John Glynn Editor's Blog on the Automotive Market

Our Editor, John Glynn, provides commentary on the used car market and an insight into the prospects of key new models.

New vehicle forecasts: Mazda2

Prospects for the Mazda2 »


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

Dealers shun late-plate cars »



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



Used car values fall faster as credit crunch bites »



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



Hyundai i30 residual values

Residual values for the Hyundai i30 »


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

MPV sector

Large MPVs falling from grace  »


Feedback from dealers has highlighted a shift towards smaller cars

New vehicle forecast

New vehicle forecast - Subaru Legacy »


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

New vehicle Forecast

New vehicle forecast - Strong residual values are predicted for the new Ford Kuga »


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

Older hot hatches - Condition and practicality is key for potential buyers  »



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



Compact MPVs

Compact MPVs - Plentiful supply of popular models now at sensible prices »


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

June's used car market - no sign of improvement over the quiet summer months »



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



Prospects for the Mercedes-Benz CLC

Mercedes-Benz CLC - Styling & specification enhancements add to appeal »


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

Showroom slow-down - Competitive pricing means plenty of bargains on offer »



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



Large cars from volume brands

Lowest residual values of any sector translate into falling sales »


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

Fiat 500 premiums

Fiat 500 commands up to 10% premium over list price  »


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

The decline of the upper-medium segment

Sales in the sector down almost 50% since 2000 »


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

Add up to £600 to the sale price by making sure it's clean »



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



Conditions for buying used at their most favourable for many years »



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



Chrysler 300C saloon bucks the trend

Saloon worth more than estate variant on the used market »


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

No sign of sales slow-down for correctly priced older models »



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



Values rise for UK's best-selling car

Limited inital stock to translate into £500 more in the used market  »


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

Prospects for BMW M3 Saloon

Low UK volume likely to sell-out and keep used prices high »


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

Less-loyal customers demand higher levels of service »



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



Prospects for the new Honda Accord

Move up-market will mean higher used values in 3-years' time »


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

Debutants set new benchmark for drop-top residual values

BMW 1-Series & Audi A3 Cabriolets set to star in used car market »


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

Carmaker phasing out promotional tool to improve long-term residuals  »



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



Good residuals for glass roofs

Opting for a glass roof is a good investment »


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

The value of the Fiesta name

Dropping the 'Verve' moniker is a wise move »


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

Pay less for cars registered between September and February »



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



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

Aygo vs. 107 - used car battle

Over supply of Aygo means 107 out-performs it in used car market »


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