Bargains part 2

Check out our collection of cars that broke the mould when new but are now bargains as they turn three.

2007 was vintage year for cars. Some of the best new models in recent memory went on sale that year. Some were amazing, setting the standard that all subsequent cars had to beat and winning prizes at our Car of the Year Awards in the process.

These stunners will be celebrating their third birthday in 2010, making them great news for bargain-hunters theyre now much more affordable to buy, and far easier to find on the used market.

So, if youre looking for a super used car thats great value, check out these brilliant third birthday bargains.

Nissan QashqaiBest buy 1.6 Visia 2WD
Prices from 10,200
Road tax 150
Average economy 42.2mpg
The quirky Qashqai was a breath of fresh air when it was launched. Yes, it looks like an off-roader, but this two-wheel-drive model is a comfortable hatchback thats practical and easy to live with. Even entry-level Visia models have air-con, alloys and four electric windows. The Qashqai is popular on the used market and cars are quickly snapped up, but you should still compare prices to make sure you dont pay too much.

Mini
Best buyCooper S 1.6T
Prices from 12,500
Road tax 125
Average economy 44.8mpg
The Mini Cooper has a trophy cabinet full of silverware, thanks to a hat-trick of wins as our Hot Hatch of the Year. The turbocharged engine delivers punchy performance and its allied to pin-sharp handling. Dealers have the best selection of cars, but prices will be much higher than at independents. Wherever you buy, look for cars with the TLC service package. This pre-pays your scheduled maintenance bills for up to five years or 50,000 miles.

BMW 3 Series Convertible
Best buy 320d SE
Prices from 25,000
Road tax 125
Average economy 53.3mpg
This convertible has a natty party piece: it turns into a coup at the flick of a switch. Its folding metal roof means you can have the wind in your hair when the weathers fair, but stay snug and warm when its belting down. Its a 3 Series, so its great to drive, and you also get impressive fuel economy and low road tax bills because its fitted with BMWs fuel-saving Efficient Dynamics technology. Prices are still a little high, although theyll drop towards the end of the year.

BMW X5
Best buy 3.0d SE
Prices from 26,000
Road tax 405
Average economy 32.5mpg
Great to drive on the road and capable off it, the X5 is one of the finest large 4x4s. Theres plenty of space inside for five and the boot is vast. An auto gearbox, electric seats and parking sensors are standard, but look for cars with the optional leather interior and extra two seats in the boot for the best resale values.

What Car? says
Cars between three and five years old form the bulk of dealers stock, and as company car schemes, fleet and lease owners, and even some private owners change vehicles every three years, the numbers of the featured models in this age range will rise steadily. The fact that there were so many brilliant and important cars launched in 2007, and the fact that their prices have fallen, means that they now represent fantastic value you get great cars for not much cash.

Check out hundreds of used car reviews on www.whatcar.com