What Car? Used Car of The Year 2007

The Mazda 6 has been named the What Car? Used Car of The Year 2007, beating a shortlist of 48 models selected from more than 3000 cars.

Judges picked the winner from a vast selection of used cars that were built from 2000 onwards. What Car? Used Car Editor Matt Sanger said: ‘The 2003 Mazda 6 2.0 TS is a clear winner, securing more than half the votes from the judging panel. It’s a great combination of value, reliability and desirability, alongside its fine handling and driving abilities. It proves the Japanese produce quality cars that are built to last.’

The British-built Jaguar XJ6 3.0 SE scooped the trophy for the best Luxury and Executive car. The judges said: ‘The XJ is a great car when it’s new, and at used prices it’s a steal. It’s fast, frugal, comfy and very well built – a testament to the British Jaguar workforce. They should be very proud.’ A 2003 Jaguar can be bought for around £16,000.

There are 7.5 million used cars sold in the UK every year, roughly three times the number of new cars, and the UK is one of the strongest car markets in Europe. The average used car costs just over £6000, is 39 months old and has covered more than 50,000 miles.

The eight-strong judging panel were from all areas of the motor industry: leading UK car dealerships, British Car Auctions, Warranty Direct and experts from What Car?. As well as selecting an overall Used Car of The Year, the judges also selected winners and runners-up in eight categories, looking at running costs, reliability, driveability, quality, longevity and desirability.

Category - Vehicle

Superminis - Honda Jazz 1.4 SE

Small Family Cars - Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec Climate 5dr

Family Cars - Mazda 6 2.0 TS

Estates - Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCI (130) Zetec

4x4s - Nissan X-Trail 2.2 dCi SE

Sports Cars - Volkswagen Golf GTi

Luxury and Executive - Jaguar XJ6 3.0 SE

MPVs - Vauxhall Zafira 1.6 Life AC

Overall Winner - Mazda 6 2.0 TS