Used car news: niche model prices fall flat

By Ross Pinnock

23rd July 2006

New car buyers’ enthusiasm for niche models, such as supermini-MPVs, coupé-cabrios and off-road estates, isn’t being mirrored on the used mar­ket – and that’s causing big problems in the trade, Auto Express can reveal.

The specialist machines are failing to find their niche with second-hand customers, which is ruining residual values and dealer profits. Accor­ding to the experts at trade bible Glass’s Guide, the complex choice of vehicles on offer bewilders many used buyers, with prices suffering as a result.

Earlier this month (Used cars best buy, issue 918), we revealed how a second-hand VW Golf Plus can be picked up for less than a comparable standard car.

Adrian Rushmore, man­aging editor of the price guide, said: “A number of factors are key to success, not least of which is price. Some models have been found wanting, so used values have suffered.” Rushmore identified the Vauxhall Signum (below) and Ford Fusion (above), along with the Golf Plus, as examples of how used buyers can get more for less.

All three cars cost more new than the models on which they are based – the Vectra, Fiesta and Golf respectively – and follow the likes of the Renault Vel Satis as misunderstood forecourt offerings. To prove the point, our table (right) compares the prices of second-hand models from the classifieds.