My Car Check market guide: April 2016

Car sales activity soars as bikers await better weather

• Used car of the month:BMW 3 Series

• Used bike of the month:Yamaha MT09

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

Head of Valuation Services at My Car Check, Gavin Amos, said:"The E90, the fifth generation of the BMW 3 Series,and its coupe, touring and convertible siblings, now look seriously good value. The used market is awash with diesel variants, particularly the 320d but also the amazing 330d and 335d. You get all the performance you'll ever need combined with great economy, driving dynamics and build quality.Keep an eye out forfull main dealer service history and, as always, do a provenancecheck before agreeing to buy."

As to market trends, Amos said: "March saw a high level of new car sales activity due to the new 16 plate, which in turn boosted the used market. There is more ready-to-retail used stock around than we've seen for a while and savvy traders are no longer relying on the auction routes. In cases where motorists advertise their car privately as a first try, they are nipping in ahead of it going to an online car buying site or being offered for part exchange."

On the motorbike, scooter and moped sector, My Car Check's Rob Hobson said:"Our used bike of the month for April is the Yamaha MT09. The MT range hit a chord by delivering pure road riding enjoyment. The price pressure from PCP finance deals means you can pick up a decent two-year old MT09 for considerably less than a brand new one. Justcheck to make sure the one you're looking at is what it claims to be, especiallywhen buying privately."

As to market trends, Hobson said: "With the clocks having moved forward and the prospect of occasional dry roads ahead, we can expect the market to improve over the next month.  Reports are mixed but the general feeling is that demand has been fairly quiet so far this year. Deals have been done but it has been patchy throughout.  With the ongoing lack of stock across several model sectors, finding the right used bike at the right price will continue to be a challenge."

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?.

It uses up-to-the-minute data from the police, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and major finance houses, including Lloyds TSB and Santander.

To help UK consumers make the right choice, My Car Check can confirm in seconds whether your potential pride and joy has ever been scrapped, stolen or written-off, has any money owing on it, has had a plate or colour change and much more.