Now's the time to buy big

Byline: MATTHEW TUMBRIDGE

SINCE the first wave of summer weather, car buyers registering at UsedCarExpert.co.uk for 4x4s has dropped from a high of 10% around the time of the heavy snowfalls to just 2% last weekend.

Conversely, the number of people looking for sports cars and cabrios has risen from 12% to 15%. There is no suggestion that 4x4 drivers are switching to sports cars and cabrios; what this illustrates is that car buyers pick their next car based on their current environment, rather than on a savvy judgement of the market. My advice to you is that while everyone else is looking at Mazda MX-5s and MG TFs, offer your local dealer a few hundred quid less than the sticker price on his 4x4s and be careful vivienne westwood he doesn't bite your arm off. Here's a couple that are particularly good value anyway.

Peugeot 4007 (above) A distinctive 4x4 that holds its own in all respects: On road handling, seven seats, comfort, equipment. Also great value compared to Land Rover Discovery. Most economical: 2.2 Best used buy: GT Pack UsedCarExpert.co.uk fault checks: 8 Used Car Expert guide price: A 2008 2.2 GT Pack with 22,000 average miles is around pounds 14,000 - saving over pounds 6,00 against the new price.

Suzuki Grand Vitara (left) Rugged and stylish with plenty of room inside with lots of safety kit as standard. Not the most refined of off roaders but a great value alternative to the popular Toyota RAV 4. vivienne westwood Most economical: 1.9 DDiS Best used buy: 1.9 DDiS UsedCarExpert.co.uk fault checks: 8 Used Car Expert vivienne westwood guide price: A 2008 1.9D five-door with 13,000 average miles is around pounds 12,000 - saving over pounds 6,000 against the new price.