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ULTIMATE GUIDE TO USED CARS Mike Brewer on...
FUTURE CLASSICS
THE CARS I PREDICT WILL RISE IN VALUE
Coming to America, Wheeler Dealers, Edd’s departure & new mate Ant Anstead
D E S U Y M S E O R E H CAR
PLUS: MIKE’S IN-DEPTH GUIDES TO FERRARI, PORSCHE, BENTLEY & ASTON MARTIN
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Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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Mike Brewer’s
ULTIMATE GUIDE TO USED CARS
Blackball Media Haslar Marine Technology Park Haslar Road, Gosport PO12 2AG EDITORIAL Editor-in-chief Mike Brewer mike@mikebrewermotoring.com @mikebrewer Editor-in-chief’s chief assistant James Baggott james@blackballmedia.co.uk @CarDealerEd Head of design Graeme Windell graeme@blackballmedia.co.uk @graemewindell CONTRIBUTORS Felicity Bestwick, John Bowman, Dave Brown, Rebecca Chaplin, Jess Ernerth, Jack Evans, Tristan Shale-Hester, Ted Welford, Adam Weller, Tom Wiltshire ADVERTISING SALES Catherine Rowe – 01233 228750 tandemmedia.co.uk PRINT & PRODUCTION Kelsey Media kelsey.co.uk
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Company No. 6473855 VAT No. 933 8428 05 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide To Used Cars is published by Blackball Media Ltd (Company No 6473855) and printed by Kelsey Media. All rights reserved. Conditions of sale and supply include the fact this title shall not, without our consent, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated way or in any unauthorised cover by way of trade or affixed to any part of a publication or advertising, literary or pictorial matter whatsoever. While the information within this guide is accurate at the time of publishing, prices and figures may fluctuate with the market. Therefore always thoroughly research the current market before making any purchasing decisions. The publishers take no responsibility for any losses or injury that readers may incur by following the guidance. Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide To Used Cars is fully protected by copyright.
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I
f you watch my TV shows, you’ll know I’m absolutely bonkers about motors. Petrol runs through my veins – so much so that I have to be cautious when standing near a naked flame! The noise, the smell, the feel of cars – old and new – really rev my engine, but I’ve got a particular love for used cars.
You see, that’s where it all began for me. I started in this game way back as a car dealer – flogging used cars that I’d bought at auction to wonderful people. I loved the thrill of the hunt, checking out the motors and haggling with the punters. It was a brilliant game and one that I couldn’t get enough of. Then TV came knocking and I turned my passion for petrol into a career on screen, rather than in the showroom. These days, I still buy and sell cars all the time. I’ve got my own dealerships, I spend my weekends going to car shows here in America where I now live (we film Wheeler Dealers here), and even splash my own cash on the odd bargain motor I find online. Back home in Blighty, more than eight million used cars are sold every year – four times as many as new cars. They come in all shapes, sizes and conditions and effectively make the car industry go round. That’s why I decided to sit down in front of a computer, for what seemed like many weeks indeed, to put this special magazine together. I wanted to share my passion for used cars, talk about the ones that float my boat and tell you how to bag one for yourself. Inside, you can read about my favourite used cars ever, I pick my future classics and give you the lowdown on some iconic brands. So hold out yer hand, grab hold of my Ultimate Guide To Used Cars and sit back and enjoy. Ta da!
Mike Brewer
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Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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Inside 82
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Mike on Mike
Bag a future classic
Used Car Hero: Mazda RX-7
Used Car Hero: Ford Fiesta XR2
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Used Car Hero: Peugeot 205GTI
Contents Mike On Mike My Career Top 10 Used Cars Of All Time Used Car Icons Motormouth Quiz Buying Advice Optional Extras How To Prepare Your Car For Sale How To Clean Your Car Like A Pro Top 10 Selling Tips Top 10 Selling Locations Used Car Hero: Peugeot 205GTI Bag A Future Classic Used Car Hero: Honda S2000 The Weird Stories Behind Car Names Used Car Hero: VW Golf GTI Mk1 Foolproof Guide To Porsche Used Car Hero: Ford Fiesta XR2 Automotive Doppelgängers The Cars I Wish I'd Never Sold
Used Car Hero: Jaguar XK8
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Used Car Hero: VW Golf GTI
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Prepare Your Car For Sale
16 42
My top 10 used cars ever Clean Your Car Like A Pro
82 Foolproof Guide To Aston Martin 84 Best Limited-Edition Cars Of All Time 86 Top 10 Ford Classics 88 Used Car Hero: Jaguar XK8 92 Top 10 Driving Music Tracks 94 Used Car Hero: Mazda RX-7
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Top 10 selling tips
Foolproof Guide To Bentley Best Of British Used Car Hero: BMW M5 Best Electric Used Cars Foolproof Guide To Ferrari Behind The Scenes
96 99 102 105 110 114
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INTERVIEW.
Mike Mike on
Here I set the record straight on Edd China’s departure from Wheeler Dealers, my special relationship with Ant Anstead, and the cars I’d love to tackle next on the show
T
On Wheeler Dealers
he new show has been fantastic. Wheeler Dealers was always going to stick true to its ethos, which is the cars, and although there’s been a change of personnel, we haven’t lost sight of what the programme’s all about – it has always been about the cars, not the two blokes repairing them and fixing them up. The audience have bought into that. They can see that the show has been re-energised and refreshed. It’s still the same format, it just has a new direction and a new energy, and Ant has brought a new set of skills into the workshop. You may have seen some of the jobs hundreds of times – as Edd probably changed brake discs 30
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Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
times before – but when Ant does them, he does them in his own style and his own way, and so therefore we get a refreshed show. It’s gone down phenomenally well with the audience – so much so that we broke all audience records when it first played on the Discovery Velocity channel in the USA, and since then it’s been playing all over the rest of the world and wherever it’s been playing it’s been breaking viewing records. So, Wheeler Dealers is up, it’s on the ascent, and you can’t say that about many other programmes 15 years on! It was a big thing to do to continue the show and continue it with a new co-presenter, but I wanted to prove that it’s about the cars, it’s not about the personnel, and I’ve been proved right.
I’ve had a year of incredible abuse over this, but now we’ve had a 180-degree turnaround and the audience love the show again. Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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INTERVIEW.
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Mike on Edd’s departure
he reaction from fans has pleased me because Edd left under a cloud and the cloud was generated by himself. He went out on social media and told the audience that he was leaving through no fault of mine, and this is the important part. Edd didn’t even tell me he was leaving – he left, and it always annoys me when people abuse me over that. Discovery Velocity are behind me and they wanted to continue and pick up the show and they trusted me with my decision with Ant. Thankfully they did, and now the audience have got to see the show and yes, it’s been a complete turnaround.
I’ve had a year of incredible abuse over this, but now we’ve had a 180-degree turnaround and the audience love the show again. I’ve had letters and emails, apologies from people. I’ve had it on social media, people openly apologising, saying I was the first one to slag you off but now they apologise. I’ll be honest, I probably blocked thousands of people on social media because of it. Not hundreds, thousands, because of the abuse I suffered, but if any of those people want to come back because now they can see the show for what it is, if they want to come back into the fold, they can just let me know, email me and I’ll unblock them.
Discovery Velocity are behind me and they wanted to continue and pick up the show and they trusted me with my decision with Ant. 10
Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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On the car he wishes he’d never sold
t has to be the Lamborghini Urraco – the 1972 Lamborghini that I found frozen in a garage in Poland. It was literally frozen stiff. Edd did an amazing job getting that car ready and we took it to the Dolomites on Lamborghini’s 50th anniversary, down to Bologna. We had an amazing journey in that car. It was Edd’s birthday; it was a wonderful treat, and that car was like a 1970s soundtrack ringing in our ears. I wish I’d never sold it. But I did – I sold it for £33,000 and it has swapped hands four times now. I saw it recently for sale at £120,000, so that’s how much I regret selling it. That was a good car.
More cars I wish I hadn’t sold, p80
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On his own cars ut here in the States I drive anything. I’ve got a choice of cars I can pick and choose from, but personally I bought a 1964 ½ 289 automatic Mustang coupe and it’s just a wonderful car.
It had one owner from new, bought in Newport, never left Newport. It’s in Wimbledon White, blue interior and I’m the second owner from new since 1964. I drive the little thing around almost on a daily basis. It drives like a little thief. I can’t believe how good it is down a road. Tight as a drum. I love it, it’s brilliant.
It drives like a little thief. I can’t believe how good it is down a road. Tight as a drum.
We’ve been working closely now for a year and we’ve become really good buddies, really good friends.
E
On Ant Anstead versus Edd China
dd and I had a fantastic relationship. We were really close, good bond, good friendship and we have some great memories together. I cherish every one of those. With Ant it’s completely different. Ant and I have been pals now for six years. We knew each other five years before he joined me on the show and have been working together for five years and become really good buddies, really good friends. I would say Ant is more of a car guy than Edd. Ant
is the kind of guy that every weekend, just like me, although we’re meant to be taking time off and resting, will pop up at a car show and walk around looking at cars. That wasn’t necessarily the same for Edd. He’d done his job and he liked his home time. He went to a few car shows with me, but Ant is a real thorough car guy – he’s absolutely passionate and crazy about cars and at every opportunity he wants to go out and see them. Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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INTERVIEW.
That workshop has no windows, so you can’t see outside. It could be in Birmingham, London, Reading, Gateshead or Sheffield.
I
’m going to disprove a couple of myths here. Wheeler Dealers has been featuring cars from all over the world for the past 15 years. In series two we had an American car, a C4 Corvette. In series one a Porsche was our very first car; it’s a German car, it’s not even British. We’ve done more German cars over the last 150 cars than we’ve done British or American! So, that’s one myth busted. The other myth to expose is that if you think about Wheeler Dealers you’ll know that the show is an hour long and 85 to 90 per cent of that show is in a workshop. That workshop has no windows, so you can’t see outside, so it could be in Birmingham, London, Reading, Gateshead or Sheffield – it could be absolutely anywhere, because you can’t see 12
Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
On coming to America outside of it. You’ll see that on the show! So, the only thing that people could moan about is the very first three minutes of the programme, where I’m buying a car, and the final three or four minutes of the show, where we drive it and then I sell it. Out of an hour, they can only be moaning about seven minutes of television, and it’s strange that the moans only come from my countrymen, from the British audience. I can only tell you that there are two sides to that. One is I’m gutted that I keep being told to bring the show back to the UK; they think that I’ve sold out and all that nonsense, which is completely untrue. The second bit is a passionate bit because the moans show the British audience feel an ownership
over this programme and are desperate for me to make it in the UK. They want me to be standing in the pouring rain, they want me to be up to my ankles in a puddle looking at an old Triumph TR6 – they’re desperate for me to do that, but that was the old show and this is the new show. The show is now owned entirely by Discovery Channel, which is a big American network, and this is one of Discovery’s biggest car shows globally. They want us to make the show here. Not only is it warmer, but the chances of rain ruining a shoot are really small, which is important. I’m on a contract with them; if they want it made here, I’ll make it here. It’s as simple as that.
I
On his future TV career
’m already feeling old, but with Ant he’s got this new energy. He’s young and he’s got his own way of doing things – he’s got his own methodology. We never seem to tire of looking for cars and Ant is a real car guy. For us together it’s a new beginning. It’s really exciting.
We never seem to tire of looking for cars and Ant is a real car guy. For us together it’s a new beginning. It’s really exciting.
T We’ve done more German cars over the last 150 cars than we’ve done British or American!
Truthfully, if you said to me it will end tomorrow, I’d feel proud of what I’ve achieved, but the way it’s going at the moment I know that I’ve got another couple of years already of my future laid out for me by Wheeler Dealers and I’d like to continue as long as it will go. But I don’t want to lose sight of the fact that I’m desperate to do other work. I’m desperate to have projects with other companies and with other people. I’d like to spread my wings and work elsewhere too.
On the cars he’d like to have on the show here are so many cars I want to restore. When I think back over the cars I’ve done over the years – we’ve done more than 150 now – there are some that stick out that we haven’t done.
I still haven’t done a Renault 5 GT Turbo, still haven’t done a Clio Williams, still haven’t done a Gordini, still haven’t done a Cortina. I want a Lotus Cortina desperately in my life, and there are so many cars like that. There are so many brilliant cars that we just haven’t got to, and here in America we’ve got so many to choose from that we simply haven’t done yet, so yeah I’d like to have a go at doing them. I’d also like to have a go at doing Wheeler Dealers not necessarily back in the UK or in America but somewhere else. I think Wheeler Dealers would
stretch to a few episodes in Australia – we could do some Holdens. It would definitely work in Germany, it would work in Japan, it would work in South America, Canada – I’d like to pop up all over the world doing a few episodes. Wheeler Dealers on the road – that’d be good. I’d love to do that. If there was only one show left, I would love to feature the Citroen SM – one of the most beautifully designed cars ever. It’s an iconic car, one car that really makes you think about the story. It was the worst time for Citroen and it was the worst time for Maserati – the two companies should never have met. Two companies that were loaded with unreliability and rust issues, but they came together in this unlikely marriage. I think this is one of the world’s most beautiful cars with one of the world’s greatest engines, that V6 2.7 Maserati unit. Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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CAREER.
My career: Past, present and future
Petrol runs through my veins – and my career
From landing my first TV gig after a chance phone call to heading to Afghanistan to see the incredible work our forces did, my career has taken me all over the world – and I wouldn’t have it any other way
I
’ve turned my hand to all manner of different jobs throughout my career. I’d now call myself a journalist, presenter, campaigner but, most importantly, a full-on motoring enthusiast. However, it was a little glimmer of luck that got me to where I am today. You see, many years ago I heard a friend’s phone ringing in his car dealership and decided to answer it for him. At the other end of the blower was a television producer who was looking for a proper used car dealer for a new TV show. Right then and there, after some car sales patter, I was signed up to present the first series of Deals on Wheels. It was my first presenting role, and that show went out on Channel 4 and later Discovery Velocity. I was joined on set by Richard Sutton and we focused on the used car market. In total, we completed five series of that show – it was a bit of a whirlwind, let me tell you. As a result of the success that Deals on Wheels enjoyed, I went on to further presenting roles for shows such as ITV’s Pulling Power and Channel 4’s Driven. I initially presented Driven with Jason Barlow and James May, then later with Penny Mallory and Jason Plato. It was a huge laugh to be a part of, and we’d review and road-test cars thoroughly – all in the name of consumer advice, of course! I won’t lie, however – 2003 was a big turning point. It’s when we kicked off Wheeler Dealers. Me and my best mate Edd China would find a car, fix it up and sell it on for a profit. The premise was pretty simple, but it hooked up with people and soon rocketed in success. During that time while buying and selling a huge variety of cars, we travelled to so many different locations it’s impossible to count them all. 14
Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
ter while in Afghanistan
I was shot at in a helicop
I’m sure you’ll be aware that after we closed Series 13 Edd took the decision to leave the show. We had a fantastic relationship and I’ll happily admit that. We were exceptionally close throughout the course of the show and we have fantastic memories that I’ll cherish forever. I’ll make no bones about it – I was pretty gutted when Edd decided to leave. Of course, we needed a new beginning. There was always the option of calling time on the entire show, but we – myself and the production company – made the collective decision to push on with a new co-host: Ant Anstead. Now Ant is definitely a car nut, he knows what the show is about and he’s given it a whole new energy. He’s also really good fun to be around, which helps when you’re doing as many shows as we are! My career has taken me in some slightly dangerous directions too. In 2010 we shot a series called Frontline Battle Machines for Discovery Channel. That saw me heading out to accompany troops in Afghanistan to see how they used their motorised equipment. It was quite a hairy trip – at one point while riding in a helicopter we took fire and the pilot
was injured. In fact, we ended up having to perform a forced landing. It was a humbling insight into one of the most dangerous places in the world. I’ve been lucky enough to pick up some awards throughout my career as well. In 2004, I received the Royal Television Society Midlands Centre trophy for Best In-Vision Personality, while I’ve also been given the award for Broadcast Journalist of the Year. Needless to say, I’m incredibly proud of these achievements. I’ve also branched out into motorsport. I’ve
New Wheeler De
alers co-host An
t Anstead and
I love heading
to car shows
Edd and I got up to some japes...
presented live coverage for events such as the Isle of Man TT and the British Rally Championship. In fact, I’ve presented the latter show for 11 years and I’ve been covering the TT since 2009. It’s a high-octane gig that one – everything feels like it’s moving at a million miles an hour and feels different to how our ‘regular’ shows are shot. And what does the future hold? Well, it’s tricky to see. We’re going from strength to strength with Wheeler Dealers, and I believe the show continues to get better with each and every episode. It’s proving immensely popular worldwide, and it’s
driven by car enthusiasts (myself included) who still have an interest in the process of buying, restoring and selling a car on. I’ve also got my range of used car dealerships, which are going well. It gives me an opportunity to do what I love best – getting out and about around the cars, and seeing people happy with their new purchases. I’m a car dealer at heart, so having this link is still vitally important to me. There are all manner of adventures yet to come too, and I’m excited to get cracking. Here’s to the future!
I love racing –
e TT
m rallies to th
everything fro
Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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LISTICLES.
My top 10 used cars ever
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I’m often asked the question ‘What are your favourite cars of all time?’ I’ve got quite a few, and to be honest with you my list is always changing. Here, I’ve put together 10 of my absolute favourites – some of which I actually own! It’s a bit of an eclectic mix, I’ll admit, but some of these cars changed the very landscape of motoring for the better – which is why I think they’re so important
RANGE ROVER VELAR Insurance quote *
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Model: Range Rover Velar | Engine: 3.5-litre V8 | Price (today): circa £140,000 (circa $183,200) | Produced from: 1967-1970 | Power:130bhp
AUSTIN HEALEY When Austin was coming to the end of the run of the Healey, the car had a big 3.0-litre engine – and I think it had become the best it could possibly be. It had the look and the presence – it’s an event to be behind the wheel, and I urge anyone to have a go if they get the chance.
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Model: Austin Healey 3000 | Engine: 2,912cc petrol | Price (today): circa £45,000 (circa $58,900) | Produced from: 1959-1967 | Power: 136bhp 16
Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
In at number 10 is the Range Rover. I honestly think it could be any generation of the car, but the one I really do love – and probaby because it was a car my dad had when I was growing up – is a 1970s two-door Velar. It didn’t matter if you were the Queen of England or a plumber – it was perfect for anyone. Completely class-free.
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In association with
FORD ESCORT MK1 It doesn’t matter to me whether it’s the little 1.1-litre engine or the full-blown RS, as long as it’s a Mk1. It’s a completely connected car, and once you’re behind the wheel it becomes intuitive – everything about it is simplistic. It’s lightweight, and it communicates with you when you drive it.
The knowledge
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Model: Ford Escort Mk1 | Engine: 0.9-litre rising to a 2.0-litre | Price (today): circa £6,500 (circa $8,500) | Produced from: 1948-1989 | Power: 82bhp+
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CITROEN SM
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This was a marriage between Citroen and Maserati. Two companies not renowned for their reliability, these brands combined became phenomenal in the SM. Around the early to mid-1970s, this car was so forward-thinking. It had self-levelling suspension, power brakes, power steering and an amazing fivespeed gearbox hooked up to a Maserati V6 engine. It’s amazing to drive and one of my all-time favourites – so much so that I actually own one!
The knowledge
Model: Citroen SM | Engine: 2.7-litre – 3.0-litre V6 | Price (today): circa £30,000 (circa $39,300) | Produced from: 1970-1975 | Power: 167-177bhp Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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LISTICLES.
6 The knowledge
ASTON MARTIN DB5 For me, it could be a DB4 or DB5, although the latter is a little closer to my heart in the sense that I’ve bought and sold them in the past. It’s everything a British Grand Tourer should be – it’s got amazing presence and looks right from every angle. Plus, one of the coolest guys in the world drives one... Mike Brewer! No, kidding, of course I don’t – I meant James Bond.
Model: Aston Martin DB5 | Engine: 4.0-litre straight-six | Price (today): circa £650,500 (circa $851,300) | Produced from: 1963-1965 | Power: 282bhp
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FIAT 500
The Fiat 500 is a car that moved a nation. The reason I love it so much is because of its purist form – it’s the perfect package. It’s got that tiny little engine hanging out the back, but somehow it’s capable of propelling four people, in comfort, down the road – and with a smile on its face. I actually own one, and every time you get in it, it gives you a fantastic feeling. One of the all-time greatest cars ever designed.
The knowledge
Model: Fiat 500 | Engine: 479cc petrol engine | Price (today): circa £12,500 (circa $16,400) | Produced from: 1957-1975 | Power: 13-17bhp 18
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Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
This is another car that got a nation moving. The Volkswagen Beetle is clever for a whole host of reasons. It’s air cooled, to begin with, so there’s none of that worry associated with radiators or water pipes – it just works so well.
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Model: Volkswagen Beetle | Engine: 1,100cc rising to 1,600cc air-cooled petrol | Price (today): circa £10,500 (circa $13,700) | Produced from: 1938-2003 | Power: 24-39bhp
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PORSCHE 911 I could be talking about any Porsche 911 – any age whatsoever. Whenever I get into a 911, it gives me that feeling that few other cars can. Technically, it shouldn’t work. If you put an engine over the rear axle you’re expecting it to swap ends on you at every corner. However, Porsche managed to engineer things just right and it’s certainly one of the best-handling cars of all time. I love them.
The knowledge
Model: Porsche 911 | Engine: Various air-cooled and water-cooled flat-six powertrains | Price (today): circa £30,500 (circa $39,900) | Produced from: 1963-present | Power: Various power outputs Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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LISTICLES.
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In association with
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JAGUAR E-TYPE
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I’ve described this Jag in the past as a ‘poem in steel’, while Enzo Ferrari called it ‘the most beautiful car’ in the world. It’s everything a motor should be – quick, comfortable and cool – and it’s stunning from every angle you look at it, with its iconic long bonnet leading to an epic sloping roof on the coupe or a timeless fabric top on the roadster. For me, it looks like it’s doing 100mph when still parked– I love it.
The knowledge
Model: Jaguar E-Type | Engine: 3.8, 4.2, 5.3-litre petrol engines | Price (today): circa £100,000 (circa $130,900) | Produced from: 1961-1975 | Power: 265-268bhp
MINI
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I’m a huge fan of the original Mini – it was my first car. When you get in, it gives you that go-kart feeling on the road. It’s completely and utterly class-free – anyone can drive a Mini, and for that reason it truly is amazing. I reckon that anyone could get behind the wheel of a Mini – a banker, a lawyer or a plumber. The humble Mini completely transcends all classes, and anyone can have fun when driving it, too! It sits – rightfully so – at the top of my list, and I simply couldn’t think of a more deserving car. While the Mini may be small in stature, it has the presence of a car three times its size and even more character. Please, bow your heads, give a round of applause or do an over-the-top dance for my top used car ever – the Mini!
The knowledge
Model: Mini | Engine: 848-1,275cc petrol engine | Price (today): circa £7,500 (circa $9,800) | Produced from: 1959-2000 | Power: 33bhp 20 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
JAGUAR SERVICE AND REPAIRS
Repairs/Rebuilds
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Engine Tuning
From classics to modern day
JULIAN FERRARO Jaguar Specialist Unit 14, Barnack Business Centre Wilton SP2 0AW
Th e O r i gin a l A u
www.
01722 744059 www.julianferraro.com
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.u k Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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ICONS.
CITY CAR: CITROEN 2CV
Here are my iconic used car faves I’ve already gone over my top 10 used cars of all time, and I’ll admit it’s one exceptionally good list. We now take a look at my fantasy line-up – a garage of vehicles that I could only dream of locking up every night. Here, I look at my used car favourites from across the spectrum of motoring. I’m not just talking 200mph supercars here – there’s room for the humble estate and city car too
I absolutely love this Frenchie
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ity cars make the world go round. They’re compact, cheap to run and a little bit of a giggle to drive – and the Citroen 2CV is one of my favourites. It’s an icon of motoring and built over an impressively long timeline. Production started way back in 1948 and finished in 1990 – and during that period it changed very little. It did become a little rounder and a little more powerful, but the same basic design remained, keeping the weight low and mechanicals simple. The origin of the 2CV was a troubled one. Born in the early stages of World War II, early prototypes had to be hidden from approaching German forces. That original prototype was given the name TPV, or ‘Toute Petite Voiture’ – very small car to the rest of us. However, development was continued in secret and, in 1948, the first 2CV was presented to the world at the Paris Motor Show. It became a success, not least thanks to its overall robustness. It was, in fact, excellent off road too, as a result of its light weight and supple suspension. In earlier models, the rear bench was removable and could be used for picnics in the park – if you like that sort of thing. Replacement parts were readily available, and because you could fix the 2CV with an elastic band (probably), it meant that maintenance
The knowledge
was easy. It had a four-speed gearbox – impressive, I know – and early on packed a giddy 9bhp. But then it didn’t need much power, as it didn’t weigh much. The 2CV even got a starring role in the legendary James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only and appeared on the film’s poster. Citroen seized on this and produced a limited-edition model to celebrate. It featured 007 badges and stick-on bullet holes and was really rather yellow. By the time production ended in 1990, more than three million 2CVs had rolled off the line, making it one of the most popular vehicles of all time. I absolutely love them, and they completely summarise what you need from a city car. Yes, this little Citroen was just as capable out in the countryside – it was, after all, designed to be able to carry eggs in the boot and travel over rutted fields without breaking a single one – but its nimbleness and simplicity made it ideal in urban areas too. As a result of being produced in such high numbers, there are still a few 2CVs about. They can be picked up quite cheaply, parts are easy to find and you won’t pay much to fix them – in fact, you might even be able to do it yourself. Earlier ‘ripple bonnet’ examples are commanding higher prices, but you shouldn’t have to part with more than circa £2,500 for a later one.
