Second Hand Sense:WHILE SOME dealers around the country are reporting that second-hand values are beginning to stabilise, others say the opposite – stabilisation is a relative concept in this market.
Stronger dealers have taken big hits, while others struggle to match those reductions. It is a very good time to haggle, and we still have a long way to go before prices get anywhere near where they were two years ago. In the meantime, dealers have to take the best offer they get.
The bigger car segment has taken a real battering, and it is possible to buy a bigger car with considerable comfort and economy for very good money, especially with a 20 per cent discount on the basis of a cash buy. A good example is the Skoda Superb, the biggest, best-equipped and most stylish in the range.
It has to be said that its looks are conservative, but the beauty of the Skoda is all on the inside. It has great comfort and a boot with the capacity of a Hiace van. It also drives well, offers one of the best diesel engines around and levels of equipment that would put some luxury manufacturers to shame.
While there are petrol options, the diesel is way better. Obviously a 1.9 turbo diesel is designed for higher mileage and the Superb is far happier with this than being in the city. Lower mileage drivers should look to the Octavia. There is a choice of a 115hp diesel or a punchier 130hp. However, the 115 is adequate for most requirements.
There are different trim levels, and my advice is to go for a car with as much equipment as you can get, although even basic specification includes air conditioning, multiple airbags and traction control. The top-of-the- range version will have extras such as climate control, leather upholstery and cruise control.
The Superb has excellent reliability and a four star EuroNCAP crash test rating (out of a possible five). It’s not the best result, but certainly as good as a VW Passat of the same vintage.
Now for the really good news: a 2006 car with diesel engine and only 61,000km on the clock is at one garage for €13,500. A 2007 model with multiple airbags, climate control, Bluetooth, metallic paint and 50,000km is €16,500. A cash buyer should do really well.
STAR RATING: 7/10