Parker’s Car Price Guide: June trends, best buys and great deals

The UK’s appetite for diesel cars continues to increase, with oil-burning models taking a 39% share of April new car registrations. It is predicted to take a 40% share of the market during the year.

While fleet registrations are the big driver of diesel sales, there still seems to be growing interest among private buyers, and with two out of five new cars being diesel, the proportion of diesel models is also rising on the used market. This is good news for the used car buyer. While the increasing volume of diesel cars is closing the gap in the traditional premium in used values, it means used car customers will be paying less for the privilege of driving a diesel. It will also mean the annual break-even mileage for used car customers to make choosing diesel worthwhile will decrease. And with cars like the latest BMW 118d boasting 143bhp and able to achieve an average fuel consumption figure in excess of 60mpg, buyers will certainly feel the benefit in their wallets.

Small cars:

New: Slow-selling 1007 at little over half price

Just a month after we picked out some used Peugeot 1007 models with prices starting at under £5000, we’ve discovered quite a few new models already registered to the dealer at £5999 and upwards. The cars seem to be available at several Robins and Day Peugeot sites, and although we found only one at £5999, there were several at £6495. Remember that these cars are very well equipped and the official list price is almost £11,000 for the entry level car. The 1.4-litre petrol engine may be hard work on the open road, but should be ideal for nipping around town.

Used: Lack of Mitsubishi pricing pattern turns up bargains

Used prices for Mitsubishi’s latest Colt seem to be all over the place at the moment. It isn’t one of the big sellers in the small car sector, but it is quite a useful vehicle. Launched in 2004, the cheapest one we found advertised was a 2006 1.1 Red edition. This has quite a lively three-cylinder 1.1-litre engine producing 74bhp. Anti-lock brakes, power steering, twin airbags, electric windows and a CD/radio were fitted as standard. The Colt also has a versatile rear compartment with multi-adaptable rear seats.

Family cars:

New: Savings as last Stilos roll of forecourts

Fiat is about to introduce the new Bravo in the UK, which means that Fiat dealers will be keener than ever to get rid of any Stilos left in stock. The Stilo hasn’t sold well in the UK, but at the right price makes a decent family hatchback. The UK market seems to prefer the sportier-styled three-door version to the more staid five-door, and the Active Sport versions available at Fiat dealers are well equipped. Air conditioning, 17-inch alloy wheels, styling kit and Bluetooth integration are all standard, and with prices starting at under £9000, the cars offer a saving in excess of £3000 compared with list price.

Used: Low mileage Magentis is cheap transport

The last generation Kia Magentis was still very much a budget car until it was replaced last year by the latest version that aims to be more of a mainstream model. Although the earlier versions feel a little less sophisticated than better known saloons, they are roomy and well equipped. There are also plenty of low mileage examples to choose from that still have some of the original manufacturer’s warranty left. We found a 12,000-mile 05-plate auto with an asking price of £4995.

4x4s and people carriers:

New: Deals on X-Trail as new model approaches

The outgoing Nissan X-Trail can be picked up with significant discounts at the moment. An all-new model is due this summer, and we’ve found cars advertised with up to £5000 off list price. Despite being introduced in 2001, the X-Trail still feels relatively fresh, and it’s only recent introductions of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V have made it feel a little dated. Bear in mind that the SE versions of the X-Trail have been front-wheel drive for the last year or so - you need to choose the more expensive Columbia and Aventura models for 4WD. We found a diesel advertised at £13,599, although smaller savings are more typical.

Used: Peugeot’s seven-seat 307 looking cheap

Peugeot has a long tradition of multi-seat station wagons and developed a more versatile version of the 307 alongside the estate, called the SW. Distinguished by its standard glass roof and silver roof rails (the 307 estate has black roof rails and a steel roof), the car could be chosen with six or seven seats. Although it is no bigger than a 307 estate, the extra seats are useful for children and the individuals eats in the middle and rear rows can be removed. It also offers a more car-like driving experience than a typical people carrier. Prices for the SW are now below £5000.

Specialist cars:

New: Dealers keen to shift soft-top MX-5

Maybe the introduction of the folding hard roof version of the Mazda MX-5 has hurt the soft-top. There are a number of Mazda dealers willing to offer reductions on delivery mileage examples of the MX-5. We found one offering nearly £2000 of a 1.8i Option Pack model.