Without doubt, there are at least seven ages of the average car – but only if it’s lucky. Progressing from the showroom to your driveway via a used car lot or two before morphing into a banger and then either being terminated in a scrapyard – sorry, recycling centre – or becoming a cherished classic in your garage.
Then again, some marques are more special than others. Is a Ferrari ever truly ‘used’ in the accepted sense of the word? Certainly, they become pre-owned, loved or cherished, before missing several pre-terminal stages to become a classic. Indeed, are Caterhams ever truly used, with their marginal mileages? They pass go and straight to classic. Meanwhile, Jaguars usually tick all the life stages.
However, for the purposes of explanation, let’s take one model that has been around seemingly forever. One that has lived several lifetimes over many decades and perfectly demonstrates the Seven Ages of Car. That’s right: it could only be the Volkswagen Golf.
1 BRAND-NEW
Brand-new cars are showroom-fresh and have delivery mileage, which can vary hugely. This is where all cars come from. The advantages are a manufacturer warranty and the peace of mind that goes with that, and the excellent news is that you can get a deal without trying too hard.
For instance, at Beadles Volkswagen, an unregistered Golf 1.5 TSI 150 Life is yours for £22,952, down from a full retail of £25,645, saving you a tidy sum of £2693.
Interestingly, there are still some brand-new Mk7 Golfs around. I found an unregistered 2.0 TDI GT DSG at Ipswich Volkswagen on sale at £26,495, down from £29,795.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MG 4
An EV changes your driving style - but not to the detriment of pleasure
PEUGEOT E-208
Time with our French hatch is up. Is it good riddance or au revoir?
In the hot seat
Is the best automotive job in the world actually in miniature scale? Hot Wheels' design boss assures STEPHEN DOBIE it is
Correcting the record
Autocar invented the road test back in 1928 - or did we? KEITH JONES trawls the past to find the true starting point
Road test rebooted
As the Autocar road test forges into its second century, its brief is expanding and it's returning to a familiar place. MATT SAUNDERS explains
Cyber attack
MG is back on the international stage and now trying to return to its sports car roots. MATT SAUNDERS sees if the Cyberster EV can match up to a rival from the present and a relation from the past
KIA PICANTO
As rivals fall by the wayside, Kia's popular city car gets a makeover
MASERATI GRANTURISMO
Latest coupé in a long line of Maserati GT cars hits the UK with V6 power
PORSCHE CAYENNE GTS COUPE
New V8 model gets all the goodies
TOYOTA PRIUS
Back by popular demand with a cool new look and greater driver appeal