Buyers load up estate prices

Traditional estates and small autos are in short supply on used forecourts - and prices for both are rising as a result. The space race started because many new car buyers now prefer the latest MPVs to conventional load-luggers, but second-hand customers still want practical estate variants. As a result, good-quality examples are increasing in value.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Ross Pinnock

11th April 2006

Alan Senior, used car expert and editorial director of dealer publication Trader Guide, said: "Not so long ago, a Ford Focus estate was worth the same as the hatch, but the gap is showing signs of widening." Buyers wanting a diesel face the biggest price gap. For example, a three-year-old Fiat Stilo MultiWagon 1.9 JTD fetches a £400 premium over the five-door.

Meanwhile, growing urban congestion is contributing to the increasing popularity of small automatics. Many town drivers prefer easy-to-use self-shifters, and according to the publisher of the CAP price guide, they are willing to pay extra for the luxury.

Two years ago, an auto Vauxhall Corsa 1.4i Elegance commanded £175 more than a similar manual version, but that figure is now £750. Meanwhile, a manual 12-month-old Citroen C3 1.4i SX was around £300 cheaper than a comparable automatic variant, yet the margin has since increased to £500 - and could continue to grow.

Buyers looking for a three-year-old auto Skoda Fabia Classic have to pay around £500 more than for a manual example, with an even greater difference on younger models. Many people are attracted by the improved econ-omy of modern self-shifters, and the fact they are likely to recoup some of the extra cost when selling the car on.