Motorists are driving hard bargains on cars

The credit crunch is forcing car dealers to slash prices to move metal from their forecourts - and some of the best deals are available right here in the West Midlands.

Even Britain's most popular small car, the Vauxhall Corsa, can currently be bought for up to a third off the new list price.

The Wolverhampton branch of Evans Halshaw is selling a batch of 1.0 litre Corsa Lifes for prices starting from as low as £5,991 - representing a 36 per cent saving on the car's list price of around £9,000. The cheaper cars, former courtesy cars with a couple of thousand miles on the clock, have already gone but others, with zero miles on the clock, can be had at the Bilston Road dealership for as little as £6,491.

This still represents good value for money and dealer principal Paul Cooper said the Corsa had remained popular with customers - despite the recession. He is still selling an average of 25 Corsas a month.

"People are still buying cars but it's the ex-demonstrators and pre-registered cars that are doing the best in the current climate," he said.

"We have also moved into the second hand market and that is doing well for us - the only trouble is getting hold of decent stock. There's a shortage of second hand cars at the moment because people are hanging onto them."

At Regal Garage in Bilston, meanwhile, you can take your pick from several Peugeot 407 SW Sport estates. The cars have delivery miles only and are priced at £14,950 - a huge saving of around £10,000 compared with the list price.

Regal's Stan Juckes said he had got a good deal on the cars and had passed on the savings to customers.

"We have cut our cloth to suit and are operating on reduced margins. Used car sales are ticking over and we are still upbeat."

l Are these the best car deals on the market in the West Midlands or do you know better? Contact Peter Carroll on 01902 319481.

By Motoring Editor Peter Carroll