Mycarcheck.com market guide: May 2018

Positive signs for petrol hybrid plug-ins. Bike and scooter sales rise

• Used car of the month:BMW 330e (2016-)
• Used bike of the month:Kawasaki Z1000SX (2014-)

Mycarcheck.com's valuationexpertsrevealsignificant trends in the UK used vehicle market andchoose a car and bike of the month.

Valuation services team manageratmycarcheck.com,Jon Wheeler,said:"If you're in the market for a popular petrol hybrid plug-in family car, you should certainly consider the BMW 330e. With claimed economy figures in excess of 140mpg, and the ability to cover short distances using pure electric, it makes for cost-effective motoring. Excellent build quality and the draw of the premium BMW badge all add to the appeal. It's no slouch either, with 249bhp and 310lb of torque, it will get from 0-62mph in just over six seconds."     

As to market trends,Wheelersaid: "New vehicle registrations saw an upturn throughout April, ending 10.4% up against 2017 figures, with a healthy 49.3% increase in alternative fuel vehicle sales. Petrol hybrid was the engine of choice for most buyers looking to move away from traditional fuels. The used market continues to perform well, with dealerships reporting strong enquiry levels and especially high demand for good quality low mileage stock. Used values continue to strengthen, so making an astute purchase now could pay off financially in the longer term. As ever, be sure to perform a full vehicle check before you buy to avoid any unwanted surprises."

On the motorbike, scooter and moped sector,mycarcheck.com's Mark Fieldsaid:"The2014 model Kawasaki Z1000SX is a great example of evolution done right, an ideal option for ageing riders still young at heart. With 140bhp and a top speed of 165mph, it fills the gap between the Z1000 and the ZX-10R, only with a little more maturity. The subtle styling, upright riding position and forgiving suspension give this bike a rather Jekyll and Hyde personality; its true character is revealed when you start to press on. Good fueling, sharp throttle response, uprated brakes, traction control and a choice of engine modes make it as comfortable going fast as it is hauling panniers. Expect to pay £6,500-£7,500 for a 2015 plate in good condition and, as always, full service history is advantageous."

As to market trends,Fieldsaid:"Historically, this is the time of year when bike sales really take off, but the mixed weather conditions have slightly dampened proceedings since the new plate in March. Registration figures are looking positive though, with a 4.7% rise compared to this time last year. Scooters were up 14.2% and motorcycles up 5.4%, which is welcome news. There's a long way to go to catch up with the 2015/16 new sales figures, but at least we're heading in the right direction. The used market is also still doing well, but dealers are generally finding it harder than they'd like to procure ready to retail stock."

 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.

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