Alan Senior, used car...
Alan Senior, used car expert and editorial director of dealer publication Trader Guide, said: "Not so long ago, a Ford Focus estate was worth the same as the hatch, but the gap is showing signs of widening." Buyers wanting a diesel face the biggest price gap. For example, a three-year-old Fiat Stilo MultiWagon 1.9 JTD fetches a ÷£400 premium over the five-door.
Meanwhile, growing urban congestion is contributing to the increasing popularity of small automatics. Many town drivers prefer easy-to-use self-shifters, and according to the publisher of the CAP price guide, they are willing to pay extra for the luxury.
Two years ago, an auto Vauxhall Corsa 1.4i Elegance commanded ÷£175 more than a similar manual version, but that figure is now ÷£750. Meanwhile, a manual 12-month-old Citroen C3 1.4i SX was around ÷£300 cheaper than a comparable automatic variant, yet the margin has since increased to ÷£500 - and could continue to grow.
Buyers looking for a three-year-old auto Skoda Fabia Classic have to pay around ÷£500 more than for a manual example, with an even greater difference on younger models. Many people are attracted by the improved econ-omy of modern self-shifters, and the fact they are likely to recoup some of the extra cost when selling the car on.