The essential journalist news source
Back
23.
July
2018.
Mycarcheck: WLTP could lead to autumn bargains

 

Mycarcheck.com market guide: July 2018

WLTP could lead to autumn bargains. Bike industry must appeal to youth.

 

   

 

  • Used car of the month:Alfa Romeo Giulia (2016-)
  • Used bike of the month:KTM Superduke 1290 R (2013-)

 

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:"Launched in 2016, the Giulia was an instant hit, offering perfect weight distribution, smooth power delivery and rear-wheel drive - true driving thrills with all the passion of the Alfa brand. The 2.2 diesel and 2.0 turbo petrol are both popular, and the 2.9 Quadrifoglio (featuring a 510bhp biturbo Ferrari-derived V6 engine) is epic. Although residual values are strong across the range, low mileage examples can offer a tempting saving over buying new. As always, and particularly with performance models, carry out your own vehicle check so you know what you're getting into."

As to market trends,Wheelersaid: "In the new car market, many customers are facing long delivery times as manufacturers adjust to the new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), which comes into force in September. Designed to provide more accurate fuel economy and emissions figures, this new test replaces the much-criticised NEDC procedure, which was often accused of overstating performance. The issue for buyers is that they must now bear in mind which figures they're looking at. Also, results under the new regime could mean a tax band change, with a knock-on effect on desirability. Canny buyers will be keeping a close eye on this, with the possibility of some real bargains on models that are suddenly less in-demand."

 

On the motorbike, scooter and moped sector,mycarcheck.com's Mark Fieldsaid:"If you're an experienced rider looking for a naked bike that stands out from the crowd, the KTM Superduke 1290 R is a tempting port of call. With its distinctive angular styling and orange paintwork, 177hp coming from a beautifully-crafted 1300cc v-twin engine, a dry weight of 195kg and a punishing 141nm of torque, the 1290 R is at the top of its game. In terms of equipment, there's ABS and traction control (both lean angle sensitive), titanium inlet valves, a slipper clutch, Brembo calipers front and rear, and excellent suspension from fully adjustable WP forks. They don't come cheap, but so long as you do a vehicle check to confirm the one you're looking at is as described, a clean 1290 R should hold its value well."

 

As to market trends,Fieldsaid:"The sun is shining, the birds are singing and we're in the middle of a gloriously warm summer... just thought I'd remind you of the positives first! After a poor performance last year, it really is disappointing to report that the year-to-date comparison for 2018 shows only a 0.4% increase in motorcycle registrations. The supersport sector is down 15.7%, although the trail and touring segments are up, by 12.9% and 23.8% respectfully, showing the continuing interest in more adventure-oriented bikes. More needs to be done to inform the public about the time and money saving benefits of commuting by bike, the massive potential reduction in congestion from a large-scale shift from four wheels to two, not to mention the huge fun to be had in biking. Appealing to the youth of today is surely a must to secure the long-term health of the motorcycle industry."

 

 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.