Are We Under-Valuing Our Cars?

[SYMZ3]

Investigation: Will crazy used car prices last in 2022? Why have used car prices gone up? – Car Dealer Magazine

Just as day follows night, the rule in the car world has always been that new vehicles lose money the minute you drive them off the forecourt. Everyone

cardealermagazine.co.uk

During my search for a 2 seater sports car back in 2018, I came to the conclusion that the Z series (all variants) offered extremely good value in comparison with other manufacturers cars of a similar year and spec.

Whilst great if buying, what about when it comes time to sell?

IMO and in my experience, owners of Zed’s are generally enthusiast’s who maintain their cars to a good standard. In 2018, top of the wanted list was a Porsche, I had a budget, but the problem I found was that cars in that budget were not looked after by an enthusiast but were owned by ‘lifestyle’ owners, who drove them, had them serviced by a garage and didn’t really look after them. Plus, as the maintenance program was ignored because of the big bills associated with the car, things were left and then the car would be moved on to the next unfortunate owner who picked up the cost. Gradually, I realised that the Z when compared against all other cars with a set budget & spec offered (dare I say it!) value for money.

However, since 2018, the world has changed. Who foresaw COVID-19?! A global IC shortage?, a vibrant car industry on its knees? Russia deciding to invade a neighbour country?

The above article details an explanation of why used car prices has risen and whilst I am not suggesting that a Zed should also have followed the upward trend across the board, surely, when selling, the price should reflect just how good these cars are?

Recently, some of our fellow forum members have offered really good cars at what appears to be amazingly low prices. Cars of this quality and spec just don’t exist anymore, am I wrong in asserting that the selling price should reflect that in line with the market?

Am I wrong?

 

[ljbmwz3]

agreed some prices do seem cheap, i sold z3 for more 3 years ago. i guess with there being no book price the only guide is sales on say ebay or other sites.

Also i think there's 2 owners types (wait for the slaggin) which determine a price too, there's users who see less value in the car, they want to use it every day and expect to loose money . then there's the storers, who use occasionally, but tend to see a higher value or how rare a lower (sub 45k) is nowadays and then want to retain that or expect to see it increase. point being both would see a different value in the same car.

 

[RickyBobby]

This post face-lift 2.8 came up on Autotrader today - at £900 I doubt it will see the day out even on those miles.