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Another from MSN Cars - good news in these times...
As car running costs go through the sunroof and car values disappear down the rusty floorpan, are there really any used cars currently bucking that particular downward trend?
Well, unless you have an Audi R8 about to be delivered that you could easily resell for at least £10k more than you paid for it, chances are no.
At MSN we have noticed that there are several models that have not only been resistant to rampant depreciation, but also show signs of creeping up in value. At the very worst though you won't lose your shirt on any of these...
Morris Minor
Classic cars are very good news at the moment. At the very top end you have Chris Evans paying £5m quid too much for a Ferrari and at the other small engined mainly British classics that are easy to park and cheap to look after. So while a Jag E-type is going to hold its own, increasingly buyers are looking towards something family friendly like the Morris Minor.
There are still plenty around, the availability of parts is superb and all of them were registered before 1971 so qualify for zero road tax. Economy is good at over 40mpg and they are practical too. Oh yes and It has got character, so a £2,500 Minor will always be that, and more if you look after it.
Predicted to increase in value by 7%
Smart ForTwo
Small is very beautiful these days and everyone instantly believes that it must be good for your bank balance and keeps running costs containable. Something like the Smart ForTwo.
Yes it just looks frugal and that is enough to make buyers eager and sellers confidently ask rather more than they probably would have a few months back. Early examples in particular stopped depreciating a while back and that includes the left hand drive ones, because after all it is so small it doesn't matter which side you sit on.
Predicted to increase in value by 5%
Toyota Yaris
Still thinking small the Yaris is a no brainer buy which just has a tad more class than a Fiesta or Corsa and a reputation for reliability that is absolutely cast iron. The teeny 1.0-litre petrol engine is very frugal and should return around 50mpg if you are careful.
It will be always be a doddle to resell hence the firming of values recently.
Predicted to increase in value by 2.5%
Renault Clio
There is definitely a pattern emerging here as small and frugal are the essentials on the used car lot. That should come as no surprise of course, but many are only beginning to realise that one of the most economical small hatches of recent times was Renault Clio dci 65.
It really could comfortably manage over 60mpg without trying too hard and, being an old generation Clio, it is quite nice to drive and there's only £35 to pay in road tax.
Predicted to increase in value by 3%
Toyota Prius
You may love it, hate it or been indifferent to the politicians' favourite 'green' car. Never mind what the truth is or the real fuel economy, because everybody wants one.
At car auctions bidders get visibly excited at the mere sight of one and that translates into a very buoyant used market where prices for older models get firmer by the day.
Predicted to increase in value by 9%
VW Lupo
It is tempting to suggest that a Polo diesel is the most sought after small VW hatch, but it is the discontinued Lupo which everyone is now trying to find. With the badge of confidence and the promise of 70mpg plus in a cute package, it is a genuine steal.
Predicted to increase in value by 8%
Audi A2
It's true that you don't know what you've got till it's gone and those after a prestigious, quality small hatch who don't believe the hype of a Prius or the dowdy image of Golf are desperate to get themselves into an Audi.
The now obsolete Audi A2 is available in diesel and petrol flavours, but to be safe it has to be a TDi.
Predicted to increase in value by 6%
Honda Insight
Whereas you can buy a Prius dead easy, the Honda Insight is rather more of a challenge to find. That's because there are not many around, but also because it was absolutely brilliant.
First of all it looked like the future and, though it had an extra electric motor, it was on all the time and helped get 80mpg for goodness sake.
Predicted to increase in value by 17%
Porsche 911
Bored with being green and frugal? Course you are, so pick the most iconic sports and supercar ever, the Porsche 911.
Ignore the late models which are falling in value, but still don't cost real world money, and concentrate on the middle '80s Carreras and last of the air cooled models in the shape of the 993 and these will always be worth what you pay and possibly a bit more.
Predicted to increase in value by 7.5%
Mercedes E-Class estate
There is only one truly cool estate car and it isn't a Volvo. The W124 Mercedes TEs from the late '80s to the mid '90s are rightly regarded as the benchmark for build quality.
Going for the diesel version is not essential, but condition and history are everything. The best ones fetch increasingly strong money, especially with an automatic gearbox, air con and seven seats.
Predicted to increase in value by 5%
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Much nicer car to drive in general but it could be because it is much tighter as it is brand new.
it's bizarre!!