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Automobile dealers may charge 6,950 pounds sterling for a three-year-old Saab 9000 2.0 CSi which costs 17,995 pounds sterling when new, with the used automobile still an attractive buy even if it has 85,000 miles on the clock due to the robust build quality. The Saab dealer network offers the best used cars, with breakdown cover and warranty often included in the purchase price. The car should be road-tested before purchase, with transmissions a major source of complaint. The RAC or AA should also be asked to check out cars being bought via used car supermarkets.

A used Ford Granada 24v Scorpio, can range from 7,000 pounds sterling for a 1991 model with 75,000 miles on the clock, and 19,500 pounds for a 1994 version. Despite ample space, great performance, and low running costs, the car suffers from a undefined image.

The Mazda MX-6, a close rival of the Ford Probe, has been selling very well. It offers more refinement, a better image and more cabin room than the Probe, and second-hand values remain strong. Buying a second-hand model from a main dealer will be more expensive than buying privately, but it is worth paying more to obtain the necessary technical back-up. High mileage cars need not necessarily be avoided, as long as they have been well maintained.

The BMW 320i does not compare very well with the 318i and the 325i. However, when looking for a second-hand car the 320i can provide great value for money. A standard 320i can be purchased for under 10k pounds sterling, and even with equipment like sunroof, steel wheels, metallc paint and anti-lock breaks a used 320i can be purchased for between 13k pounds sterling and 15,495 pounds sterling.

The Volkswagen Corrado 16v has few drawbacks. The car is slow to travel from 0-60 mph taking 10.2 seconds, but can travel fast on long journeys. The 2.0 lt version has a maximum speed of 126 mph and does 31.3 miles to the gallon (mpg), while the 1.8 lt version can manage a top speed of 131 mph and 29.5 mpg.

The Honda CRX VTEC (variable valve timing and lift electronic control) offers instantaneous urge with a 0-60 mph acceleration rate of 7.5 seconds. The interior offers a perfect driving position and leather seat facing, with the plastic interior used in earlier models no longer used to make the cockpit more purposeful. Used CRX cars apparently sell immediately they enter the car dealer showrooms, with the cost of an H-registration model with average mileage typically reaching 8,000 pounds sterling. Later models do not rust.

Tips for those thinking of buying a used car include: have the car checked by the AA or RAC, and contact HPI Autodata for details of write-offs or ringers. Check for car damage, check records for evidence of clocking, never buy without a test drive, and check that the car includes a usable wheel brace, jack, spare wheel and tyre. Remember that an MoT certificate does not guarantee a car's condition.