Model: Citroen 2CV | Engine: 375cc rising to 602cc air-cooled petrol | Price (today): circa £2,500 (circa $3,300) | Produced from: 1948-1990 | Power: 9-29bhp 22
Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
Integrales make me melt
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hough it would have been easy to opt for the likes of the Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Golf, I thought that the plucky Lancia Delta HF Integrale was deserving of making an appearance on these pages. It’s a stunning bit of kit, and spawned a world-class rally car – which just goes to show how good it is, right? The regular Delta was released in 1979 and, in truth, it didn’t set the motoring world alight. However, it did pack some groundbreaking tech, including fully independent suspension and even air conditioning – a luxury at the time. But we’re not just talking about any old Delta here – we’re looking at the full-fat Integrale version. What makes it so special? Well, it had permanent four-wheel drive for starters, which meant that it was quick on all surfaces, not just dry asphalt. It was powered by an eight-valve 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which early on produced 182bhp. Later Evoluzione models kicked out more than 200bhp thanks to various engine modifications – so try to get your hands on one of these. What made the Integrale so special was its proportions. Square and quite compact, it just
looks right, doesn’t it? It also got flared wheel arches over the regular car to accommodate wider wheels, which in turn allowed for fatter, stickier tyres. And yet, when you boiled it down, this was still a four-seater hatchback capable of nipping to the shops just as easily as it was hammering down a gravel track. Of course, I can’t talk about the Integrale without mentioning rallying. This little Lancia proved properly immense off road, managing to bag four world championships, and by the end of its competitive run it had won 46 world championship events over four car evolutions. That’s right, forty-six! It’s an incredible amount of success for one car to enjoy but it thoroughly deserved it – and so did the drivers, of course. When it finally went out of production in 1994, it left behind a true motoring legacy. Close to 45,000 Integrales were produced over the lifetime of the car, which just goes to show how
popular it was. Final cars were pushing out 212bhp and featured Recaro bucket seats and a leather-covered MOMO steering wheel. In truth, the basic package had remained relatively unchanged – but then why mess with a winning formula? I understand that this may not be a ‘regular’ hatchback choice, but then would you expect anything less from me? The Delta Integrale’s successes both in rallying and with buyers makes it a fitting entry – a car that’s both capable on the circuit while also usable on a daily basis is a sure-fire winner to me.
HATCHBACK: LANCIA DELTA HF INTEGRALE
The knowledge
Model: Lancia Delta HF Integrale | Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol | Price (today): circa £40,000 (circa $52,200) | Produced from: 1986-1994 | Power: 182-212bhp (depending on age) Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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ICONS.
SALOON: JAGUAR XJ SERIES I
Wafting along in an icon
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he saloon car is designed to be comfortable and spacious but good fun to drive when you want it to be. The Jaguar XJ ticks all of these boxes and it doesn’t look half bad as well. Though there have been many generations of this iconic British saloon, I’ll be looking at just one in particular, and it’s the car that started the bloodline off – the Series I. Produced between 1968 and 1973, it was available with either a 2.8-litre or 4.2-litre petrol engine. When it was introduced, it took over from Jaguar’s original range of saloon cars – so it had a tough job on its hands. It was actually billed as one of the first ‘experimental’ Jaguar cars, and as such was fitted with all manner of new in-car features, such as foam padding on the instrument panel and improved face-level ventilation – touches that seem pretty oldschool to us today but helped elevate the XJ’s status back in the late ’60s.
It’s one of the reasons why I love the Series I – it managed to be great to drive while also incredibly comfortable and easy to live with. Desgined by Jaguar’s founder, the legendary Sir William Lyons, his vision still looks in keeping today, and it even inspired a young Ian Callum – Jaguar’s current design director. The Series I also launched a whole new design direction for the company, with its now-iconic looks making an appearance in all other XJs that followed. Though initially offered with two engines, an incredible V12 was introduced for the model later on in 1972. Having formerly seen use in the
Many aspects of the older XK models were carried over, but some components were completely new – the Dunlop tyres were made specifically for the Series I, for instance. It had also been designed to offer all of the agility of the iconic E-Type but in a far more comfortable and spacious set-up. Initial reports confirmed this – Jaguar’s engineers had got it spot-on.
The knowledge
Model: Jaguar XJ Series I | Engine: 2.8-litre/4.2-litre petrol/5.3-litre V12 | Price (today): circa £12,500 (circa $16,300) | Produced from: 1968-1973 | Power: 180bhp (2.8-litre), 245bhp (4.2-litre), 253bhp (V12) 24 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
E-Type, this silky-smooth unit gave the XJ huge performance as well as excellent refinement. This is the version I’d go for if I was buying with my speed hat firmly on, though the remaining powertrains are equally well suited to the job of whisking the XJ along smoothly. When thinking of the best saloon cars my mind certainly wandered over the German offerings, but it’s the XJ that made the most impact. Yes, there’s the likes of the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class to consider, but up against the Jaguar they seem a little mundane. The Series I started off a whole range, and its impact really shouldn’t be underestimated.
Boxed full of goodness
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n my mind, there’s not much cooler than a boxy estate car. Few other cars are able to get you, the family and your dog to a destination in the same comfort. These days they might have been usurped by yawn-inducing SUVs, but I’d argue estates are far better looking than these jacked-up four-by-bores and are normally better looking than their saloon counterparts, too. Okay, I’ll admit it – I’m a sucker for a wagon. Volvo is the king of the load-lugger. Yes, some may argue Audi and Mercedes-Benz are more accomplished, but I’d argue the Swedes have made some of the most iconic estates of all time – and continue to make capable, comfortable and stylish wagons to this day.
But why was it such an icon? Well, it saw Volvo taking front-wheel drive as its chosen layout, and this was after years of rear-wheel-drive selection. Okay, it may not sound like the biggest deal today, but it was a real turning point for Volvo – and it meant the 850 was the first in a new wave of vehicles for the brand.
So let me introduce you to the most iconic of the lot, the 850. It follows all of Volvo’s classic styling traits – aka, make a box and put four wheels underneath it. And it looks brilliant, even today. It’s considerably different to the rounded, smooth look of modern cars – and I think that makes it even more appealing.
There was also the performance. Yes, the 850 came with a series of ‘normal’ petrol and diesel engines, but there was also an earthshattering T5 model and this packed a 230bhp turbocharged five-cylinder engine. It could almost crack 150mph – in an estate car? I’m adamant that many an autobahn BMW driver would have been incredibly surprised to see a Volvo-badged estate car hammering past them. I know I would have been!
When it first appeared in the UK in 1992, it was incredibly well received. Later cars also benefited from a cutting-edge side airbag system (called SIPS) that made the tank-like cars even safer.
As if that wasn’t quite enough power, Volvo then brought in the T5R. This had 250bhp and was able to scare off BMW M3s. And yet, when you were finished driving like a hooligan, the 850
was refined and comfortable and you still had room for a chest of drawers or a sofa in the back. So, what’s it like today then? Well, funnily enough, these Volvos are pretty indestructible. All models tend to go through brake discs and pads quite quickly, so if you’re looking at a car to buy then it’s worth checking there is some meat left on the brakes. While you’re down there, give the tyres a good going over – uneven wear could mean problems in the steering or tracking. The 850 should be largely trouble-free, though, and should you decide to buy one, I’m quite sure you won’t be disappointed. Like a fine wine, it’s only going to get better with age.
ESTATE: VOLVO 850
The knowledge
Model: Volvo 850 | Engine: 2.0-litre, 2.5-litre, 2.3-litre | Price (today): circa £7,500 (circa $9,800) Produced from: 1992-1997 | Power: 150-250bhp (T5) Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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ICONS.
Drop-top thrills on a budget
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ind in your hair, sun blazing down – the convertible experience is an appealing one, isn’t it? It’s little wonder why drop-tops are quite so popular in the UK, despite our country’s opposition to hot weather. But which one tops the bill as the best convertible? Well, it’s got to be the Mazda MX-5, hasn’t it? I’m talking about the first-generation car here, as it set the tone for future MX-5s and, more than anything, features pop-up headlights – and what’s better than those? It was produced between 1989 and 1997 and was available with either a 1.6-litre or 1.8-litre petrol engine. The best thing about the MX-5 is the way it drives – it’s lightweight and feels nimble in the corners, while the steering is bristling with feedback, helping you to place it exactly where you want. It also benefits from double wishbone suspension at both the front and rear, which endows the MX-5 with proper sports car handling. You’d be hard-pressed to find a car as exciting to drive as this for such a low price. Which brings me on to the next positive associated with the MX-5 – the price. You can pick up these exciting little two-doors for around £2,000 today. In fact, if you’re willing to look past a slightly rough exterior, then an MX-5 Mk1 could be yours for as little as £1,000. That’s right – all of this fun for just a bag of sand. There are a few things to look out for, of course. Corrosion is one of the main ones. These things can rust like a nail in the sea. Check the sills and arches for any bubbling, and as usual I’d recommend having a gander at the brake discs and pads. The car’s drain holes need to be checked too, as these can fill with all manner of gubbins, causing water ingress into the sills. It’s a five-minute job to fix, but if a previous owner hasn’t done this in a while then it could lead to a much larger problem.
CONVERTIBLE: MAZDA MX-5 So what do you get for your money? Well, I’d argue that you’ll now have one of the sweetesthandling convertibles ever made on your hands, and one with very few drawbacks. Fuel economy, for instance, is great, and it means there aren’t too many negatives to dull your fun. It’s compact too, so it’s easy to park – so you won’t have to worry about taking it down to the shops at a moment’s notice. You won’t be
However, for the vast majority of the car you shouldn’t have too many issues – these convertibles are as tough as old boots. Even the electrics are remarkably headache-free – but that’s because the vast majority of components in the interior are pretty old-school. As an added bonus, replacement parts are pretty cheap, as a result of the MX-5’s vast production numbers.
The knowledge
Model: Mazda MX-5 | Engine: 1.6-litre, 1.8-litre petrol | Price (today): circa £1,000 (circa $1,300) | Produced from: 1989-1997 | Power: 115bhp/118bhp 26
Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
having to fork out a huge amount of cash for maintenance, either. And every time you attack a roundabout you’ll come out the other side with a massive smile on your face. I’d always say that if something looks too good to be true then it usually is. However, the MX-5, with its low running costs and excellent drive, could be an exception to the rule. With so few drawbacks, what are you waiting for?
Brit-built icon
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es, we’ve hit the top. Okay, so for some people a Volvo estate may be the ideal car for each and every day, but you can’t deny how exciting the all-out, full-fat supercar is – and they don’t get much more exciting than the McLaren MP4-12C. This was the first car to come from the newly formed McLaren Automotive, and boy what an entrance it made! It used exceptionally high-tech construction methods, born out of the brand’s findings in F1. For instance, the whole car was based around a lightweight carbon-fibre tub, which made it incredibly stiff – just what you want from a midengined supercar. Then there was the engine. The 3.8-litre twinturbocharged V8 produced 592bhp (later cars had this boosted to 616bhp), which thoroughly trumped its rivals of the time. And yet, thanks to a well-sorted suspension and a fair amount of visibility, it was easy to drive. It’s not very often that you get a car capable of hitting 200mph that is as easy to drive as a Ford Fiesta, but somehow McLaren cracked it. So why do I think this is worthy of this prestigious list? Well, not only was this the rebirth of McLaren after the incredible F1, but it’s also a relatively attainable used car prospect. I’m
not going to pretend the 12C is cheap to buy – you can pick up reasonable examples for around £80,000 – but given the amount of performance you get, that doesn’t seem half bad. The car in general is pretty solid in terms of maintenance. It’s starting to age a little, but most of the niggles that affected early cars have been ironed out by dealers by now. Certain aspects do need checking, but it’s all about the history. All cars came with a trickle charger from new, and it’s paramount that you ensure this is still present. The 12C features a high-tech lithium battery, and it’s located far into the car’s body to stop people trying to jump-start it. Double-check the interior for wear, but unless the car has had a particularly hard life there shouldn’t be much to report here. These cars can be prone to a little bit of corrosion underneath the bonnet too, so give this a going-over.
Get all those aspects checked, though, and you’ll be behind the wheel of one of the most exciting cars ever made. Okay, some questioned the car’s level of driver involvement – many people branded the 12C ‘cold’ – but you can’t fault the performance that it delivers. There’s even a drop-top ‘Spider’ version. You can pick up a decent example of one of these for under £100,000 now, and I’d argue that this is as low as they’re likely to go – whisper it quietly but this could well become a future classic. If you have the means, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed with the purchase. The general robustness of the 12C means that you shouldn’t be worrying about the car’s mechanicals all that often, leaving you to just simply enjoy it. And with close to 600bhp under your right foot, I can’t imagine you getting out of the cabin without a massive grin on your face.
SUPERCAR: MCLAREN MP4-12C
The knowledge
Model: McLaren MP4-12C | Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 | Price (today): circa £80,000 (circa $104,000) Produced from: 1989-1997 | Power: from 592bhp Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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Quiz
QUIZ.
h t u o m r o t o m My
Want to take me on with your used car knowledge? Well, now’s your chance. Put your petrol-powered brain to the test in my big quiz
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In Series 7 of Wheeler Dealers we made over two grand on a Bond Bug. How long was this three-wheeler’s shelf life when it was new? A 1970 – 1974 (Four years) B 1966 – 1971 (Five years) C 1973 – 1975 (Two years) D 1967 – 1973 (Six years)
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What was the name of my show where I took a look at military vehicles in Afghanistan? Mike Brewer: On The Frontline The Machines of The Military Frontline Battle Machines Mike Brewer’s Wartime Wonders
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We worked on a lovely Volkswagen Corrado VR6 back in Series 12 of Wheeler Dealers. How much power did it have? A 177bhp B 195bhp C 208bhp D 190bhp
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I love a good 911. Which was the last to have a pukka air-cooled engine? A 997 B 964 C 993 D 996
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My first car was a Mini 850. How much power did that little motor produce? A 46bhp B 34bhp C 39bhp D 28bhp
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Which legendary motorcycle race did I present on telly? Dutch TT Assen The Erzburg Rodeo Hare Scramble Isle of Man TT Daytona 200
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Which of these is a famous American auction house? A Barrett-Jackson B Goldman-Sachs C Shale-Hester D Horton-Bucks
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Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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When did Honda start selling its famous NSX in the UK? A 1995 B 1990 C 1993 D 1988
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Which car left us making a loss for the first time on Wheeler Dealers? Ford Capri Laser Toyota MR2 Mk1 Mazda MX-5 Mk1 Porsche 928
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Which Lamborghini was the first car to be built by the Italian firm? A Miura B 400 GT C Jarama D 350 GTV
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Which of these is a leading UK auction house? A Debenhams B Holland & Barrett C Bonhams D Woolworths
As a lover of rallying, I thought the world of the late Richard Burns. In what year did he win the World Rally Championship? A 2001 B 2003 C 1995 D 1999
As of writing, we’ve only broken even once on Wheeler Dealers. Which car was the culprit? A BMW M3 E46 B Renault Alpine A310 V6 C Lancia Delta HF Integrale D Honda S800
I love the Jaguar E-Type, launched in 1961, but when did the iconic vehicle finally go out of production? A 1975 B 1968 C 1973 D 1971
Speaking of the E-Type, how much do you reckon we made giving a 1973 V12 E-Type the Wheeler Dealers treatment in Series 8? A £5,060 B £2,410 C £4,444 D £3,122
Another classic British car is the Land Rover. When did the first example roll off the production line? A 1950 B 1944 C 1955 D 1948
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There are some other Mike Brewers out there – it’s a trendy name – but what is the other famous Mike Brewer known for? A Scientist B Violinist C Rugby-ist D Cricketer
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The Mazda MX-5 is superb. When did the original arrive on the road? A 1993 B 1995 C 1991 D 1989
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In which year did Honda start making cars? A 1950 B 1933 C 1963 D 1916
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What was the name of the motoring programme that I presented alongside Jason Barlow and James May on Channel 4? A Power B Speed C Motors D Driven
Worried you might have go t some wrong?
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Which one of these is the name of one of my shows? Auto Barn Car Guru Auto Trader Mike and Music
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What was the first car that we featured on Wheeler Dealers? Porsche 924 Morris Minor Toyota Land Cruiser Volkwagen Golf GTI
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Which one of these cars doesn’t have three wheels? Reliant Robin Peel P50 Isetta Bubblecar Hillman Imp
Turn to page 11 4 to see how you did
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Lamborghini now has the Urus off-roader, but what was the name of its previous, Humvee-esque 4x4 car? A LAX B Jalpa C F003 D LM 002
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Which car has made us the most dosh on Wheeler Dealers, with a mega £21,172 of profit? A AC Cobra B Austin Healey 3000 BJ8 Convertible C Porsche 911 Targa D Chevrolet Camaro RS
Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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ADVICE.
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Research the car
It may seem trivial, but you need to research everything you can about the car you’re looking at. Knowledge is power when it comes to buying from a dealer, and making sure you know everything about a certain model can make all the difference when it comes to picking one up. Often people walk into my showrooms and know more than my sales team, and that’s a good thing for the buyer! Be choosy too. Pick a colour, spec and engine and stick with that. It’ll put you in a far stronger position with a dealer if you know exactly which car you want, as well as all the information about it. Remember that dealers usually have a huge stock of used vehicles and access to a nationwide selection of cars.
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Choosing a dealer – franchised or independent
This is an important decision to make. Franchised dealers get first access to the latest cars and technology, and are therefore potentially better equipped at answering any questions you may have. In terms of aftersales and repairs, they have the manufacturer’s support too. They’ll also have a good selection of used vehicles that will have been well maintained in the main dealer servicing department. There is, of course, the option to buy from an independent dealer too. They might not have the ability to offer you different options of the model you’re looking at, but they will be keen to do a deal and will offer the back-up of a well-established business should things go wrong. Remember, you have more rights when buying from a dealer too.
Buying a car? Here’s how to Buying from a dealer
Buying from a dealer is still a mainstay option when purchasing a car. And being the original dyed-in-the-wool car dealer, I’ve learnt some tips and tricks along the way on how to get the very best result when trying to bag yourself a new motor. So sit back, relax and join Brewer’s School of Buying
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Upselling
You’ve picked the car, taken it out for a test drive and now you’re prepared to sign on the dotted line. But to reiterate, car dealerships are still businesses and designed to make a profit. Salespeople will likely offer options such as paint protection or extended warranties and this can bump up the price. Don’t discount them all, though, as some may be useful – but consider them carefully before agreeing to buy.
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Cash or finance
There’s a variety of ways to pay at a dealer. They can offer hire purchase, which sees you paying a deposit and repaying the remaining balance over monthly instalments. At the end of the payment term, you’ll own it outright. Then there’s personal contract purchase, or PCP. Here, you’ll pay a deposit followed by monthly payments, but at the end you’ll be offered a ‘balloon’ when you can pay off the remainder of the car’s value or return it to the dealer. And then there’s personal leasing. This is a good option if you’re planning on frequently changing your car, although you do have to usually stump up three months’ rental in advance, and there’s no option to buy it at the end of the deal. Or you could pay cash!
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Check them out online
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Pick your purchase time
Once you’ve picked the dealer you fancy, look through their online reviews thoroughly. You’ll be able to easily see how well they treat their customers and also how good they are at dealing with aftersales issues. You can’t beat good old-fashioned word of mouth either – asking friends, neighbours and relatives about a potential dealership can be useful too.
Believe it or not, you can get a better deal depending on when you buy. Dealers are often pressed to reach quarterly targets, which means the end of March, June, September and December could result in a better deal. It’s a small tip, but one that could potentially see you saving thousands of pounds off a vehicle if the purchase is timed right.
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Test drive
Check the stock
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Dealing with salespeople
When you step into a dealership, you’ll very soon be approached by a salesperson (well, at least you’d hope). Remain pleasant, but don’t forget why you’re there – to buy a car. Many dealers will look to gather information you let slip while chatting, so keep your information close. Stay pleasant and remain relaxed – it’s easy to make a bad decision or be talked into a certain model you didn’t want. Remember, buying a car is meant to be fun! It’s also worth remembering that dealers are there to make money, so don’t put in silly offers thousands of pounds under the asking price as it won’t work – they need to make some profit!
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Run a background check
Once you’ve seen a car you like then it’s time to get behind the wheel. The likelihood is that the salesperson will accompany you in the car, but don’t let that stop you from pressing all of the buttons and getting a real feel for the vehicle in general. Ensure that your test route features a range of different corners, roundabouts and road surfaces – and most importantly, check the car works for you.
Ask if there are any nearly-new vehicles available at the dealership. Often featuring delivery miles, these can be cheaper than a conventional used car, securing you a nearlynew motor for a fraction of the price. It’s an incredibly easy way to get a great deal on a used car – although you may have to make a slight compromise in terms of colour and specification in order to get your hands on one.
Yes, it may sound like a tactic used by James Bond, but running a background check on a used car can mean the difference between care-free motoring and a proper headache. Although many dealers will provide their own background check, it’s always worth doing your own. Should it flag up any issues, such as an insurance write-off, walk away – it could spell a whole heap of trouble on the horizon.
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Haggle
It’s an age-old process, but haggling remains just as crucial today as it’s always been. Even with used cars there’s always going to be a certain amount of wiggle room. You shouldn’t ever have to pay the full price for a car, and dealers are prepared for this. Go in strong and stick to your guns – it’s only the same as they’ll be doing. Remember, if you don’t ask you don’t get, so don’t be afraid to ask for free additions and discounts on servicing plans. The worst they can do is say no!
Warranties
If you’re buying a used car then a warranty can be a particularly useful thing to have. The dealer will offer you a statutory warranty for a few months, but you may want to think about extending it. Cars are complicated things and can go wrong. Look at the terms and conditions before buying, though, and maybe ask them to throw it in for free.
Don’t be scared of walking away
Remember, there are thousands of used cars available on the market and hundreds of dealerships too. There is always another car, so don’t be scared to walk away if things don’t feel right. Don’t be pressured into any deal either – the final decision is entirely yours, and if you don’t like the way things are heading, walk straight out of those doors!
Turn over to find out how best to buy privately Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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ADVICE.
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Buying from a private seller
uying a car from a private seller can be an exciting experience, with the process of tracking down your car and researching the classified adverts proving to be an adventure in itself. But it can be problematic too, as purchasing a car from a private seller leaves you with little fallback. If the car isn’t right then that’s on you – there’s no way you can return it. A car’s history is crucial when buying from a private seller. I always make sure I get a proper vehicle check done – there are plenty of companies that provide this service for a small fee. It’s worth doing to find out whether the car has a clean bill of health – or if it’s been written off or has outstanding finance. The difference that a few pounds could make is undeniable and should help take away any future headaches. When speaking with the seller for the first time, try to get as much information as possible. Getting an accurate picture of the car’s general maintenance and condition helps build an overall idea of its state. It should also save you time and money by preventing you from driving long distances to view a car that isn’t right in the first place.
If you do decide to go and check out a car, give it a look over before you first knock on the seller’s door. Feel the bonnet to check if the engine has been running – this could be a sign that not all is well with the car’s powertrain, as getting it up to temperature can hide a multitude of faults. When you first meet them, try your best to engage with the owner. They’re more likely to tell you more about the car if they’re relaxed – and if they’re positive about the vehicle then it’s likely that it has been well looked after. It’s amazing what a bit of small talk can do for both sides. It’s also paramount that you ask to see the car’s full history as well as its registration documents to make sure that all of the names and addresses stack up as they should. Now, it’s important to thoroughly check both the interior and exterior of the car. Look out for rust spots on the wheel arches as well as under the side sills of the vehicle. Open up the bonnet and look at the car’s dipstick to make sure the oil is fresh. Creamy gunge around the oil filler cap could mean a blown head gasket – and thousands in repair bills – so look out for this, too.
You’ll find out if they are a real enthusiast – if they are, the chances are they’ve looked after the car properly. 32
Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
You need to have your wits about you, so follow my advice to bag yourself a bargain! Look at the car’s interior as well – does it match the mileage? A battered, tired interior on a car with low mileage could raise suspicions of ‘clocking’ – manually reversing the car’s mileage to make it appear younger. If you’re happy with the car in all areas it’s time to make a deal. First of all, check the seller’s body language. Do they seem eager to sell? If so, it may be worthwhile pitching a low bid – you could end up getting yourself a real bargain. Once you’ve reached a price you both agree on, don’t hand over any cash until you’ve got the keys and, as always, if you have any doubts there’s nothing wrong with walking away. I always prefer dealing in cash with car sales, and for added peace of mind you can do the transaction at a bank – it’s better for both parties.
Turn over for top tips on buying at auction and importing
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Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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ADVICE.
Importing a car
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How to buy a car at auction
uying a car at auction can be a daunting prospect. It’s loud, the cars move thick and fast, and you’re never entirely sure what you’re getting yourself into. It can, however, be an excellent way to get a good deal on a motor that would otherwise cost a lot more – oh yes, there are bargains to be had here.
smoke from the exhaust pipe) and listen to the engine in action. Take a look inside; you’ll be able to see whether there are any lights on the dashboard, and don’t be frightened to ask the driver every question you can, eg, what does the clutch feel like? Ask them everything you can think of.
It’s a distinctly different process to any other way of buying a car, which is why I think most people steer clear of it, save for seasoned dealers. I have, therefore, assembled a few key tips to follow when going to buy a car at auction. If you follow these, there’s no reason why you can’t get yourself a great deal. Let me tell you, it’s one exciting way to shop for a new vehicle!
This is where you have to be strict. Auction environments are very exciting, and the price of a car can get away from you very quickly. You keep thinking ‘what’s another £100?’, and sooner or later the price creeps up. Just remember, when you bid another £100 you’re actually bidding £200, because someone else is going to beat you and you’re going to have to bid again. So always set yourself a price and stick to it – don’t be afraid to walk away. There’s always going to be another auction, and there’s always going to be another car.
Get there early
It’s crucial to get to the auction house early. It allows you time to go and properly look at the car you’re interested in and inspect it up close before it actually goes under the hammer. The car will be locked no doubt – so this is your moment to spend as much time poring over the bodywork as possible. Don’t be frightened to look underneath it, either, and check in all the nooks and crannies.
