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28/01/2010
2010 'Year Of The Used Car'
Leading independent car advice site honestjohn.co.uk believes that 2010 could be the year of the good value used car.
But, in the aftermath of the worse winter spell for more than 20 years, it’s also warning used car buyers to be especially watchful over vehicle condition before doing a deal.
Dan Harrison, editor of the site, said: "In 2009 good quality used vehicles were thin on the ground as a direct consequence of the severe downturn in the new car market, fleets holding onto their stock for longer than ever and private buyers putting off changing their cars.
"The result was a clamour for the remaining stock amongst dealers and huge used car price rises. Great for sellers – but not such good news for buyers.
"Towards the end of the year, however, we started to see a much better supply of stock coming into dealerships and auctions, as well as in the private market – and that meant the prices started to settle down.
"I believe prices will become far more realistic as 2010 progresses and supply matches demand. But the slump in new car sales to fleets over the past 18 months means that there will continue to be a shortage of cars that are six months old or less."
He continued: "Of course, used cars definitely provide fantastic value for money – as long as they are in good condition. And that, I think will be the big issue for used car buyers in the next few months."
After the cold snap at the start of 2009 it was reported by the AA that there was a 40% increase in road damage which pushed the number of potholes up to 1.5m.
And the Local Government Association, which represents councils in England and Wales, recently reported that its members spent more than £60m filling in around 970,000 potholes last year.
Plus further damage has been caused as many roads have been dug up in the last few weeks and months by water authorities to deal with burst pipes.
(PR/BMcc)
But, in the aftermath of the worse winter spell for more than 20 years, it’s also warning used car buyers to be especially watchful over vehicle condition before doing a deal.
Dan Harrison, editor of the site, said: "In 2009 good quality used vehicles were thin on the ground as a direct consequence of the severe downturn in the new car market, fleets holding onto their stock for longer than ever and private buyers putting off changing their cars.
"The result was a clamour for the remaining stock amongst dealers and huge used car price rises. Great for sellers – but not such good news for buyers.
"Towards the end of the year, however, we started to see a much better supply of stock coming into dealerships and auctions, as well as in the private market – and that meant the prices started to settle down.
"I believe prices will become far more realistic as 2010 progresses and supply matches demand. But the slump in new car sales to fleets over the past 18 months means that there will continue to be a shortage of cars that are six months old or less."
He continued: "Of course, used cars definitely provide fantastic value for money – as long as they are in good condition. And that, I think will be the big issue for used car buyers in the next few months."
After the cold snap at the start of 2009 it was reported by the AA that there was a 40% increase in road damage which pushed the number of potholes up to 1.5m.
And the Local Government Association, which represents councils in England and Wales, recently reported that its members spent more than £60m filling in around 970,000 potholes last year.
Plus further damage has been caused as many roads have been dug up in the last few weeks and months by water authorities to deal with burst pipes.
(PR/BMcc)
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16 December 2009
Motor Finance Growth Cautiously Welcomed
New motor finance statistics have shown a strong demand from consumers for new cars, according to Finance & Leasing Association (FLA). But motor finance providers have remained cautious about the prospects for 2010 as the UK slowly recovers from recession.
Motor Finance Growth Cautiously Welcomed
New motor finance statistics have shown a strong demand from consumers for new cars, according to Finance & Leasing Association (FLA). But motor finance providers have remained cautious about the prospects for 2010 as the UK slowly recovers from recession.
01 April 2010
Kia Makes Price Changes
Kia increased the prices of some of its range by between three and four per cent from today, implementing the Government’s new Vehicle Excise Duty changes at the same time to "minimise disruption in showrooms and confusion amongst car buyers".
Kia Makes Price Changes
Kia increased the prices of some of its range by between three and four per cent from today, implementing the Government’s new Vehicle Excise Duty changes at the same time to "minimise disruption in showrooms and confusion amongst car buyers".
24 February 2010
Car Buyer Clock Warning
Clocking remains a very real threat to used car buyers, with unscrupulous sellers seeing the clocking of a vehicle as an easy way to raise its price and make some extra cash.
Car Buyer Clock Warning
Clocking remains a very real threat to used car buyers, with unscrupulous sellers seeing the clocking of a vehicle as an easy way to raise its price and make some extra cash.
16 February 2010
Warning On Used Car Fraud
As the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) reports an increase in people fraudulently selling cars they do not own – otherwise known as conversion fraud - HPI has warned car buyers that if they purchase a vehicle on outstanding finance, they stand to lose both the car and the money they paid for it.
Warning On Used Car Fraud
As the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) reports an increase in people fraudulently selling cars they do not own – otherwise known as conversion fraud - HPI has warned car buyers that if they purchase a vehicle on outstanding finance, they stand to lose both the car and the money they paid for it.
08 January 2010
December New Registration Growth
New car registrations rose in December by 38.9% to 150,936 units, it has been revealed. However, full year registrations were down 6.4% to 1,994,999 units, the lowest level since 1995. Since its introduction, the scrappage scheme has accounted for over a fifth of all new car registrations and is estimated to represent 20.8% of the December market.
December New Registration Growth
New car registrations rose in December by 38.9% to 150,936 units, it has been revealed. However, full year registrations were down 6.4% to 1,994,999 units, the lowest level since 1995. Since its introduction, the scrappage scheme has accounted for over a fifth of all new car registrations and is estimated to represent 20.8% of the December market.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Early mist and fog clearing to leave a dry and mainly sunny day, although patchy cloud possible through County Down. Warmest in the west with light east or northeast winds. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:Dry and bright at first but some areas of low cloud developing through the evening and overnight, particularly over southern counties and the north Antrim hills. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
