The deals part 2
* Why buy new? * Save up to 17k with nearly new * The best deals, here...
Price from 7904 SAVE 3741
Ford Fiesta 1.25 60 Studio 3dr
09/09, 2535 miles
List price 11,645
Target Price 10,026
The fabulous Fiesta is a common sight on forecourts, which helps keep prices down. Good enough to win our Car of the Year title in 2009, the Fiesta is just as good as a used car, with its sharp handling and refined road manners.
Car supermarkets are a good place to look, although some franchised dealers offer cracking deals. Make sure any ex-fleet Fiesta comes with a full service history.
Price from 8900 SAVE 4905
Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 SXi (AC) 5dr
09/59, 3408 miles
List price 13,805
Target Price 12,518
This supermini is larger than most, yet its priced to suit smaller budgets. You can spend as little as 6700 on the 1.0 Life three-door, but we think the SXi five-door is the better long-term buy. Itll hold on to more of its original value and has desirable kit such as air-con and alloy wheels. The 79bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine will keep running costs down and the Corsa shouldnt leave you stranded at the side of the road.
Price from 9499 SAVE 9176
Vauxhall Zafira 1.6 Life
09/09, 5541 miles
List price 18,675
Target Price 15,688
A seven-seater neednt cost a packet, and you can save almost 50% on the price of a new Zafira by opting for a year-old version. This 1.6-litre model is the least powerful in the range, so its not best suited to motorways when the car is fully laden, but at this price its a bargain. Car supermarkets offer the cheapest cars, with those at franchised dealers not much more expensive. Look for models with optional air-con.
Price from 9990 SAVE 7755
Peugeot 308 1.6 HDi 110 S
09/09, 9503 miles
List price 17,745
Target Price 15,477
Look no further for a bargain nearly new small family car. This is the more powerful of the two 1.6-litre diesel models: its smooth and will hold its value better than the HDi 90 version. Kit levels arent that generous on S cars, but they do have air-con and stability control. Car supermarkets and franchised dealers stock plenty of these 308s, and models with up to 10,000 miles are the best value.
Price from 9999 SAVE 5436
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 S 5dr
09/09, 12,000 miles
List price 15,435
Target Price 14,196
You can buy the latest Golf for less than 10,000 on the nearly new market. This entry-level model is classy, comfortable and reliable. Performance can be leisurely, but the 1.4-litre petrol engine keeps bills low. Franchised dealers hold the best selection of cars. Dont bother looking for the 1.4 TSI version on the nearly new market: its in high demand and too rare to be good value.
Price from 10,895 SAVE 9650
Peugeot 407 1.6 HDi 110 SR
09/09, 9610 miles
List price 20,545
Target Price 19,255
If you want a lot of metal for your money, then the family-sized 407 is a fine option. This high-spec model comes with sat-nav, climate control and alloys, while the 1.6-litre diesel engine means its capable of 53.2mpg and will cost just 95 a year in road tax. The bad news is that there is a dwindling number of year-old 407 saloons on the used market so, if you want one, start looking now.
Price from 10,999 SAVE 9196
Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi Zetec 5dr
09/09, 6443 miles
List price 20,195
Target Price 14,127
The Focus is a steal at this price especially when it comes with a smooth and economical 1.6-litre diesel engine. You could spend 500 less on the Style model, but we think the sporty Zetec is worth the extra: its better kitted, with alloys, sports suspension and a heated windscreen. Despite the low prices, you may still be able to haggle when buying from a dealer.
Price from 11,995 SAVE 6648
Renault Laguna 1.5 dCi 110 eco2 Expression
09/09, 3500 miles
List price 18,643
Target Price 15,328
Save money and help the planet with this green Renault hatchback. The economical diesel engine emits 130g/km of CO2, so youll pay 95 a year in road tax and can expect up to 55.4mpg. Franchised dealers and websites are the best hunting grounds. Just act quickly, because nearly new Lagunas are getting scarce.
Price from 12,490 SAVE 8105
Citron C5 1.6 HDi VTR+
09/09, 2530 miles
List price 20,595
Target Price 19,558
The latest Citron C5 is a big improvement on the old model, and there are a healthy number of them on the market. Youll struggle to find a petrol-powered C5, but the diesels are good value anyway. VTR+ models have climate control and electric windows all round. Newer cars have sat-nav and much higher prices. Most are with franchised dealers, although some are at car supermarkets.
