Latest price falls make used 4x4s tempting as low-mileage business cars. BCA’s Simon Henstock explains. Used 4x4s prices have fallen lower than ever. Some premium 4x4s are now starting to look spectacular value.
The latest BCA Pulse report shows that 4x4s are taking the brunt of the economic downturn. For low-mileage business use, where fuel prices are less of a factor, used 4x4s now look tempting buys after further falls in August.
The average auction price for ex-lease premium 4x4s in August was L9331. That’s nearly L600 less than in July and a hefty L1405 cheaper than in January.
The average auction price for ex-lease volume 4x4s in August was L7035. That’s L2227 cheaper than in January 2008.
Elsewhere in the secondhand market, average used car values fell by nearly L200 during August.
The average ex-lease car fell only L74 to L5786. The average nearly new car dropped L1414 in August.
The real interest has been in budget cars, where values have remained quite strong. This adds further strength to the notion that motorists are seeking to downsize.
However, big used 4x4s are now more affordable than ever to buy. Meanwhile fuel prices are appearing to stabilise. So a canny small business in search of a classy low-mileage car may find that a secondhand premium 4×4 now adds up.