Parker’s: October car trends, best buys and great deals

There were many headlines in early September based on the August new car registration figures being the worst August for car sales since 1966. The implication here is that the economy is racing headlong into recession. While technically correct, the stories failed to point out that since 1998, August has become one of the weakest months for car registrations, typically amounting to about 3% of annual sales figures. 1998 was when the UK switched from having a single registration plate change in August, to having two every year changing in March and September. It has meant that February and August have become slow months for registrations because they are just weeks until a new plate comes out. August 1966 was five months away from a new plate. Before 2008, the previous worst August since 1966 was in 2000, and the economy was doing fine then. It seems the data has been used out of context in order to fit in with the current media agenda focusing on a likely impending recession.

SMALL CARS:
New: Pre-reg Corsa is good value at £6000
The Vauxhall Corsa is one of the best small cars on the market, and although the 1.0 Life version is one of the least exciting, there is no shortage of pre-registered models around the £6000 mark, representing good value for money. The official list price of these three-door models is more than £9000, so customers choosing a pre-registered model at this price are saving more than £3000. The three-cylinder engine in the Corsa is pretty slow, but is capable of more than 50mpg, and the car includes a CD/radio and electric windows, as well as a good level of safety equipment.

Used: Peugeot 1007 from less than £4000
Peugeot’s 1007 hasn’t been a strong seller, with many buyers interested in a spacious small car perhaps not won over by the large electrically operated doors and high asking price. Prices are much lower on the used market and there are plenty of examples to choose from with low mileage at around the £4000 mark. The cheapest models will be the entry-level 1.4 Dolce on a 05-registration plate. Although this version comes with steel wheels, it does have air conditioning as standard, as well as front, side and curtain airbags, plus a knee airbag for the driver, and electronic stability control.

FAMILY CARS:
New: Avensis reveals pre-registered bargains
Large discounts on Toyota family cars are rare at main dealers, but the Avensis will be making way for a new model within a few months, so now may be a good time to make savings on the outgoing model. We found a diesel Colour Collection model already registered but with delivery mileage on the clock, advertised for £11,495 — £4100 off the normal list price. This 130bhp model has steel wheels, but comes with metallic paint, air conditioning and nine airbags as standard. Even better value were some sat-nav-equipped 175bhp 2.2 D-4D T3-S versions, normally priced at more than £18,000 but a dealer had a choice of three for £12,691.

Used: Smart Magentis is a good value sued buy
The latest shape Kia Magentis is easier on the eye than many earlier family saloons from Korea, and it is well equipped and better to drive than its predecessors. Used prices for the latest Magentis start at about £6000 for average mileage examples. We found a Kia dealer offering a 2.0 LS model for £5995. This version of the car comes with leather seats, alloy wheels, a split/folding rear seat, electrically-adjustable driver seat and 17-inch alloy wheels. The diesel version will be more expensive, but for drivers only covering moderate mileage, the petrol version could be cost effective.

4X4/PEOPLE CARRIERS:
New: Savings of £9000 on Nissan’s urban 4x4
Most 4x4s are suffering as potential buyers are put off by running costs, particularly high fuel prices and changes to road tax that will see almost all 4x4 owners pay more from next year. If your wallet can stand it, or your annual mileage is low, there are bargains to be found. The Nissan Murano is about to be replaced by a new model and is only available with a petrol engine. We found pre-registered versions of this high-spec imposing urban 4x4 starting at £21,500 for preregistered models. That represents a saving of almost £9000 on a car that comes with automatic, navigation and leather as standard.

Used: BMW X3 feeling the effects of fuel prices
To most people, £9000 doesn’t seem to be a huge amount of money to get into a four-year-old BMW 4x4. Such is the state of the 4x4 market that even cars with premium badges are suffering. We found a private seller advertising a BMW X3 2.5 Sport for £8950. This 2005 car had just 37,000 miles on the clock and standard equipment included 18-inch alloy wheels, electric windows, cruise control, sports front seats and a CD/radio. The X3 doesn’t have the same kind of off-road ability as a Jeep Cherokee, for example, but looking beyond a firm ride, its on-road behaviour is what you’d expect of a BMW.

SPECIALIST:
New: Find £10k off an elegant Honda Legend
Honda’s BMW 530i and Audi A6 3.2 quattro rival has a low profile but we found three preregistered examples of this £35,000-plus car at various Honda dealers for less than £25,000. The Legend looks elegant and is very good to drive thanks to its sophisticated all-wheel drive system. For the price of a new top-of-the-range Accord, it’s quite a bargain.

Used: Passat has eight-cylinder luxury for £6k
Before the Phaeton was introduced, Volkswagen whetted customers’ appetites for luxury saloons with an eight-cylinder Passat. The Passat W8 (named after the cylinder configuration) boasted 276bhp and four-wheel drive as well as a plush interior. The automatic is superior to the manual and good examples start at around £6000 for the saloon.

Manufacturer promotions
Manufacturers are offering new car buyers a variety of promotions from October through to December. Nissan is offering big customer savings on many models, including up to £1350 on a Note Visia, and many manufacturers have low finance on offer. A 0% APR typical offer is available with all Renault cars, apart from the Clio Campus, new Megane hatchback and Koleos. There is also a free upgrade to be had with the Fiat Grande Punto and Ford is giving away extras with the Fiesta, C-MAX, Focus and Fusion. Buyers can also get a year’s free insurance when they buy a new Vauxhall Corsa Club or Corsa a/c.