Used cars

Time’s up for gas guzzlers?

Is the end of the road in sight for gas-guzzlers?

Auto Express Car Reviews

It could be all over for larger-engined cars as buyers go for green alternatives

23rd July 2007

The price of used cars with engines bigger than 2.5 litres could plunge over the next few years, with buyers likely to favour more environmentally friendly motors.

The conclusion has come from used market expert Glass’s Guide, which says executive cars and SUVs will suffer the most, continuing the downsizing trend of recent years.

Pointing to ever-higher running costs as a factor behind shifting buying habits, Glass’s also stated that increased awareness of vehicle emissions and their effect on the environment would have an impact, too.

“The biggest casualties are mostly likely to be large-engined executive saloons,” said Glass’s managing editor, Adrian Rushmore. “And while diesel versions will suffer less, they will not be immune. In more general terms, we believe that most cars, including MPVs and SUVs, with engines over 2,500cc and more than four cylinders will be affected.

“In recent years, big-engined cars have lost value more quickly than smaller-capacity ones. This trend may well gain momentum.”
As well as “inevitable” rises in fuel prices, Rushmore cited other factors such as road tax increases. In this year’s Budget, the cost of Vehicle Excise Duty for a motor emitting more than 226g/km of carbon dioxide rose to £300 – and will go up to £400 in 2008.

Rushmore also said plans to punish high-CO2 vehicles by road charging, with London leading the way, were likely to spread across the UK. He added that buyers were becoming more environmentally aware, and adjusting their purchasing habits.