A warm welcome from your local dealer in a chilly market

With the UK entering an economic recession, used car buyers are likely to receive the VIP treatment at their local showroom as dealers try to combat the effects of falling consumer spending.

Dealers are expecting customers to be increasingly thin on the ground until early 2009 at the earliest. This time of year is always precarious for the used car market, and dealers will be eager to make the most of a difficult trading period by doing whatever they can to help buyers find the vehicle they want. Importantly for consumers, this means retailers are likely to be far more receptive to negotiation on price.

Demand is currently highest – and values are most stable – for those vehicles that are priced low and are small in size. The premium-brand offerings also remain very saleable, provided they are perceived as good value and come with correct specification and trim combinations, colour and provenance.