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

Owners or buyers of 4x4s should be expecting their running costs to rise over the next few years, not only as a result of higher fuel prices, but also through increased road tax. Both these factors will contribute to higher depreciation than 4x4 owners have been used to. However, there are two 4x4s that are capable of moderate off-road work, and will not be affected by the changes to road tax. The Fiat Panda 4x4 has CO2 emissions of 156g/km and its annual road tax will increase from £145 to £150 next year, and to £155 the year after. The Skoda Octavia estate 4x4 1.9 TDI offers owners similar protection. The Octavia 4x4 has higher ground clearance than a standard Octavia estate, but not quite as high as the more robust Octavia Scout. However, it shares the same 4x4 technology and is just as capable of traversing a wet field or a moderately muddy track. The Octavia’s road tax is the same as for the Panda 4x4, so must be worth a look for anyone in the market for a compact 4x4.

SMALL CARS:
New: Try for discount on pre-reg Grande Punto
Fiat launched the Grande Punto in 2006 with a ‘no discount’ campaign, instead preferring to offer competitive list prices. Although it has been possible to make savings on the Grande Punto since then, discounts have been modest, and the best value cars seem to have been those already registered to dealers, with delivery mileage on the clock. However, now could be the best time to secure a good saving as a mildly refreshed Grande Punto arrives in showrooms this summer, so these earlier cars will easily begin to outstay their welcome at dealers and offer scope for bigger discounts.

Used: Spacious Jazz becomes more affordable
The practical and economical Honda Jazz has always been a great new car because of its clever packaging and slow depreciation. The Jazz is being replaced by a new model in October, and we’ve noticed a steeper slide in used prices of the current model in recent weeks. Although the new car when it arrives will still be recognisable as a Jazz, it will make the current one appear dated and used prices will fall further. This means this summer could throw up bargains for customers interested in the current model, as it becomes more affordable.

FAMILY CARS:
New: Look out for savings on pre-reg Vectra
Vauxhall will launch the Insignia — its replacement for the Vectra — this autumn. It means there are some excellent deals around on pre-registered Vectra models. One dealer group in particular, Evans Halshaw, seems to have several pre-registered cars for less than £10,000. The cheapest we found was a 1.8 Exclusiv model, which comes with cruise control, air conditioning, alarm, six airbags, electric front windows and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors. The 140bhp petrol engine is also a gem. The lowest price model we found at Evans Halshaw was at more than £6000 lower than list price.

Used: Rover offers a touch of class for £4500
People choosing a large family car could do worse than seek out a used Rover 75. The car was engineered to the highest standards, and the diesel used a BMW engine. Initially, the diesel engine was no ball of fire (before an upgrade became available late in 2003), but it is supremely refined and frugal. We found several average mileage Club SE models for less than £4500. These cars are well equipped, and although there is no longer a dealer network for Rover, good independent dealers will be capable of servicing the cars.

4X4/FAMILY CARS:
New: Supermarkets with cheap seven-seaters
It must be difficult to sell petrol cars that are larger than conventional family cars as fuel prices and car tax bills continue to rise. We’ve found several Kia Carens models — a Vauxhall Zafira-sized people carrier with up to seven seats — advertised in car supermarkets at around the £10,000 mark. The 2.0 GS auto models with seven seats carried a list price of £14,645, and its annual road tax bill of £210 will increase to £260 next year and £270 in 2010. This doesn’t represent a huge increase in annual running costs, and so for a family motorist it represents real value for money.

Used: Panda 4x4 promises low costs and lots of fun
For some people, owning a 4x4 isn’t about the macho appearance of the car, nor any significant towing capacity. They might live in a remote area and need something fairly economical that will ensure they remain mobile in all weathers. The Fiat Panda 4x4 only has a 1.2-litre petrol engine, and is small, but if you only ever need to carry a few people and want a surprising degree of off-road ability, it could fit the bill. Used prices for these cars launched in 2005 are getting closer to the £4000mark and owners can expect 40mpg in normal driving. It does take a while to get up to speed, but is well equipped and fun to drive.

SPECIALIST:
New: Pre-reg petrol 6-Series offers big savings
The BMW 6-Series range starts at around £50,000, but since the launch of the twin-turbo diesel model, the case for petrol versions is weaker. It is possible to find 630i models at BMW dealers with delivery mileage at around £45,000, representing a handy saving over list price. We also found a manual 650i Sport for just $43,850 – almost £15k lower than list price.

Used: Latest Jaguar limo for less than £9000
If you want a classy saloon that looks the part, but is one of the cheapest to run, the latest Jaguar XJ might be perfect. We’ve found a few for sale — with factory-fit satellite navigation — with around 100,000 miles on the clock and full service histories for less than £9000. These pristine, well maintained cars don’t look like 100k milers either.