Mainstream & economical cars are so 2020 — Brits are splashing out on posher wheels in 2021

AT last, it feels like there are things to be positive about. Covid is getting its butt kicked by the jab. The days are getting lighter and longer. Surely Albania will be another World Cup walkover this afternoon. And here’s another thing. The numbers are already showing that, thanks to being stuck indoors for almost […]

AT last, it feels like there are things to be positive about.

Covid is getting its butt kicked by the jab.

Alamy

Foreign holidays are out, so we are treating ourselves to posher wheels to make up for it[/caption]

The days are getting lighter and longer.

Surely Albania will be another World Cup walkover this afternoon.

And here’s another thing.

The numbers are already showing that, thanks to being stuck indoors for almost a year, we’ve got a bit more cash to spend on a nicer car.

Foreign holidays are out, so we are treating ourselves to posher wheels to make up for it.

Heard of the phrase “revenge buys”? Exactly that.

This time last year, the average spend on a used car was £12,019, according to buyacar.co.uk. Now it’s £14,091 — up 17 per cent.

And the most popular brand is Mercedes.

Other research points to a car-sales boom when dealers finally reopen on April 12.

That’s partly due to pent-up demand but also because an overwhelming majority of Brits still intend to drive more, rather than use public transport or car-share.

Christofer Lloyd, of buyacar. co.uk, said: “After spending much of 2020 and the start of 2021 locked in their houses, many drivers are itching to splash the cash.

“Some are simply getting a newer car.

“But others are opting for an older model so they can afford the car they really want, whether that’s one with a more upmarket badge or one with a ton of extra kit to give them a greater feeling of luxury.”

He added: “Click-and-collect and home deliveries have been very successful during the darkest days of the coronavirus crisis.

“But the symbolic power of dealer showrooms reopening next month will doubtless spur thousands of previously reluctant buyers to jump back into the market.

“Our own experience last year, when the first national lockdown was lifted, suggests demand will explode and we expect the gold rush for replacing cars will be even stronger this time, perhaps the busiest time in memory for new and used sales.”

We’ve picked out five alternatives, for not a lot more money.

You’ll find hundreds of used and nearly-new deals at buyacar.co.uk.

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