Used cars

Diesel Subaru threat to prices

Subaru diesel sales may impact on secondhand petrol-engined prices, says CAP

Auto Express Car Reviews

Petrol Legacy will be hit by oil-burner’s appeal

12th April 2007

The imminent arrival of Subaru’s first-ever diesel powerplant is great news for new buyers of showroom-fresh models, but its launch could have major repercussions for second-hand petrol versions of the Legacy and Outback. That’s according to experts at the CAP price guide.

Forecast manager Jeff Knight told Auto Express: “Subaru has needed the diesel engine in its range for some time, but its expected popularity will skew the balance of values of petrol cars considerably.”

When it hits main dealers early next year, the boxer derv powerplant will offer superior fuel economy to the thirsty 2.5 and 3.0-litre petrol motors currently available. Its lower CO2 emissions and high torque output are also going to help make a diesel unit the most popular choice with Subaru saloon and estate buyers. And it’s predicted that resale values of nearly new petrol models will suffer as a result.

Meanwhile, residuals at Korean brand Kia are on the rise – and it’s not only the small cars in the range that are doing the business.
The company’s city runabout, the Picanto, and the Rio supermini are retaining 62 per cent and 65 per cent respectively of their value after three years. But the star performer is the Sorento SUV. It has a residual value of 70 per cent after the three-year mark, CAP’s figures show.