Set yourself a price
Get prepared for the car to move
At some point, that car has to move from where it’s being stored to the auction block. When it does, someone with a set of keys is going to turn up to drive it. This is your one and only opportunity to hear the car start, to watch it start up (look for blue
It’s crucial to get to the auction house early. It allows you time to go and properly look at the car you’re interested in. 34
Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
A
fter the options of buying a car via a dealer, privately, or at auction, there’s one more choice – importing. As long as you do your research on a specific car, there’s no reason why this has to be scary or intimidating. It’s important that you go and visit the car if you can. Although it may mean booking a flight and a hotel, it could mean the difference between getting a car that you’re happy with and finding out you’ve bought something completely different to what you expected. Before you sign on the dotted line, it’s worth finding out just how much it’ll cost to get the car to the UK, too. There’s import tax to consider as well as shipping and storage costs, which can all, very quickly, add up. You’ll also have to register the car and get it MOTed when it arrives. Getting yourself a reputable shipping agent can work wonders and make the whole process just that little bit easier. If you do get to see the car before it’s shipped, take as many pictures of it as you can, as this will give you some back-up in case it arrives with parts missing or – worse still – damage. Finally, make sure you’ve got a way of transporting the car to your house from the port it arrives at – since it isn’t registered, you won’t be able to drive it away.
With the internet, it’s easier than ever to find that special classic in another country.
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Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
OPTIONS.
Five optional extras I simply can’t live without Sat nav
Top of my list of must-have optional extras for your used car is a sat nav. It’s never pleasant shouting out of the window ‘Oi, mate, any idea where King’s Road is?’ With a built-in sat nav, that’ll be a thing of the past. Granted, most smartphones have decent navigation apps these days, but a proper manufacturer-fit sat nav system will be far easier to use. Plus, some will even warn you of those pesky fixed speed cameras, traffic jams and other potential hindrances. I think it’s worth navigating towards a car with one.
If you play the used car market right, you could end up with a deal on an absolute gem that makes you wonder why anyone ever buys new. However, the disadvantage of doing this is you don’t get to pick the exact spec of your car like you do with new models. That’s why it’s vital that you look out for used examples with a good selection of optional extras included. Here are five I think you really must have
Upgraded sound system
I love my tunes as much as the next man and these days you’ll be hard-pressed to find a car that’s like listening to the Top 40 through a wall. Even budget cars have half-decent basic sound systems and speakers, but music junkies like me should hunt down a used vehicle with upgraded kit. Manufacturers do cater for this, and some models out there on the used market have improved sound systems fitted to them, often designed by big music industry names such as Sony, Harman Kardon or Bang & Olufsen. Opt for a used car with such a system and you’ll be treated to aural ecstasy.
Climate control
The days of poverty-spec wind-up windows are long gone - now if you want cool air, you don’t have to open a window, you simply press a button instead. The vast majority of cars, except for a handful of very basic-spec models, feature air conditioning as standard now. However, the more advanced option of climate control is even better. Instead of just blowing hot or cold air in your face, climate control uses a computer with sensors to maintain a stable temperature inside the cabin. Far nicer, in my opinion.
Autonomous driver aids
Although autonomous features are still at the cutting edge of in-car tech and are only usually on the latest high-spec models, there are used cars out there that have them fitted. Such features are usually aimed at enhancing safety. Autonomous emergency braking can help you avoid a collision, lane keep assist prevents you from straying across the lines, and adaptive cruise control not only lets you keep a constant speed without having your foot on the accelerator, but it also uses radar technology to detect vehicles ahead and adjust your speed accordingly. I love them all, and so will you.
Connectivity pack
With the range of connectivity features in cars having dramatically increased over the years, there are now so many useful bits of kit that you may want on your next purchase. Fortunately, a lot of manufacturers offer a selection of these in connectivity packs, which can be added to a new car. These include features such as Bluetooth, digital radio (DAB) and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Bluetooth lets you connect your phone to your car, meaning you can wirelessly play music, as well as take calls. I especially like CarPlay, which puts a Siri assistant in your car that you can tell what to do! Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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ADVICE.
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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Be honest and accurate
It might sound obvious – but always be honest. If you don’t understand a question you’re being asked online or it’s not clear, call them to ask. Mistakes on your policy could invalidate it, but also by giving more information you could save money.
Top 10 tips to get the best insurance deal There’s one thing that every used car owner needs if they want to enjoy their precious vehicle on the road, and that’s insurance. But hard-to-judge values, modifications and the complexities of classic and enthusiast cars can confuse things. We’ve spoken to Lancaster Insurance, a specialist in the field, and they’ve given me some top tips for getting the best deal
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Everybody’s vehicle is different
It’s easy to go online and tick the options in front of you, but we know that when it comes to classic and enthusiast vehicles, every car and owner is different. We suggest you chat to a specialist broker, like Lancaster Insurance, where you can speak to a like-minded operator over the phone and go through your circumstances in detail. More often than not, you’ll get a better deal!
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Go to a specialist
Try to avoid using an aggregator, as while it can seem a lot easier, it’s impossible for them to offer all of the deals that are available. By speaking to a specialist who understands classic and enthusiast cars, you can get a much better deal, and you know that everything you need is included in the policy too.
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Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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Assess your mileage carefully
It’s a common mistake made by car owners – so think very carefully about how many miles you’re doing each week before putting down your average mileage. More often than not, people overestimate and that may increase the overall cost.
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Tell them about car club membership
If you’re a member of a car club, that’s great! With a lot of clubs you will get a discount, but being a member also shows that you’re passionate and care about your car and that can help your insurance premium too.
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Your car doesn’t have to be old to be a classic
It’s a common misconception that a car needs to be very old to be a classic and therefore eligible for classic insurance. In fact, more modern cars can be put on a classic policy, dependent on usage and circumstance, and can be looked at on a case-by-case basis. It’s another reason to get on the phone and check if your beloved motor can be covered and enjoy the same benefits!
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Reassess your value each year
With values changing year-on-year, make sure you have the best cover and best price for your car. Check how much your vehicle is worth every time you renew. It could be worth a lot more, so make sure your agreed valuation is correct.
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Don’t let your policy expire
No one wants to get stuck in a fix by letting their insurance policy lapse. Try to ensure that you do not let your cover expire after 12 months. This will ensure that the price you have been quoted for the renewal is valid, as it may contain a continuous cover discount.
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Check you’ve got the right benefits
There are plenty of benefits available with a classic and enthusiast insurance policy, so always make sure you have the right ones for you. To ensure you get the true value for your car should the worst happen then make sure an agreed valuation is in place. Similarly, if you like to display your car at shows, you’ll need to ensure you have the right cover in place, as some event organisers will require proof.
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Is your car unusual or modified?
Unusual cars can be difficult to find online, and if it’s particularly rare or modified, the details may not be on the system. The easiest way to make sure your exact car is covered correctly is to call and give them all of the details. You also want to make sure it’s covered properly just in case the worst should happen!
Call now 01480 220149 or visit lancasterinsurance.co.uk Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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ADVICE.
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Look after the car throughout ownership
This shouldn’t come as a surprise, but the better a car is looked after the more it’ll be worth. It may sound obvious, but you wouldn’t believe how many cars I’ve seen sell for a fraction of what they would have if they’d simply been looked after. Make sure you clean your car frequently. Not only will this make the car easier and quicker to clean in the future, but it will also look generally better, with no etchings being left by tree sap or bird excrement. Applying spray wax regularly will aid this. It’s also wise to ensure you stick to your car’s servicing schedule.
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Value the car
When selling a car, it’s vital that you know how much it’s worth. This allows you to work out what you expect to get for it and how much a customer is likely to want to pay. The easiest way to do this is by using an online car valuation site. There are plenty of websites to choose from and it’s usually a free service, so get a few quotes and work out an average figure. The best of these sites will not only take into account your car’s spec level and mileage, but will also ask you about the condition and even allow you to input exactly where any issues, damage or wear and tear are. It’s a great starting point for a sale.
Prep your car for sale
I may be a car sales veteran but I know how daunting it can be trying to flog a motor, especially if you’ve never done it before. The trick is to be organised and follow a logical procedure
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Check fluid levels and tyre pressure
Although it comes under general maintenance, we can’t reiterate enough the importance of making sure your fluid levels and tyre pressures are correct before selling a car. If a prospective customer turns up and notices that one of these isn’t as it should be, it will be a sign to them that the car hasn’t been looked after properly. Let’s face it, checking these things are basics so what else could have been missed? If you fail to keep a close eye on these aspects, you risk knocking the confidence of those who would otherwise buy your car.
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Decide how to sell
When it comes to the method of selling your car, you have quite a few options. The most obvious is to create a listing on an online vehicle marketplace where customers can see pictures of your car and read a detailed description. Interested parties can then contact you via phone or email and you go from there. Another option is to use an auction site, where you may get lucky if a bidding war starts, but this of course runs the risk of you not getting quite what you hoped for. If you really can’t be bothered with all the fuss, you can always take your car to a dealership or ‘buy any car’ site, but be aware that you’ll get less for it.
40 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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Have the car cleaned
While cleaning your car regularly is a good idea, you need to do something more substantial when it comes to the pre-sale wash if you want your pride and joy to stand out in adverts and in the metal. Going to a local car wash and handing over a £20 note will get you a basic valet service, where the inside and outside of your car will be given a thorough clean, which is a good option for those on a budget. If you can stretch to it, it’s worth getting a professional job done, where your car will be meticulously cleaned. This can cost from £30 to £500! Top tips on cleaning your car inside and out, p42
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Have the car detailed
If you do go to a professional valeter, it’s a good idea to ask about their detailing service. This is where the valeter really gets into the nitty gritty, focusing on the finer details of the car and removing scratches, scuffs and marks to get it back into concours condition. On a more expensive model or a low-mileage example, this will pay dividends when it comes to resale value. This process can take a long time, though, so allocate at least a whole day to it. The results you’ll get at the end will make a huge difference – and could push the price up considerably.
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Dent removal
Another aesthetic point, but it’s worth remembering that dents can significantly reduce a car’s value. Many buyers simply can’t see past them and it will put them off. There’s a service called paintless dent repair, or PDR, which allows dents to be ‘pulled’ away from a car’s bodywork using specialist tools. This doesn’t always produce perfect results, but it is a highly cost-effective way of smoothing out any visual nuisances on your vehicle. Search online for a professional near you who can do it properly and it could make a big difference to how quickly you sell your car.
Get an MOT
An MOT is a certified document that proves your car is roadworthy, so it’s best to have one that isn’t coming up for renewal. Your car might be perfectly fine, but if the MOT is coming up it gives buyers a haggling point – and you don’t want any of those! If your car is on a statutory off-road notice (SORN) or doesn’t have long left on its MOT, that may be a sign to buyers that there’s something wrong with it. Your best bet is to take the car along to a garage and get the MOT done, sorting out any advisories as well and making sure the vehicle is in top condition. Cars like this sell quicker.
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Collate the paperwork
What with the likes of V5 certificates, servicing log books and warranty documents, there’s a lot of paperwork to go with your car – and buyers will want to see it. It may be a faff to collate all this but it really is a necessity – not just for legal purposes but also to prove to prospective buyers that the car has been well looked after. I often take pictures of the documents and show them in the advert to prove I have them all too. It’s easier if you keep all of these documents in a file for easy access so you can hand it over to the new owner when you sell the car.
Empty the car of belongings
Whether it’s a coffee cup in the cup-holder, a packet of chewing gum in the door pocket or a pile of coats on the back seat – get it out of there! Not only does it look bad to have a messy car in pictures, but prospective buyers who come to look at and test-drive your car do not want to have to wade through piles of rubbish to see the detail. If you’re selling, you’re going to want to get your possessions out eventually anyway, so you might as well do it now. A tidy car gives a good impression, too.
Next up: How to clean your car inside and out like the pros Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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ADVICE.
Here’s the BEST way to A dirty car won’t sell. People can’t see past the muck and grime so you need to clean it properly and do it yourself. Here’s how I do it
N
ow, when I say to you ‘what’s the best way to wash your car?’, what do you think of? The likelihood is that, for most of us, getting a car cleaned means breaking out the bucket and sponge and a hosepipe. Maybe, if we’re feeling particularly snazzy, we’ll push for some wax to help the exterior shine. However, over the years I’ve come to realise that cleaning a car is far more than that. Gone are the days of the sponge, replaced by high-tech microfibre cloths and snow foams. Using these latest processes means you can get your car into showroom condition without too much effort – but it’s all about knowing how to make each and every part of the vehicle gleam. Fortunately enough, I’ve had the lowdown on how to get your car as shiny as possible, and I’m willing to divulge this information. Once you’ve read this, you’ll wonder why you’ve been cleaning cars in the ‘traditional’ way for so long. Oh, and before you ask, no, it’s not my Ferrari that we’re cleaning...
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Get it wet
A pre-cleaner can come in the form of a snowfoam used with a pressure washer – or a diluted all-purpose cleaner. Spray it on, leave for several minutes and then wash it off. The idea is to remove as much dirt as possible before you even touch the car.
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Wash top to bottom and in straight lines
It goes without saying that the most dirt lies near the bottom of the car. To avoid rubbing it around, clean the top areas first. This means the roof and windows first, and sills and mudflaps last. Cleaning in straight lines will mean fewer swirls in the paint too.
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Don’t let the car dry itself
Don’t ever let a car dry on its own; instead, use a microfibre towel to dry every surface as you go, being very careful to wipe up any drips coming from panel gaps and from wing mirrors.
42 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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Pre-cleaning is the way forward
Never, and I mean never, wash a dry car. It must be wet for the best results. Ideally, use a pressure washer, but I know that not everybody has access to one, so at the very least use a hosepipe with a nozzle attachment to wet the car first.
Make those wheels gleam
Clean wheels make or break the cleanliness of a car so don’t overlook them. Specialist cleaners and brushes can both be used, but provided that your wheels aren’t too filthy, they aren’t always needed. Here’s a great use for that old sponge – use this alongside your regular exterior shampoo to clean the wheels.
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Add a bit of protection
There’s nothing quite like giving a clean car a once-over with some spray wax. It will remove leftover water marks while adding a layer of protection – allowing for an easier clean next time. It also makes the car look extra glossy.
wash your car
3
Bin that old sponge
You probably have an old sponge lurking at the back of your shed, but for the sake of your paint, bin it. In short, sponges mean swirls – horrible-looking wash marks that detract from the look of your paint – so never use them. Instead, use a wash mitt, made from either lamb’s wool or microfibre.
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Never use washing-up liquid
Washing-up liquid is for dishes, not cars – so don’t use it. It contains bleach and ammonia that break down the wax on the paint, leading to dull paint, and in extreme cases it can even lead to the paint cracking. Dedicated car shampoos should always be used instead.
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Yes, you probably only own just one bucket, but I’d recommend investing in a second. The idea is that you have one filled with clean water and the other with shampoo, and don’t mix them. Dunk the mitt in the shampoo, clean the car, then rinse it in the clean water and repeat. It sounds extreme but it’s worth it.
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Two buckets
Never let suds dry on the car so rinse them off straight away. Cleaning and rinsing section by section tends to work best, I find.
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Don’t forget the tyres and glass
Finishing touches are important, and while there are too many to name, the glass and tyres are the basics. Clean the glass using a good-quality glass cleaner – although steer clear of household types, as these won’t give the quality shine that you’re after. Applying tyre shine also makes a huge difference and is easy to apply.
Grit guards are small plastic guards that sit at the bottom of the bucket. They trap the dirt, meaning you can’t reach it with your mitt, which results in less paint marring. They’re certainly a worthy investment.
The sun is your enemy
The sun is a pain when it comes to car cleaning, so be very careful about not letting water dry on the car and be quite picky about when you choose to wash it – aim for the shade whenever possible. Though it may be tempting to go out and clean your car on a hot day, it’ll make the whole process an awful lot trickier. And no one likes hard work!
Suds away
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Use grit guards
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Throw the chamois away
It’s probably ingrained in your memory that a chamois towel is a good way to dry a car – it was in my car dealer days – but this is no longer the case. Chamois towels can trap any dust or grit left on the car, leading to light scratches. Plush microfibre towels are what you should be using because of their deep pile.
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All done!
And there you have it: one extremely clean car. I’m adamant that the finished look will be better than if you’d taken the car to a local wash, and you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve completed it all yourself. Plus, you know these techniques for next time – and the products used will last for many more washes to come, saving you money overall. What’s not to like?
Now turn over to find out the BEST way to clean the interior Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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ADVICE.
Now it’s time to tackle Wotsits, bits of kebab and chocolate get everywhere – at least they do in my car. Here’s how I tackle my ingrained interiors
I
know that when people check out a car, they mostly check out the outside. And I’ll happily admit, having a gleaming exterior is important. However, the bit you’ve actually got to live with is the interior, and that’s why I thought we should look at how to make the cabin of your car as clean as possible. I’ve seen countless cars with interiors like the inside of a dustbin – coffee cups, crisp wrappers and all manner of detritus strewn across the floor and seats, and you know what? It just doesn’t look good. And if you’re trying to sell a car that looks like the inside of a McDonald’s car park bin, I can tell you now – it isn’t going to happen...
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Clear rubbish
The first step is to empty it of any rubbish, whether that be unwanted receipts, sweet wrappers or empty bottles. Whatever it is, just take a carrier bag and fill it with anything you no longer need.
I’m a firm believer that even cleaning your car out and giving it a quick going-over with a vacuum can make the world of difference, but if you really want your car’s interior to look tip-top, then you need to go a little deeper than that. Fortunately for you, I’m here to help – so here’s my guide on how to make your car’s cabin look factory-fresh.
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Pedals
Next the pedals: an area many overlook. Wet the pedals and get a damp stiff brush and extract the dirt. It’s amazing what hides on them.
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Doors
Don’t forget the door and boot shuts. If these are soiled it’s best to clean them with soapy water and dry them, but if there’s only light dirt you can do this with some interior cleaner. 44 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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Remove the mats
One of the main errors most people make is not taking the mats out of the car when cleaning it. While mats are great at covering the floor, bits of dirt and stones always get trapped underneath. Take the mats out!
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Interior trim
Time to tackle any trim. On any soiled or muddy plastic, use general cleaner (I like diluted Koch Chemie Green Star, but there are plenty of others around). Spray it on the affected areas and wipe off a minute or so later.
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Glass
Glass is important too. To avoid streak-free glass, use a dedicated car glass cleaner and glass cloth for the best results.
the interior...
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Vac attack
Clean the mats outside the car. Take them in the house or lay a blanket on the ground and put the mats on it. It sounds picky, but there’s absolutely no point going to the bother of cleaning a mat if the underneath is covered in stones. They’ll just end up back in the car!
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Vac attack: The sequel
Next, thoroughly vacuum the entire car. Move the seats backwards and forwards to access all areas and try to get down the side of them too, where a lot of dirt gets trapped. Try to get in every nook and cranny if you can.
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Clean surfaces
Spray an interior shampoo/cleaner on all fabric surfaces (including the mats) and scrub to extract any dirt. Wet vacs – that extract dirt by machine – can be used, but are only really needed for heavily soiled interiors.
Clean leather
Leather next. Use a leather cleaner (Autoglym leather cleaner is my go-to product) and spray on the surface. Use a damp cloth to scrub, before leaving a few minutes and wiping away any remaining residue with a clean, dry cloth. For particularly dirty areas, like steering wheels, use a leather brush to help.
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Vac to the future
It might seem like a faff but go around and give the car one last vac – it’s amazing the dust you’ll have picked up from the interior when you’ve properly cleaned it.
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Trim cleaner
Time to tackle the rest of the car. Use a trim cleaner/dressing to go over any plastics – the door cards, dashboard, cup holders and dash buttons. Spray this on a cloth and wipe over, before removing any remaining product not long after with a new clean cloth. You can even use special interior brushes to help extricate any dust that gets trapped in areas such as air vents and in between buttons.
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Replace mats
Put them back in.
Freshen up
Air fresheners aren’t liked by all, but if you like the smell of pine forests, put in a freshener to help the car smell, well, like a tree.
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You’ve finished!
I’ll admit it takes a bit of time all this, particularly if you’ve got a very grubby car to work with. However, with a bit of that all-purpose elbow grease, there’s no reason why you can’t get your car back up to tip-top standard in no time at all. This is a great process to follow if you’re planning on selling your car. A gleaming interior can make all the difference to a potential punter, so make sure you follow these steps if you want to make the best possible impression. You won’t regret it – and you might even sell it for more. Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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ADVICE.
My top 10 selling tips Selling your car can be a daunting experience. You’re dealing with advertising and buyers, both of whom bring with them scary unknowns. However, selling your car doesn’t have to be a worry – not, that is, if you follow my top tips here
1
Take high-quality photos
If you’re selling your car online, not only does it need photos but they also need to be good – really good! I honestly couldn’t tell you how many terrible pictures I’ve seen in listings. The first thing to do is make sure you’re using a decent camera. It doesn’t have to be some mega-expensive kit – a modern smartphone will do. Make sure you shoot in landscape (ie, wide) and that the camera is focused. Get loads of shots of the exterior and interior.
2
Write a good advert
Once your prospective buyers have had their eyes caught by your magnificent photos, you need some sparkling copy to really get them hooked. Be very precise and clear about all the details. Don’t use any language abbreviations, and keep your spelling, grammar and punctuation correct – it’s amazing what puts prospective buyers off. Make sure you mention the number of owners the car has had, what condition it’s in, its service history, mileage and key equipment. Detail is key.
3
Make sure test drives are insured
When people start responding to your advert and turn up to look at the car in person, they may want a test drive. This is all well and good so long as you make sure it’s legal! You can’t just let anyone jump into your car and drive off, even if you’re with them – you have to be certain they’re insured. Their own insurance policy may cover them to drive other people’s cars third party, which is perfect, but if not don’t let them get behind the wheel.
46 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
4
Haggle
Assuming you’ve worked out what the car’s worth, I recommend you pitch your initial price slightly above that figure. Once the punter inevitably tries to lower the price, be flexible. Come down to the car’s actual value and see how they respond. If they say yes, great – if not, don’t panic. Find out what they’re willing to pay and go from there until you find an agreeable sum. If you can’t reach a deal with a customer, don’t sell for the sake of it.
10
9 Don’t part with the keys
This is a key thing to remember – if you’ll excuse the pun. Until the deal is done and the money is successfully in your account, don’t let the keys out of your sight. It may sound silly and trivial, but I’ve heard of so many car thefts that took place while the owner wasn’t looking, or even while they’d temporarily left the car to swap seats during a test drive. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Get on board with the test drive
As well as ensuring that any potential buyer is insured to take your car on a test drive – as I mentioned earlier – it’s in your best interests to accompany them on a drive. I always do this – it just gives you that added confidence that nothing is going to go south during the deal. Don’t worry, you’re not being over-protective or picky – jump in the passenger seat and ride along. You can then answer any questions they may have as you cruise around.
8
Have your documents prepared
There’s nothing to put a potential buyer at ease quite like a stack of paperwork on the car. Even the little things – receipts for new tyres or wiper blades – show that you care about the car and this is likely to inspire confidence in the buyer. A glowing history speaks for itself – be proud of it and let the buyer have a good nose through it if they so desire.
7
Remember, there’s no pressure
When it comes to selling a car, you’re in control. This means that if you don’t feel comfortable, or you’re not happy about settling the deal then you don’t have to. There is no issue whatsoever in walking away and keeping your keys. Don’t give into any pressure that a potential buyer may be putting on you. At the end of the day, it’s your car and you have the final say on the deal.
5
Be honest
If there’s one piece of advice you take away from all this, it’s be totally, absolutely, 100 per cent honest at all times. Don’t tell any porkies or try to cover anything up in the online listing. If there are any problems with the car – minor or major – mention them, photograph them and explain to what extent they apply. When a potential buyer turns up to look at your car, answer all their questions as fully as you can and with complete transparency.
6
Taking payment
The easiest way to get paid is by online bank transfer. It’s quick, safe, and you can see straight away when the funds clear. Next, there’s the age-old cash option. This is still a viable way of getting paid, but I’d advise that you do the handover at a bank. Doing this means the bank staff can check the notes – both that there are enough of them and to ensure they aren’t counterfeit. If I’m honest, this is my preferred way. Finally, always produce a receipt for the purchase.
Turn over to find out my favourite places to sell cars all over the world Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
47
ADVICE.
USA
In terms of the easiest place to do a deal, I’d have to say the USA. It’s where I’m currently based and it’s so easy because the people are very much in your face about what their cars are. They don’t hide any damage like we do in Europe either – in the USA they take pride in that. It’s amazing! They’re very open and honest about what you’re looking at, and it’s really refreshing.
Mexico
I’ve bought and sold many cars in Mexico. It’s a wonderful place to do business. Again, it’s another completely car-obsessed nation, and it’s home to some extremely honest people. They’re really open about their cars – they talk to you about them like they’re a member of their family. In Mexico, the car is like a child – they tell you absolutely everything about it. It’s lovely!
Norway USA UK
Brazil
I really enjoyed buying cars in Brazil. It’s exciting for a number of reasons. One of them is that they’re completely obsessed with cars – they love them! Secondly, their cars tend to come with a lot of honesty, so again they won’t disguise the fact that their car has some damage. It makes the whole process simpler – you know exactly what you’re buying.
Germany Mexico
Brazil
My top 10 selling locations I’ve bought and sold cars here, there and everywhere. It’s true, variety is the spice of life and this certainly applies to car buying, too. Even though I’ve been to all manner of countries in search of a deal, these countries stand out for me – even more so than the cars I bought there
48 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
Italy
Norway
Buying cars in Norway feels a bit more like it does in the UK. It’s very much ‘here’s the car, here’s how much it is’ – they don’t tend to embellish much when selling a vehicle. They’re also less open about a car’s history than the South American countries too, so you do have to be a little more on your toes in that respect. Plus, it’s a lot colder than California, brrrrrr!
