Motoring
Used car bargains: the models that are escaping the big price rises In recent months, with new car production badly affected by a shortage of components – namely due to limited supplies of semiconductors, which are used in everything from reversing cameras to safety assistance systems – buyers are flocking to used cars like never before. It’s having a huge knock-on effect on the prices of used cars too – especially on the models with long waiting times for a brand-
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new version. In fact, recent data from automotive analysts Cap HPI showed that values rose by 20.3 per cent in a five month period, with some cars jumping in value by nearly 50 per cent in that time. It means that used cars are now pricier than they’ve ever been. However, there is still a range of models that continue to offer great value for money. Here are the used car bargains still available.
Vauxhall Astra Though Vauxhall’s Astra might not be the most aspirational car in its class, that has never harmed its popularity. And it’s this that works to its advantage if you’re looking for a bargain, as with the huge choice of models available, it helps to guarantee you a great deal on a used example. So while the soon-to-be-replaced Astra might cost you £20,000 new, by looking at nearly-new versions you can quite easily save yourself well in excess of £5,000. We spotted a 2020 car with under 10,000 miles on the clock for just £13,495 – you’d struggle to find a new city car for that price. While it’s often overlooked, the Astra is still good to drive, looks good and has a practical interior that is ideal for families. BMW X3 M Competition BMW’s M division is best known for its sports saloons like the M3 and M5, but these days the brand’s sporty SUVs play an equally important part. Take the X3 M
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