Prestige cars more attainable than ever

Base-specification used examples of popular prestige models appearing in large numbers at auction

Values are under pressure as dealers are reluctant to take on low-spec models without expected luxuries

Growing numbers of base specification prestige models are entering the used vehicle market, a clear sign of how more new car buyers have been switching from volume brands to more desirable marques.

Significant volumes of three- and four-year-old compact executive cars, such as the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4 and Jaguar X-Type, are arriving at auction halls without the higher levels of equipment used car buyers demand. This comes as a result of consumers aspiring to own prestige brand cars while only having the budget to afford the lower specification models.

Values of these low-specification vehicles are inevitably coming under increased pressure. Car dealers are nervous of taking on prestige-badge models which lack the expected luxuries, such as climate control and leather seats. Such vehicles are consequently achieving notably lower prices than those with higher levels of equipment.

What this could mean for consumers looking for a used car is that a prestigious German badge is now within their price range.