UK
Obviously the UK is another one of my great buying locations – I really know the market here. There’s something to be said about the politeness of doing a deal in the UK. If you buy a nice car from nice people and in a nice location, it can be a very orderly and polite way to purchase a vehicle. I say buying a car from the right person is as important as buying the right vehicle.
Germany
Germany is an excellent hunting ground for used cars. The one thing you need to know about buying a vehicle here is that it will be in pristine condition. They’re efficient, the Germans, and they do like to keep their cars clean. Most of the cars I’ve bought in Germany don’t need any valeting or servicing at all – even if you’re buying them from people’s private driveways.
Japan
Italy
This is one of my favourites – and not just because I love pizza and pasta! I ended up buying a Ferrari on the banks of Lake Como in Italy – and it doesn’t get more iconic than that! You’re standing there, in front of a Ferrari 348, and you’re on the shore of this amazing lake with the sun beating down – it was absolutely incredible! The car was pretty good too...
India
Australia
India
Once again, I was completely out of my depth here – it was a shocking experience. When I was there I bought an old Suzuki that had broken lamps and was generally in a bad state of repair. I had every intention of fixing it up, but the advice I had from the car dealers was not to touch it! It just needed to be sold as it was, because whoever bought it wouldn’t care what condition it was in!
Japan
I was completely out of my depth when I went to a car auction in Tokyo. They don’t translate anything into English, so you have to learn Japanese very quickly or guess! You don’t know whether a car has been crashed or repainted, and during the auction you have to press big buttons like on a Nintendo. It was really terrifying, but exciting. I managed to make money there, though!
Australia
It’s amazing buying and selling cars in Australia. It’s a fantastic part of the world, and the car culture down there is quite different to anywhere else. The car ownership is different too – it’s very much about having a car that’s utilitarian, which is why they have their ‘utes’. They also like their comfort and speed. I love the Australians’ honesty, too, and their ‘mate’ culture.
Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
49
ROAD TEST.
What is it? In terms of hot hatches, there are few that do it quite so well as the iconic Peugeot 205 GTI. It’s known as one of the best cars of the segment – and it’s not hard to see why. Sharp to drive, yet usable on a daily basis, it summarises everything you’d want from a performance hatchback. When it first arrived in the mid-1980s, it was met with critical acclaim from all angles – people just loved the thing. In truth, I loved it too. Underneath the bonnet (in the early cars, at least), was a zingy little engine, and it perfectly complemented the nature of the car. This car is all about feel, and boy does it feel good. And then, when you dialled things back and stopped driving like your hair was on fire, it became a usable, easy-to-live-with hatchback. You could take it to the shops, or give the kids a lift to school in it – I even knew people who had one as a company car! Put simply, the 205 GTI covered every base – and this is likely why it was quite so popular and remains so even today. Demand for these little pocket rockets is incredibly strong these days and prices seem to increase year-on-year.
What’s it powered by? The early cars used a 1.6-litre petrol engine with around 105bhp. Power was sent to the front wheels via a neat little five-speed gearbox, and the sprint to 60mph took around eight seconds. In truth, you could probably go quicker in a modernday Fiesta, but that’s not the point. This was later boosted to 115bhp. Then Peugeot upped the ante by introducing the more powerful, more serious and my personal favourite 1.9-litre version. This put out more than 120bhp and benefited from disc brakes on all four corners, as opposed to the disc and drum combination on the 1.6-litre. It was a far more grown-up affair, and although many people loved the extra power, the peppy little 1.6-litre seemed to win the hearts of many. That said, the 1.9-litre did get part-leather seats rather than cloth. Luxury! The Peugeot 205 GTI had some serious contenders to deal with – I’ll get to those in a minute – but it 50 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
weighed into battle with an impressive armoury. It’s a firecracker, that’s for sure – both in terms of performance and looks.
How are values today? In case you haven’t noticed, the values of 1980s-era hot hatches have somewhat skyrocketed. Whereas a few years ago you could have picked up a Mk1 Golf GTI or Fiesta XR2 on the cheap, now you’ll struggle to get one for under £5,000. The Peugeot 205 GTI is no exception. You’ll be looking to spend around £8,000 for a halfdecent example that may need a little bit of work.
Even high-mileage cars are commanding serious money, and if you’re after a car that is in pristine condition then you could be seeing prices of around £20,000. One recently went at auction for £35k! But then, getting your hands on a 205 GTI is an investment. However, these aren’t cars to be kept locked up in a garage – they deserve to be used regularly, as they were designed to be.
What were its rivals? When the first 205 GTI entered the market back in the late-1980s, it did so alongside a variety of other
If you’re after a GTI in pristine condition you’ll pay £20k. One recently sold at auction for £35k!
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t o e g u e P 205 GTI MY USED CAR HEROES
If there’s one thing the French can get right each and every time, it’s a hot hatch. This is my favourite one – the Peugeot 205 GTI. Small, nimble and exceptionally lightweight, it’s an utter joy to drive. It’s why it’s easily one of my top used car heroes
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capable rivals. First and foremost, there was the all-conquering Volkswagen Golf GTI. Now into its second generation (MkII), the GTI was building on a wave of success generated by the first incarnation. Another rival – this time from the same homeland as the Peugeot – was the Renault 5 Turbo. A clever package this one, it could hit 60mph in a similar time as the 1.9-litre Pug despite having a far smaller engine, thanks to turbo technology. It also looked special, with square proportions giving it an aggressive style despite its compact nature. Prices for these cars are exceptionally strong at the moment too, with clean examples changing hands for in excess of £30,000. There was also the newly released Ford Fiesta XR2i. This boasted 14bhp more than the outgoing XR2, and although it couldn’t quite keep up with the Peugeot in terms of handling, it more than matched its French rival in the performance stakes.
Anything to look out for? Although the 205 GTI was relatively bullet-proof
mechanically, there are still some areas you need to check if you’re planning on buying one. The GTI’s engines are quite strong but need regular servicing to stay that way. Timing belts especially can let go if not replaced at proper intervals. Bushes can fail on high-mileage cars, but this is pretty routine. The biggest area to look out for is the bodywork. It’s quite susceptible to rust, particularly in areas such as the boot floor and wheel arches. The bottoms of the doors can be eaten away too, along with the battery trays. Be thorough when looking the car over – it could save you quite a few headaches in the long run. As mentioned, later 1.9-litre cars benefited from a partleather interior. Although these look good, the seat bolsters can be quite prone to wear, but this can be repaired relatively easily. Replacement parts aren’t particularly easy to find, and although certain companies do produce spare components, these aren’t cheap whatsoever – so bear this in mind whenever you’re looking at a potential purchase.
The knowledge Model: Peugeot 205 GTI Engine: 1.9-litre naturally aspirated petrol Price (when new): £9,835 (circa $13,340) Price (today): circa £8,000 ($10,500) Produced from: 1984-1994 Power: 126bhp Top speed: 127mph
* Insurance quote Quotes are based on a 45-year-old male, second vehicle. It’s garaged, covers 3,000 miles a year and in an SP2 postcode. He has no claims or convictions, is a club member and is employed as a marketing manager. Disclaimer: Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may vary between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. An additional charge may be payable.
Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
51
CLASSICS.
Bag a future classic I liken spotting a future classic to a dark art – some people say they’ve got a way of telling which cars will increase in value, while others are happy just to take a punt and hope for the best. I think I fall somewhere in between the two. I’d like to think that I’ve got a keen eye for an appreciating vehicle, although at times you have to go with gut instinct alone. Here, I pick a few that I think will gain future classic status 52
Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
VOLKSWAGEN UP! GTI
I
’m going to start with a car that’s still on sale – because I’m that confident the VW up! GTI is so good it’ll one day become a future classic. Spotting a car that’s currently on sale that’ll achieve this enviable accolade is never easy, but this is one that won’t have to cost the earth. The little pocket rocket has all the right ingredients to be a future classic. It’s small, relatively affordable and wears that all-important GTI badge. When first released, the waiting list was close to nine months long, and it’s not hard to understand why – the up! GTI offers a corking drive as well as genuine day-to-day usability. What’s not to like? You need only look at the prices being asked for classic Golf GTIs to see which way this little car’s values are heading. Of course, they’re likely to dip for a little while – the up! GTI is still a new car, after all – but after that time I’m sure they’ll start driving on up, and this is why you need to get your hands on one. It might be sensible to see if you can find a nearly-new one so you’ll save the first bit of depreciation that happens the minute you drive a new car out of the showroom. Make no mistake, though, this isn’t a quick car. Volkswagen claims that it’ll hit 60mph in 8.6 seconds before reaching a top speed of 122mph, which isn’t all that fast in anyone’s book. But you see, the numbers aren’t the
The knowledge
I think you’ll see these trading for big figures in around 20 years’ time. main aspect of this little car – it’s all about the experience. You’ve got to keep the momentum up if you want to make quick progress, and this is where all the fun is found – it’s like driving your first car again. Many have called the up! GTI the spiritual successor to the original Mk1 Golf GTI, and in many ways that’s true. It weighs a similar amount, and its compact 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine packs just as much as the old car’s too. Yes, that ‘electric’ feeling of connection between man and machine may not be quite as present in the modern GTI, but it’s still bristling with energy and excitement – just what I want from a compact sports hatch. If you can get hold of one in red, I’d thoroughly recommend it – the up! GTI looks fantastic in this colour and evokes the spirit of the original. It is, however, easy to get swept up in the comparisons to the older GTI, but the up! is very much a proper car in its own sense. I know that there are no safe bets in the future classics game, but this up! GTI feels as close to one as possible – I really do think that you’ll see these trading for big figures in around 20 years’ time.
Model: VW up! GTI | Engine: 1.0-litre 3-cylinder | Price (today): £14,000 (circa $18,400) | Produced from: 2018 | Power: 113bhp
T
he Saxo VTS has been tipped as the next big appreciator among the French, non-special edition hot hatches. Now, I say non-special, but that’s not to say that this Saxo is lacking in charm. Far from it. The 118bhp hatch was light, nimble and handled incredibly well indeed. It was also one of the definitive poster cars of the Max Power community – more so than any other car on this list, which means finding an unmodified one is extremely difficult. That’s where I’d start first – try to find a clean, unmolested version and you’ll be on to a winner. I’d also be sure to check for any crash damage – cars like these were hugely popular among boy racers, which is why you’ll often see bent examples. The interior, although a little low-rent, should be tidy too. They are still available for less than £3,000, although there aren’t too many out there at all. I’ve seen several pre-facelift models – the one to have if you can find one – go for decent money
on eBay, but they rarely come up for sale. I’m worried that demand is already beginning to soar and is pushing prices up in the process. That 16v engine is remarkably sweet, and because of the car’s low weight it’s more than enough to get the VTS up to speed in a smart fashion. It’s got a similar ethos to the up! GTI – keep the weight down and the fun high. It’s another example of why outright power isn’t the be-all and end-all, and how a short gearshift and front-wheel drive can be all you need. Double check for usual maintenance such as cambelt changes and oil replacement, which should both be performed regularly. I wouldn’t advise going for high-mileage examples (the engines fitted to the VTS did tend to give up over 100,000 miles), but if it’s been cared for and maintained well then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t nab it. As with all used cars, if it doesn’t feel right then just walk away.
That said, both are a lot of fun to drive and shouldn’t cost the earth when it comes to maintenance either. You can pick up a replacement engine for under £500, for instance. All that joy for less than it costs to add air conditioning to a new Porsche? Pretty good value, I’d say. Get in on this French pocket rocket while the prices are still rock bottom – and let me know if you find a good one!
Don’t be tempted to go for the less sporty VTR either. VTRs outsold the VTS by about 10:1, so they’re far more common and less collectable.
CITROEN SAXO VTS
I’m worried that demand is already pushing prices up.
The knowledge
Model: Citroen Saxo VTS | Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder 16v | Price (today): £4,500 (circa $6,000) | Produced from: 1997-2003 | Power: 118bhp Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
53
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54 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
CLASSICS.
BMW 1 SERIES M COUPE
I
bet you all remember the Z3M Coupe, right? The iconic ‘bread van’ is a cult classic, and they’re trading for some pretty hefty figures right now – which is why you won’t find one in this list. More recently, there has been the M2 – a lightweight, shouty coupe with plenty of punch and a distinct keenness for going sideways. But there was a special car in the middle, and that would be the 1 Series M Coupe. It was never meant to be a proper project. Engineers at BMW’s M division knew that there wasn’t enough budget to properly develop a new fast coupe, which is why the 1M was created in an undercover, weekend-mechanic kind of way. It’s 55 millimetres wider than the 135i, with wide, flared arches that would look more fitting on a rally car. Underneath the bonnet sits a silky turbocharged six-cylinder engine with 335bhp and power is sent to the rear wheels via a proper, old-school manual gearbox. It’s the drivetrain dreams are made on.
you can – it may sting when it comes to handing over the cheque, but you’ll be rewarded with one of the very best compact sports cars to come from BMW. There are a couple of aspects to check before you sign on the dotted line, though. One is the tyres. This little, snappy BMW is notoriously tail-happy, so it’s paramount that you check that all four bits of rubber are in good condition. If they have been replaced recently, ensure good-quality tyres have been fitted – budget options could turn driving the 1M into a slightly scary experience, and I certainly wouldn’t have the bravado to deal with it. You shouldn’t have too much trouble with rust, though, as cars of this generation suffered little with the problem – but it’s always good practice to give key areas such as the arches and sills a ruddy good going-over.
The 1M was created in an undercover, weekend-mechanic kind of way. As a result of using components from the E90 M3 as well as the regular 335i, the 1M is pretty much bullet-proof in terms of reliability, and replacing any worn-out parts shouldn’t be too costly an experience, thanks to an abundance of spares. If you do decide to go for the 1M, don’t hang about – prices are rising every day and they don’t look like they’ll slow down any time soon. However, make sure of one thing – don’t put this car in the garage and leave it there. It’s a motor deserving of being driven hard every day!
The interior wasn’t leagues away from the regular car’s, but features such as sports seats, a smattering of ‘M’ badges and a sports steering wheel helped elevate the cabin (well, a little bit). But it wasn’t over-dazzling with trinkets and technology, it just offered up a spot-on driving position and few distractions from the job of actually driving it. In terms of a used purchase, the 1M makes a lot of sense. Thanks to relatively few coming into the UK at launch, it’s remained quite depreciation-proof – and prices are only likely to increase even further. Therefore, get in while
The knowledge
Model: BMW 1 Series M Coupe | Engine: 3-litre straight-six | Price (today): £43,000 (circa $56,300) | Produced from: 2011-2012 | Power: 335bhp Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
55
CLASSICS.
PORSCHE CAYMAN
T
he first-generation Porsche Cayman sits in a similar category to the BMW 1M in that at its core is lightweight, frenetic driving with as few intrusions to water down that experience as possible. This is about driving purity – the sort you feel through your fingertips and the seat of your pants. When it was first released back in 2006, the Cayman used much of the same components as the soft-top Boxster, albeit with the addition of a fixed roof. It was initially released with a fivespeed auto and a six-speed manual – although Porsche’s seven-speed PDK automatic was added later on. A sonorous 3.4-litre flat-six engine, which was fitted in the middle of the car, was used on Cayman S models, while a less powerful 2.7-litre came in the base car. Both were extremely vocal and rewarded you for revving. I’d still argue it’s one of the best overall packages to come from Porsche, and prices for the original are starting to climb.
If you’re planning on buying an earlier model, then make sure you start the engine from cold and listen out for any rattles at idle – this could be a faulty intermediary shaft bearing, which if left to its own devices can completely total the engine – not ideal, I’m sure you’ll agree. As a result of sharing many parts with the Boxster, the Cayman is pretty solid in terms of build quality elsewhere, but it’s worth having a quick gander at the front air intakes, as thanks to their location they can easily become blocked with stones and other gubbins.
If you do find yourself a clean, cared-for example then you’ll be rewarded with one of the sweetest-driving cars imaginable. There’s something so spot-on with the Cayman’s feel; its pedals are perfectly placed for heel and toe, while the driving position is one of the best.
Inside, you shouldn’t have too many issues to look out for. The usual seat bolster wear on highmileage cars could be a sign of a tough life, so keep an eye out for this. It’s also worth checking that both the front and rear hatches operate correctly, so get pressing those buttons inside!
I think of the Cayman as a proper ‘baby’ 911 – it really does offer the experience you get with its larger brother. The added bonus is that because of the Cayman’s compact size, it’s a better proposition on a daily basis and you needn’t worry about parking spaces or narrow lanes.
As time has worn on, these Caymans have become better and better value. I’d still opt for the larger-engined, more powerful S version – although the base model is still a hoot to drive. The Cayman was facelifted in 2009, giving it a fresher exterior look – along with more performance in both base and S models.
The knowledge
Model: Porsche Cayman, Cayman S | Engine: 2.7-litre flat-six, 3.4-litre flat-six | Price (today): both models from £12,800 (circa $16,800) | Produced from: 2006-2012 | Power: 245bhp, 290bhp (pre-2009) 56 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
I think of it as a ‘baby’ 911 as it offers the experience you get with its big bro.
MERCEDES-BENZ C63 AMG
W
ell, well, well, what do we have here then? The C63 is easily one of the most iconic cars to have been spawned by the partnership between Mercedes and AMG, and this was mostly down to its incredible 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine. This car is a bit like a thug in a smart suit – the sort you see on the doorsteps of most courtrooms or guarding the entrance to a seedy nightclub. To the untrained eye, it looks relatively close to a regular C-Class, yet give the throttle even the remotest prod and all hell breaks loose. Even early cars packed more than 450bhp, while that soon increased to well over 500bhp. It was available as an estate too – perfect for taking the family and the dog on a breakneck adventure. But what made the C63 quite so special? Well, there were a number of factors behind that. First, it’s so understated in regular form that it can sweep under the radar. Second, it’s practical – after all, it’s based on a C-Class, so that means you get a decent boot, space for five inside and plenty of cubbies for all of your odds and ends. Finally, it’s one of the best-weighted sports saloons (or estates, for that matter) around, and rewards you each and every time you get behind the wheel. Yes, it may only do 23mpg on
a good run, but you’ve got to expect that from a big, heavy V8 engine. It’s a solid reminder of why big engines in relatively compact cars make so much sense, and it was certainly one of the first ‘mainstream’ models to become properly popular. It was quite the sales success, too.
performs better in the C63 – so try to use that and close your eyes when paying for it. Ensure there’s plenty of meat left on the tyres and look out for any kerb damage – the alloys are quite soft and are quite prone to buckling, which is a costly repair to do.
But why do I think it’s a future classic? Well, prices are pretty competitive at the moment. You can pick up a decent, medium-mileage example now for about £25,000, and that seems like a bit of a bargain to me, given the amount of performance you get. Of course, low-mileage, more powerful versions are still trading hands for considerable amounts – but that’s not the case in general.
Interior-wise, you may be left feeling a little disappointed if you’re after cabin excitement. The C63 shares much of its interior architecture with the regular C-Class, and although that means it’s not got as many high-quality trinkets as rivals do, it’s still a great place to be.
So what should you look out for if this tickles your fancy? The engine is relatively trouble-free, but ensure that it’s not losing oil and that it has been serviced regularly. It’s also quite picky about which fuel it uses – premium unleaded
The C63 is one hugely entertaining used car. Look for general wear and tear, make sure it’s been cared for, and there’s no reason why this V8 can’t give you years of enjoyment.
It’s like a thug in a smart suit – the sort you see on doorsteps of most courtrooms.
The knowledge
Model: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG | Engine: 6.2-litre V8 | Price (today): circa £25,000 (circa $33,000) | Produced from: 2008 to 2014 | Power: 450bhp Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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CLASSICS.
L
ightweight French hot hatches are gems of the motoring world – and that’s why this is the second to appear in my future classics list. The RenaultSport Clio, in either 172 or 182 form, is well worth considering as a hot hatch investment because, quite simply, they’re utterly brilliant cars to drive. Good examples can be found for around £3,500 and while there’s a surprisingly high number of unmodified examples out there, a couple of different UK racing championships have seen an influx of new builds based on the RenaultSport models in recent times. In 10 years, though, there’ll be fewer out there – so keep one safe now and I’m convinced it’ll pay you back later. It’ll never be anything close to the 205 GTi in terms of market value, but it will be a metric tonne of fun and will certainly return you some profit in the future. Thanks to its use of a lot of standard Clio parts, the RenaultSport is relatively cheap to run and parts can be replaced with little outlay. Body panels aren’t costly – so fixing car park prangs or minor damage certainly won’t cost the earth. The RenaultSport Clio offers up everything
you’d want from a small, compact hot hatch. It’s easy to drive daily, and will handle a run to the supermarket just as easily as one around Brands Hatch. The steering, gearbox and brakes are all bristling with feedback, and this means there’s a great connection between driver and vehicle – something I always look for. Keep your eye out for hard-core Trophy versions of the Clio. These added a beefed-up suspension to the mix and aren’t as common as the regular RenaultSport. If you’re after the best prospect for an investment, then opt for these – you don’t see all that many coming up for sale, which only goes to show how sought-after they are. Of course, these aren’t as comfortable on a day-to-day basis as their softer-riding stablemates, but if you’re a keen driver or one planning on heading out to the track frequently then this is the one I’d recommend. If you fancy yourself as a RenaultSport Clio owner, then there are a few things to look out
RENAULTSPORT CLIO
The knowledge
Model: RenaultSport Clio 172, 182 | Engine: 2.0-litre | Price (today): circa £3,500 (circa $4,600 | Produced from: 2001-2006 | Power: 172bhp, 182bhp 58 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
This was a gem when released and it’ll only get better as time goes on. for. Crash damage or poorly repaired cosmetic work can mean that the car has had a hard life, and although panels are relatively inexpensive it could mean more extensive damage elsewhere. Check the brakes too; these should feel firm and almost tricky to depress – a soft brake pedal could mean replacements are needed soon. The RenaultSport Clio was a gem when it was first released and it will only get better as time goes on. I love the 172 just as much as the 182 – but if I was buying I’d probably go for the latter as it’s got a bit more power. As I mentioned, prices are respectable and probably as low as they’re likely to go – so get in now while you can!
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CLASSICS.
NISSAN GT-R R35
T
here are few people who have an interest in motoring who haven’t heard of the Nissan GT-R. Arguably one of the most technology-laden vehicles around, it’s a stark contrast to the vast majority of cars on this list – but it’s one that I feel deserves its place here. You see, whereas the likes of the RenaultSport Clio and Porsche Cayman are all about nimble handling and sharp steering, the GT-R offers up sledgehammer performance and otherwordly acceleration. Head to the internet, type in ‘GT-R’ and it’s likely you’ll be swamped by videos showing the car demonstrating its famous launch control system. This car feels like it can rearrange your internal organs with little trouble – yes, it’s that quick. The tyres of the car were famously filled with nitrogen as it doesn’t expand like oxygen, while the engine was completely hand-built in Japan. It’s an exceptionally intricate car and, as such, picking a used one can be a little bit tricky. However, be careful and research hard and it’ll be a rewarding process – believe me.
Performance Centre, of which there were only a handful in the UK. Given the age of the cars now, it’s likely that most models have been serviced at specialist workshops, but look out for this Nissan-specific servicing early on in the car’s life. As the years went on, the GT-R’s power output was increased – although as you can imagine, an early model is still brisk. It’s worthwhile getting the ECU read in order to see how many times that car’s launch control has been used – if it’s been launched time and time again, then you could be in for some costly bills in the future, even if all appears fine and dandy now. GT-Rs require regular maintenance, so ask to see all of the car’s service bills – there should be stacks of them if it’s been looked after properly. A big thing to check is the car’s bonnet. Ensure that this lines up properly – it’s got a pedestrian safety system underneath it which, if
Now, even early cars could hit 60mph at a snip over three seconds and a top speed of 193mph – this is serious performance. That handbuilt engine is capable of enduring a lot of stress too, but it’s worth checking for an NHPC history – this means it’s been serviced at a Nissan High
The knowledge
Model: Nissan GT-R R35 | Engine: 3.5-litre V6 | Price (today): £43,000 (circa $56,400) | Produced from: 2007-present | Power: 478bhp (base spec) 60 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
It’s got a cult following and supercar-slaying performance. activated, can cost £10,000 to replace. Ouch! The GT-R may not be a car to everyone’s taste – it could be a little too boy racer for some – but if you’re after performance that will see pretty much any car on the road left in your wake, then hunt one down. So why is it in this list? Well, relatively few of them were sold here. Add to that a cult following and supercar-slaying performance and you’ve got the recipe for a future classic. Just make sure you check yours over carefully before buying.
I
couldn’t sort this list without mentioning the Civic Type R, could I? Honda’s iconic hot hatch is one of the best-value performance cars around, and used examples make for an exceptionally tempting proposition.
The EP3 kicked things off and spawned a line of ultra-focused, extra-exciting hot hatches the likes of which I’d never seen before. When new, this little pocket rocket produced just shy of 200bhp from its 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine, sent to the wheels through a wonderful manual gearbox. Now, some cars ask little of their drivers. Most modern cars are relaxing, comfortable and feature a host of modes to take some of the strain out of driving. But oh no, not the Type R. That engine requires you to work it hard in order to get the best from it, but this is one of the fundamental joys of this gen Type R – it’ll gladly return everything you put in. Make the effort and you’ll be rewarded, I guarantee you that. Honda does, of course, have an excellent reputation for reliability in all of its cars, and the Civic Type R is an extension of that. That said, there are still some aspects that need doublechecking. For instance, the bushes and ball joints can be prone to wear in hard-driven cars, and it needs perfect alignment in order to drive correctly – make sure this is spot-on.
