Diesel sales continue to climb
12 December 2005 Currently, company cars powered by Euro IV-compliant diesel engines are entitled to a 3% tax waiver, but that incentive ceases on January 1. According to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), last month 66,867 cars - 42% of all sales - were diesels, as buyers act before the end-of-the-year deadline. The rush to buy diesel cars was not enough to prevent a dip in overall sales, however. New car registrations were down 7.9% in November, which translates to 5.8% drop year on year. While falling sales causes glum faces on dealer forecourts and in manufacturers' boardrooms, for car buyers it could be a great opportunity to pick up a bargain in time for Christmas. December is a quiet month because many buyers prefer to wait until the new 06 registrations in March, so dealers could be in a position to offer keen discounts over the coming weeks. The What Car? Target Price for a BMW 320d Touring ES is now £23,547 - that's £181 less than a month ago and £1328 less than the list price, while the most you should pay for our favourite VW Golf, the 1.6 FSI (petrol) S 5d is £13,362 - around £100 less than last month. However, make sure any December deal is really keen before you buy. Any car bought this month will be worth less than a car bought early in 2006 when the time comes to sell it on. |
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