Second Hand Sense:FIRST, a word on prices in the used car market. Some months ago we took some flak from the industry for reporting that used prices were "in freefall". We have been proven right.
At one Dublin dealership this weekend, prices for 12 out of 21 second-hand cars were reduced. A midlands garage last week offered a 1.6-litre petrol Toyota Avensis with top specification and 59,000km for €14,500.
It is, therefore, a depressing season for dealers and an opportune time for buyers - but how long will this continue? Orders for 2009 are scarce, suggesting people will simply hold on to what they have for longer.
Which brings us to the BMW 7-Series, a luxury car that is extremely difficult to price second-hand in today's market. It has been keeping up with the Merecedes S-Class for a long time now - with big engines that would move it towards dinosaur status were it not for the 3.0-litre diesel, probably the only realistic option.
It is big on technology and equipment, as the luxury end demands - expect leather interior, alloy wheels, cruise control, Bluetooth compatibility, satellite navigation and the ultimate safety package on new models.
With low mileage and a full BMW service history you would get a car that will last and give great pleasure, with acres of space and an impressive interior. In short, it has everything.
Petrol options are going to have a short life, however. The model currently being launched has come a long way in terms of emissions and economy, but the older model really has only the diesel to carry it through.
The safety package is excellent, but there is no EuroNCAP rating. Recalls are limited to a small number of cars from 2003 on (the model being replaced was launched in 2002) and some later cars had problems with fuel pumps, rear shock absorbers and the heater in the rear seat.
The 7-Series' peak year was 2006. A 3.0-litre diesel with 80,000km on the clock is on offer for €48,950. A 2005 diesel with 54,000km is €49,850. One 2006 5.0-litre petrol model with 72,000km has an asking price of €69,450. The question is: what do these prices really mean? The 7 is an unfortunately devalued luxury these days.
STAR RATING: 4/10