Be wary of a car that has been modified. I always tend to walk away from cars that have been obviously meddled with, so if it’s been lowered, tinted or given some silly aftermarket exhaust, it’s well worth giving a wide berth. Not only do the standard cars look better, it’ll save you countless headaches further along the line. When Honda replaced the first-generation Type R, it did so with a car that was fundamentally worse. The second gen was ever so slightly slower than the original, and in my eyes it didn’t look half as good. Sometimes it’s hard to repeat a winning formula, and it’s why the EP3 features on my list – it’s one of the very best cars of its type. In a similar vein to the RenaultSport, though, you’re not going to be treated to an award-winning cabin. In fact, the front seats are mounted higher than you’d expect, while the gearstick springs out
HONDA CIVIC TYPE R (EP3)
at you like an umbrella handle. That said, it’s within easy reach, so changing gear becomes an instinct almost immediately. You do also get some excellent Recaro bucket seats and these completely fit the Type R’s performance aesthetic. They’re also bleeding comfortable. Now, you might be able to bag yourself a Civic Type R for under two grand and that might be tempting, but it’s likely that these are pretty battle-worn and rough around the edges. Look to pay a little more if you’d rather get a lowermileage Type R in better condition. Also, check the tyres – budgets usually mean that the car has, funnily enough, been run on a budget and therefore won’t have been as kindly kept as other examples.
This iconic hot hatch is one of the bestvalue performance cars around.
The knowledge
Model: Honda Civic Type-R (EP3) | Engine: 2.0-litre | Price (today): £4,000 (circa $5,200) | Produced from: 2001-2006 | Power: 197bhp Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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CLASSICS.
I
’ve included a foolproof guide to Aston Martin elsewhere within this glorious publication, but I couldn’t not include the DB9 in this list of future classics. The model that marked Aston’s return to form may be getting on a bit now, but that doesn’t stop it from being an exceptionally attractive used proposition. I certainly know I wouldn’t mind travelling around in a low-slung, V12 GT car! You can pick up one of these British icons for as little as £35,000, which I think makes them the bargain of the century. Of course, you’re actually going to be paying for the upkeep of a £100,000 supercar – so this is something well worth remembering. Prices do seem to be dropping still, so you could easily bag yourself a bargain here. And I don’t think it’ll be too long before they start rising. A full service history is paramount. There are no cheap aspects of the Aston, and you’ll be facing big bills if you have to replace pretty much any part of the car. The silky V12 should be just that – any knocking or odd noises should be taken as a warning sign, and the oil level needs to be spot-on, as these engines don’t like being run low on lubricant.
The main reason I’ve included the DB9 in this list is because of everything it encompasses. It marked a new start for Aston, which had been struggling for many years. It appeared as a big jump forward from the older DB7, and was a precursor to a whole new wave of stellar Astons. When it was first launched it packed just under 450bhp, which was later increased to nearly 470bhp. You’ll see 60mph in just 4.7 seconds in the less powerful version, which is still pretty brisk. Few drivers opted for a six-speed manual, instead choosing a six-speed auto – so if you see a manual, jump on it as these are likely to hold their value even more. Clutches need to be replaced every 20,000 miles, so ask to see receipts for this work. The DB9 was also offered with a Sports Pack that firmed up the ride which, although aiding the car’s cornering ability, also reduced comfort levels. Make sure you take it for a drive to make sure it’s for you – if you’re after a more comfortable ride,
ASTON MARTIN DB9
The knowledge
Model: Aston Martin DB9 | Engine: 6.0-litre V12 | Price (today): from £35,000 (circa $46,000) | Produced from: 2004-2016 | Power: 450-470bhp 62
Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
Driving one will mean you’re a step closer to being James Bond. then I’d opt for the regular suspension. The door handles are a little prone to corrosion too – so get up close and personal to check for this. In all, I very much doubt you’ll be disappointed after buying a DB9. It’s a proper prestige vehicle after all, and one that’ll likely draw admiring glances from all those near to it. Yes, there are some risks involved in running a car like this, but if you can accept these then you’ll be rewarded with a silky, all-premium driving experience. What’s more, driving one will mean you’re a step closer to being James Bond – and who wouldn’t want that? The name’s Brewer, James Brewer...
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ROAD TEST.
0 0 0 2 S a Hond MY USED CAR HEROES
My word, I love the Honda S2000. It’s lightweight, nimble and impressively powerful too. The engine is a real firecracker, and the short, snappy gear change is exactly what you want from a sporty drop-top. It gained a bit of a reputation early on for being a handful to drive, but it has matured over time and become one of Honda’s most well-regarded models
What is it? The Honda S2000 is one of the most iconic roadsters of all time and was produced from 1999 to 2009 – proving itself immensely popular during the entirety of its production run. But what makes it so special? Well, the engine is crucial with the 2.0-litre, naturally aspirated petrol lump producing 237bhp – but I’ll come back to this a little bit later. What I really love about the S2000 is its sheer simplicity. You’ve got a lightweight motor up front, a manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive and that’s about it. If you’re after a proper sense of driver connection, then this is the car for you – you don’t feel like you’re sitting in the car so much as wearing it. Honda really thought about connecting the car and driver when it made the S2000. Yes, it may feel a little old-school compared with today’s modern sports cars, but it’ll still crack 60mph in 6.2 seconds and hit a top speed of 150mph. Though that may not sound that fast – the modern diesel VW Golf is capable of similar figures – the way the S2000 delivers its power is utterly intoxicating. I can’t get enough of driving it!
What’s it powered by? As I mentioned, the S2000 has a 2.0-litre engine plonked under the bonnet. In fact, it’s actually set back a little further than you’d expect – this is to give it perfect 50:50 weight distribution. Power is sent to the rear wheels via one of the best six-speed manuals in the business – it’s an absolute joy to use. It’s all about that VTEC performance, of course. Low down in the rev range, the engine feels like it’s barely doing anything at all – you’re almost fooled into thinking that the S2000 is a bit of a damp squib. But keep your foot in, and as the revs build 64 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
so too does the excitement. Make sure you keep them building and you’ll be rewarded – don’t worry, the valves aren’t going to come bursting out of the bonnet, even though it may sound like it. You then completely rethink the way you drive; you want to keep that engine on song the whole time, so you only change gear when the engine is utterly crying out for it. It’s an amazing experience, and it makes you realise just why the S2000 proved so popular over its lifetime.
How are values today? Prices for the S2000 are relatively affordable today. Ensure that any car you’re looking at has been well cared for, and that the tyres and brakes have been looked after to ensure trouble-free running. In fact, you should be able to pick one up from around £4,500 (circa $5,900) – though this is likely to be a relatively high-mileage example. Add around £3,000 ($3,900) to that for an even smarter version. You’ll look to pay quite a lot more than that for a special-edition model, while prices for secondgeneration facelifted models will be a little bit higher too. That facelift brought a fresher exterior look and implemented some pretty radical changes to the suspension. Honda revised the chassis extensively, and this made it far friendlier to drive than earlier models. One thing I would say is that S2000 prices seem remarkably stable, with plenty
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of examples holding their values well. It means that if you do take the plunge and buy your own iconic Honda, then you shouldn’t see much of a drop in value – which makes it an even more appealing prospect, I can tell you!
What were its rivals? When the S2000 came out in the late ’90s and early 2000s, it did have a number of rivals to go up against. There was the all-conquering Porsche Boxster which, despite being in its infancy, was delivering a premium sports car experience alongside knockout looks.
The way the S2000 delivers its power is utterly intoxicating. I can’t get enough of driving it!
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Yes, it may not have been the fastest Porsche out there, but that badge alone was enough to get people flocking to their nearest dealership. You also had the curvy and stylish first-generation Audi TT. It was available both as a hard-top and a roadster, with both proving incredibly popular. It wasn’t that practical, though, but that didn’t stop this icon from flying off the forecourts. BMW’s Z3 has gone down as one of the best-todrive around, particularly in the case of the larger, more powerful six-cylinder versions. That said, the smaller-engined versions weren’t all that exciting to drive, but they still packed the same retro styling of the more potent versions – which was good enough for some people. The S2000 had more than enough competitors in the roadster segment, that’s for sure. However, thanks to its decent price and involving drive, it could keep its head held high – even against the likes of BMW and Audi.
Anything to look out for? The bad points with the S2000 are rear tyre wear and poor suspension. It’s got quite short suspension travel, and the rebound – over the course of time – gets knocked out. The large tyres are expensive to replace, too. They can be a little susceptible to rust as well, so if you’re looking at a model make sure to check right underneath the sills and arches, and keep an eye out for any bubbling paintwork. Honda didn’t do a thorough job when sealing the underneath of the S2000, so it’s quite prone to rusting – I’d check to see if the previous owner has applied any new sealant to the underneath of the car. One of the key things to check is the roof. Ensure it raises and lowers properly, and that there aren’t any rips or tears in the fabric. All in all, there shouldn’t be too many issues with the S2000 – but doing a couple of simple checks can make the whole world of difference to a used car ownership experience.
The knowledge Model: Honda S2000 Engine: 2.0-litre, petrol Price (when new): £27,730 (circa $43,700) Price (today): circa £4,500 (circa $5,900) Produced from: 1999-2009 Power: 237bhp Top speed: 150mph
* Insurance quote Quotes are based on a 45-year-old male, second vehicle. It’s garaged, covers 3,000 miles a year and in an SP2 postcode. He has no claims or convictions, is a club member and is employed as a marketing manager. Disclaimer: Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may vary between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. An additional charge may be payable.
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66 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
LISTICLES.
The weird stories behind car names
Toyota Yaris
Have you ever wondered where car names come from? I know I have. Vehicles across the board have all featured weird names from various different sources, and I’ve had a little look into what inspired them. This list reveals the stories behind the names – some that we see all the time, and others that are a little less common
Let’s start with a common one. Yaris is a combination of words from Greek mythology and German. In Greek, ‘Charis’ is a singular form of ‘Charites’, which refers to goddess qualities such as charm and beauty. However, the clever people at Toyota swapped the ‘Cha’ for ‘Ya’ – how the German word for ‘yes’ is pronounced – in a nod to the reaction they hoped the compact hatchback would get.
Kia Cee’d
Bentley Bentayga
Chevrolet Camaro
Hyundai Ioniq
Nissan Juke
SsangYong Rexton
The Kia Cee’d is a name created by abbreviation – hence the punctuation horror. The Europeanmarket-only hatchback was the first built at Kia’s first plant on the continent, in Žilina, Slovakia. To celebrate, Kia combined the abbreviation for the former European Economic Community, CEE in some areas, and European Design. That meant three ‘E’s, which looked odd, so an apostrophe replaced the last ‘E’ but it’s now been ditched.
The Hyundai Ioniq might look like a car that has driven head-first into a plastic recycling factory but it does bear a well-thought-out name, especially for one packing electrification across its range. The first part of the car’s moniker is derived from ion, as per the lithium-ion battery that the South Korean vehicle uses for power. This was combined with the term ‘unique’ and – voilà! – you get Ioniq. Clever stuff from the Far East.
Now, when I first heard that Bentley was calling its new luxury SUV the Bentayga, I wasn’t sure whether it had just plucked some letters from a hat to add to the end of ‘Bentley’ or not. But that isn’t the case. The big SUV actually owes its name to the ‘Roque Bentayga’, a rocky peak near the village of Tejeda on Gran Canaria. Yep, I thought that was weird too, and it doesn’t stop it looking like an Audi Q7 with expensive bits stuck on it.
The Juke’s name is actually a pretty simple one. All you need to do is look at the word ‘jukebox’ to see where it comes from. This was used because it is synonymous with ‘youthful freedom and daring’ – at least that’s what one dealer told me. Sounds like poppycock to me, but with that in mind I’m looking forward to the release of its successors, the youthful Nissan Fortnite, Nissan Instagram and, for the younger ones, Nissan Happy Meal.
Camaro is one of the most iconic names out there – bringing with it visions of driving fast around American side streets. Chevy originally attempted to pass it off as a word found in a French-English dictionary that meant ‘friend’. Others claimed that its Spanish definition was a ‘small, shrimp-like creature’ – which doesn’t sound quite as good. However, after a while Chevrolet finally came clean, admitting it was completely made up.
The SsangYong name itself has an excellent translation – it means ‘Double Dragon’ in Korean. How great does that sound? I love dragons. The term Rexton, meanwhile, is a mixture of English and Latin. The Latin ‘rex’ and English ‘tone’ are combined to make the name, which is intended to mean ‘the ruler’s tone’. It’s a regal name, that’s for sure. Is it a regal car though? I’m not so convinced... Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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ROAD TEST.
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The Mk1 Golf GTI has to be the most iconic hot hatchback of all time and it’s spawned a legacy lasting decades. But why is it so enduring? Let me explain... What is it? The VW Golf has been around since 1974, but it wasn’t until 1976 that Volkswagen pulled its finger out and got cracking on a performance version. The legend goes that some dedicated engineers created the GTI as an after-hours project, then presented it to bosses, who gave it the nod. And the resulting GTI lasted until 1983. By that time, more than 450,000 had been produced. But what made it such a success? Well, that’s down to Volkswagen perfecting the hot hatch recipe right from the very start. The Golf GTI was compact, it was practical, it was cheap to buy and run, and above all it was a hoot to drive. You can spot GTIs by a few details – red pinstriping around the front grille, a chin spoiler and fantastic tartan upholstery are the main visual changes. They’ve all become icons in their own right, and almost every GTI since has come with the option of these visual tweaks to mark them out as serious kit. Early Mk1 GTIs command a pretty premium today, and you’ll have quite the job finding one that hasn’t been ragged to within an inch of its life. But if you can get your hands on one, keep hold of it – it’s still one of my favourite cars to drive and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
What’s it powered by? By modern standards, the Mk1 GTI isn’t exactly overendowed with power. The rorty little 1.6-litre motor pushed out just 108bhp and was married to a fourspeed manual ’box to begin with. A five-speeder was introduced in 1979 and in 1982 the engine’s size was increased to 1.8 litres. That means if you want a really early four-speeder, you’ll have to opt for lefthand drive – RHD examples didn’t appear until 1979. Regardless of which size of engine it’s fitted with though, the GTI can pull up its skirt and get going. It’ll easily keep up with modern traffic, but you’ll have a lot more fun reaching your top speed than any of that sorry lot around you in their Vauxhall Astras. At 840kg, the Mk1 GTI is lighter than even the most featherweight VW now – the up! – and that pays dividends for performance. With a 0-60mph sprint of around nine seconds and a top speed of 110mph, it’s no pocket rocket by today’s standards, but preserving momentum in the corners is half the fun. And it handles like a dream. 68 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
VW Golf MY USED CAR HEROES
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The knowledge Model: Volkswagen Golf GTI (Mk1) Engine: 1.6-1.8-litre petrol 4cyl Price (when new): £6,500 (circa $11,600) Price (today): £2k-£15k (circa $2.6k-$19.7k) Produced from: 1976 Power: 108bhp Top speed: 113mph
* Insurance quote How are values today? Plenty of Mk1 GTIs sold, but like many ’80s cars, cheap construction and poor rustproofing were their biggest enemies and fewer than 500 remain in roadworthy condition today. As such, you’ll need to shell out a fair amount for a decent one. Expect to pay around £10,000 for a tidy GTI and upwards of £5,000 for a project. Anything cheaper than that is likely to either be a wreck or a shell – or both. Hard-tops tend to command higher prices than the Karmann convertibles. The most desirable? That’s those built between ’79 and ’82 – models with the five-speed gearbox but still with the 1.6-litre engine. They’re as rare as hens’ teeth, though, so prepare youself for a long old search. Make sure you’re buying a genuine GTI too – those shady auction sites are full of pseudo-GTIs built on the shells of standard Golfs.
What were its rivals?
GTI
The German VW’s main rivals were the cars our dads absolutely craved – namely, the Ford Escort XR3 and Vauxhall Astra GTE. They were both desirable things, but neither could match the GTI – they were heavier, with a worse power-to-weight ratio, cost more and arguably weren’t as much fun as the VW. These were the days when German cars were built properly, too, and a well-looked-after Golf today feels more solid than any Ford or Vauxhall of the same era. It’s remarkable, considering both of these cars were launched a generation after the Mk1 Golf. If you’re buying today, you’ll probably be crossshopping the VW with another hot hatch icon – the Peugeot 205 GTI. This came along later and was more advanced than the Golf, while its brilliant handling is totally legendary. It’s a tough choice between the two, that’s for sure.
Anything to look out for? Shelling out the cash for a tidy GTI might work out cheaper in the long run than buying a rotter and fixing it up. Luckily, the mechanicals are as simple as they come, and parts are easily available and well priced. As with anything ’80s, rust is your biggest enemy. Body panels are easily replaced but it’s not as easy for structural panels such as the roof,
Quotes are based on a 45-year-old male, second vehicle. It’s garaged, covers 3,000 miles a year and in an SP2 postcode. He has no claims or convictions, is a club member and is employed as a marketing manager. Disclaimer: Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may vary between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. An additional charge may be payable.
the rear pillars or the bottom of the windscreen surround. Check carefully! As for the engine, it should have had its oil and filter changed at least every 5,000 miles or risk wearing out the valves. Fuel-injected models are pretty robust but check that they tick over nicely from cold. The biggest difficulty is finding interior trim for these early cars. If you want a car with a gorgeous, factory-spec interior you’d better buy one from the off – retrimming a tired interior can cost a fortune.
WIN A VOLKSWAGEN MK1 GOLF GTI – YES, REALLY!
Now you’ve read all about the first-generation Golf GTI, here’s your chance to actually get your hands on one. That’s right – you could be the proud owner of this icon of hot hatches! My friends at Lancaster Insurance picked up this beauty a little while ago. It’s in great condition, in fact it’s a minter. To win it, head to the Lancaster Insurance website at lancasterinsurance.co.uk/winacar/entryform fill out your details and accept a call from one of their team members. I think that’s a pretty fair trade! Be quick, though – the competition ends on Friday, November 30, and the winner will be announced in December.
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BEST PORSCHES EVER
MY FOOLPROOF GUIDE TO...
PORSCHE From the beautiful 356 to countless ultra-successful racing cars – and, of course, the 911 – the story of Porsche takes in a long list of mega motors that inspire loyalty and enthusiasm from fans across the globe. Let me walk you through the Stuttgart hall of fame Brand history I’ve always been fascinated by the lively history of Porsche, from its pre-Second World War days of vehicle design to its post-war arrival as a sports car specialist. The company’s story starts with Ferdinand Porsche – a clever chap and gifted engineer who was born in what is now the Czech Republic. His first flirtations with car production were at the Austrian Jakob Lohner & Co factory, which had been best known for building coaches for royals. Porsche joined to build the electric ‘Mixte Hybrid’ of 1901, which was powered by a Daimler internal combustion engine and electric motors. He was then recruited by Austro-Daimler in 1906 to be its chief designer, leaving in 1923 and hired soon after by the firm that would become Daimler-Benz. A stint at Steyr Automobile, which he joined in 1929, ended in redundancy because of the Great Depression, and Porsche opened a consulting firm in Stuttgart for vehicles and engines in 1931, working on Nazi tanks and the ‘people’s car’ that went on to become the Volkswagen Beetle.
What made it famous? After the war, Porsche set about building his own car – the 356. Built on a tubular chassis, the early models shared a lot of mechanicals with the VW Beetle, but the design gradually distanced itself from its Love Bug brother as the years went on. Of course, the 911 would be the real moment of truth for Porsche. It arrived in 1963 and was briefly known as the 901 before receiving its now-legendary permanent moniker. The 911 proved to be one of the defining sports cars of the decade following its launch, cementing the status of both model and marque. Even before the 911, Porsche’s roots in motorsport were being exploited. He had helped 70 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
design innovative pre-war Grand Prix cars for Auto Union and so once he had his own manufacturer to play with he went racing. Porsche focused on the motor racing arena, with Le Mans the crown jewel of that scene. An overall victory wouldn’t come until 1970, but since then it has now won the famous event 19 times. I imagine it isn’t too sore about the wait... Thanks to the iconic 911 and a motorsport pedigree good enough to define any brand on the planet, Porsche is one of the industry’s leading performance manufacturers.
Hard times From the ’50s through to the mid-1970s, it seemed as though Porsche could do no wrong. However, with 911 sales becoming less impressive, the decision was made to replace the iconic model with the front-engined 928. This caused many fans to turn their noses up and forced Porsche to continue making the classic 911, before eventually biting the bullet and developing the 964 at the tail end of the ’80s. It wasn’t just a seeming desire to move away from its roots that gave Porsche grief; a costly set of financial faux pas from briefly appointed chief executive Arno Bohn landed the company in some monetary strife, but ultimately the brand would survive, in no small part thanks to the Cayenne and Boxster – two cars whose affordability and usability opened up Porsche’s market to a wider audience. These days Porsche makes more SUVs than it does sports cars, but thankfully the latter are still core to the brand’s ethos.
356
Production of the 356 started in 1948 and ended in 1965. The 911 wasn’t supposed to be a replacement for it, but it soon became clear the firm had a star on its hands, so it killed off the 356 after the final models were built for the Dutch police. Concours-quality 356s are now worth major money, with a 1951 coupe selling for $1,017,500 – or a shade over £770k – at RM Sotheby’s 2017 Monterey auction. Star appeal also helps – one owned by Janis Joplin sold for £1.4m. Price now: £100,000-£1.4m (circa $130,700-$1.8m)
911 (993)
In the eyes of many, including my own, this is the definitive 911. By the ’90s, the world of car design was changing at a sprint, but somehow Porsche managed to produce an air-cooled 911 that firmly held on to its roots yet still felt cutting-edge. As the last of the air-cooled 911s, the 993 is a purist’s dream car that served as the basis for countless variants that are now greatly sought after. 993 versions of the Carrera RS, Turbo and its race-derived brother the GT2 are all considered classics today. In 2017, a 993 GT2 went on sale for just shy of two million dollars – if you see one of those on the roads, it’s safe to bet that the driver has some dosh! Price now: £35,000 (circa $45,700) for basic models
These days Porsche makes more SUVs than it does sports cars, but thankfully the latter are still core to the brand’s ethos.
Porsche 928
Porsche attempted to phase the 911 out in 1977 with the 928, but the front-engined, V8-powered model had a tough job on its hands. With an advanced V8 engine out front, the coupe grand tourer was impressive, but a hefty price tag and resistance from the 911 faithful meant it struggled. It survived until 1995 and is a great car – but oddly would probably have done better without a Porsche badge, as the 911 snobs hated it. With decent examples available for less than £30k, I think the 928 is a car that’ll soon appreciate! Price now: £25,000 (circa $32,700)
911
Just look at this thing! Back in 1963, the 901 made its debut that – after some noise from Peugeot, which used the same numbering scheme – became the 911. This was the car that cemented Porsche’s reputation for years to come, with its rear-engined layout and flat-six engine both becoming the expected hallmarks of any Porsche. The original ‘Classic’ 911 evolved over its lifetime, with models such as the legendary 2.7 Carrera RS and the first Turbos putting the car’s already venerable architecture to the test in the ’70s. These days, there are more million-dollar air-cooled 911s selling at auction than you can shake a stick at! Price now: £50,000-£500,000 (circa $65,300-$653,000), depending on variant
911 (996)
The 911 went through its biggest ever change at the end of the ’90s, receiving an entirely new body shape and a water-cooled engine – the 996 was a big switch of ethos. The formula was different but the car still possessed all the prowess of those that came before, which was further highlighted by sporty models such as the GT2 and the first GT3 track special. While the car was derided by some 911 purists, who have shunned it for years, appreciation of this model is going up, along with values. I’d suggest you dive in now and bag a decent one. Price now: From £17,000 (circa $22,200) Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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BEST PORSCHES EVER
959
With its roots as a car design consultancy firm and Ferdinand Porsche’s penchant for innovation, technological advancement has always been important to the brand. One of the better embodiments of that is the 959. This hyper-911 was a 444bhp, all-wheel-drive tour de force that was greeted with fanfare from the motoring press. They were questionable from a business perspective, though. In 1987, you could buy one in the USA for $225,000, which was half of what it cost Porsche to build each one. Just 337 of these cars were made between 1986 and 1988, with a run of eight built from spares in 1992. Some 29 of the original-run cars were ‘Sport’ versions that could hit 211mph thanks to a significant power hike. Price now: circa £1m (circa $1.3m)
Cayenne
Porsche debuted its first SUV, the Cayenne, in 2003. To many enthusiasts, this was completely against everything Porsche stood for. However, between the Cayenne and the Boxster, Porsche managed to open up countless new streams of customers, giving it a massive boost in sales and finances. By the end of the decade, the long-standing relationship between Volkswagen and Porsche came to a head, with Porsche now a firm part of the VW Group umbrella alongside the likes of Audi and Lamborghini. This has led to further new ventures for Porsche, such as the smaller Macan SUV. Price now: £5,500 (circa $7,200)
Porsche 924
In 1976, something of a head-turner – for better or worse – rolled off the production line. The 924, Porsche’s first front-engined sports car, was born. This car, with an engine sourced from Volkswagen that also saw use in a van, was derided by purists, although thanks to its bottom-of-the-range pricing, it did sell rather well. Price now: £15,000 (circa $19,600) 72
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Boxster
When the first Boxster arrived in 1996, it seemed as if the manufacturer had finally found the right formula for a budget Porsche, after the successful but unauthentic 924. With a proper flat-six boxer engine in the mid-rear and styling that aped the upcoming 996, it was a proper mini Porsche. The Boxster has evolved considerably over the years, most notably with the introduction of the hard-top Cayman, but from its very earliest days it was clear that Porsche was on to a winner. The Boxster has been a huge sales success, making the brand more accessible, and helped save the firm after a financially tumultuous late-1980s. Price now: £6,000 (circa $7,800)
918 Spyder
In 2013, the 918 Spyder went into production and the plug-in hybrid was a landmark in Porsche’s electric ambitions. The car’s internal combustion engine was based on one from the Porsche RS Spyder and used a hybrid system that was built using knowledge from motorsport – giving it a heady 885bhp. With just 918 units made, there can be no question that these will appreciate on the used market for years to come. When I searched the internet while writing this, there was a 918 on sale for less than £1.2m, and I’m sure that’s just the start of their ascent! Price now: circa £1.2m (circa $1.6m)
956/962
Debuting in 1982, the Porsche 956/962 series was the defining Le Mans car of the decade and the ultimate Group C racer. The 956 was the European market car, with the 962 designed to comply with the subtly different US rules of the time. The 956 won Le Mans on its first try in 1982 and won every year of the race until 1985. The 962 won Le Mans in 1986 and 1987 and continued to be successful in privateer hands in the ’90s in the World Sportscar Championship and national-level series. Price now (962): £1.5m (circa $2m)
Carrera GT
Porsche was making a significant set of changes in the 2000s – so much so that a spectacular V10 supercar, the Carrera GT, felt like the least surprising car in its range at the time! This incredible machine sourced its engine from an unraced Le Mans car. Even then, the engine was developed from an early ’90s Porsche F1 engine, so it’s safe to say it has some serious racing credentials! Producing almost 603bhp, propelling 1,380kg of car, the Carrera GT could hit 208mph. Price now: £600,000 (circa $786,000) Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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ROAD TEST.
