same as another. Here is what I found:
Volkswagen Golf SDi S 2.0
Here is a Golf that once again has become good to drive, is spacious and safe. It isn't cheap new and that seems to be the same situation on the used market. Buy diesel we say.
Best ‘depreciation’ buy: Volkswagen Golf SDi S 2.0
Used Car Expert guide price: A 2008 Volkswagen Golf SDi S 2.0 with average mileage of 5,000 will be no more than £16,101 – a drop of up to 43%.
BMW 3-Series 2006
Expensive and popular but probably worth it. Handling and performance are market-leading. Space and equipment are average. But the badge ensures admiring glances.
Best ‘depreciation’ buy: BMW 3-Series 320i ES (Saloon) 2.0
Used Car Expert guide price: A 2008 320i ES (Saloon) with average mileage of 5,000 should be no more than £17,000 - a drop of up to 38%.
Renault Grand Scenic
The Scenic is a clever estate but this is a genuine MPV which is more manoeuvrable than the Espace. Renault has lead the MPV market for years but this car is playing catch up to the Vauxhall Zafira.
Best ‘depreciation’ buy: 2008 WT Privilege 1.6
Used Car Expert guide price: A 2008 WT Privilege 1.6 with average mileage of 10,000 can be as much as 42% down on the new price at less than £9,000.