Depreciation

Sir,
Although a comparatively new reader of your fine publication I am now a confirmed “addict”, and enjoy many happy hours each month perusing it from cover to cover.

In connection with W. S. Whelan’s letter in the June issue on The Marina Editorial of the previous month, I am thoroughly in agreement with him that Mr. Average Motorist is in need of enlightenment and education on the subject of cars.

Why not include a classification code based on Used Car prices for, say, two year olds. I have worked out some Depreciation Percentage figures based on figures as at June, 1971 for cars first registered in October/November 1969 which has produced the following result:—

Morgan 1600 4/4 .. Registered Nov. 1969 .. Depreciation 5.6%
Morris 1300 Super de luxe .. Registered Oct. 1969 .. Depreciation 21.2%
Morris 1300 Traveller .. Registered Oct. 1969 .. Depreciation 26.6%
Austin 1100 Mk. 2 de luxe .. Registered Oct. 1969 .. Depreciation 20.2%
Austin 1300 Super de luxe .. Registered Oct. 1969 .. Depreciation 21.7%
Austin 3-litre Saloon de-luxe .. Registered Oct. 1969 .. Depreciation 41.5%
DAF 44 saloon .. Registered Sept. 1969 .. Depreciation 14.3%
DAF 55 saloon de luxe .. Registered Sept. 1969 .. Depreciation 15.7%
Fiat 128 saloon .. Registered Oct. 1969 .. Depreciation 14.5%
Triumph TR6 PL roadster .. Registered Aug. 1969 .. Depreciation 8.0%
Wolseley 16/60 saloon .. Registered Oct. 1969 .. Depreciation 24.0%

The above are assuming the Car to be in 1st class order and Annual mileage of 12,000, and sold privately.

The classification could be made up of 8 steps of 5% depreciation—i.e. class A=depreciation of 5%—10%, class B=over 10%—15% and so on.

This might have some beneficial effect on the Motor Manufacturer as well as Mr. Average Motorist.

J.R. Organ.
Blanfield.