MY USED CAR HEROES
What is it? The XR2 was produced from 1981 to 1989 in two editions – the Mk1 and Mk2. It was essentially a souped-up version of the standard Fiesta, a lightlybreathed-upon hot hatch that aimed to appeal to drivers who wanted something practical enough to use every day but with sporting credentials too. It may have only had a small engine and was relatively slow by today’s standards but the XR2 was also extremely lightweight and, more importantly than anything else, a huge amount of fun to drive. Thanks to its relative low price – costing from £5,713 (equivalent to around £17,500 today) when it was new – the XR2 was sought after by boy racers who wanted something quick and cheap. At one point, XR2 models accounted for more than a third of all Fiesta sales in the UK.
What’s it powered by? Under the bonnet of the XR2 – seen here in Mk2 guise – was a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 96bhp. Its 0-60mph time of 10.2 seconds and top speed of 112mph may seem quite pedestrian now, but that was a lot for a car of its type at that time. What improved the performance and driving dynamics of the XR2 was how lightweight it was. The Fiesta had a mass of just 839kg, which meant it didn’t need heaps of power to get it moving at a good pace and could really be thrown into the corners thanks to go-kart-like handling. The sweet little 1.6-litre engine has one brilliant characteristic to it that outshines everything else 74
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Ford Fiesta XR2
The Ford Fiesta XR2 was the predecessor to the ST, making it one of the Blue Oval’s earliest attempts at taking a relatively mundane runabout and turning it into a mega-fun driver’s car. Now the XR2 is something of a legend among modern hot hatch fans and you know what? It thoroughly deserves that status
– the noise! It’s a beautiful, pure rasp that’s really missing from modern cars and is enough to get any petrolhead grinning.
How are values today? Prices for an XR2 are hugely variable. You can pick up one for around the £2,000-to-£3,000 mark, but it’s worth bearing in mind that it won’t be in the best condition. Naturally, the more you pay, the better-quality vehicle you’ll get, especially once you enter the five-digit zone. Although you may be lucky enough to find a good example for less than £10,000, you can easily end up going higher, with some low-mileage models costing £17,000 upwards!
Personally, I’d say you should be looking to pay somewhere between £5,000 and £7,000 for one that’s in good nick. But you’ll have to be fast – prices for these little beauties are skyrocketing at the moment and showing no signs of slowing down!
What were its rivals? As the 1980s were when hot hatches became something of a phenomenon, the Fiesta XR2 wasn’t the only option on the market. Perhaps the most obvious competitor for the Ford was the Volkswagen Golf GTI. Still one of the most famous hot hatch names in the world, the first generation of this icon was a winner in terms of driving dynamics
When looking to buy an XR2, there’s one main thing to remember when checking for faults – rust.
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and practicality and is an equal icon to the Ford. Putting more emphasis on the boy racer aspect, there was also the Vauxhall Nova SR, which was a staple of the decade’s rebellious youth and their hooliganism in the UK. Peugeot also had a real trick up its sleeve with the 205 GTI. First available in 1.6-litre form, it later arrived with an amazing 1.9-litre unit. I loved that car – so much so that it’s also featured elsewhere in this publication. Buyers loved it too, and with its injection engine, compared to the carbs on the XR2, it started to make the little Ford feel old.
Anything to look out for? When looking to buy an XR2, there’s one main thing to remember when checking for faults – rust. Unfortunately, this fast Fiesta did have a habit of accumulating the stuff in several places, so you want to be very thorough when giving an example a going-over. There are a few main areas to look out for. Firstly,
The knowledge check the sills – often hidden by that black plastic trim that gives the Fiesta its iconic look. Also, move on to both the windscreen and rear window, around the locks and check around the fuel filler cap – all places that were terribly susceptible to rust. While you’re checking that black plastic trim, make sure it’s in good condition, as it can fade badly. Although you can bring it back to life with some Back to Black-style product, it’s not easy and might not last. Also, closely inspect the pepperpot alloy wheels – these are a vital addition to the Fiesta and should be in good condition. Lastly, although a personal preference of mine, I think the XR2 looks best with its original orange indicators. A lot of owners swapped these for clear ones as they started to make the car look dated, but these days I feel it takes away from the authenticity.
Model: Ford Fiesta XR2 Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol Price (when new): £5,713 (circa $7,750) Price (today): circa £6,000 (circa $7,800) Produced from: 1984 Power: 96bhp Top speed: 112mph
* Insurance quote Quotes are based on a 45-year-old male, second vehicle. It’s garaged, covers 3,000 miles a year and in an SP2 postcode. He has no claims or convictions, is a club member and is employed as a marketing manager. Disclaimer: Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may vary between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. An additional charge may be payable.
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LISTICLES.
My automotive doppelgängers Do you find yourself doing a double-take when it comes to some cars? I know that over the years I’ve often found myself looking at a certain car’s design and noticing that it looks so much like another manufacturer’s offering. Truth is, there are only so many wheel designs, headlight styles and bumper placements in the world, so it’s inevitable that there’s going to be some crossover. Take a look at these that I’ve spotted and tell me I’m not right...
Mini – Nissan Micra
The second-generation Nissan Micra was light, honest and, more importantly, excellent value for money. However, I couldn’t help but notice how much of a similarity it bears to a motoring icon – the original Mini. The Micra is quite obviously the newer car, but I can’t help but see the little Mini’s resemblance in it. Despite being some 32 years apart in age, they do look similar – or am I being a little unfair on the Mini?
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Aston Martin DB9 – Jaguar XK
It’s hard to imagine how two British front-engined sports cars – both of which were designed by Ian Callum – managed to look so similar, right? It’s almost too obvious to be true. Both drop-tops look incredibly identical, despite one being driven by a 12-cylinder engine and the other using just eight. Since that point, the two brands have split off in their own directions (neither is owned by Ford any more), but you can’t help but notice the similarities between the two companies’ offerings at one point.
Mitsubishi i – Tata Nano
The Mitsubishi i is a strange-looking car, isn’t it? Though perfectly suited to the streets of Tokyo, the i didn’t look quite right anywhere else, and this is why it didn’t do all that well in foreign markets. It wasn’t offered in all countries, however, with a lack of presence in India an odd choice. This left the field open for the Nano, from Indian company Tata. It was a similar size to the i, and even the headlights and bonnet line looked the same. Tata positioned the Nano as a bare-bones, budget option – but it got the numbers a little wrong and ended up making a loss on every car. Whoops!
Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona – Rover SD1
I’ll admit this one is a bit of a stretch, but I really do think that the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona bears a striking resemblance to Rover’s iconic SD1. As it happens, this is all down to a bit of a happy accident. The SD1’s creator, David Beche, confirmed that he used the Ferrari as inspiration for his own car, and I’d argue that’s why they look quite similar. I’ll admit, from other angles than front-on the SD1 doesn’t look all that similar to the Ferrari – but that front end is a real dead ringer for the Fezza. Cut-price piece of Maranello anyone?
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LISTICLES.
Morgan Aero 8 – Wiesmann German manufacturer Wiesmann has said that its range of vehicles was inspired by British cars and made no bones about its idea to combine classic British styling and up-to-date, modern German performance – helped no end by the inclusion of BMW engines. I’d say the Wiesmann looks most like the Morgan Aero 8. There’s plenty of Jaguar C-Type in there too, but the Wiesmann’s appearance is closest to that of the Morgan – in my eyes, at least.
Nissan Micra – Perodua Kelisa
That’s right, the little Micra was copied too. Despite looking an awful lot like the original Mini, the Micra was then itself cloned by Perodua with the Kelisa. The rear end of the car is incredibly similar to the Micra’s while the grille at the front mimics the Nissan’s even more. The Kelisa managed to prove successful for Perodua, helping the relatively newly formed company to become the largest car brand in its home nation of Malaysia. Sometimes a little bit of imitation goes a long way...
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Porsche 924 – Mazda RX7
I’ll admit, the 924 certainly isn’t one of Porsche’s finer moments. Fitting the engine at the front of the car goes against the brand’s rear-engined ethos, while the first powerplant fitted to the 924 was a 2.0-litre from Volkswagen with just 110bhp. It wasn’t quick, that’s for sure. However, this didn’t stop the clever people at Mazda from breaking out the tracing paper and using the 924’s outline for their upcoming RX-7. Well, it looks that way to me, anyway. When the RX-7 first came out (and you can check out my road test of it elsewhere in this publication), its rotary engine packed a similar amount of punch to the Porsche. The Mazda went on to become a bit of an icon, whereas the 924 wasn’t looked upon favourably as it aged. However, the tide is turning on that as buyers start to appreciate its quirks.
Fiat 500 – Nissan Micra
Yes, I know that the ‘new’ Fiat 500 was designed to look like a modern version of its classic namesake, but the way that the rear of the car appears to mimic that of the third-generation Micra is something that I can’t ignore. Though the rear-end curve of the Micra is far more pronounced than the Fiat’s, the key features such as badge placement, light location and wheel arch shape all look incredibly similar. Coincidence that the Micra’s here once again?
Suzuki Swift – Jaguar E-Pace
This last one is a bit of an accident – the Suzuki Swift and Jaguar E-Pace are vastly different cars in terms of size and price but the front ends share a distinctly similar look, with a large ‘mouth’ sitting between two svelte headlights. It’s a little bit of a stretch, I’ll admit, but it’s certainly an interesting comparison to make and one I have to double-take at every time I see either approaching in my rear-view mirror. Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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LISTICLES.
The motors I wish I hadn’t sold We all have regrets in our lives, but there are some I can’t even bear thinking about – especially when it comes to the cars I let get away
O
ver the years, I’ve bought, traded and sold all manner of cars. Some have been good and some have been, well, not quite so good. However, I do regret parting with some of the cars I’ve been lucky enough to own over the years. Some I traded at the time because I had no other choice – they simply weren’t as collectible as they are now. Others I sold because it was part of a process – sometimes you need to get rid of a car in order to get another one. These vehicles here are ones that I wish I’d never let go, both because they were fantastic and because they’d be worth a princely sum today – far more than what I sold them for! Hindsight is a fantastic thing, but here are the cars I wish I hadn’t sold.
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Series I Land Rover
I regret selling a Series I 1949 Land Rover. It was the short-wheelbase version, and despite it being beaten up it looked fantastic. It was finished in duck egg blue, and although it was an ex-farm vehicle I remember it annoyingly dropped a little bit of oil on the driveway. It irritated me so much that I sold it to a friend for a song. I think it was only around £2,000 – today, Land Rover itself would be interested in buying back that car for its Rebirth restoration programme. I could probably have got around £40,000 for it.
The Lambo is worth at least £120,000 today – and it’s immensely cool too!
Aston Martin DB5
Oh my, why did I do it? The 1989 Aston Martin DB5 was traded for a Volvo 240 GLT. I couldn’t sell the Aston Martin for love nor money, so I had to trade it in for a big slab of Volvo. Now I think you could put the amount the Aston Martin is worth in the back of that Volvo!
1960s Porsche 911S
A 1960s Porsche 911S was another of the cars that I wish I hadn’t parted with. At the time, I believe I sold it for around £8,000 and it had only done 24,000 miles. Back in 1990, that price was about right – they really hadn’t skyrocketed like they have now. Today, the same car will probably be worth around £200,000. The prices have gone crazy – it’s a major regret of mine to have sold that car. Porsches are those cars that seem completely different in terms of price tag now to 10 or 15 years ago. Even early Boxsters – which seem to have hit rock bottom in terms of prices – are starting to creep up. There’s something about that badge!
Lamborghini Urraco
More recently, I can’t believe I sold a 1972 Lamborghini Urraco. It looks a bit like a DeLorean or a Lotus Esprit. It was green and I found that car in Poland. From what I remember, I sold it for £33,000 and I really regret selling it – I should have kept hold of it. That car is worth at least £120,000 today – and it’s immensely cool too! It completely sums up the ’70s.
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ROAD TEST.
Mazda RX-7 MY USED CAR HEROES
The Mazda RX-7 is one heck of a sports car, and throughout its three generations has become one of the true motoring greats. Why? Essentially, because it was one of the first Japanese-built cars to take on the Germans and Italians at the sports car game – and it did a tremendous job
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What is it? The Mazda RX-7 is a lightweight, two-door sports car that was produced from 1978 to 2002 and is widely admired as one of the very best vehicles of its type. Incredibly popular, close to 800,000 were produced during its lifetime, which just goes to show that this is one Mazda people simply couldn’t wait to get their hands on. The original RX-7 even gained some motorsport kudos, taking part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1980 and 1981. What the RX-7 has always had on its side is an extremely low weight. You won’t believe how compact the first-generation car is, and even the bulbous Fast and Furious-age third-gen RX-7 gives a Lotus Elise a run for its money in terms of weight. Why do I love the RX-7? Well, I can’t think of another car that is so typically Japanese – from first sight you know exactly where it’s come from. The driving experience is fantastic, because it’s all about high-energy, high-octane fun delivered in a 82
Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
sleek package, and it’s not until you mash your foot into the carpet and unleash the power of that rotary engine that you realise just how clever this car is.
What’s it powered by? All three generations of the RX-7 were famed for their use of a compact and extremely lightweight Wankel rotary unit. The benefit of them was that they took up a lot less space in the engine bay, which meant the car could remain compact. Just 1.1 litres in capacity, the Wankel gave the RX-7 a freerevving, energetic character. My test car here is from
1983, when the engine produced around 113bhp – with all power sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual. The sprint to 60mph time may not sound all that rapid today but the 8.2-second dash was pretty sprightly for the time. All in, you’d be able to do 125mph – and that was close to Porsche-scaring. In fact, the RX-7 undercut the 924 – its closest rival – by some margin, making it one of the best-value sports cars on the market. While you may have been put off a little with a Mazda (Porsche badges do have prestige), you would have been rewarded with one of the sweetest-handling two-doors around.
Even though the RX-7 was hugely popular, getting your hands on a decent used example can be tricky.
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The knowledge Model: Mazda RX-7 Engine: 1.1-litre rotary Price (when new): circa £7,400 (circa $10,000) Price (today): circa £10,000 (circa $13,100) Produced from: 1978-2002 (three generations) Power: 113bhp Top speed: 125mph
* Insurance quote Quotes are based on a 45-year-old male, second vehicle. It’s garaged, covers 3,000 miles a year and in an SP2 postcode. He has no claims or convictions, is a club member and is employed as a marketing manager. Disclaimer: Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may vary between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. An additional charge may be payable.
How are values today?
What were its rivals?
Anything to look out for?
Even though the RX-7 was hugely popular, getting your hands on a decent used example can be tricky. Early models will command in excess of £10,000 – if you can find one, that is – while later twin-turbo models will likely set you back by about £8,000, depending on condition.
When Mazda first set out to create the RX-7, it did so to replace the RX-3 – but wanted to ensure that its successor was sportier and more driver-focused than before. However, by doing so, the RX-7 strayed into the path of some big-hitters of the sports car scene – the Datsun 280ZX and Porsche 924.
It was produced for quite some time, so it’s really down to which generation you fancy. Earlier models are becoming sought after, so I’d get cracking if you’ve got your eye on one – they’re being snapped up fast.
Though I don’t think of the 924 as one of the all-time greats from Porsche, at the time it was a real contender. The RX-7 couldn’t quite match the Stuttgart sports car in terms of badge prestige, but it undercut it by some margin when it came to price.
I’d say that there are a few things you need to keep an eye out for if you’re planning on running an RX-7. It uses an awful lot of oil – so you’ll be spending a lot of time at motor factors – and it does tend to go through tyres pretty quickly. These are serviceable items that do need replacing – you can’t get away without them – and over the lifetime of the car that can become expensive of course.
Of course, there’s also the import option – and this can be an easy way to get your hands on a clean example. That said, it does require a little more work than buying a car the conventional way – but that’s not to say it isn’t worth a try! The RX-7 is only likely to become rarer and therefore more expensive – so it’s a good car to try to get hold of today, even if that means it has to arrive by boat!
The original RX-7 experienced a wealth of positive reviews when it came out, with many testers praising its agility and lightness, as well as the flexibility of that rotary engine. Power was boosted shortly after with a turbo version, but that original RX-7 will always be remembered as one of the first Japanese-made sports cars to take on established rivals at their own game.
As always, it’s best to check that the car has a full service history and has been maintained to a decent standard – this should avoid any initial hiccups. Head gaskets need monitoring as they have a tendency to go quite easily, too. Those of you with a heavy right foot are going to spend a lot of time at fuel stations, as economy can plummet during hard driving – and it will struggle to creep upwards even when used carefully. With plenty of regular maintenance, though, an RX-7 should be a pretty no-frills thing to keep running. Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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BEST ASTONS EVER
MY FOOLPROOF GUIDE TO...
ASTON MARTIN There are a lot of big names out there in the car industry, but I don’t think any of them carry the same connotations of coolness as Aston Martin. Here are my favourites after brand name. This was when the brand started to become one of the coolest in the world.
Brand history Over the years, Aston Martin has earned a legendary reputation for its presence on the road, the track and even the silver screen. Bamford and Martin – the company that would eventually become the Aston Martin we all know and love – was founded in 1913 by businessman Lionel Martin and engineer Robert Bamford. The company started out modifying and selling Singer cars from its workshop in Kensington, before starting work on its own model in 1914. Aston Martin’s first few decades of existence were rocky to say the least. Various small-scale production models were built but the company experienced a lot of financial woe, which wasn’t helped by the occurrence of two world wars. But just when it looked as though Aston Martin could fade into the pages of history, the company was saved in 1947 by an industrialist called David Brown. This is when the brand really started to come into its own.
What made it famous? Aston Martin has succeeded at pretty much everything it’s done. Once the company got going and started to spread its wings, its portfolio of achievements grew more and more impressive. When Aston Martin initially found its niche in making luxurious, sporty GT cars, it earned a reputation for exclusivity and became a sought-
The image was developed further when Aston Martin entered motorsport. Becoming a regular contender in various sports car races around the world was one thing, but victories at legendary races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans really put the company at the top of the pile.
DB1
David Brown used the underpinnings of an Atom prototype, which Aston Martin had been working on during the Second World War, to build the 2-Litre Sports. The car, which is retrospectively known as the DB1 because of the naming strategy inspired by Brown’s initials, used the Atom’s 2.0-litre engine and tube-frame chassis. It was unveiled at the 1948 London Motor Show and just 15 were built. Price now: Priceless!
Of course, what most people really know Aston Martin for is its relationship with the James Bond films, with various examples of the brand’s models appearing in 12 of the 26 official 007 flicks, often being driven by the leading man himself.
Did it have any notorious or bad times? Throughout its history, Aston Martin’s only real troubles have ever been financial. The company almost collapsed during the economic difficulties of the 1930s and 1940s, which is why it had to be saved by Brown. This wasn’t the end of the fiscal problems, though. The 1970s saw the brand change hands multiple times, as well as going in and out of receivership. This trend continued into the 1980s, until Ford finally took ownership towards the end of that decade.
DB7
When Ford took over in the 1980s, Aston Martin found itself with lots of moolah, so it opened a new factory and built the DB7, using a number of bits from Jaguar, which was also owned by Ford. It was available with a 3.2-litre supercharged straight-six or a 5.9-litre naturally aspirated V12, the latter of which has become a staple of Aston Martin’s GT cars. Price now: circa £20,000 (circa $26,200)
A British consortium led by Prodrive chairman David Richards bought the firm in 2007, before there was a shake-up in 2012, which saw private equity fund Investindustrial buy a 37.5 per cent stake. Former Nissan exec Andy Palmer was appointed CEO and introduced a new strategy, which brought the firm back into financial stability.
Vanquish
Aston Martin has earned a reputation for its presence on the road, track and silver screen. 84 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
In 2001, Aston Martin introduced its flagship series – a super GT called the Vanquish. The first model had a 5.9-litre V12, producing 460bhp, before the more potent ‘S’ was unveiled in 2004 with 520bhp. The Vanquish quickly earned a reputation as the ultimate Aston, as it was the fastest car the brand had ever built – with a top speed of 200mph! Price now: circa £68,000 (circa $89,000)
DBR1
Built to conquer the mother of all races – the 24 Hours of Le Mans - the DBR1 hit the track in 1956. The car was an improvement over the DB3S that came before it and performed well for most of the race, but wasn’t a match for the big boys such as the Jaguar D-Type, and was forced to retire with gearbox failure after 246 laps. It eventually triumphed in 1959 when two examples claimed a 1-2 victory. Price now: circa £17m (circa $22.3m)
DB11
When it was introduced in 2016, the DB11 was fitted with a 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, which was upsetting for hard-core purists. But the evolution didn’t stop there, with a sweet little 4.0-litre twinturbocharged Mercedes-AMG V8 becoming the standard powertrain in 2017. The V12 was discontinued this year and is now only available in the hardened AMR version. Price now: circa £115,000 (circa $151,000)
DB5
In 1963, the company introduced the DB5 – a luxury grand tourer evolved from the previous DB4. It featured a 4.0-litre straight-six engine and was made famous by its appearance in the James Bond films. Debuting on the silver screen in Goldfinger, it featured a number of ridiculously awesome gadgets, such as machine guns, revolving number plates and even an ejector seat! Price now: circa £750,000 (circa $984,000)
Lagonda
Back in 1947, Aston Martin took over luxury car marque Lagonda and started making models under the banner. The most iconic of these was the Series 2, which was produced from 1976 to 1985. Not only did it look like some sort of spaceship, but it was fitted with a 5.3-litre V8, producing 280bhp. That said, it wasn’t the quickest Aston in the world, achieving 60mph in 8.8 seconds and a top speed of 143mph. Price now: circa £35,000 (circa $46,000)
Vantage
When it was launched in 1977, the Vantage was hailed by Aston Martin as Britain’s first supercar. With its monstrous 5.3-litre V8 and 170mph top speed, it was the first of a new breed of meaty models. It had a starring role in Bond film The Living Daylights and even Prince Charles owned one. Its success spawned a legacy of V8 sports cars from Aston Martin, which included the 1989 Virage, as well as the 1993, 2005 and 2018 Vantages. Price now: circa £160,000 (circa $210,000) Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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LISTICLES.
Toyota Yaris GRMN
I’m kicking things off strongly with this – the Toyota Yaris GRMN. It might have only recently been launched, but with all of them sold out, the only place to find one is on the used market. Based on the tiny Yaris city car, the GRMN takes things in a sportier direction courtesy of beefedup brakes, suspension and steering. The engine is a supercharged 1.8-litre and gives the little GRMN a 0-60mph time of 6.3 seconds. However, this limited-run Yaris isn’t all about power – it’s the way this thing corners that makes it so impressive. I’ve tried one and it’s mega!
My favourite
n o i t i d e d e t i lim cars of all time
Limited-edition cars have a rather special place in my heart. They often take an already pretty cool model and make it even better. Sometimes manufacturers get it horribly wrong and use it as a way to flog off some under-performing or already-rubbish cars, but when they get it right, my word they can be crackers! Here, I’ve searched the far reaches of my brain to think of my favourites – some old and some more recent – but all will make cracking used car buys. Well, they will if you can find one...
Porsche 911 Sport Classic
Nothing brings in the collectors like a Porsche 911 with a whiff of the old days about it, and the 911 Sport Classic is one of the most retro Porsche has released this side of the year 2000. Based on a 911 Carrera S, this version of the 997 was certainly not the quickest on the market in 2009, but with just 250 produced, it became an aficionado’s dream from day one. Aside from the classic ‘ducktail’ rear spoiler and Fuchs-style wheels, the car also features 402bhp – a gain of 22bhp over an ordinary Carrera S. 86 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
Mercedes-AMG 300CE ‘Hammer’
What a name for a performance car – ‘Hammer’! Mercedes-AMG produced just under 30 of these V8powered super-saloons in the late-1980s, and it went on to become one of the German manufacturer’s most iconic creations. With around 350bhp being produced from the car’s 5.5-litre V8, the Hammer could take all four occupants in supreme comfort up to a top speed of 180mph. Incredible now, and other-worldly when it first came out. Plus with a name like Hammer, who wouldn’t want one? Mega!
Audi R8 RWS
Audi’s sports cars have traditionally used four-wheel drive for the very best traction and power deployment in all manner of conditions. The RWS, however, is different. Rather than going to all corners, the V10 engine sends drive to the rear wheels only – an Audi first. Thanks to that change, the RWS is lighter and keener to drive – and it’s restricted to 999 units. As such, this limited-edition car is already commanding high values on the used car market.
Subaru Impreza RB5
I love rally cars, and I loved the legend that was Richard Burns. The RB5 special-edition Subaru Impreza was built to celebrate the British rally driver’s return to the Japanese brand’s team ahead of the 1999 season. Just 444 were produced, with RB5 branding and a finish of steel blue setting this edition apart. While the ordinary RB5 had little to distinguish it from normal WRX models, many of the cars were equipped with the WR Sport Performance Pack, giving it 237bhp. Tragically, Burns died in 2005 after a battle with cancer.
