Editor's Blog on the Automotive Market

Potential buyers of older cars will be put off making a purchase over the coming months if a sustained spell of poor weather hits the UK.

Used car sales activity fell to an almost-dormant level at the end of November and this situation is expected to continue throughout December.

The number of consumers visiting used car auctions has grown in recent weeks.

Harder-to-obtain credit is having an unwelcome impact on the used car market as a growing number of potential buyers face refusal when applying for funds to finance their vehicle purchase.

Prices for used, fuel-efficient small cars will demonstrate the most resilience and stability as the economy continues to decline.

Older examples of upper-medium cars, such as the Honda Accord and Ford Mondeo, are more likely to find willing buyers at this time of year, as the minicab trade gears up for Christmas.

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.

As consumers increasingly choose smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles, car retailers are focusing on buying small and medium-sized cars and small MPVs for stock, to satisfy changing appetites of drivers

As second-hand examples start to reach the market, Chevrolet’s Captiva is set to be an appealing option for used car buyers.

Significant drops in used car values this year have led to some real bargains appearing on dealer forecourts.

Over a third of used car buyers are looking to counteract rising motoring charges and challenging economic conditions by downsizing to a smaller, more cost-effective car.

While new car sales in September proved difficult for many dealers, the used car market enjoyed a minor revival.

Britain's best-seller retains used car crown

The used car market is showing some signs of improvement after prices for three-year-old cars fell by a record five per cent in June and by the same amount again in July.

White paint sets the right tone – but only on a minority of used cars

Showroom lead times for some popular small cars have extended to over two months

The Audi A5 is forecast to achieve one of the strongest residual values for any Audi in the current range

Changes in Fiat values gives clues to wider market sentiment

Used car values shift as motorists scale down their running costs

With consumers looking for new ways to reduce their motoring costs, it is no surprise that small, economical used cars of all ages are in favour right now

A dramatic new design, sporty handling and three-door body style, have brought this formerly low-profile supermini to the attention of a new legion of fans

An above-average influx of three-month old cars has been appearing for sale on dealer forecourts over recent weeks

Used car values will fall by at least 12 per cent between now and Christmas, as retail demand continues to ease back and second-hand vehicles of most types remain in plentiful supply

The first examples of the Hyundai i30 have reached the used car market, a year after the model was launched into the highly competitive C-segment, where the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf are dominant

Feedback from dealers has highlighted a shift towards smaller cars

It will be tough for Subaru to make any kind of impact in the highly competitive D-segment with the launch of its new Legacy

Owners of the new Ford Kuga should benefit when they eventually come to trade-in the car in a few years time

Prices of older ‘hot’ hatchbacks are failing to keep up with the rest of the used car market, unless presented in prime condition

Residual values take a knock as high numbers of used compact MPVs enter the used car market

Values of used cars slip by up to 4%, echoing those observed in May

Forthcoming new small coupe to compliment exisitng range, and with keen pricing and sharper looks it should be a better used proposition than the model it replaces

As dealers feel the pinch and try to maximise every sales opportunity, it's a buyer's market with prices under pressure

As buyers look elsewhere, volume manufacturers such as Vauxhall are set to withdraw from the sector

Demand for the eye-catching new Fiat 500 is such that buyers are prepared to pay a substantial premium for the first models reaching the used car market

As new cars continue to grow in size, buyers are downsizing or finding alternatives such as compact MPVs

Sellers that invest their time and effort in preparing their car for sale can expect to sell it more quickly and at a higher price

So much choice means that buyers are more likely to find the exact model they want at a price they can afford

Bold styling and plenty of kit as standard help the 300C saloon to be worth at least £1,000 more at 3-years old

Buyers seeking value for money in their used car purchases look towards older models in good condition

However, once the inevitable increase in supply occurs, values will only be slightly better than the previous Focus

Ultra-desirable new M3 with the added practicality of 4-doors will retain almost half of its value after three years

Dealers that give customers a more positive experience are more likely to retain their business in future despite technology making it easier to find more choice more easily

A higher entry price and continued progress in elevating the brand's perception will translate into higher residual values than the old Accord

Desirable German duo set to command near-to-list prices when they hit the used car market

Long-term strategy aimed at improving the buiyng public's perception of the brand

With more manufacturers adding this option to price lists, consumers can benefit from increased light in the cabin and a decent return on their investement after three years

A change in name could have had a negative impact on its replacement's success

Price premiums reported from dealers on 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 and 07 registered models

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

At this end of the market, Peugeot out-performs Toyota and commands a price premium