Low Fuel consumption vehicles 2008

chopperharris

citreon reliability over the last 20 years has been questionable , but i think they are either tying to address it now or fool the public into believing its so...ie new advert german quality.Its similar to korean makers advertising japanese build quality...and most jap cars are built in to be dead in 10 years to local laws , hence why you get imports here as its very expensive to keep older jap cars in japan with thier advanced age mot.

I run an avensis , not stricly jap i know but for motorway miles its great if you do some adjustments , and at nearly half the price of the equivalent bmw of the same spec ie 3 series.I get combined 46.7 mpg , could be more if i had it chipped , and im lead footed which means less mpg.Its easy to get the rated prius mpg or more with ease in said avensis , and at 60 percent of the price.Toyota is noted for longetivity of engine life and of course the hilux that cant be killed by top gear , servicing aint the cheapest but saves you in the long run.

the bmw 1 series eco model is imo the best buy imo at a claimed 70 mpg , but basically its a more aerodynamic mini althoguh the ride is choppy.For micro car you cant do better than toyota aygo diesel.For fun but not all that great mpg the suzuki swift is the true mini spirit but once again a bit harsh ride quality.

agal

Pretani wrote: »

Thanks for that 'heads-up' agal. I was told the AA covered the costs of breakdown, servicing, etc, etc. Seems there must be some misunderstanding.

Breakdown assistance is indeed included in the motability package but it is provided by the RAC not the AA.

motorguy

Pretani wrote: »

Interesting addition ballyblack, but how can you second guess the depreciation of a vehicle if it's relatively new? The article says watch out for high spec models and cheap new cars. It also states small cars and high image cars lose the least.

A part from the high image factor and the desirability aspect of a specific vehicle, can the other factors mentioned be influenced by fuel consumption and emissions?

What other factors contribute to the depreciation value of a vehicle? for example: - can the amount of models sold have any reflection on the depreciation value?

if you go to www.whatcar.com, they have percentage depreciation on all new cars over three years. So if you buy a nearly new car for £25K that was £30K new, then if whatcar say its going to be worth 50% after three years, thats £15K, so you'd loose £10K approx by the time the car reaches its third birthday.

Theoretically, the amount of cars sold effects the value of it - a problem ford have with 'oversupply' of used models. But companies like BMW seem to buck the trend - they sell 3 series in vast numbers, but they are still among the best for holding their value.

tomstickland

A work colleague has a nearly new Clio and has had endless problems with electrical faults.

almillar

Depreciation is an absolute maze but as a general guide:
A new car will be worth, after 3 years - about a third of it's value for bad depreciation, and about half it's value for good depreciation (ie a car that holds it's value well).
Reputation and image/desirability make up a lot of why cars depreciate. EG generally most people would desire a second hand VW to a second hand Renault.
Numbers of cars also affect values. Mondeos/Vectras plummet because there are so many around, supply and demand, fewer cars being sold means people have to work harder to buy.
Running costs/buying costs. You can own a Jag for the same price you can own a Fiesta. But can you afford to tax/fuel/insure/service it? More people want small cars. Fiesta/Focus cars especially.
Diesel cars seem to hold their value better.
Daft colours/interiors make a car less sellable.
There's plenty more!.....
HTH
Alan