Used Car Expert magazine recently released a depreciation index for small family hatchbacks. If you are a new car buyer and bought a 1.6 petrol Audi A3 or Honda Civic in 2007 then well done. You have minimised your losses in this sector, but please understand you have still lost over £2,000 and potentially as much as £5,000. So, if you are about to change your car, do yourself a favour and look at the other end of the table. The cars that have lost most, far from being the cars for losers, are the opportunities for the savvy. Ford, Vauxhall and Peugeot’s used cars are cheap to fix, well made and if you find a loved one, it will feel like a nearly new car for half price. Ford Focus The family hatchback which is comfortable spacious and practical has been improved again. Post 2004 styling not as edgy as before but still looks good and it delivers on almost every level. Most economical: 1.6 TDCI Best used buy: 1.6 petrol UsedCarExpert.com common faults: 32 Used Car Expert magazine prices: A new 1.6 Ford Focus cost around £14,000 in 2007 and will now be £7,821 having lost £6,179 – saving you 44.14%. Vauxhall Astra This Astra was a major step forward with lots of clever technology. Strong engines, space and sharp handling make it a good alternative to the Focus. Most economical: 1.7 CDTI Best used buy: 1.6 petrol UsedCarExpert.com common faults: 7 Used Car Expert magazine prices: A new 1.6 Vauxhall Astra was around £15,000 in 2007 but is now around £7,800 having lost £7,200 – saving you 48%. Peugeot 307 Roomy and becoming affordable. Not perfect but bags of room for the family especially the estate. Increasing numbers around which pushes down prices. Most economical: 1.6 HDI Best used buy: 1.6 petrol UsedCarExpert.com common faults: 18 Used Car Expert magazine prices: A new 1.6 Peugeot 307 was around £14,600 in 2007 but is now around £6,700 having lost £7,900 - saving you 54.11%. | 
News | Road tests | Buying advice | Views | Special reports | Manufacturers | Used cars | New cars | Dealers
