Editor's Blog

Glass’s valuation data starts and finishes models in line with manufacturer price lists. The frequency of price list updates varies between car makers, but our start and finish methodology sometimes means that cars registered before a model’s introduction date or after the model’s cessation date are not featured in the Guide on that line (premature reg ...

All industry observers have an opinion on how 2010 will pan out for new car retailers. The truth is that the next nine months are not all that easy to predict. Scrappage has affected the sales dynamic, and it will take a while for franchised dealers and their customers to settle back into a familiar rhythm. ...

Since 1933, Glass’s Guide has been the motor trade’s favourite method of valuing a second-hand car. Surveys report that 4 out of 5 used vehicles sold in the UK are valued using Glass’s independent used car valuations. What Glass’s Guide data looks like The Guide values cars at an average mileage per year. Values assume a standard ...

I’ve been talking recently with a private seller who sold his car at the end of last year. The car was an 0606 plate Honda Civic 1.4 5 door, with 10k miles on the clock. Glass’s Guide trade-in value for the car back in November was £7,190 in average condition. A local franchised dealer offered £7,000 ...

Following reported problems in Japan and the USA, Toyota have announced a recall on approximately 8,500 third generation Prius models in the UK. The company says it is concerned with ‘inconsistent brake feel’ when the anti-lock braking system (ABS) is activated on rough or slippery road surfaces. As the recall is ABS software related, the recall ...

Recent MOT pass and fail rate data released by VOSA, the vehicle standards inspectorate, makes interesting reading. The BBC’s business channel picked up on the league tables of fail rates, and came to us asking whether this shows bad cars, or bad owners? Is it useful information for consumers? My answer can be found here: ...

My car sales experience says that most buyers have a very clear idea of what they want. They start with a shortlist of three to five things the car must have, perhaps three or four brands they will not consider and, after that, it is down to affordability: can they get the ...

I was recently reading about a private seller who had sold their car. The sales process was somewhat involved, as the eventual buyer drove and tested the car a number of times, both on his own and with a relative. A deal was eventually agreed, and the car was paid for and driven away. A few ...

Forecourt fuel prices continue to rise. My last trip through Beaconsfield Services on the M40 showed pump fuel at £1.17 a litre and I’m sure my next will see them even higher. LPG is one area which always comes to prominence as prices rise, with quite a lot of questions asked about what kit, what car ...

How to Negotiate - three top tips Many people hate the thought of negotiation. Their daily lives revolve around fixed supermarket and petrol station pricing, so they imagine themselves drowning in the haggling deep end, when the time comes to buy a new car. I am not one of those people. I love to negotiate and ...