16/07/2010 12:36:17

The market has seen a continuation of the summer lull. Some dealers have bucked this trend, but the majority have not and with the full on summer holiday season almost upon us, conditions are likely to remain the same for the next 4-6 weeks. As i mentioned last time, this is not unusual and after 18 months of used valuation price strength it was always on the cards. Most values will drop back for August guide with an average of 2.75% looking likely, even cabriolets and roadsters are due some movement, the relatively long hot summer not enough to tempt buyers to want to over stock these as the peak selling season draws to a close.

Generally dealer groups have seen some periods of inactivity within the past 4 weeks, some more than others, but all have been pickier and with this in mind many Sline, Msport and Sport (on Mercedes) variants will see gentler movements for next month. Price re-alignments are the order of the day, as dealers think back to 2008 and the over-age problem that occurred then, a wise move, as it's certain that most cars will be cheaper to buy in 4 weeks time than they are now, so it pays to move older stock on and buy back cheaper.

Some cars buck this trend, 1 series is performing well - looking better value for money perhaps than its key competitor and some of the new to market cars such as E class, Q5 for example which are short in supply, continue to outperform. The luxury coupe segment is another matter and this sector along with run of the mill cars and certain 4x4's are struggling. Reasons? Well on luxury coupe the buyers have moved to other segments and 4x4's due to seasonality factors.

Having said all that there are still not huge amounts of ready to retail prime stock in the market and this is likely to offer some protection going forward...


Richard Crosthwaite
Prestige Car Editor
Glass's Guide