The deals part 3
* Why buy new? * Save up to 17k with nearly new * The best deals, here...
Price from 13,487 SAVE 6408
Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec 5dr
09/59, 8452 miles
List price 19,895
Target Price 18,319
Prices of new Mondeos have just dropped, but year-old models are still far better value. This is our favourite version of the hatch, with a smooth and powerful diesel engine, and generous kit level. This car is only six months old, so itll still have two-and-a-half years of warranty cover left. Not that you should need it the Mondeo has an impressive reliability reputation.
Price from 13,895 SAVE 6470
Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CDTi 130 Exclusiv 5dr
09/59, 8472 miles
List price 20,365
Target Price 18,313
Despite being just six months old, this Insignia is substantially cheaper than a factory-fresh model. The 2.0-litre diesel model is the pick of the range, with the best fuel economy and resale values, while Exclusiv trim has climate, cruise and stability controls. Look for cars with optional alloy wheels fitted. Most Insignias are at dealers.
Price from 13,990 SAVE 5720
Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI 110 CR Bluemotion 2
09/59, 4200 miles
List price 19,710
Target Price 18,417
Get a classy family car without paying through the nose. This Passat Bluemotion uses fuel-saving technology for a claimed average of 57.6mpg. Itll cost just 95 a year in road tax, too. On top of its green credentials, its good to drive and should be reliable. The estate model is at least 1000 more. Theres also a non-Bluemotion 2.0 TDI 110 thats a bit more expensive to fuel and tax.
Price from 14,000 SAVE 7145
Citron Grand C4 Picasso 1.6 HDi VTR+ EGS
09/09, 9000 miles
List price 21,145
Target Price 19,876
One of our favourite MPVs is even better value as a year-old car. The diesel engine keeps running costs down and values up, while you also get the convenience of the EGS semi-auto box. Theres a steady, if not large, number of used Grand C4 Picassos on the market, so you may have to travel to find the best-value cars. Most are at franchised dealers.
Price from 14,984 SAVE 5411
Seat Exeo 2.0 TDI 143 SE
09/09, 9567 miles
List price 20,395
Target Price 19,485
Used Exeos are starting to appear in decent numbers and make a tempting alternative to a Ford Mondeo or VW Passat. The powerful diesel engine is refined and smooth, while SE trim gets goodies such as parking sensors and climate control. Franchised dealers hold almost all used Exeos, so play one off against another to get the best price.
Price from 16,490 SAVE 8005
Ford Galaxy 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec
09/09, 11,997 miles
List price 24,495
Target Price 22,918
Buy this large MPV nearly new and youll save 8k. An efficient diesel engine and seven seats make it a painless way to transport the whole family. Its almost as good to drive as the brilliant S-Max, and slightly better value used. Zetec models come with climate control and a heated windscreen. There are plenty of cars at franchised dealers, independent garages and car supermarkets.
Price from 16,995 SAVE 7355
Lexus IS220d SE
09/59, 5300 miles
List price 24,350
Target Price 22,235
The IS lets you enjoy compact-executive class for less cash. Even this entry-level model comes with climate control, keyless entry and a 13-speaker stereo. The diesel engine was tweaked at the beginning of last year for lower emissions, so this later IS is cheaper to tax than earlier models. Theres a reasonable selection of 59-plate cars around, all at franchised dealers.
Price from 18,799 SAVE 9256
BMW 318d M Sport
09/09, 5369 miles
List price 28,055
Target Price 26,017
Slow sales of used BMW 3 Series models means there are loads of year-old cars sitting on dealers forecourts. The 318d is the most common, but there are plenty of 320d and smaller-engined petrols available. SE models have the best ride, while M Sports have distinctive bodywork and larger alloys. Save on running costs by opting for cars with the pre-paid servicing package, Service Inclusive.
Price from 36,964 SAVE 17,176
Audi A8 3.0 TDI quattro SE
09/59, 2000 miles
**List price 54,140
Target Price** 47,479
This A8 is by no means cheap, but you save a whopping 17,176 by buying used. What do you get for the money? In addition to four-wheel drive, a muscular diesel engine and air suspension, this luxury car packs sat-nav and leather upholstery. If thats not enough to convince you, its also beautifully built and supremely spacious. There are a limited number of A8s at dealers, the bulk of which are ex-demo cars.
