Evidence from market experts Glass’s Guide suggests that despite all the hubbub surrounding the VW emissions scam, UK trade values of used VWs have only been ‘marginally’ affected…

The findings from over 78,000 observations reveal that trade values of all used VWs has effectively fallen by 2.1% since the beginning of September. As you would expect, diesel models have been harder hit, with values trailing the market by 3%. Values of Golf diesels likely to be fitted with the Euro 5 engine affected by the scandal fell by 3.7% over the month, whereas the rest of its direct competition fell by 3.2%, meaning that these models are relatively speaking only 0.5% lower than expected.

Glass’s stated that the situation was still very fluid and that future values will very much depend on how Volkswagen deal with the problems facing them. Said a spokesperson: “In our opinion, we may yet see further value changes as VW release more information – and the way in which they do this and the manner in which they support their dealer network and customers will heavily impact on the overall perception of the brand.”

Meanwhile, as rumours abound concerning the prospect of a new diesel car scrappage scheme, prices of classic VWs remain as strong as ever according to Retro Cars editor and serial VW collector John-Joe Vollans. “Owners of older Volkswagen Audi Group (VAG) vehicles are happy to distance themselves from the current problems faced by Wolfsburg. What’s more, the majority of their cars are petrol powered. They were desirable before this scandal broke and continue to be sought after now.”

The weekly publication Classic Car Buyer recently confirmed that late seventies and eighties VAG cars, particularly the Mk1 Golf GTi, continue to rise in value – so while the emissions issue shows no signs of abating, things in the classic VW market certainly look a lot more rosy.

Ian

The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of VW Heritage.