Mycarcheck.com market guide: August 2019
- Used car of the month: Ford Focus ST 2.0T (2014-2018)
- Used bike of the month: Honda CRF1000 Africa Twin (2016-)
Mycarcheck.com’s valuation experts reveal significant trends in the UK used vehicle market and choose a car and bike of the month.
Head of valuation servicesat mycarcheck.com, Jon Wheeler, said: “The hot hatch! What was once every young driver’s dream seemed to disappear in the early noughties when small, light and agile cars got fat, expensive and frankly a little boring. Born in this age of underpowered and unentertaining cars, the Ford Focus ST was sensibly priced and great fun. Our pick is the 2014-18 third generation model, with its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine and short-throw manual gearbox. Equipped with electric torque vectoring and electronic transitional stability, it still gives a seriously engaging and rewarding drive. Many STs have had a hard life though, so always carry out a thorough inspection and conduct a full history check.”
As to market trends, Wheeler said: “The new 69 registration plate is only days away and dealers are looking forward to higher footfall and a much-needed influx of trade-in stock. Following a challenging summer, expectations are high for new plate sales. For some months now we have seen manufacturers increasing tactical registration activity, partly in preparation for the new Real Driving Emissions (RDE) test. Purchase incentives are being passed on to customers and the softening of used values is pressing dealers to turn over stock quickly. New or used, it is a tempting time to buy.”
On the motorbike, scooter and moped sector, mycarcheck.com’s Mark Field said: “The original 1980s Honda Africa Twin was released as a rugged, go anywhere, do anything bike which proved its credentials by winning the Paris-Dakar rally four times. The current Africa Twin is still an off-road focused touring bike but it has been reimagined for the modern world. Prioritising usable power and a low centre of gravity, it features 3-stage traction control, near-perfect geometry, confidence-inspiring handling and a silky smooth engine. Used examples might have had an adventure or two so ensure a full provenance check is completed prior to purchase.”
As to market trends, Field said: “The up and down nature of this year’s registration statistics continued in July with a welcome 4.3% increase on the same month last year. While the great start to 2019 might have dwindled, overall the market is still sitting 3.1% above 2018 for the year-to-date. The continuing wet weather is undoubtedly having a big impact on the industry, as is uncertainty regarding our post-Brexit future. As we head towards autumn a further resurgence in sales seems unlikely, but in this most unpredictable year a prolonged spell of sunshine could yet spring another surprise.”
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 – helping used buyers be car confident since 2005.
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.