Manheim reveals how much your used Rover is really worth

Manheim has seen used prices of MG Rover models strengthen since the company’s collapse in April 2005.

Manheim, the world’s largest auction company, teamed up with used values experts CAP Motor Research to track the retail prices of MG Rover cars from Q1 2005 to Q1 2006. They focussed on 1-3 and 4-6 year old models with average mileages of 25,000 and 60,000 miles respectively.

Not surprisingly, immediately after MG Rover went into liquidation in April last year, used prices fell dramatically across the board in both Q2 and Q3 2005; Compared to the beginning of 2005 the average 1-3 year old Rover 45 had fallen by nearly £1200 (18%) by September and a 4-6 year old Rover 45 also by just under 18% (£750). A similar situation was seen across all models but in Q4 2005 and Q1 2006 used prices started to show signs of a much needed recovery in forecourt prices, in particular the Rover 75.

Illustrating these price rises, a 1-3 year old Rover 75, averaging 25,000 miles on the clock, went from around £8, 395 in Q3 05 to £8,625 in Q1 2006. A Rover 25 of the same age is now worth around on average £5,095, compared with £4,900 in Q3 2005 and the Rover 45 has risen to an average of £5,595 compared with £5,375 in Q3 2005.

The sliding values of the older 4-6 year old models have also been arrested with hardly any change in forecourt prices seen across Rover 25s, 45s and 75s from October 2005 through to April this year.

These figures show that both dealers and consumers are shrugging off the bad publicity the marque has experienced over the last year and there is now a growing demand for used Rover product of all ages

Rob Barr, Manheim’s Group Communications Director explained: "The MG Rover brand took a big confidence hit initially and in many instances new stocks left in showrooms were being heavily discounted by nervous dealers. Understandably, this had a very negative effect on the values of used models. With this now firmly behind us, prices have gradually started to strengthen which is why we wanted to give private motorists a better idea of what Rovers are really worth.

"Our figures are based on averages, but are a useful guide of what to expect if you’re buying or selling. There are obviously options which can help improve prices such as a desirable metallic paint, a high specification with full service history being a major plus point. But, as always, it’s condition which is the real key. On the other hand, very high mileages, dull non-metallic colours and vehicles presented with un-repaired damage, including badly kerbed alloy wheels, will reduce prices."