1:49 pm, January 26, 2012
VALUATIONS experts Glass’s has published its views on ‘what’s hot’ and ‘what’s not so hot’ in the used car market in January.
Cabriolets, the Audi A2, and cars fitted with BMW’s 1.6-litre petrol engine are the hottest cars in the used market at the moment, while 4x4s, complex badged cars, and late-plated Minis are faring badly.
Glass’s prestige car editor Richard Crosthwaite said: ‘Surprisingly for the time of year, cabriolet and roadsters are holding their value better than expected, reflecting a trend that began in 2011.
‘While the mild weather may be creating an unusually high demand for these cars, the sector is currently at a historical low in terms of residual value, due in part to the extra volume that now exists in the market.
‘Small petrol engines continue to perform well, with BMW’s 1.6 engine offering a great example. Customers will continue to seek out such cars, under the impression that the cost to change will be absorbed by lower running costs, which of course is largely a false economy.
‘In a reverse of last year’s scramble to buy 4x4s amid heavy snow and icy conditions, the prestige 4×4 sector mostly falls in next month’s guide, with the exception of the new BMW X3.
‘Confusing model badging is creeping back in, a trend that was last evident some years ago. Consumers may struggle to make sense of a Z4 being badged as a 20i and 28i despite having the same 1997cc engine, or a 23i with a 2497cc unit although they do differ in bhp output.
‘Finally, the Mini late plate is not faring well. It is a casualty, like many best sellers, of extensive pre-registration exercises that took place industry-wide towards the end of 2011 as manufacturers sought to meet their new car and market share forecasts.’
