Mycarcheck.com market guide: May 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: “If you’re looking for a used family car that’s safe, comfortable and reliable, but deep down you really want something fast, dynamic and fun, the Audi SQ5 ticks all the boxes. Launched in 2012, it was Audi’s first diesel S model, but this isn’t your typical diesel engine. The 3.0 V6 Biturbo delivers 313ps of power and a thumping 479Ib-ft of torque from just 1500rpm, propelling you to 60mph in 5.1 seconds and on to a top speed limited to 155mph. The SQ5 has all the equipment you’d expect from a premium SUV, with the added allure of the Audi badge. Strong residual values mean early, higher mileage models start from around £18k. Inspect the undercarriage for signs of off-road use and, as ever, conduct a full vehicle provenance check prior to purchase.”

As to market trends, Wheeler said: “The UK new car market was down 4.1% in April 2019, compared to the same month last year, with the UK public clearly still nervous about the current economic and political position. Another factor is the uncertainty around fuel choice, with the demonisation of diesel and slow shift to alternatively fueled vehicles (AFVs). Manufacturers are shouting about their new electric powertrains and demand in the UK is high, but the lack of model availability and long lead times are disappointing. That said, there’s an exciting array of new AFVs due in the next 12 months – notably the Peugeot e208, Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2 – and trade bodies are calling on the government to better support the transition to cleaner cars.”

On the motorbike, scooter and moped sector, mycarcheck.com’s Mark Field said: “The fourth incarnation of the mighty Kawasaki ZX-10R, made from 2011-15, really hit the sweet spot of being great for both the track and the open road. With its 197bhp engine, excellent traction control system and selection of power modes, the Mk4 won the British Superbike Championship in 2012 and the World Superbike Championship the following year. Big piston forks, an electronic steering damper and slipper clutch all help the handling and a 2014 ZX-10R in top condition can be yours for around £7,500. As always, scrutinise the service history and do a full provenance check before buying.”

As to market trends, Field said: “Total motorcycle registrations are up 9.4% for the year to date, with bikes, mopeds, scooters and even tricycles all enjoying decent sales increases. Within these results, the adventure sport, naked and super-sport categories are all on the up. In the used market, dealers are benefitting from a fresh influx of stock from the March new plate part-exchanges. Despite the fairly wet weather and ongoing political uncertainty, most in the trade are cautiously optimistic about the year ahead.”

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 – helping used buyers be car confident since 2005.

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.