My Car Check market guide: November 2016

Keen deals to be done in the run up to Christmas

• Used car of the month:Mercedes-Benz A-Class (2012-)

• Used bike of the month: Kawasaki Z800

My Car Check's valuation experts reveal significant trends in the UK used vehicle market and choose a car and bike of the month.

Head of Valuation Services at My Car Check, Gavin Amos, said:"The new A-Class really shook up the sector when it launched in 2012. A vast improvement on Mercedes' previous offering, which hadn't exactly gone head to head with BMW 1 Series and Audi A3, it was fresh, smart and full of technology. Now, a few years down the line, they are great value as a used vehicle. The frugal diesel engines are pick of the bunch and, dependent on trim level, can be combined with great sporty looks. The halo model A45 is the one to go for if it is pure performance you're looking for. Of all theA-Classmodels we've checked so far this year, only 10.61% had been previously written-off, 1.52% were still on finance and none were listed as stolen."

As to market trends, Amos said: "UK used car sales are staying strong in both the retail and trade sectors. Most models in good condition will sell quickly, so long as the colour, history and spec are right. Demand usually tails off in the run up to Christmas so it might just be the time to negotiate a slightly keener deal if you're in a position to buy."

On the motorbike, scooter and moped sector, My Car Check's Rob Hobson said:"TheKawasaki Z800 is a brilliant middleweight all-rounder. The engine is more than capable for buyers who don't need a full blown 1000 but still want to enjoy superb performance in a great chassis.They offer particularly good value for money as a used bike, with plenty of choice out there."

As to market trends, Hobson said: "The upcoming Euro 4 regulations are forcing dealers to shift their stock in preparation for the new model year. Used demand has tailed off, which is only to be expected at this time of year. Smart consumers and dealers alike will be scouring the market for bargains to use or sell next spring."

With information from the police, DVLA, insurers and finance houses, My Car Check holds comprehensive data on every vehicle on UK roads - thingsthat 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, Tesco and WhatCar?.