Crunch drives down car prices

Cash-conscious car buyers in the Black Country and Staffordshire are getting the best deals for eight years with discounts of more than £4,000.

Research by What Car? magazine has found that cars are being offered at 45 per cent off the list price at dealerships up and down the country due to the economic downturn.

Some of the best deals are to be found in the West Midlands, the Express & Star found today. Matthew Wall has been in the automotive industry for 17 years. The 32-year-old is dealer principal at Wolverhampton's Autosales Ltd in Vulcan Road, Bilston.

He said: "It is quieter than it has been, which means there are some great deals out there to be had.

"We've got models with £4,000 off, so we're actually doing quite well in terms of customers coming through the doors. I know people are feeling the pinch at the moment but this really is the best time for them to buy."

What Car? has discovered that those prepared to shop around might be able to get as much as £11,500 off a Jaguar XJ, which is now being offered for £33,764.

The magazine reckons that average discounts are around £1,932, which is £244 more than at the beginning of the year.

Ford Fiestas are on sale at 15 per cent off, with consumers also getting 10 per cent off a Volkswagen Golf.

Sales of new cars have slumped in the UK in the past three months and are set to fall further over the winter period, which experts say is a notoriously slow time in the industry, even when the economy is rosy.

What Car? editor Steve Fowler said: "Even if you're not comfortable haggling on a price, it should be simple to get a brilliant bargain at the moment. With so few people dipping into their pockets, sales staff will be almost begging buyers to make an offer."

Phil Burton, marketing manager at The Motorhouse in Watling Street, Cannock, said: "This really is the best time to buy. We're offering a six-month old Vauxhall Vectra with sat nav for just over £10,199."