Statistics compiled...

Statistics compiled by indus?try data specialist Experian show second-hand cars in the sports, luxury and SUV classes were the only ones to report an increase in sales during 2006.

Kirk Fletcher, managing director of the company’s automotive division, explained: “Even though large vehicles came under heavy criticism last year for the harm they are said to cause to the environment, the downsizing that had been expected does not appear to have taken place after all.”

And according to the price experts at Glass’s Guide, second-hand values of com?pact SUVs are currently stable, which backs up Experian’s findings. But the trend won’t necessarily continue throughout 2007.

“During the final three months of 2006, the market share of models such as the Vauxhall Astra was overtaken by that of Corsa-sized cars – the first time one of the smaller sectors has moved ahead in terms of sales,” added Fletcher.

Upmarket models also performed well, with BMW recording the biggest increase in second-hand sales of any brand last year. In 2006, demand for its pre-owned models went up by 5.6 per cent, while the number of Fords changing hands dived by 6.4 per cent.

The blue oval’s decline is the second biggest among the 10 top-selling used marques – eclipsed only by Rover’s huge 17.5 per cent drop. In total, 1,292,944 second-hand Fords found new homes last year, compared with 1,380,630 in 2005.