11:28 am, August 29, 2008
CUSTOMERS are being advised by HPI to snap up low-depreciation models.
‘It is really important that consumers think about a car’s potential to depreciate before parting with their cash,’ says HPI’s Martin Keighley.
He tips small, economical, low-CO2 models. Any particulars? ‘My top picks include the Toyota Aygo (and its sister cars, Citroen C1 and Peugeot 107), Fiat 500 and Hyundai i10,’ he told us.
‘Image conscious drivers will plump for the Mini, which is a bullet-proof buy as long as they stay away from the high end models.’
But buyers don’t have to restrict themselves to smaller cars. Family hatches can be winners too – so long as buyers go for eco-friendly models such as the Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion, Audi A3 1.9 TDIe and Ford Focus Econetic.
And the no-nos? The cars you should put on your forecourt with trepidation? ‘The list of undesirables is growing,’ said Keighley.
‘With money tight, many drivers have been panicked into downsizing their vehicles in a bid to cut their fuel and Vehicle Excise Duty bills.’
‘I would even consider that the 2.0 is too large in 4×4, people carriers or Vauxhall Vectra-sized models, these days.’
‘However, as times get tougher, we need to be aware of all the factors that impact on vehicle values. Although common sense has a lot to do with buying decisions, don’t forget that desirability can also rule the day.’
HPI Valuations’ Top Ten Sound Investments
1. MINI
2. Citroen C1/Peugeot 107/Toyota Aygo
3. Fiat 500
4. Hyundai i10
5. Audi A3 Diesel models
6. BMW 1 Series Efficient Dynamics
7. Ford Focus diesel models
8. Volkswagen Polo
9. Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion
10. Seat Leon 1.9 Ecomotive
