News in brief

Used boost as VW site relaunches...
Volkswagen has revamped its official website – and used car buyers haven’t been left out.

The firm’s home page is divided into four sections, and one of them – at www.volkswagen.co.uk/used (above) – is purely for second-hand models. Best of all is the revamped used car finder, which lets you search dealers across the country to find exactly what you’re looking for.

So, how much is the cheapest latest-generation Golf GTI in the network? It’s a 65,000-mile 54-reg example, at £12,950.

...Final T4 vans go under hammer
one used model the revamped VW website won’t point you towards is the T4 van, as it was replaced by the T5 in 2003. But it’s still a popular choice – and Manheim Auctions has warned that supplies of recent examples are drying up fast.

The T4 is a hit with surfers, mountain bikers and large families because of its huge interior, decent dynamics and affordable second-hand prices. Bosses at the resale giant say the last fleet-owned models are going through auctions now. These examples are desirable, because they are typically well maintained and in good condition.

Classic auctions diary spruced up
Finding your dream classic at auction is easier than ever thanks to British Car Auctions (BCA). The company has relaunched its sales operation for older models under the ‘Classics from BCA’ banner – and at www.bca-classics.co.uk buyers can keep track of events.

Robin Lawton, the company’s head of classics, said: “The new brand reflects the changing face of the classic car movement as new enthusiasts and collectors enter the market. It includes every area of the movement from veteran and vintage models to modern classics.”