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

Smaller cars experienced the biggest growth during 2007, which could mean buyers are downsizing, perhaps encouraged by car dimensions ‘up-sizing’. More small cars are being fitted with fuel-saving technology – although at a price – which should reduce running costs in the long term. Several cars on sale in 2008 now exceed more than 70mpg in the officially recorded average, better than anything petrol-electric hybrids (which use an electric motor and a conventional petrol engine) have achieved to date. 2008 will be an interesting year for hybrids. Up to now they have been given a 100% discount on the London Congestion Charge. It seems that many more cars could be entitled to a discount if plans for an emissions-based charge come into force. People will then have the choice of dozens of low emission small cars to benefit from the full discount. If used values of hybrids have been artificially protected because of demand from London drivers.

SMALL CARS:
New: Pre-reg Kalos low as new model imminent
The Kalos is due to be replaced with a new model called the Aveo soon, and while Chevrolet has been offering incentives for people ordering new models, it is possible to make bigger savings on cars already registered. The outright cheapest example we saw was under £5000, but there were several versions available at around £5500, one of which had air conditioning. Air conditioning is option in the S model (and the SE), but other equipment includes a CD/radio, split/folding rear seats, twin airbags, central locking, electric front windows and child seat anchorage points. Higher specification examples already registered to dealers are also available for a little extra cash.

Used: 107 rises to the top of small car trio
In 2005 three small cars were launched as a result of a partnership between Toyota, Peugeot and Citroën. Nearly identical, the Toyota Aygo, Peugeot 107 and Citroën C1 shared the same economical 1.0-litre Toyota engine, but were marketed separately by the individual manufacturers. The best ones to look out for on the used market at the moment would probably be the Peugeot 107. Although different specification grades were introduced from 2006 onwards, the earliest cars were equivalent to the highest grade C1 and Aygo. Air conditioning was an option, so if you want it check it’s fitted to the cars you look at. Prices start at around £4500, the 107 is capable of more than 60mpg and insurance is among the lowest available.

FAMILY CARS:
New: Slow-selling Magentis a pre-reg bargain
Kia made a brave move when it tried to launch the latest version of the Magentis in 2006 with prices starting at just under £15,000. Although it was much improved over its predecessor, prices for the earlier Magentis started at less than £10,000. The latest Magentis has sold only very slowly, and it is possible to find a handful of cars already registered to dealers with delivery miles on the clock. The cheapest we found was a 07-plate 2.0 GS model at a car supermarket, priced at £8999 (a saving of £5500), although it is possible to find cars at Kia dealers at low prices. Perhaps the best value model we found within the network was a 57-plate 2.0 LS auto advertised at £12,494 – this is more than £4500 off the official list price.

Used: Used Superb a great value family saloon
Skoda’s Superb saloon is based on the Volkswagen Passat that ran from 2001-2006. Although many components are the same, the Skoda is longer and offers far more rear legroom. Many Superbs have been used as minicabs, but it is possible to find some that have only covered average mileage. The cheapest we found was a 53-plate 2.0 Classic with 31,000 miles on the clock at less than £5000. The Classic model includes electric windows and electrically adjustable mirrors, a CD player and air conditioning. The 2.0-litre petrol engine has 115bhp which feels slow compared with other models in the range, but is adequate for keeping up with the flow of traffic.

4X4S AND PEOPLE CARRIERS:
New: Two-wheel drive Hyundai has 4x4 looks
Hyundai’s Tucson is one of the slower selling 4x4s, on the market, and as is often the case, there is a cheaper two-wheel drive-only version at the bottom of the range. Many of these are on sale at Hyundai dealers with significant savings over the official list price. The cheapest one we found was a 2.0-litre petrol model on a 57-plate with an asking price of £10,990, although there were far more advertised at around the £12,000 mark. List price is almost £15,000. Standard equipment includes alloy wheels, electric windows, electric sunroof, front, side and curtain airbags, alarm and immobiliser, air conditioning and rear seats that can be folded flat. It also comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty.

Used: Practical FR-V adopts family car appearance
Honda’s FR-V takes the two rows of three seats idea introduced by the Fiat Multipla. The front middle seat is set back from the outer two, and likewise the middle rear seat (unlike the Multipla), so up to six adults should have sufficient leg room. The FR-V will also carry a decent haul of luggage as well as six passengers. The 2.0 SE we found had covered less than 40,000 miles and had a full Honda service history. The 150bhp petrol engine is strong, although some might prefer to seek out a more expensive, but more economical 2.2-litre diesel.

SPECIALIST CARS:
New: £5000 off diesel Lexus sports saloon
If you fancy a compact premium car that’s good to drive and beautifully built, we’ve discovered several Lexus IS diesel models already registered to main dealers. The cheapest ones we found were priced at less than £18,500, representing a saving of £5000 over list price of a model with metallic paint. The 175bhp diesel is good for more than 40mpg, and the customer service is second to none.

Used: V8 sports saloon for small car money
The fastest saloon produced under MG Rover was the MG ZT 260, fitted with the same engine as the Ford Mustang. The engine needed an oil change every 5000 miles, but there are used, well-equipped examples on sale with full service histories and although the mileage can be high, it shouldn’t matter much to the lazy V8 engine. Prices start at £8500.

Manufacturer promotions
Many manufacturers are attempting to lure new car buyers with their New Year sales promotions. Ford, Audi and Skoda are offering free goodies and upgrades to sweeten the deal. Citroen is offering cashback across its range – including £5100 cashback on the Xsara Picasso 1.6i Desire – while Hyundai, Mitsubishi, SEAT and Subaru have all knocked thousands off the list prices of a good deal of their models. The multitude of low finance deals offered by a whole host of manufacturers is also welcome.