No limit to the limited edition used cars

WHAT'S so special about a special edition?

Dealers will have you believe that they are unique and desirable even though they are a well-used ploy to boost a model's flagging sales or shift soon-to-be discontinued ranges.

But special editions can be very attractive as well as excellent value because they offer something for nothing and a few extra goodies at no extra cost usually works wonders with private motorists.

In fact, so popular can certain special editions be that they become part of the model range, like Toyota's Sportifs. Invariably young, predominantly women, drivers buy limited editions because they are chiefly based upon superminis and small family cars.

Problems arise when these specials hit the usedcar market because dealers now want something for nothing. Special editions can be some of the biggest rip-offs on the forecourts. The majority are not worth anything extra over the model they are based upon, says trade specialist Glass's Guide.

Certain special editions can be worth less than a standard model, especially if the image is a bit naff. For example, the cheap and cheerful Renault Be Bops of the early 1990s were considered poor taste by used buyers and now Boston and Tropiclabelled Nissan Micras are suffering the same fate. The only extras fitted to the Micra Boston are special mats.

The worst limited editions are home-made specials, concocted by main dealers. These are usually light cosmetic makeovers with some cheap stripes and new wheel trims and are worth no more than a standard car.

But some specials really are special. Limited runs of sports machines, such as the Mazda MX-5 and Subaru's Impreza Turbo, are prime examples.

The latter's McRae, RB5 and P1, regularly sell above book price.

But don't be suckered by a so-called special.

They can make good buys and increase interest as well as future saleability but do not pay over the odds for the privilege: the dealer certainly won't come trade-in time.

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