Save many thousands - buy second hand

Analysis - By Our In-House Correspondent

18th January 2008

Ten years ago, buying a used car was a riskier business.  Back then, cars were more prone to rust, and manufacturing techniques meant that an older car was more likely to be unreliable.

How times have changed.  Cars built since the late 90s were manufactured using state-of-the-art build quality techniques.  Quality cars from companies such as BMW, Audi and Ford which are 4-7 years old have already incurred the big depreciation slug - which means that you can pick up a very reliable car and keep your cost of motoring down.

For example, buy a new BMW 320 today, and even a basic model will set you back £31,000.  With aggressive negotiation, maybe you’ll pick one up for £28,000.   In three years time, you could sell it for perhaps £10,000.  This has cost you £18,000 - or £115 per week!!!  This is before fuel, insurance (which would be higher due to the higher car value) and main dealer servicing.  Ouch!

Do yourself a favour - look at what Wickford Cars has to offer.  Currently we have a BMW 318 convertible with 36,000 on the clock.  It’s listed at £7,495.  Drive this for three years, and maybe you could then sell it for £4,000.  This has cost you £3,500 or £22 per week!

A second hand quality car from Wickford Cars can put an extra £93 a week in your pocket!  Thats more than enough for a couple of nights out each week, or put it towards an extra holiday or two.  Browse our stock and give us a call for our latest deals.