Renault Megane R26.R
BMW M3 CSL (E46)
The BMW M3 is a lightweight, more powerful version of the popular 3 Series. The E46 is easily one of the most iconic incarnations of all time, and the CSL version only builds on this reputation. The CSL – or Coupe Sport Leichtbau (Coupe Sport Lightweight) – was produced in extremely limited numbers, with just 1,400 cars rolling off the production line. It was 110kg lighter than the standard M3, thanks to its use of lightweight materials, while a redesigned suspension made this one of the best-handling M3s of all time. And just look at it – if I could find one, I’d have it.
Ford Focus RS500
With heaps more power and an aggressive look compared with the original, the Mk2 Focus RS was seen as a truly insane hot hatch when Ford launched it in 2009. However, eager to prove that it could go further, Ford announced a limited run of 500 ‘RS500’ variants at the end of the model’s production. This version, decked out in stealthy Panther Black, featured an uprated 345bhp version of the Duratec 2.5-litre engine, which would propel the car to 165mph. I loved it.
Ford Racing Puma
This is one of my favourite special-edition Fords of all time. The Ford Racing Puma was an incredibly limited-run car, with just 500 examples produced. Underneath the bonnet is a 1.7-litre petrol with 153bhp, while the flowing bodywork featured wider arches to support larger alloys. An impressively powerful brake system was fitted too, giving the Racing Puma a lot of stopping power – and the noise it made as it crackled on the overrun was something else!
The 2009 Megane R26.R was the hot hatch world’s answer to stripped-out supercars like Porsche’s 911 GT3 RS and Ferrari’s 430 Scuderia. The car’s full name – Renault Megane Renaultsport 230 F1 Team R26.R – is a bit of a mess but it’s a mess with meaning, since the R26.R is the ultimate tribute to the French firm’s two F1 World Championship wins in 2005 and 2006. All amenities, from the CD player to the rear seats, were removed for the limited run of 450 cars, which gave it unmatched track prowess. And it was an absolute corker!
Renault Clio Williams
The Renault Clio Williams Mk1 waded into the battle that was raging between hot hatches in the early Nineties, squaring up against rivals such as the Peugeot 205 GTI. Just 390 arrived in the UK, which makes the icon incredibly sought after. The suspension borrowed components from the Clio Cup racer, which made it as agile and corner-hungry as can be, while the bulging arches housed wider wheels wearing fatter rubber. It took the hot hatch world by storm and remains a true great.
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LISTICLES.
My favourite Fords ever It’s a brand that has probably had the biggest impact on most motorists’ lives in one way or another. The Blue Oval has created classic after classic – so here are some of my all-time favourites
I
t’s undeniable that Ford has had a huge part to play in the world of motoring, with so many incredible cars in its history that could be chalked up as icons. For us Brits, the name conjures up images of Dagenham, Essex boys in Escorts and, of course, performance Fords brandishing that famous RS badge The company was set up by Henry Ford in Detroit, Michigan, in 1903. He began making cars, or ‘quadricycles’ as he called them, in his home in 1896, but it would take a few years to set up the company we have today – first called Ford and Malcomson. A lot of people confuse Henry Ford with having invented the motor car but that was actually Karl Benz, although others had played around with the idea before. Ford, however, was a key player when it came to mass production and the world of motors we have today – managing to get a Model T built in just a few days back in 1908! Since then, the focus of the car maker has always been to offer car ownership that’s practical and affordable. It’s a formula that’s worked, making it one of the biggest car companies in the world.
What that union created became widely regarded as one of the best-handling Ford RS cars ever. 88 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
Ford Model T (1908 – 1927)
The car here is actually one of my own projects! It was completed as part of a competition between me and Ant Anstead – and isn’t it a beauty? The Model T was what helped Ford perfect the assembly line and mass production, and by 1913 it could be assembled in under 13 hours. By the end of that year, he’d reduced this to below three. In total, an incredible 15m were produced! Price: circa £15,000 (circa $19,700)
Ford Sierra RS Cosworth (1986 – 1992)
Few car names generate as much excitement as the Sierra RS Cosworth. This legend was capable of hitting 60mph in 6.5 seconds and achieving a top speed of 149mph. Under the aggressively vented bonnet sat a 2.0-litre engine with a turbocharger and fuel injection pushing power to 201bhp. The large rear wing – or ‘picnic table’ – which was installed following wind tunnel and high-speed testing received resistance from Ford management, but the designer insisted that it stayed. It’s now one of the most iconic modifications in automotive history. Price: circa £90,000 (circa $118,300)
Ford GT40 (1964 – 1969)
If you’re into your racing, then there has to be a place in your heart for the GT40. It was designed to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and boy did it do that. However, it faced some serious problems to start with – such as trying to take off when it went over 170mph – and it never completed its first three races. Introduce Carroll Shelby into the mix, though, and suddenly everything started slotting into place. In 1965 it scored its first win, and from there the trophies kept coming. Price: circa £9m (circa $11.8m)
Ford Escort RS Cosworth (1992 – 1996) The Escort RS Cosworth was the result of a partnership between Ford and automotive engineering company Cosworth. What that union created became widely regarded as one of the best-handling Ford RS cars ever. Under the bonnet sits a 222bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with permanent four-wheel drive, resulting in excellent grip – it could accelerate from 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds, making it as fast as a contemporary Ferrari, while the top speed was 147mph. Price: circa £50,000 (circa $65,700)
Lotus Cortina (1963 – 1966)
While the Cortina was designed as a family car, Ford soon started adding more performance – upping the 997cc engine to 1,498cc for the Super then tuning this from 60bhp to 78bhp for the GT. It was the Lotus Cortina that really changed the game when, in 1961, Colin Chapman was asked if he would fit one of his engines to the car. Power came from a 1,557cc twin-cam engine producing 105bhp! Price: circa £55,000 (circa $72,300) Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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LISTICLES. Ford Mustang (1964 – present)
It’s the original pony car – but it wasn’t pony at all! If you’re imagining road-tripping across the USA or a car chase scene, you’re probably thinking of a Mustang. It was the sports car that people in America could afford, because it didn’t have all of the muscle but enough striking looks and a desirable V8 growl. And it got its own celebrity status too, featuring in many films – from Goldfinger to Bullitt. Price: circa £30,000 (circa $39,400)
Ford Popular (1953 – 1962)
The Popular was a direct descendant of one of the first cars to be made at our very own Dagenham plant after the Second World War – the Model Y, which was (and still is) the cheapest saloon ever sold at £100. Although it started its life as the epitome of practical and cheap motoring, it’s now beloved by the hot rodders of this world – and to see one, as pictured here, is a serious rarity! Price: circa £4,000 (circa $5,300)
Ford Fiesta (1976 – present)
To this day the Fiesta is still the best-selling car in the UK, and throughout its 40-plus years on sale it has been a firm favourite in households. However, for me, the original remains the best. It was given its name because it was made in Valencia, Spain, and we just couldn’t get enough of them. It took five years for Ford to pump some more performance into it, adding a 1.6-litre engine plus stiffer suspension – and the XR2 was born. Price: circa £8,000 (circa $10,500)
Ford Escort (1968 – 2000)
It was 1968 when the Blue Oval introduced the icon that is the Ford Escort. It followed a winning formula of being small but spacious enough for the whole family and was affordable, becoming the first Ford outside of the USA to surpass two million produced. However, it was its ability on the rally stage that really made people fall in love with it! It was practically unbeatable in the late-1960s and 1970s, leading to the creation of the amazing Escort Mexico. Price (early models): circa £35,000 (circa $46,000) 90 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
Ford RS200 (1984 – 1986)
Some of the coolest cars ever made have come from the need to homologate vehicles for motorsport, when car makers have to build a certain number of models for it to be eligible to race. The RS200 is a fantastic example of that. Ford wanted to dominate rallying, so it came up with a mid-engined, fourwheel-drive sports car to do just that for the 1984 Group B season. To make it eligible, it needed to sell 200 of them to the public. Power came from a turbocharged 1.8-litre engine making 250bhp and a top speed of 142mph, with rally-spec models making between 350 and 450bhp. It could go from 0-60mph in five seconds flat! Price: circa £250,000 (circa $328,600)
Ford Focus RS (2002 – 2018)
The Ford Focus might not set your heart on fire, but it has been a mighty success since its launch in 1998 and its performance versions have continued to be high on the lists of boy racers. When it first got the RS badge in 2002 it was available as a limited run, with the front-wheel-drive car powered by a 2.0-litre 16-valve engine with 212bhp and a top speed of 144mph. As the years went on, the RS got wilder, with the next generation featuring 225bhp. My favourite, though, was this – the mega RS500. Price: circa £25,000 (circa $32,900)
Ford Anglia 105E (1959 – 1967)
Although the Anglia name was used on many Fords, this is one of the most iconic. The Ford Anglia followed on from the Popular, with more modern luxury and adding some stylish design. It was eye-catching at the time but on today’s roads it would stick out like a sore thumb! There were clear hints of the USA’s curvaceous and flashy motors here but with much smaller proportions to suit Britain’s roads. Price: circa £6,000 (circa $7,900)
Ford Capri (1968 – 1986)
Following on from the Mustang’s success in America, Ford gave Brits the Capri. It always had appealing sports car looks but – in the early days at least – it didn’t necessarily have the performance to go with it. Fortunately, the Blue Oval’s motorsport division wanted to race one and built a 2.6-litre-engined RS2600. Ford then upped the game again with the RS3100, which boasted a Cosworth-tuned 3.1-litre V6 with 148bhp. It could hit 60mph in 7.6 seconds! Price: circa £25,000 (circa $32,800) Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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8 K X r a u g a J MY USED CAR HEROES
Jaguar has form when it comes to creating exciting, low-slung sports cars – just look at the E-Type! However, one still sticks in my mind and that’s the XK8. Here’s why I loved it What is it? How do you replace an icon? That was the question facing Jaguar when it came to trying to remake the classic and successful E-Type. It didn’t quite crack it with the XJS but then it released this – the XK8. I thought that its long, swooping lines were spot-on when it was released in 1996, and the combination of rear-wheel drive and 4.0-litre V8 engine was a match made in heaven. Early cars suffered with reliability issues somewhat, but you have to face some challenges when producing a dynamic, powerful sports car, don’t you?
What’s it powered by? The XK8 used a 4.0-litre V8 engine early on, sending around 290bhp to the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic gearbox. There was no manual option, which I’ll admit is a bit of a shame as I think that this package could have only been helped by the addition of a stick. In 1998, Jaguar released a supercharged version, badged XKR – and this packed a tasty 375bhp. A revised 4.2-litre V8 was introduced in 2003, aiming to combat early reliability issues. Power was also boosted to more than 300bhp in the standard car.
get – and I’m talking the sub-£3,000 area. Crazy! You can go as low as £1,500, though I’ll admit any example at this price is likely to be a little baggy and battle-worn. However, you need only spend around £5,000 to get a sterling XK8 – and you won’t be disappointed when it comes to the drive, either. In fact, push that budget ever so slightly higher and you could bag yourself a more powerful XKR.
What were its rivals? When the XK8 was in production during the late1990s and early-2000s, it did go up against some serious competitors. There was the all-conquering Porsche 911 for one, and this was the first of the water-cooled generations too. Then there was the stylish Maserati Coupe, which offered plenty of performance, thanks to a twin-turbocharged V8 engine. It also looked the absolute bomb. Finally, you had the Mercedes CL. One of the first ultra-high-tech Mercedes cars, this packed features such as radar cruise control and electric seats with an infinite amount of adjustment. It also had a powerful V8 engine, although an insane twin-turbo V12 was available as well.
How are values today?
Anything to look out for?
This is where things get really interesting. You see, you can pick up an early XK8 for relatively little money given the amount of performance you
Those initial XK8s were riddled with issues. This was mainly down to the engine – the cylinder bores were incredibly susceptible to wear when using
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Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
The knowledge Model: Jaguar XK8 Engine: 4.0-litre V8 Price (when new): circa £48,000 (circa $74,600) Price (today): circa £4,000 (circa $5,200) Produced from: 1996-2005 Power: 290bhp Top speed: 155mph
* Insurance quote Quotes are based on a 45-year-old male, second vehicle. It’s garaged, covers 3,000 miles a year and in an SP2 postcode. He has no claims or convictions, is a club member and is employed as a marketing manager. Disclaimer: Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may vary between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. An additional charge may be payable.
high-sulphur petrol. In fact, Jaguar replaced a lot of these engines under warranty, so it’s worth checking to see if this has taken place on any car you’re looking at. Interior-wise, give all the buttons a good press, as XK8s suffered terribly with electrical faults. If everything operates as it should, then there’s likely to be little to worry about. The driver’s seat bolster is prone to wear too, although this is an inexpensive problem to fix.
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MUSIC.
My music tracks to drive to
Sometimes the right song can make or break a journey. I’d describe my music taste as pretty eclectic – I’ll listen to almost anything, regardless of what genre it is. I could probably list a thousand songs I love to listen to in the car, but I’ve cherry-picked these ones. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
A Day In The Life
The Beatles (1967) This is an excellent track from The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album, which is arguably one of the greatest records of all time. It’s a bit of a two-parter – you’ve got John Lennon’s downbeat crooning contrasted by Paul McCartney’s chirpier sections. It’s easily one of my favourite songs from the album – and a great one to listen to in the car.
My Way
Frank Sinatra (1969) I’d like to think that throughout my career I’ve tried to do things my way, which is why this track from Frank Sinatra feels so special. This is one fantastic track to play in the car – preferably as loud as possible in my case, to drown out my singing!
Start
Hotel California
Champagne Supernova
Dreamer
Midnight Train To Georgia
Baba O’Riley
The Jam (1980) Growing up, I used to love playing this in the car. It’s actually one of my favourite all-time tracks, and it’s a great one to sing along to – I often got caught wailing to it at traffic lights. It’s old-school and is a spot-on example of the very best of the 1980s. You can’t go wrong when it comes to The Jam, can you?
Oasis (1995) Adored by fans worldwide, Champagne Supernova is easily one of the key anthems of the 1990s. It’s also one of my favourite songs to play in the car, as it’s a real sing-along special. Though Oasis are no longer together, even listening to the first 20 seconds of this track reminds you of the hazy days of the ’90s.
Gladys Knight & The Pips (1973) I’ve often found myself driving late at night – travelling in my own little midnight train to Georgia, if you like. This song by Gladys Knight & The Pips is an excellent late-night driving track and one that pretty much everyone knows. It means that everyone can join in with the in-car sing-along! 94 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
The Eagles (1976) You may know that I spend most of my time out in California these days, and there are few songs that epitomise the sun-drenched, laid-back lifestyle you get in the ‘Golden State’ quite like Hotel California. Just give me a drop-top Mustang, the Pacific Coast Highway and this song!
Supertramp (1974) Dreamer by Supertramp has to be one of the alltime greats when it comes to classic rock. You can just imagine how cool this song sounded when it came out in the mid-1970s, and it still sounds spectacular now. I can’t get enough of this song – it’s one you just want to keep hitting repeat on.
The Who (1971) Well, what a way to finish! This is just one of those songs that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a new car purchase – you’ve got the keys, the open road and nothing to worry about. In short, this is close to the perfect driving track!
We’re famous for selling the cars you never see
1909 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost £1,600,000.00
1911 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Rois Des Belges £880,000.00
1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom I, The Phantom of Love £1,100,000.00
1929 Rolls-Royce 20hp Tourer £75,000.00
1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Sports Saloon £185,000.00
1964 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Convertible £250,000.00
1987 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur II £26,500.00
2015 Rolls-Royce Phantom EWB £280,000.00
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Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars6ST 95 Prestige House, 9 Globe Industrial Estate, Grays, Essex, RM17
BEST BENTLEYS EVER
MY FOOLPROOF GUIDE TO...
BENTLEY There was a time when every successful car dealer I knew was rolling around in a Bentley – they were quite the status symbol of success and rightly so. It’s a brand that offers luxury, performance and excitement and one I absolutely love. Here’s a little look at some of my favourites Brand history
Bad times
The Bentley story began in 1919, when founder Walter Owen Bentley arrived at the London Motor Show with the bare bones of what would become the marque’s first car – the 3-Litre.
Bentley’s history really would make a great EastEnders storyline – it’s had more divorces and fallings-out than a ‘Who Killed Dirty Den?’ plot.
His motto – ‘to build a fast car, a good car, the best in its class’ – was a simple one but shaped the car firm over the years. When the First World War broke out, Bentley – known as W.O. – put his ambitions of starting a car company on hold and turned his engineering skills to aircraft engines. He introduced aluminium pistons to improve reliability and the first Bentley Rotary engine, dubbed the BR.1, made the Sopwith Camel the most successful British fighter plane of the war. He was made an MBE in the 1919 New Year Honours list recognising his vital contribution to the war effort, and at the same time received £8,000 from the Commission of Awards to Inventors, which gave him the capital he needed to start Bentley Motors. Originally based in New Street Mews, London, the firm eventually moved to its famous base in Crewe, where it still hand-builds its luxury cars. Success at Le Mans in the 1920s helped cement the brand as an established name. The first pair of victories came in 1924 and 1927 with a 3-Litre, before the 4.5-Litre version picked up the baton and won the 1928 and 1929 editions of the race.
W.O. lost control of the firm in the late-1920s, when a lack of funding meant he was forced to take cash from Woolf Barnato, who took over and saved the company. W.O. kept his job and was left to do what he was good at – designing great cars. And then began the confusing amalgamation of Bentley and Rolls-Royce. In 1935, an investment vehicle, which would eventually become RollsRoyce, swallowed up Bentley. Barnato joined the RR board, but not W.O. A bit miffed, he hung about until his contract expired then turned away from the firm bearing his name. In 1971, Rolls-Royce was forced into receivership and the government nationalised the company, splitting the aerospace and automotive businesses, with Bentley tagging along too. Engineering behemoth Vickers bought Rolls-Royce Motors and worked hard to reinvigorate Bentley but eventually sold the lot to Volkswagen. Rolls-Royce was sold on to BMW and VW continued to manufacture Bentleys. All rather confusing, isn’t it? Well, it’s certainly enough to give me a headache! VW formed an agreement with BMW that let the latter start producing Rolls-Royce cars in 2003 so long as it continued to supply parts for Bentley models up to that point. After that, the divorce became final and VW has since invested £2bn in the rejuvenation of the marque, continuing to innovate with launches such as the Bentayga – the brand’s first SUV.
Bentley’s had more divorces and fallings-out than a ‘Who Killed Dirty Den?’ plot. 96 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
Continental Flying Spur
In a similar vein to the Continental GT, the Flying Spur was an all-new four-door sports saloon built under parent company Volkswagen. It combined huge performance and elegant looks with absolute refinement. I’d argue it’s one of the most underrated cars ever produced by Bentley, and this is reflected in the used prices. Right now, you can pick up one of the W12-powered belters for as little as £35,000. For that, you’re getting more than 550bhp and a car that can hit 60mph in just over five seconds, as well as reach a top speed of 194mph. Price now: circa £35,000 (circa $39,400)
Bentayga
Like it or loathe it, SUVs are big business for car manufacturers these days – so it was only a matter of time before Bentley offered one. The opulent Bentayga was built on a VW Group platform – that of the Audi Q7 – and has been a resounding success for the firm. Just as Porsche has transformed its successes with its premium SUV offerings, so too has Bentley, with the vehicle bringing completely new buyers to the brand. It’s certainly split opinion, though. Whenever I’ve driven one, people stare and gawp at it – some admiringly, others in disgust! Price now: £120,000 (circa $157,500)
3-Litre
The 3-Litre was designed by W.O. himself, with an engine built by ex-Royal Flying Corps engineer Clive Gallop. The consensus was that the car was very advanced for its time, with overhead cams, four valves per cylinder and dry sump lubrication – all fairly foreign concepts in the early-1920s. More than 1,500 3-Litres were built by the time production ceased in 1929 – 1,088 of these were standard cars, while 513 were Speed variants. A further 18 were Super Sports models. Price now: £300,000 (circa $394,000)
Continental GT
This was a revelation for Bentley. In 2003, the Continental GT arrived, a coupe with sweeping styling equipped with a distinctly VW powerplant – a 6.0 W12 that’s now the flagship engine for the British marque. The Continental GT represented a change in philosophy for Bentley as a massproduced, relatively high-volume, but handassembled car maker. Even though it was a more VAG-hallmarked take on a Bentley, the Continental immediately solidified the brand as one of the new ‘in’ badges, with long waiting lists and immense popularity among celebrities. Price now: £25,000 (circa $32,800)
The ‘Blower’ Bentley
The ‘Blower’ Bentley is perhaps the most iconic of the pre-war models from the British marque, but surprisingly it actually went against the wishes of W.O. He believed that engine capacity would always win the day over forced induction but he was overruled. ‘Blower’ Bentleys are easy to spot – the supercharger is clearly visible at the front at the end of the crankshaft. Price now: £800,000+ (circa $1.050m+)
Speed 8
When VW swept in, so too did a return to Le Mans. In 2001, Bentley joined fellow VAG firm Audi on the grid with its EXP Speed 8. The car, unique at the time as one of the few prototype racers at Le Mans with a closed cockpit, borrowed heavily from Audi’s R8. After two top-four finishes, including a third place finish in 2001, the EXP Speed 8 was redeveloped for 2003. Now known simply as the Speed 8, it achieved an incredible 1-2 finish 80 years on from the marque’s participation at the first 24 Hours of Le Mans. Utterly awesome! Price now: £1.9m (circa $2.5m) Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
97
ADVERTORIAL
Bentley DRIVERS CLUB
F
ounded by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. The Bentley Drivers Club is proud of its ethos: a club of friends who share a love of all things Bentley. It’s also the only club directly affiliated with Bentley Motors. While some follow in the tyre tracks of the iconic ‘Bentley Boys’, competing in races and rallies, others take pleasure watching their modern-day counterparts in the latest GT3 race cars. Off track, some simply enjoy driving their Bentley on the road, frequently in the company of other enthusiasts. No matter what your inspiration, the BDC can help enhance your Bentley ownership and take your appreciation of this classic marque even deeper. A great feature of our club is the excellent events we hold, both at home and abroad. These include our annual long-established Concours d’Elegance and Silverstone race meeting plus numerous tours and social occasions organised by our ever active Regions worldwide. And 2019, of course, marks the centenary of the Bentley motor car, commemorated
by special events throughout the year - so what better time is there to join us?
Members enjoy a range of benefits with the BDC:
• Bi-monthly Review and monthly Advertiser & Diary publications plus frequent e-newsletters • Access to comprehensive archives through the club’s association with the WO Bentley Memorial Foundation, providing a deep insight into the marque’s history • Access to the spares schemes, covering the three key eras of Bentley production • Favourable insurance rates and service plus undisputed valuations (for insurance purposes) • Club forum offering the chance to discuss all things Bentley.
Driving adventures... Driving exhilaration... Driving friendships
We look forward to welcoming all Bentley enthusiasts to the Bentley Drivers Club
TO FIND OUT MORE, PLEASE CONTACT US AT INFO@BDCL.ORG OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.BDCL.ORG
98 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
LISTICLES.
Jaguar E-Type
The Jaguar E-Type is one of those classic British cars that everyone knows about – it’s like a cup of tea, a red telephone box or the Queen. It’s a brilliant showcase of what we can do when we put our heads together, combining exquisite styling with impressive mechanicals. I love the E-Type – it’s a proper bedroom wall poster car. I know that they aren’t quite as good to drive as you imagine, but then just look at it. I’m pretty sure you’d never get tired of eyeballing this car – it’s as pretty as pretty can be.
The knowledge
Model: Jaguar E-Type | Engine: 3.8-litre petrol | Price (today): circa £100,000 (circa $132,000) | Produced from: 1961-1975 | Power: 265bhp
My best of British
We Brits make some cracking motors, don’t we? Sports cars, off-roaders and everything in between – we’ve built ’em! OK, I’ll admit we’ve had some bad moments, but we’ve also created some true motoring icons and I’m immensely proud to pick out 10 of my favourites here
Range Rover
It’s hard to talk about British cars without mentioning the iconic Range Rover. Designed to offer go-anywhere performance alongside the utmost luxury, it’s easy to see why it’s gone on to become an incredibly popular model. I love all ages of this legend, although I do have a particular soft spot for the early, boxy models – there’s just something so spot-on about them. That said, even the modern Rangies look excellent – as long as they haven’t been overly ‘football-ered’ that is.
The knowledge
Model: Range Rover | Engine: 3.5-litre V8 | Price (today): circa £30,000 (circa $39,400) | Produced from: 1970-present | Power: 128bhp
Mini
These pages wouldn’t look right without the dinky Mini on them, would they? The iconic little city car has won the hearts and minds of many a motorist, and it would be wrong if it weren’t here among some of the UK’s best. Compact yet practical and efficient, the Mini was all things to all people – you could see one parked outside the Ritz just as much as you would outside the local supermarket. In a word – classless. It also happens to be one of my all-time favourite cars and one I’d happily drive every day.
The knowledge
Model: Mini | Engine: Fourcylinder petrol | Price (today): circa £6,500 (circa $8,600) | Produced from: 1959-2000 | Power: 33bhp
Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
99
LISTICLES.
McLaren F1
The McLaren F1 was, for quite some time, the world’s fastest production car. It could hit 242mph, and after setting that record in 1998 it remained the king of speed until 2005. This car had some seriously clever tech, with F1-inspired lightweight techniques used throughout. It even had an engine bay lined in gold, acting as a heat shield for the exhaust. It was also a British project, imagined and executed by legendary designer Gordon Murray. In terms of impact made on the world, the McLaren F1 was right up there.
