Luxury for a lot less; Used prices are low so now is the time to treat yourself to luxury, says MATTHEW TUMBRIDGE

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), Oct 8, 2008

Byline: MATTHEW TUMBRIDGE

I AM flabbergasted at the opportunities out there in the car market. While much of the media is 'gloomy and down, there is good reason for the used car buyer to rejoice.

Depreciation on 4x4s, popular family cars and even luxury brands is on the up. So don't be paralysed by the scare stories: get out and treat yourself to some luxury while prices are low. It won't last forever.

Here are three cars you may now be able to afford: Mercedes C-Class Sport Coupe, Audi A4and the BMW 5- Series

Mercedes C-Class Coupe:

Make: Mercedes

Model: C-Class Sport Coupe

A VW Golf beater in terms of looks and class. Not quite as practical or fun to drive but being a Mercedes it is beautifully built.

It is not that common, which makes it more desirable as a used buy and the later facelift models look most stylish. Most economical: 2.2 CD Best used buy: 1.8 C230 Used Car Expert.com buyers checks: 17 Used Car Expert target price: A 2006 C230K with average miles of 15,445 will be around pounds 13,600 having dropped 36% in the last year.

Audi A4:

Make: Audi

Model: A4 Sharpened styling, fantastic build quality and since 2001 more exciting to drive. Increasing numbers around means always cheaper than BMW 3 and Mercedes C-Class but arguably a better used package.

Most economical: 1.9 Tdi

Best used buy: 2.0 SE UsedCarExpert.com

buyers checks: 17

Used Car Expert target price: A 2007 2.0 SE with average mileage of 5,799 will be around pounds 17,150 having dropped 32% in the last year.

BMW 5 Series:

Make: BMW

Model: the 5 Series saloon.

It's everything we expect from a 5 Series or indeed a BMW. Comfort handling and technology all encased in the car's controversially swooping design.

Most economical: 525d

Best used buy: 3.0 530i

UsedCarExpert.com buyers checks: 1 1 Used Car Expert target price: A 2005 3.0 530i SE with average mileage of 33,000 miles will be around pounds 17,000 having dropped 3 1 % in the last year.