Used car experts on the auction floor give you the lowdown on what’s selling and what’s sitting.

What’s hot

Mazda6 diesel
Dealers are all over the revitalised Mazda brand, and the Mazda6 diesel is one of the best in a burgeoning range

Peugeot 206 CC
There are more and more new affordable metal roof convertibles on the market, but none have reached the used buyer yet, apart from the 206 CC, which keeps prices high

Late plate Omega
The last of the Omegas were fully kitted and buyers love its size, equipment levels and comfort – a cracking secondhand buy much sought after
Source: CAP Black Book

What’s not

BMW 3-series Compact
The 1-series makes it look old, and new shape Audi A3’s are hitting the market nearly new, and buyers are going for those instead

Ford Focus
The Focus just keeps selling and selling, but end-of-life means supported fleet deals and short-term cycles, which are pushing secondhand prices down

Mercedes-Benz A-class
The soon-to-be replaced effect is putting pressure on values, even though the new A-class is not here until next year

  • Source: CAP Black Book Diesel demand outstrips availability – CAP

    Dealer need twice as many used diesels as they are able to get hold of, CAP has revealed.

    Diesels account for an average one-in-four vehicles on used car forecourts, but the latest CAP Used Car Performance Index reports most would like to see that figure increase to one-in two.

    CAP reckons ‘the level of demand for used diesels is one of the most critical issues facing Britain’s car market’, due to the massive increase in new diesel registrations in recent years. This under-supply is good news for future used diesel values, CAP claims.

    Managing editor at CAP Monitor, Mark Norman, says: "The research puts claims of an impending ‘meltdown’ in used diesel values into perspective. Ongoing research is essential to understanding the long-term future of diesel in the used market."

    The CAP survey reveals regional variations in taste for diesels but an average desired proportion of diesel stock stands at nearly 50%, although the north-west and West Midlands were particulalry short of stock.

    BCA’s director, customer affairs, Tom Madden said: "We are not surprised CAP is reporting that dealers are finding it difficult to source diesel stock. We are seeing evidence of this everyday in the auction hall and there is incredible demand for diesel products – particularly for the well-maintained, ex-fleet diesel in a good-specification and colour.

    "High-tech common rail models are particularly scarce. Late used examples are very difficult to source and those that are available are selling for a huge premium over their petrol equivalents."