In the last 12 years I have probably lost less than £2k in depreciation in total. The cars I have bought I have managed to buy at the right price.

The first was a Saab 9000 Aero, I found it at late at night on Ebay for what seemed a bargain price, I took a chance and it was better than it was advertised at. The dealer just wanted to get rid as it was a part ex and he didn't deal with cars older than 5 years old. I drove it like I stole it for 5 years and 50k miles and lost less than 1k on it when I came to sell it.

The Second was a Saab 95 Aero Estate, I picked this up at a local auction, there was only one other bidder so another bargain. 3 years and 30k miles later and a £500 loss.

The next was another Saab 95 Aero Estate that was on Gumtree, 3 years and I actually made £600 on that after 40,000 miles. The seller actually delivered it to me from Scotland.

I now have my 260 ZTT, I suspect if I was going to sell it I would probably make a small profit.

Basically what I am saying is buy a car that will be in demand and try and find a bargain, you wont find it tomorrow or even next week but patience is a virtue, I spent nearly a year looking for my 260 ZTT. It takes me a long time to earn what some people pay in depreciation annually. Cars out of dealer warranty with low mileage are the ones to go for. A 5 year old quality car with 30k on the clock will serve you well.
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Recently a friend sold his RS Focus after 2 years, he lost next to nothing on it, he bought it at a good price and the same dealer paid him top price for it.

Cars to avoid are run of the mill models, performance always seems to sell. Yes your running costs will be higher but in most cases depreciation is most peoples biggest cost annually. A mate has recently taken a £20k hit on a Land rover in less than a year due to a change of circumstances.

Steve