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The second-hand car market is booming, with sales skyrocketing and more options than ever.
Almost two million used cars were sold in the first three months of this year, with the now discontinued Ford Fiesta (80,814 sales), Vauxhall Corsa (66,821) and Ford Focus (60,058) taking the top three spots, and the colors black and gray. and blue are the most popular colors.
The UK regions recording the highest sales were the South East (289,011), North West (214,168) and West Midlands (200,102), and the market continues to accelerate.
Sue Robinson, chief executive of the National Franchise Dealers Association (NFDA), said the first quarter of 2024 saw “remarkable growth”, with the latest official figures showing an increase of 6.5 per cent and 1,967,923 sales, the strongest start to the year since then. before the pandemic in 2019.
As cash-strapped motorists watch their pennies, many consider a used car in good condition to be more affordable and a better value than a more expensive new model. However, buying a good second-hand car at a fair price can come with a lot of risk, so your watchword should be “buyer beware.” These are my best tips.
Flying high: The Ford Fiesta was the best-selling second-hand car in the first quarter of the year
Calculate what you need
It sounds obvious, but identify what you’re looking for, whether it’s a small short-haul hatchback, a long-legged highway cruiser, a family hauler, or a fun, sporty convertible.
Are you a new driver? Then consider vehicles with a low insurance rating to keep premiums low. If fuel efficiency is important to you, consider a self-charging gas-electric hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or all-electric vehicle.
Make a checklist
Make a list of the features you want and check them off. A big boot? Flexible seating? Room in the back for a growing family? Manual cars are fun to drive, but automatics are more prevalent among newer vehicles.
Set a budget
Affordability is key, but so is the age and condition of a vehicle, which affects resale values.
A budget of £10,000 could buy you a fantastic small hatchback or a much older premium SUV. But remember to factor in the shop’s running costs and repair bills.
Beware of scams
Scams in the second-hand market are on the rise, according to consumer advocate What Car?
Some involve fake car dealerships appearing as convincing websites to fleece customers. Other scammers place fake ads on sites like Facebook Marketplace.
A red flag is a car with a price that seems too good to be true. Telltale signs also include customers being asked to pay outside the sales platform, or the “salesperson” having no idea who you are when you pick up the car.
Trust your instincts and if you feel uncomfortable, walk away.
Gerry Anderson inspires Ferrari
Remember the late, great Gerry Anderson of Thunderbirds and Stingray TV fame?
Well, his creations have inspired the impressive new Ferrari V12 supercar called ’12Cilindri’ (12 cylinders in Italian) that combines a futuristic sci-fi style with a nod to the classic Daytona grand tourers of the firm’s past.
Before its official unveiling in Miami, Florida, I had a preview at Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello, Italy.
Expensive: First deliveries of right-hand drive models will arrive this autumn, but don’t expect much change from £500,000
It was here that Ferrari design chief Flavio Manzoni revealed that inspiration for the car included elements from Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 cinematic epic, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Anderson’s television series, Space. 1999. Manzoni even bought the DVD!
Available as a coupe or Spider convertible, the 211-mph-capable two-seater has a 6.5-liter, 830-hp engine and can go from rest to 62 mph in 2.9 seconds and to 124 mph in less than eight seconds.
The first deliveries of right-hand drive models will arrive this autumn, but don’t expect much change from £500,000.
