Future-proofing

Whatever you’re looking to buy now, make sure you’re thinking ahead!

I’m writing this on the day that the London ULEZ extension comes into force and that’s particularly timely given the far-reaching impact regulatory changes like this can have on your choice of car. I only have to mention “Dieselgate” and I think most people seeing this would know how political decisions can have an undue negative impact on the automotive landscape…

The one question we’re asked all the time is: “What’s going to happen next? I don’t want to get caught out.” and it’s understandable that buyers feel real pressure to play it safe in terms what’s under the bonnet. I’ll go into a lot more detail on this soon, but for now our advice is “Buy what’s right for you and your requirements at the moment and if you’re really worried look at a short term lease”.

Today I want to talk tech though. We recently sourced this absolute stalwart of the private used car market - a Golf Mk7, not a difficult brief you’d imagine and normally you’d be right, however this was an outright purchase and 2 year residual value was critical for the client (based on when they’re looking to sell it). Above and beyond age, mileage and history we advised the purchaser that connectivity would be key. As such we were looking for the very specific AppConnect feature that ensures Apple Carplay and Android Auto could be mirrored on the in-car screen. On later post 2017 models this isn’t an issue but on cars built in the middle of the last decade it can be a hit and miss affair. If you can find the few earlier examples with this feature you’re making a smart move because you’re future-proofing your car for you and potentially the next buyer, meaning you’ll do better at sale time because nothing dates a car more than out of date tech!