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19.
December
2018.
All I want for Christmas is a BMW M3 and a Kawasaki Ninja H2R

 

Mycarcheck.com market guide: December 2018

All I want for Christmas is a BMW M3 and a Kawasaki Ninja H2R

   

 

  • Used car of the month:BMW M3 (E92)
  • Used bike of the month:Kawasaki Ninja H2R (2015-)

 

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 2007, the E92 coupe M3 is another masterpiece of engineering from BMW's motorsport division. Its beating heart is a characterful all alloy V8 engine which generates 414bhp and redlines at 8300rpm. With its subtle yet aggressive styling, the E92 inherited the carbon fibre roof from the E46 CSL, a great touch which delivers a considerable weight saving. A top tip is to confirm that the 1000 mile running-in service was conducted on time, as engine damage might have occurred if it was actioned late. Also, the write-off risk is higher for performance cars, so always carry out a full history check prior to purchase."

 

As to market trends,Wheelersaid: "A new car may not be at the forefront of most people's minds as we approach Christmas, but this traditionally slow sales month can be a great time to grab a bargain. In the background, dealers are battling to acquire the best used stock to hit the ground running in the New Year. Throughout 2018 we've seen strong demand across the used market, partly due to supply issues related to the newWorldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). The resulting longlead times on many new cars pushed buyers towards nearly-new alternatives and helped keep used values strong, especially on EV and hybrid models. In the new market,as of 1stJanuary 2019, manufacturers must publishWLTP-derived MPG data, offering a clearer view of real world fuelling costs."

 

On the motorbike, scooter and moped sector,mycarcheck.com's Mark Fieldsaid:"Top of my Christmas list this year is the fastest, most powerful production motorcycle ever made, the Kawasaki Ninja H2R. With 310hp, 121ft-lb of torque and a top speed of 205mph, this dream bike set new standards for two wheels, doing for our industry what the Bugatti Veyron did for the car world. A peerless 998cc supercharged inline-four engine is complemented by futuristic, villainous styling that wouldn't look out of place in a Marvel blockbuster. While mortal riders may be thankful for the traction control, launch control, engine brake control and ABS, if you're feeling particularly brave all these features can be turned off. Clean used examples cost around £40,000 and if you're lucky enough to find one you'll be able to circumnavigate the globe almost as fast as Santa."

 

As to market trends,Fieldsaid:"TheMotorcycle Industry Association (MCIA)salesstatistics for November weren't exactly flatteringas wet weather signaled the end of the biking season foranother year. Overall, year-to-date figures show new motorcycle and scooter registrations up on 2017, by 2.6% and 5.9% respectively, but it is a grim picture for mopeds, down 21.4%. The best retailers can hope for now is strong clothing and accessory sales in the run up to Christmas and continuous servicing and repair work in preparation for next season. Looking ahead, 2020 will see the introduction of new Euro 5 engine registrations. If the upheaval around Euro 4 is any guide, expect a surge in pre-registration activity this time next year."

 

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.