Three Car Types To Buy In Winter

Winter is a funny time to buy certain cars – but better for others. Bearing this in mind, here are three cars that are good to buy in winter:

* Most convertibles – you’ll find you can grab a bargain, especially on a soft top due to the inclement weather coming in
* Rear wheel drive sports cars – in winter, these tend to be much less frequently purchased. They don’t like ice after all. This can mean lower prices
* Older body shaped four wheel drive motors like a Subaru Forester will see off any inclement weather that you throw at it and you can pick them up extremely cheaply

Ultimately, one way in which to drive a bargain on the forecourts whether you’re after a new or an old motor is just to show up at a time when salespeople are probably struggling that particular day or week.

Choose a reasonably late on time when it’s darker (after having seen the choice motor in the light of course), maybe raining. If the sales haven’t been coming in that day, the manager will be much more likely to meet you part way in a deal.
 

Used car prices fall

The average value of used cars fell last month, according to vehicle remarketing firm British Car Auctions (BCA). It found that average used car values were down by 2.5 per cent in October, in line with the typical annual price movements.

BCA's most recent Pulse report also showed that volumes reduced by about 5 per cent compared with September, and the fact that demand is currently greater than supply is maintaining values at a relatively positive level. Although recession and economic cutbacks have affected the industry, the auction group argue that supply issues are also still having an impact on the market.

The report revealed that values in the fleet and lease sector took the brunt of the downturn, falling by 3.8 per cent, and that part-exchange values remained stable.

Tony Gannon, communications director at BCA, commented "October has heralded the typical slowing in demand that the market usually experiences in the run-up to the Christmas period. However, the effect has been tempered this year by the continuing shortage of retail quality stock - the competitive pressure for the best examples in the wholesale arena has meant average values are probably stronger than expected.

He added "Used cars continue to be the battleground for dealer profitability and this will remain the case while new car retail sales continue to be slow."

Nissan GT-R for 2011

This is the enhanced Nissan GT-R for 2011 and it is even more powerful than the last car, if that can be believed.

The new version of the car features better aerodynamic bodywork, meaning a low drag coefficient (making the car more slippery) which improves performance.

Engine output is also significantly improved to 530PS (390KW)/6,400rpm, with the maximum torque of 612Nm from 3,200 to 6,000rpm. The engine cover is, enigmatically, painted red to illustrate its enhanced performance.

Bodywork has also been strengthened by using a new supporting strut brace linking right and left struts to quickly receive suspension input, the vehicle body’s responsiveness has also been enhanced.

The enhanced 2011 GT-R is available now to order, priced at £69,950. The standard ‘no extra cost’ specification list remains as strong as always with Premium Connect HDD satellite navigation, Bose stereo system, iPod™ connectivity, hard drive music storage, Bluetooth phone connection, 20” alloy wheels, runflat tyres, and individual climate control air conditioning. Add that to the performance delivered from the V6 twin turbo through the GR6 twin clutch system, with the aid of the 4 wheel drive system, and the on the road price, the GT-R remains untouchable.