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

March 1 2001 could be pivotal date for many used car buyers in the future. It is the date used as the point where road tax or vehicle excise duty began being calculated on a car’s CO2 emissions. It will lead to considerable confusion next year when new higher rates of road tax come into force. Cars on 2001/X registration plates will be taxed on engine size - a lower rate for cars under 1550cc (currently £120) and a higher rate for those with larger engines (currently £185). Then cars registered after that - wearing 2001/Y plates - will be taxed on their emissions. It could have a big impact on used cars when the new rates come in. For example, a Daihatsu Terios Special Edition automatic registered on February 28 2001 would be liable for tax at the lower rate, while one registered on March 1 will incur a £300 bill. The cost for a Ford Mondeo 2.5 V6 auto will be £185 up to February 28 2001 or £415 if registered after. The tax regime could result in late X-plate cars valued slightly higher than Y-plate versions.

SMALL CARS:
New: Pre-reg Grande Punto offers big discount
When the Fiat Grande Punto was launched in 2006, list prices were keen but dealers had a lower margin upon which to haggle. Prices have crept up since, giving dealers a little more flexibility with customers, but there are a few pre-registered examples around advertised at a £2000 saving over list price. We’ve seen a few of the 1.2 Active models with asking prices from just below £6500. Although these cars do without air conditioning as standard, they come with electric front windows, electrically adjustable door mirrors, remote central locking and a CD/radio.

Used: Peugeot’s stylish runabout below £4000
Peugeot’s 107 is one of a trio of small cars developed in a joint project with sister company Citroën and Toyota. Unlike its partner cars — the Citroën C1 and Toyota Aygo — the 107 was only available in one high-specification model in its first 12 months on sale, so these early 107 models most likely represent better value than equivalent C1 or Aygo models. The 107 uses an economical Toyota engine and is capable of more than 60mpg. It can accommodate four average sized adults without complaint and is good to drive.

FAMILY CARS:
New: Mégane promises big pre-reg savings
Now could be a good time to start looking for discounted versions of the Renault Mégane as dealers begin preparations for a new model in the next 12 months. It is already possible to pick up bargain pre-registered models at Renault dealers, as well as in car supermarkets. We found a Renault dealer offering a Mégane 1.4 Extreme on a 57-plate. The car’s list price was just under £12,000 when it was new, so with just delivery mileage at £8500 it seems a saving well worth making.

Used: Gadgets and warranty for less than £7k
While the Hyundai Sonata might not hit the mark as a rival for the best large family cars, it certainly looks good value as a used car. We found a three-year-old model for less than £6500. This for a car with leather trim, electrically adjustable front seats, automatic transmission and a CD autochanger. It also has two years of its original five years/unlimited mileage warranty left. The 2.4 auto is a little thirsty so it would probably only suit people with low annual mileage, but is loaded with kit for the money.

4X4S AND PEOPLE CARRIERS:
New: Iconic 4x4 name with pre-reg savings
Jeep launched the Patriot compact 4x4 in 2007, and the diesel version is a compelling proposition for people looking for a good value car capable of light off-road ability and wearing a badge with mud-plugging heritage. The less expensive petrol version is not as desirable because of its higher running costs, and we’ve potted a few 08-registered cars with delivery mileage on the clock for well under £14,000. List price on these 2.4 Sport models is £16,005, so if you don’t travel many miles in a year, it’s worth seeking out.

Used: Practical and comfortable FR-V seats six
Like the ‘other’ six-seat compact people carrier on the market, the Fiat Multipla, the Honda FR-V has a lower profile than many of the five and seven-seat models from other manufacturers. However, the FR-V is a top quality product and it offers a user-friendly solution to the problem of carrying six people and leaving room for luggage. The FR-V is no wider than many other five-seat people carriers so manages to corner well, but also offers a much more comfortable ride than most of its rivals. It should also prove reliable.


SPECIALIST CARS:
New: Elegant Jaguar saloon with savings of £8k
If you’re in the market for a new luxury saloon, but aren’t too bothered about choice of colour or selecting options it’s worth checking out what dealers already have pre-registered. We found a 57-reg Jaguar XJ diesel Sovereign at a main dealer with nearly £8000 off list price.

Used: Choose a 9-3 soft-top before prices peak
It’s probably the last chance to buy a convertible before prices peak during the summer. The latest version of the Saab 9-3 is good value and as one of the strongest sellers on the market there is plenty of choice. Prices start at about £9000 for high mileage examples, but expect to pay more than £10,000 for average mileage cars.

Manufacturer promotions
Manufacturers are gearing up for the summer with plenty of tempting low finance deals. We found 0% APR offers on selected Chevrolet, Citroen, Fiat, Hyundai, Jaguar, Mazda, Nissan, Renault, Saab, SEAT, Skoda, Suzuki, Toyota, Vauxhall and Volvo models. Also, Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep have reduced several models by over £2000, Daihatsu has extended the warranties on Terios and Sirion from three to five years and Kia are offering buyers a diesel Ceed for the price of a petrol.