I have been keeping an eye on 3-7 year old car prices to see if they are being affected by the scrappage scheme. Why, when the scheme is for 10 year old cars?
Because if you were thinking of changing your car, and have decided to buy a new one because of the scrappage scheme, it means there is a use one that you didn’t buy. Less demand should mean softer prices.
For example, the three cars below are all examples of used cars that are £3,000 cheaper than a new one. Just like a scrappage deal. But with less warranty and so on. Now, whether the depreciation has been heavier on these cars over the last year due to scrappage, I couldn’t possibly comment.
Volkswagen Passat
Stylish, spacious, good to look at and drive. Very comfortable seats and a great cabin with impressive levels of refinement. Slow depreciation and everyone wants Diesel powered Passats but the 2.0T SEL automatics popular.
Most economical: 1.9 TDi
Best used buy: 2.0 Fsi Sport
UsedCarExpert.com fault checks: 12
Used Car Expert magazine guide price: A 2008 Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI SE is just £12,200 with 9,000 average miles on the clock, having lost 6% of its value in the last 12 months, making it £2,300 cheaper than a under 1 year old ex-demo model.
Ford S-Max
Interesting alternative to the super sized people carriers which is great to drive, practical and refined. Much better looking than most people carriers. It is safe and sensible too.
Most economical: 2.0 TDCi
Best used buy: 2.0 TDCI
UsedCarExpert.com fault checks: n/a
Used Car Expert magazine guide price: A 2006 Ford S-Max TDCi LX 7-seat will be around £12,322 with 20,000 average miles on the clock, having lost 10% of its value over the last 12 months, making it £3,000 cheaper than an ex-demonstrator.
Renault Megane
Looks different there are a lot of good economical engines to choose from standard equipment is generous and it should be cheap to run. Prices are now becoming very affordable.
Most economical: 1.5 Dci
Best used buy: 1.6 VVT
UsedCarExpert.com fault checks:
Used Car Expert magazine guide price: A 2008 Renault Megane 1.6 WT Expression will be around £9,200 with 12,000 average miles on the clock, having lost 25% of its value in the last 12 months, making it £3,100 cheaper than a under 1 year old ex-demo model.