ULEZ and Similar Effects on Car Prices?

RogerPensionGuy

Hi.

I'm in the process of looking to buying a 2nd car or called a Sunday car by some people. 

Looking at some nice high specification cars about 15 to 20 years oldish approximately. 

Friends are telling me ULEZ compliet is what I should buy or if I'm not in ULEZ or similar zones too much, get a non compliant ULEZ car for cheap in these next few months and plonk the cash I saved on the price in an ISA and let the Interest or groath balance the odd times I get charged. 

Wondering just how much this ULEZ staff will split the prices between compliet or non compliant.

My friends are saying the % split will be generally between 10 to 30% depending on lots of stuff and obviously some older non ULEZ compliet cars will always be worth way more due to that unique model etc.

Any views here?

Car_54

I suspect the views on here will be similar to those of your friends, i.e. lots of opinions, but no-one really knows what will happen to prices.

WellKnownSid

It is possible you may benefit from a downturn in non-compliant cars and grab yourself a bargain - but it may be more of a blip as the market adjusts itself.  Just remember that those that can afford to run and maintain a decent 15-20 year old car in the manner it should be accustomed to (main dealer servicing on the button, same branded tyres on every corner, Bosch wiper blades, regular detailing, nice dry, heated garage, trickle charger to maintain the battery if not in regular use) likely won't have an issue with an occasional ULEZ charge.

Herzlos

Not everyone lives in an LEZ, or is worried about the charge.

You'll certainly see more non compliant cars for sale and lower demand, but it probably won't be as much as 10% difference in value. It'll be more striking when comparing, say, a 2004 Fiesta to a 2005 Fiesta (Euro IV was 2005 for petrol?).

Given that we're talking about 18 year old cars already, the price difference will be negligible since most will be approaching scrap. Diesels will be younger and more expensive (being that it was 2016) but for a Sunday car I doubt you'd be looking at a diesel.

If you live in the ULEZ, then buy something compliant, if you're not then just buy something you like.

You might get a bargain on something like an old Jaguar S-Type, XJ or whatever, but those owners probably aren't using them daily and won't be in that much of a rush to sell up.