With Easter on the horizon it is very noticeable that demand for used cars has tailed off and values have followed suit. This is the first time since October 2013 values have come under this kind of pressure and the lower medium sector is no exception to this.

Throughout the auction halls the big dealer groups have not in general been engaged, which in turn has resulted in independents and private buyers having first pick of the stock and potentially picking up a bargain as values start to fall. It is still noticeable that a lower medium car with high spec in white and big alloys still attracts lots of interest.

It is not unusual to see a softening of values in the run up to Easter as this has happened in previous years.  However the question is: will demand and values start to bounce back after the Easter break or will they continue on a downward trend?  

Lower Medium Sector

Now turning attention to my area of responsibility (Lower Medium sector), the most notable performers that have benefited from values being increased (which are few and far between as there is only one!) since last deadline is:   

• RENAULT MEGANE RENAULTSPORT (10- ) +£400 – (based on a 2 year old vehicle with 40K)

Having looked at the notable strong performers, listed below are the ranges that have struggled since in the first few days of this month:

• TOYOTA AURIS (12- ) -£175 – (based on a 2 year old vehicle with 40K)
• SKODA RAPID (12- ) -£225 – (based on a 2 year old vehicle with 40K)
• FORD FOCUS (08-12) -£225 – (based on a 2 year old vehicle with 40K)

Ranges that have outperformed the market to keep their values level are also listed below. These are doing well due to relatively low volumes, although this pattern may not continue long term:

• VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (11- ) DIESEL
• KIA PRO CEED (13- )
• TOYOTA AURIS (10-12) HYBRID

Best and Worst Depreciators 

One question Black Book Editors are asked on a regular occasion is: ‘Which cars hold their value and which cars don’t?’  

The below table shows the top 3 'best' and 'worst' depreciators within the lower medium sector based on CAP Black Book 3yr 60k average new price retained (OCN%) by generation. It is no surprise to see the Ford Focus RS and ST at the top of the best list as they are highly desirable:

With reports that auction halls are full to bursting with stock and demand is slacking off, one thing you can be sure of is that the Black Book Team will be keeping a close eye on how it plays out. So keep checking Black Book Live to see how the market is changing and what impact it may have.  

It now just leaves me to say I hope you all have a great Easter!