Mycarcheck.com market guide: April 2019

Mycarcheck.com’s valuation experts reveal significant trends in the UK used vehicle market and choose a car and bike of the month.

Valuation services team managerat mycarcheck.com, Jon Wheeler, said: “With its bold design, functional interior and respectable price point, the Škoda Kodiaq was well received when it arrived in the UK back in 2017. Fast forward a couple of years and strong residual values and great build quality make it even more enticing as a used proposition. Our choice would be the 150bhp 2.0 TDI engine in SE or SE L trims, which should give you around 50mpg with road tax starting at £145 per year. As always when considering a newer car, be sure to conduct a comprehensive vehicle check to ensure it is clear of finance.”

As to market trends, Wheeler said: “New car registrations in March were down 3.4% on the same month last year, with diesel sales down by a massive 21.4%. Brexit clouded the picture with some new buyers bringing forward their purchases to beat potential no deal import tax rises. Whatever the outcome, it’s unlikely we’re going to see prices decrease. Another important development is the new Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) in London. It means an extra £12.50 a day for owners of older, more polluting vehicles (in addition to the existing £11.50 congestion charge). Broadly, petrol cars manufactured after 2006 and diesels after 2015 should be exempt. As a result, we expect to see a regional upturn in sales as more locals upgrade to compliant models, generating an influx of desirable five-year old diesels for the wider used car market.”

On the motorbike, scooter and moped sector, mycarcheck.com’s Mark Field said: “The Suzuki Hayabusa is a true heavyweight of the bike world. When it first appeared, in 1999, the Honda Blackbird was the fastest production motorcycle available. The name Hayabusa is Japanese for a bird of prey that hunts blackbirds – a clear statement of intent. Weighing in at 250kg and 1,485mm, it isn’t particularly nimble, but with a max power of 194bhp, 115ft-lb of torque and a top speed limited to 186mph, the Hayabusa is legendary. Expect to pay around £6,200 for a clean 2010 example and always check the history before you buy.”

As to market trends, Field said: “British summertime has finally arrived to boost a two-wheel market which is already up 10.2% on this time last year. Notably, adventure sport registrations are up 16.8% and things should only improve as warmer days and lighter evenings bring out the fair weather riders. In London, the new Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) provides a further opportunity. As it stands, any motorcycle manufactured after 2007 is exempt from the new £12.50 per day charge. This should encourage more people to consider the cost efficiency of commuting by motorbike or scooter, and provide an incentive for existing riders to upgrade to a newer model.”

With information from the police, DVLA, insurers and finance houses, My Car Check holds comprehensive data on every vehicle on UK roads – things that buyers should be aware of before making an offer.

CDL Vehicle Information Services, which owns My Car Check, performs over a million look-ups a day for companies including AutoExpress, CompareTheMarket, Go-Compare, Moneysupermarket, Swiftcover and Tesco.