James Ruppert: why it's a good time to buy used

James Ruppert: why 'one previous owner' is worth the premium

Is it too early to start panic buying a 4x4 in preparation for the coming cold snap? Probably, so instead a serious petrol estate should suffice. An Audi A6 Allroad is a nice compromise between silly and sensible, but let’s be really silly and plump for a V8 with a useful 300bhp. Not only that, it is a seven-seat one just like those school-run off-roaders. A 2004 example with 90,000 miles is a mere £3500.

Double that money and a 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 Avantgarde could well be yours. It will have a six-figure mileage, but we did find one with a main dealer history. So clearly, this is that time of year when you can find a desirable motor and have hardly any competitors and bid low with a straight face.

You have a small window of opportunity to bag a bargain while the other car buyers aren’t looking. Let me know if you’ve bought anything interesting.

What we almost bought this week: 

Mazda MX-5: Few cars put as big a grin on your face as the diminutive MX-5. Its lightweight mixture of peppy performance and engaging handling have made it a winner from day one, but it’s the latest fourth-generation car that’s caught our attention this week because used examples are now on the market at prices starting from around £13,000.

Tales from Ruppert’s garage: 

Land Rover Series 3, Mileage 129,012: The great thing about old cars is that if they are unwell, they let you know in a very linear way, even if it is an electrical issue.

I mean, the Lorry has the most basic dashboard ever. So when I indicated left, or nearside, the indicator stayed on and did not flash. That usually means there’s a blown bulb. So I went and got a spare but, when I took the covers off the front and rear, the bulbs were intact.

This is electrical, so the flasher unit, the actual stalk or maybe a piece of wiring is to blame. Further investigation is needed.

A to Z bangerpedia: 

K is for Kangoo: The Renault Kangoo may be van-like, but at least it is different from all those me-too MPVs. There’s bags of usable room, sliding doors and lots of cubbyhole space.

This is one of the most unpretentious cars you can buy. You get the feeling that if you chuck loads of people, their luggage and pets into a Kangoo, it will cope. It also rides well. It does not matter how bumpy the roads are — it manages to even them all out.

Just £750 buys a 2002 1.2 Authentique with 112,000 miles. Reassuringly, it is a petrol.

Readers’ questions: 

Q. I was thinking of buying a new hatchback from one of the premium brands and had my eye on an Audi A3 or BMW 1 Series. However, I think I prefer a more upright SUV driving position. What do you suggest I buy used for the same price, about £24k? Ted Pearson, Worthing

A. If you want to keep the premium badge, one of your best options would be a year-old BMW X1. This SUV is decent to drive, it should be within your budget and it comes with a more spacious and practical interior. MP