Ask Honest John

Honest John Ask Honest John » Buying an Audi to beat depreciation
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Buying an Audi to beat depreciation

I currently have a BMW Z4 and have been shocked by its depreciation. I'm looking to change to a more practical car - either the A1 Sportback or the new A3. Which would you suggest, given the depreciation and running costs?

Asked on 22 June 2012 by RyanT

Answered by Honest John
They are both extremely expensive for what they are but their depreciation from list price is relatively low. The other way is to buy something like a Focus at a huge discount and then the depreciation from list price will not matter because you are already maybe £5k ahead.

Our honest used car pricing is a little bit different to all the others. You can get to our values through make or model - you don’t have to follow a prescribed route. Plus, it’s live, which means we can react to changes in the market quicker than any printed price guide.

Honest Used Car Prices

From which small car to buy at which price point to the best UK-built cars, our Top 10s have the lot. Click now for your shortlist.

Unsure of what to buy? Our Top 10s are here to help you....
Similar questions
Interested to read your review of the new Skoda Superb Estate. The petrol 1.4 ACT engine sounds really good. However, how is it going to fare in terms of depreciation compared to the 150PS 2.0 diesel?...
As a pensioner I like to buy new cars from income (personal contract plan) changing every 3 years, which is not the cheapest form of motoring but does not deplete my capital and gives security and peace...
My wife insisted that I wrote to you before rushing headlong in pursuit of another zany half-baked plan. My bitch (not my esteemed wife) is that I have paid millions in depreciation in 40 years of car...
Related models
Same efficient engines as the three-door, desirable image and enjoyable to drive, at its best with 1.4 TFSI engine.
Comfortable and high quality premium hatchback, low emissions diesel engines including economical 1.6 TDI, very refined at speed yet handles well in corners.