New cars that drive to biggest losses

WE all know that new cars lose value as soon as we drive them away from the showroom, but just how much can depend on the model.

Research by consumer group Which? has found that some models can lose more than three quarters of their value within three years, leaving owners with little re-sale value for a trade-in to buy another car.

Even those cars that depreciate the least will shed around half of their value in a three-year period.

Which? said three models bought now ? the Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 litre Twin Spark Lusso, Perodua Kenari EZi 1.0 litre and the Proton Wira 1.5 litre Lxi ? will lose 77% of their value by the end of 2007. That would leave the Alfa Romeo owner £18,630 down on the car's £24,400 showroom price.

Family favourites, the Hyundai Accent and Nissan Primera, also suffer, losing 74% of their value.

Which? spokesman Malcolm Coles said: 'Some cars lose hand over fist. If you are buying a new car, look at the amount you are going to lose in hard cash. Can you really afford to throw away that much money?

'It can be worth paying up front for a more desirable car that holds its value well. Buying a cheaper car that depreciates rapidly is a false economy.'

The best cars for holding their value are the BMW 1 Series 116I SE and the Mercedes-Benz C Class C180 SE Sports. Owners would lose about half of their original outlay if they sold these cars by the end of 2007.

The Mini Cooper 1.6 is the best super-mini for retaining value. It depreciates by only 50% over three years.