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Used car market so hard to call

Sometimes it is difficult to reach a common consensus of opinion, as the current political situation tells us and in the motor trade there has never really been a situation like we are experiencing right now, with so many differing opinions on how to call the market.

For example some of our sources tell us that certain cars are going through auction and making ‘brewsters’ (as in millions) more than the consensus opinion of what they are worth, and not necessarily unique cars either. Cars which are not run of the mill in terms of colour or specification are making a real premium as are exceptionally low mileage examples.

At the same time the ‘cheapy’ sector, which is normally buoyant during a recession especially with people who view car ownership as something of a functional necessity rather than a kind of lifestyle choice, is struggling.
That said it also seems to be a very regional thing, we know a chap who is responsible for stock management across 10 branches between the Midlands and the North of England who tells us the difference in performance could not be more marked. Some are having a great time while others are pulling their hair out.

The situation regarding new cars and the real effect of the end of scrappage should become more apparent come the end of May; however dealers are telling us that showroom traffic on new cars has declined by as much as 50% in some showrooms. Buyers seem to have reverted back to buying late plate used or demo examples in the belief that they are getting a better deal and safe in the knowledge they can have the car almost immediately.

The interesting aspect at present is that cars really are finding their own values and buyers are not being fooled into paying over the top for cars, even though dealers are having to pay top dollar in the wholesale market.

In a similar way to last year when used car values rose steadily, dealers are finding that although they are paying top trade prices and stock is in high demand they cannot transfer those higher prices onto car buyers and thereby have to settle for lower margins as a result.

The other dynamic in play is that although buyers will not necessarily pay a premium for an average car (and, of course why should they?); the range of profitable products being sold to them ensures that each car sold can ‘earn its keep’ so to speak.

As we often say the future will be very much driven by how each car can generate income for a dealer without relying solely on what the car itself makes and as long as the whole package represents value for money to customers (perceived or otherwise) it is not a bad thing.

From the point of view of a customer considering a change, if you do own a vehicle which fits into the categories which are “hot”, i.e. low mileage, unusual colour, premium spec and a desirable model it will be prudent to explore all avenues when parting with it because it will almost certainly have a huge selling margin across it if you don’t.

May 12, 2010In51der
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  • Scrappage done and dusted now the hard work begins
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    Comments: 1
    1. Mark Robbins
      12 years ago

      I think that is very much the case as far as “Region” is concerned, the is a dearth of choice down here in the south east with Auction Halls packed to the gills with every sort of buyer imaginable, as you quite rightly say the “right cars” are making fortunes even those that are perceived as “run of the mill” everyday cars, for example, the older used “cheapy” vehicles such as Ford Focus Zetec / Ghia, Vauxhall Astra / Corsa etc are making silly money if in the sub £3,000 price bracket and sensible mileage, in fact i cant get near them at my auction at present, we are finding that anything Diesel, Auto, or small petrol under £5,000 is flying out the door whilst the sub £10,000 upper premium stuff is really sticking, I can sell as many clean price range Ford at present that i can get, trouble is the part exchanges are very much in the French format and so we are cherry picking, if its french or a dubious foreign make we probably dont want it, thing is, as they get older nor do the public it seems? nowadays it is very much “How reliable and parts friendly is it?” that seems to be the question on most of our customers lips in this part of the world, cant speak for the rest of the country of couse!

    In51der

    Motor Trade Insider - Bridging the gap between the customer and the Motor Trade

    12 years ago Blog, Consumer, Scrappagebargain car market, car auctions, car market, car sales, Featured, new car buying, prices second car market, Scrappage, teste, Used car, Used car buying, used car market, used car prices, used car valuation147
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