The knowledge
Model: McLaren F1 | Engine: 6.1-litre V12 | Price (today): circa £9m (circa $11.8m) | Produced from: 1993-1998 | Power: 627bhp
Land Rover Defender
That boxy shape, with wheels placed on all four corners, is recognisable even from a distance – of course, it’s the Land Rover Defender. Though no longer in production, the Defender’s tough, go-anywhere attitude was hard to ignore. Despite lacking any real room for your arm when driving, the Defender has legions of fans worldwide and gained critical acclaim for its ability to tackle pretty much any situation. As a result of the end in production, even older, scrappy Defenders are trading for high prices. It just goes to show how popular they continue to be, despite not being produced any more. I know I’d love to have one in my collection.
The knowledge
Model: Land Rover Defender | Engine: 2.8-litre petrol – 2.5-litre diesel | Price (today): circa £8,000 (circa $10,500) | Produced from: 19832016 | Power: 135bhp+
Rolls-Royce Phantom
Rolls-Royce has been through all manner of different owners, with the latest being BMW. OK, so the German manufacturer giant may own the company, but Rolls-Royce has remained distinctly British. The first car to be produced under the new owner was this – the Phantom. It summarised everything that’s great about Rolls-Royce – unparalleled luxury, elegant opulence and next-level exclusivity. It looked like a proper Roller and, as is important with this list, was assembled at the firm’s facility in Goodwood, West Sussex.
The knowledge
Model: Rolls-Royce Phantom | Engine: 6.75-litre V12 | Price (today): circa £100,000 (circa $131,000) | Produced from: 2003-2017 | Power: 627bhp 100 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
Ford Escort Mk1
All right, I know that Ford is an American company but the Escort is all-British, right? The square, iconic shape of the Mk1 Escort is something so recognisable, so inherently right that it came to be one of the most popular cars the UK has seen. Mk1 Escorts are highly sought after today, which is driving prices through the roof. You’d never have thought that these cars would become future classics but they have – and they seem to be in greater demand than ever before.
The knowledge
Model: Ford Escort Mk1 | Engine: 0.9-litre rising to a 2.0-litre | Price (today): circa £6,500 (circa $8,600) | Produced from: 1967-1975 | Power: 82bhp+
TVR Chimaera
I was hugely excited when I heard that TVR would be returning, after initially going the way of the dodo. The Chimaera is one of the Blackpool firm’s most memorable models. Its name came from a monster in Greek mythology and the car itself was a bit of a brute, too. It used the legendary Rover V8 for power and was designed to be a long-distance tourer – but it still had a reputation for being reasonably ‘spiky’ to drive.
The knowledge
Model: TVR Chimaera | Engine: 4.0-5.0-litre V8 | Price (today): circa £13,000 (circa $17,100) | Produced from: 1992-2003 | Power: 240-340bhp
Caterham Seven
There are few cars as iconic as the Caterham Seven. It’s lightweight, very small and very fast too – capable of giving most supercars a run for their money. Based on the original Lotus Seven, the Caterham is about as stripped back as modern cars get. There are no driver aids, no radio and, in certain cases, no passenger seat. If you’re after a true connection to the road, then this is it – you can almost drive it telepathically, it’s so intuitive.
The knowledge
Model: Caterham Seven | Engine: 660cc rising to a supercharged 2.0-litre | Price (today): circa £20,000 (circa $26,300) | Produced from: 1973-present | Power: 80bhp+
Lotus Elise
We’ve got a bit of a knack of making fast, lightweight sports cars here in good old Blighty. The Lotus Elise is a classic example of this. It’s teeny-tiny small and yet provides the sort of driving experience you’d expect from a supercar. Early models look brilliant nowadays too, and drive equally well. The Elise has become larger and more powerful in recent years, but all models still retain that impressive sense of poise and balance – they’re the perfect accompaniment to the winding B-roads that we love so much in the UK.
The knowledge
Model: Lotus Elise | Engine: 1.9-litre petrol | Price (today): circa £12,000 (circa $15,800) | Produced from: 1996-present | Power: 145bhp Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars 101
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5 M W M B MY USED CAR HEROES
There are few letters in the motoring world quite as exciting as ‘M’. This is one of BMW’s hallmark cars to wear that badge – the M5. I’ve loved every single generation – they’re fast, practical and all look the absolute business too. I’ll be looking at a pretty iconic generation here – the E39 What is it?
What’s it powered by?
The BMW M5 is one of the most iconic performance cars in the motoring world. If there’s ever a chance to get behind the wheel of one, I’m right there – they manage to feel both special and completely user-friendly at the same time.
The M5 packs a 4.9-litre V8 engine, which sends drive to the rear wheels via a joyous six-speed manual gearbox. When new, it produced 394bhp and 500Nm of torque, capable of sending it to 60mph in 4.8 seconds, before hitting an electronically limited 155mph top speed. It does show how far we’ve come in the performance stakes, even in a relatively short amount of time – the new M5 now has just over 200bhp more than this E39 model. Isn’t that crazy?
This is one of the standout generations – the E39. Based on the angular, boxy shape of the late-1990s 5 Series, I’d argue that it’s one of the angriest, punchiest-looking M5s ever made – and that’s part of the reason why it was so popular. Watch any number of action films created around the same time as the M5 and it’s likely you’ll see the baddie piloting this V8-powered muscle saloon. It sounds just as evil as it looks too, courtesy of a 4.9-litre naturally aspirated engine. It’s also very practical, being relatively unchanged in layout to the regular 5 Series. There’s a decent boot, space for five inside and, despite the lowered suspension, it’s got a decent ride too. It’s therefore pretty close to being the ideal performance daily driver. 102 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
BMW’s M-Division garnished the M5 with plenty of performance goodies to make it as capable as possible. It got a quicker steering ratio compared with other V8-powered 5 Series models and it received larger brake discs too. It was even one of the first performance cars to get a Sport button – pressing this adjusted the throttle, making it more sensitive in certain modes. The car’s ride height was also dropped by 23mm compared with the regular car, and this gave it better cornering abilities, while also making it look even better – in my eyes at least! The E39 preceded
No one will ever see you coming – and that’s why this age of M5 is one of the best to surprise others.
In association with
The knowledge Model: BMW M5 (E39) Engine: 4.9-litre naturally aspirated V8 Price (when new): c irca £53,000 (circa $88,400) Price (today): circa £20,000 (circa $26,200) Produced from: 1998-2003 Power: 394bhp Top speed: 155mph
* Insurance quote Quotes are based on a 45-year-old male, second vehicle. It’s garaged, covers 3,000 miles a year and in an SP2 postcode. He has no claims or convictions, is a club member and is employed as a marketing manager. Disclaimer: Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may vary between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. An additional charge may be payable.
the mad, V10-powered E60 M5, and it was the last naturally aspirated V8 M5 that we’d see – it all became turbocharged after that.
How are values today? Prices for the E39 M5 vary quite wildly today, depending on mileage and condition. Many have been overworked and under-maintained – it’s these you’ll have to watch out for. Look to spend in the region of £17,000 to £20,000 for a pristine, lowmileage example, although you could go as low as £8,000 for a high-mile, slightly tired version. One thing’s for sure – prices for this age of M5 are now as low as they’re likely to go, so it’s a good time to get your hands on one before they start to increase in price, as I’ve seen in all areas of BMW used cars. Have you seen the price of early E30 models recently? They’ve gone through the roof. Le Mans Blue is one of my favourite shades for this age of M5 – although Imola Red is also a bit of a highlight. The best thing about this age of M-car
is the complete absence of over-the-top styling. You just get four pipes at the back and some subtle badging dotted along the exterior. No one will ever see you coming – and that’s why this age of M5 is one of the best to surprise others.
available as either a saloon or an estate – with the wagon version arguably one of the best-looking cars of its time.
What were its rivals?
Although the vast majority of the M5’s setup is bulletproof – the interior, for one, is brilliantly made – there are some aspects of the car you need to double-check. Chain tensioners are quite sensitive to which oil has been used, plus keep an eye out for whether the clutch has been changed, as these last for around 60,000 miles and are costly to replace.
There were quite a few contenders in the M5’s segment during the late-1990s and early-2000s. The Jaguar S-Type R was a stylish, high-powered saloon car with retro looks and an equally retrolooking interior. In fact, it matched the BMW in terms of power, packing 395bhp from its 4.2-litre supercharged V8 engine, allowing it to hit 60mph in just 5.5 seconds. It also sounds fantastic – but then most things with a supercharged V8 under the bonnet do. Then there was the Mercedes E55 AMG. Coming in just before AMG’s incredible revival in popularity, the E55 was based on the regular E-Class. The E55 weighed into battle with a lot of power, thanks to a 5.5-litre supercharged V8 with 469bhp. It was also
Anything to look out for?
BMW 5 Series of this generation were also a little susceptible to rust. Check the car’s arches (they can turn into dust if uncared for), along with the area behind the bumpers and underneath the window and door trims. And although that interior is pretty robust, give the seat bolsters a good looking over. They’re the main area of wear in the cabin and can be prone to collapsing if given a hard life. Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars 103
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104 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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LISTICLES.
Best electric used cars It might feel like electric cars are a recent fashion but they’re not – there are now plenty to choose from in the used market. Here are my tips on which ones to try out for size
A
s I’m sure you’re aware, the popularity of electrified vehicles is on the rise. Hybrids, plug-in hybrids and all-electric cars are being snapped up left, right and centre as we all push to reduce emissions across the globe. Many manufacturers are doing well to keep the fun in driving an electric car, and I can’t fault certain models for the way they shift down the road – some of these electric cars are properly rapid! Whereas for some time this tech was completely cutting-edge and not available to those of you looking for a used car, that isn’t the case any more. There are quite a few electric cars that have been around for some time now – and you could even call some of them classics. I’ve had a little look around the classified sites for some charged-up cars and picked out the best.
Honda Insight
Honda’s Insight broke the mould when it came out in 1999. It used a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine linked to an in-line brushless electric motor, which for the late-1990s was pretty in-depth tech. The results were impressive – Honda claimed that it could do just over 80mpg on the combined cycle and it took a rather sedate 12.3 seconds to hit 60mph. That electric motor would chirp in during acceleration to provide extra power and act as a generator to recover energy when slowing down. This tech also contributed to impressively low emissions – the Insight emits just 80g/km of CO2.
The knowledge
Model: Honda Insight | Engine: 1.0-litre petrol with electric motor | Price (today): circa £5,000 (circa $6,600) | Produced from: 1999-2006 | Power: 74bhp
Renault Twizy
There are few cars quite as wild to look at as the Renault Twizy – I mean, it has scissor doors! Yes, I know it’s impractical and not particularly great in the rain, but it’s exciting. It’s not got the best of ranges either, at just over 60 miles, but that’s more than enough for quick trips to the shop or pottering around at weekends. It’s properly small this car – in fact, it’s technically a quadricycle rather than a car. When released, the Twizy was one of the cheapest electric cars on sale – and it remains a bit of a bargain in the used market now.
The knowledge
Model: Renault Twizy | Engine: 13kW motor | Price (today): circa £5,000 (circa $6,600) | Produced from: 2012-present | Power: 17bhp
Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars 105
LISTICLES.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is an electric car designed for everyday use. It may not have the greatest range available but it’s more than enough to get you around and there are loads of used models to pick from. It’s best suited to city life – longer journeys do tend to be a little bit stressful. The designers at Nissan were quite clever with the Leaf and didn’t make it look too out-there, giving it an appearance of a more conventional hatchback instead, which I like. You can pick up a decent example for under £10,000 now too, which ain’t half bad!
The knowledge
Model: Nissan Leaf | Engine: 80kW motor | Price (today): circa £10,000 (circa $13,200) | Produced from: 2011-present | Power: 118bhp
Tesla Roadster
Tesla has been around for a little while now, and although most people think of it in terms of the Model S and Model X, its first foray into the electric car market was with the Roadster. Released in 2008, this was a two-seater, mid-engined sports car with a decidedly impressive all-electric range of around 240 miles. It was one of the first cars to use a lithium-ion battery and was also the first production electric car to break the 200-mile range boundary. Impressive stuff. Even back then, the Roadster could hit 60mph in under four seconds. I even think it’s become a bit of a classic!
The knowledge
Model: Tesla Roadster | Engine: 185kW motor | Price (today): circa £75,000 (circa $99,000) | Produced from: 2008-2012 | Power: 247bhp
Toyota Prius
It’s hard to talk about electrified vehicles without mentioning the love-it-or-loathe-it Toyota Prius. The first-generation car was only available in Japan but soon found its way into the UK via importers. It featured a 1.5-litre petrol engine linked to an electric motor, and despite being rather plainly styled it was pretty popular. Soon after, an export model was created, meaning the UK and continental Europe got a proper taste of the Prius. It returned more than 60mpg, hit 60mph in 13 seconds and had a top speed of 99mph.
The knowledge
Model: Toyota Prius | Engine: 1.5-litre petrol with electric motor | Price (today): circa £2,000 (circa $2,600) | Produced from: 20002003 | Power: 70bhp
106 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
Renault Zoe
While the Leaf was designed as a more conventional family car, the Renault Zoe is an out-and-out city car. It’s small, nippy and makes darting in and out of busy urban traffic a breeze. Early cars had a range of around 150 miles, too, which isn’t bad, while nearly-new models will have more than 200. It takes a considerable time to charge up at home, though – around eight hours from a conventional home-charging unit. The Zoe represents great value on the used market, but beware as some cars come with leased batteries that you’ll have to pay for on a monthly basis for the life of the car. This makes them a tricky proposition to sell on.
The knowledge
Model: Renault Zoe | Engine: 65kW motor | Price (today): circa £5,000 (circa $6,600) | Produced from: 2013-present | Power: 88bhp
Peugeot i0n
The Peugeot i0n was one of the first massproduced electric cars available in Europe and shared a platform with the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and Citroen C-Zero. It provided – somewhat surprisingly – enough room for four people and had a range of 93 miles, while its compact dimensions made it ideal for nipping in and out of busy urban traffic. Unfortunately, it arrived a little late to the party. Other manufacturers were upping their electric cars’ ranges and the i0n’s limited nature meant it fell short of what others were offering. Shame.
The knowledge
Model: Peugeot i0n | Engine: 50kW motor | Price (today): circa £5,000 (circa $6,600) | Produced from: 2010-present | Power: 64bhp
Tesla Model S
Renault Fluence
The Fluence may look like a conventional four-door saloon, but underneath that plain exterior is an electric powertrain good for 115 miles. Though it didn’t do all that well in terms of sales, it did showcase how ‘normal’ cars could feature emissions-saving tech without having to look too futuristic. It was one of the first cars to employ battery-swapping technology, too. The idea was once you ran out of charge you went to a dedicated battery-swap site and changed yours for a freshly charged one. Unfortunately, Renault never introduced the process in the UK. The ill-fated Fluence was only sold for two years and you can now find one for under £5k.
The knowledge
Model: Renault Fluence | Engine: 70kW motor | Price (today): circa £5,000 (circa $6,600) | Produced from: 2012-2014 | Power: 95bhp
The Tesla Model S was one of the founders of what we see as ‘current’ (excuse the pun) electric cars. It delivered in terms of practicality, pace and range – easily exceeding 300 miles on a single charge. They are starting to spring up on the used car market for a decent price now – you’ll be looking at around £50k for one in reasonable condition. There are varying performance levels to pick from too, with the range-topping 100D one of the fastest-accelerating cars available – it can hit 60mph in just 2.5 seconds!
The knowledge
Model: Tesla Model S | Engine: 270kW motor | Price (today): £50,000 (circa $66,000) | Produced from: 2012-present | Power: 310-602bhp
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BEST FERRARIS EVER
MY FOOLPROOF GUIDE TO...
FERRARI If you ask the average person what their dream supercar would be, there’s a high chance it’d be a Ferrari. The Italian car company has an image that few can match and is one of the most desirable brands there is. It was hugely centred around founder Enzo Ferrari, who was instrumental to the firm’s success Brand history Ferrari’s history dates all the way back to 1929, when founder Enzo Ferrari started his Scuderia Ferrari racing team. The man wasn’t too fussed about road cars and instead worked with Alfa Romeo, effectively taking over its racing team in 1933 – and to much success until Alfa decided to bring its racing department in-house in 1938. Enzo left in 1939 on the condition he wouldn’t use the Ferrari name for four years. Just days later, he founded Auto Avio Costruzioni, although the company soon had to turn its hand to machine and aircraft parts for Italy’s war effort, but managed to build a car in 1940 – the Auto Avio Costruzioni 815. The factory was bombed in 1944 but was rebuilt and Auto Avio Costruzioni remained in operation. The first car to wear the Ferrari name was the V12-powered 125 S, which debuted in 1947 as a race car. It wasn’t until 1957, though, that the firm became known as Auto Costruzioni Ferrari.
What made it famous? Few firms have enjoyed the success of Ferrari, so what made the company stand out as it does today? Well, a big part of this is motorsport. Ferrari’s success started back in the 1930s, when the manufacturer’s racing pedigree was what it was entirely about.
enough to give any petrolhead goose bumps, while iconic models such as the Ferrari 250 GTO, which sell for upwards of £25m, are halo cars that give the brand mystical appeal. Ferrari ultimately sells an image that few brands can, with its cars being something to aspire to. I certainly love them!
Did it have any notorious or bad times? All car makers have their ups and downs, but Ferrari has had some bumpy times to say the least. One of its biggest calamities happened in 1961. Enzo Ferrari was known for his fiery personality, so it came as little surprise that he clashed with people along the way. After a series of fallouts among senior employees at the firm, key members demanded that Enzo’s wife Laura, who was said to be even harder to deal with, was removed from the company. However, those who wanted her out were suddenly ousted themselves. It was a pivotal time, with the 250 GTO being drawn up, but the firm enlisted the help of some new engineers and the ’60s subsequently became a strong era for the brand – and it’s never looked back since.
Ferrari Dino
While Ferrari’s history is largely full of positive times, the Dino represents something more sombre. Enzo Ferrari’s first son, Alfredo ‘Dino’ Ferrari, who was set to take over at the helm of the firm, sadly died from Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 1956 at the age of 24. In his honour, Enzo named the mid-engined sports car Ferrari was working on after him, not least because his son was instrumental in helping develop its V6 engine. This would initially be a racing car, but became the 246 GT ‘Dino’ road car in the late ’60s. Price now: circa £350,000 (circa $459,000)
Ferrari motorsport teams won 15 Formula One World Drivers’ Championships between 1950 and 2007 – the last of which was secured by Kimi Räikkönen. More recently, customers of the brand have been able to buy their way into racing as part of the ‘XX’ programmes, Ferrari Challenge Series and more. Road cars, though, are now an integral part of the company. Famous special editions, both past and present, are 110 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
Ferrari is one very special brand. It makes stunning cars that every petrolhead wants to own and they go like the clappers too!
Ferrari 125 S
Here’s where it all started, with the 125 S being the first car to wear a Ferrari badge after the brand was formed in 1947. Using a 1.5-litre V12 – yes, you really did get cylinders that small back then – and a five-speed gearbox, it was the car that Enzo himself had envisaged. The 125 S didn’t have the best of successes in its early racing, though, with Enzo declaring it a ‘promising failure’. He was certainly correct, as it didn’t get off to the best of starts and wasn’t anything special to look at, but it was where it all began for the firm. Only two were made. Price now: Priceless!
Ferrari F40
This was the last car the founder signed off himself, so it was always going to be something special. Developed as a back-to-basics supercar, the legendary model was fitted with a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8, producing 471bhp. This allowed it to hit 60mph in just 4.1 seconds and go on to a top speed of 201mph. The F40 would spawn motorsport-based LM ‘Micheletto’ models, as well as ultra-rare Competizione models. Price now: circa £800,000 (circa $1,050,000)
Ferrari LaFerrari
Any car whose name translates as ‘The Ferrari’ tells you all you need to know. The LaFerrari is the latest hypercar from the firm, rivalling monsters such as the McLaren P1 and Porsche 918. Designed to be the pinnacle of Ferrari, it has 950bhp on tap from a V12, while interestingly it uses an electric motor to also boost performance. With a 0-60mph figure of under three seconds and a list price of £1.15m when new, it’s the modern Ferrari to have. Price now: circa £2.25m (circa $3m) Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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BEST FERRARIS EVER
Ferrari 250 GTO
How much would you consider spending on a car? £5,000, £10,000 or £25,000 at a push? Well, consider this – 250 GTOs nowadays command prices of at least £30m, while a 1963 example sold for £52m earlier this year. It’s ludicrous, but boils down to the desirability factor. The 250 GTO was fitted with a 3.0-litre V12 engine and produced 296bhp. It’s perhaps one of the most beautiful cars ever built, and with international racing pedigree to go with it, it’s fair to say that a 250 GTO is at the very top of Ferrari’s hall of fame. Price now: circa £52m (circa $68m)
Ferrari F430 Scuderia
Scuderia is a term that we all know to be associated with Ferrari racing – the term itself translating from Italian as ‘stable’. The word isn’t used lightly, so Ferrari sticking it on the 430 Scuderia shows just how much F1 know-how went into it. F1 driver Michael Schumacher even pulled the covers off the car at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007. The Scuderia had a 4.3-litre V8 engine, producing 503bhp, meaning it could achieve 60mph in 3.6 seconds and hit a top speed of 198mph. Price now: circa £200,000 (circa $260,000)
Ferrari 288 GTO
The GTO badge – or Gran Turismo Omologato to use the name in full – is only wheeled out for cars Ferrari deems worthy of the very special moniker. The 288 GTO was only the second Ferrari to use the nameplate, and the first to do so in 20 years. Developed as a homologation special so Ferrari could compete in Group B rallying – what many refer to as the sport’s ‘golden age’ – unfortunately Group B folded shortly after and the Ferrari never took to the mud. That never stopped it becoming one of the most desirable Ferraris ever, though. Price now: circa £1.5m (circa $1.96m) 112 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
Ferrari 458 Speciale
The Ferrari 458 Speciale really was that – extra special. This badass track-focused machine was extreme in every way. Although it came with a number plate and was perfectly legal to use on the road, it was still as fierce as hell. With 597bhp and a 0-60mph time of three seconds dead, it’s still one of the fastest Prancing Horses ever made for the road. And prices are rising nearly as fast as it hits 60mph! Price now: circa £325,000 (circa $426,000)
Ferrari Enzo
Any car that uses the legend’s name was also going to be special. The Enzo (below) was developed using F1 technology and experience, and would become the pinnacle model in 2002 when revealed – think of it as a modern version of the 250 GTO in an indirect way. The fact that it was built and developed at a time when Ferrari was dominating on track was also fundamental. Just 399 were made, while a trackonly FXX model would debut in 2005. The Enzo was fitted with a 6.0-litre V12, producing 650bhp. It could achieve 60mph in 3.14 seconds and go on to a top speed of 217mph. Price now: circa £2m (circa $2.6m)
Ferrari F2004
One of the most successful Formula One cars of all time, the F2004 (below) propelled Michael Schumacher to his seventh and final world championship, and brought Ferrari back to top form in F1. His first win was in 2000 and he remained on the podium until 2004, with the F2004 being the last of the ultra-successful bloodline. It took many lap records during 2004, some of which stood until 2017, and will go down in motorsport history as one of the most savage F1 cars ever. Price now: circa £3.5m (circa $4.6m)
Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars 113
POSTCARD.
Behind the scenes
I travel the world as part of my job – checking out cars from Coventry to California – and I absolutely love it! Here’s a little look at what goes on
I
’ve been here, there and everywhere when it comes to television – a great show knows no bounds, and this has certainly been the case with Wheeler Dealers, as well as many of the other fantastic shows I’ve worked on.
As you’ve seen in this magazine, I’ve visited some diverse locations in search of the greatest cars possible. Many have been an absolute culture shock – Japan and India are two incredible examples. We’re always after the best shot though. It’s one of the main reasons why we moved the show to California for shooting – the sunlight sticks around far longer and is more dependable, which means we can get more done in a day.
I love searching the globe for exciting cars
Shoot days can be gruelling and fast-paced. There’s never much time to stop and hang around, particularly if we’re up against a tight schedule. It can be stressful, but the end result is always incredibly rewarding. It’s a process you get used to, and seeing the finished item is always a thrill.
and people can be talking to me about it before I’ve even had a chance to blink. Of course, the TV shows go through lengthy production, filming and editing, but it’s just incredible how quickly a clip of me looking around a classic sports car can be seen by thousands. I find it a little scary at times – check out my website mikebrewermotoring.com for evidence of that!
I also get the opportunity to meet some fantastic people in this racket! Car nuts are the same worldwide, and it means that wherever I go I always have something in common with someone. Cars really do bring people together, there’s no doubt about that. Everyone loves a deal too – this is what’s at the heart of shows such as Wheeler Dealers. Even with language barriers, people love trading and selling their cars!
But through it all, it’s just one great adventure. Yes, what you folks get to see is the complete finished product, but what goes on behind the camera is very exciting too. Away from the camera, I’m always looking at cars as well. The search for Wheeler Dealers vehicles is a constant one – I’m forever trawling the classified websites, looking through the backs of car magazines and checking forums. It’s a fun part of the job but it really does take some time!
Throughout the years, processes have changed – it’s a far more digital age that we live in now. Everything is so immediate. I can get a video online in seconds,
Each and every day is a bit of a whirlwind, but it’s exciting, non-stop and utterly intoxicating. I wouldn’t have it any other way, that’s for sure!
Quiz answers:
These are some of the guys that make the magic happen
Here’s me chatting to Sir Stirling Moss
I also get the opportunity to meet some fantastic people in this racket!
1: 1970-1974 (Four years); 2: Frontline Battle Machines; 3: 34bhp; 4: Isle of Man TT; 5: Barrett-Jackson; 6: 190bhp; 7: 993; 8: 1990; 9: Ford Capri Laser; 10: 350 GTV; 11: Bonhams; 12: 2001; 13: Renault Alpine A310 V6; 14: 1989; 15: 1963; 16: Driven; 17: 1975; 18: £2,410; 19: 1948; 20: Rugby-ist; 21: Auto Trader; 22: Porsche 924; 23: Hillman Imp; 24: LM 002; 25: Austin Healey 3000 BJ8 Convertible
114 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars
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Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars 115
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