It’s always an exciting time here at MotorMartin Towers when motoring news arrives and the ticker tape machine announces itself to be working as intended. Now the following is particularly of interest for MotorMartin as it involves both cars and motorcycles, a win win situation for everyone involved then.
It’s always of interest to see recent and current trends in the second hand market, especially when the information is given by such a respected service as My Car Check, whose valuation experts have revealed significant trends in the UK used vehicle market and who choose a car and bike of the month.
Head of Valuation Services at My Car Check, Gavin Amos, shared with MotorMartin that: “The new A-Class really shook up the sector when it launched in 2012. A vast improvement on Mercedes’ previous offering, which hadn’t exactly gone head to head with BMW 1 Series and Audi A3, it was fresh, smart and full of technology. Now, a few years down the line, they are great value as a used vehicle. The frugal diesel engines are pick of the bunch and, dependent on trim level, can be combined with great sporty looks. The halo model A45 is the one to go for if it is pure performance you’re looking for. Of all the A-Class models we’ve checked so far this year, only 10.61% had been previously written-off, 1.52% were still on finance and none were listed as stolen.”
As to market trends, Amos explained to MotorMartin that: “UK used car sales are staying strong in both the retail and trade sectors. Most models in good condition will sell quickly, so long as the colour, history and spec are right. Demand usually tails off in the run up to Christmas so it might just be the time to negotiate a slightly keener deal if you’re in a position to buy.”
And then we move onto the motorbike, scooter and moped sector, where My Car Check’s Rob Hobson informed MotorMartin that: “The Kawasaki Z800 is a brilliant middleweight all-rounder. The engine is more than capable for buyers who don’t need a full blown 1000 but still want to enjoy superb performance in a great chassis. They offer particularly good value for money as a used bike, with plenty of choice out there.”
As to market trends, Hobson explained: “The upcoming Euro 4 regulations are forcing dealers to shift their stock in preparation for the new model year. Used demand has tailed off, which is only to be expected at this time of year. Smart consumers and dealers alike will be scouring the market for bargains to use or sell next spring.”
So why should we listen to the advice from My Car Check? A valid question after all, but with information from the police, DVLA, insurers and finance houses, My Car Check holds comprehensive data on every vehicle on UK roads – things that buyers should be aware of before making an offer.
The parent company, CDL Vehicle Information Services, which owns My Car Check, performs over a million look-ups a day for companies including AutoExpress, CompareTheMarket, Go-Compare, Moneysupermarket, Swiftcover, Tesco and WhatCar?.
Good news then for the new A Class and Kawasaki Z800.
Where will you go?