HIGH-volume, mainstream used vehicles are being shunned by used car buyers in a rush for prestige marques, according to used car guide Plex Prices.

The Keighley, West Yorkshire-based guide claims older and over-supplied cars will prove increasingly hard to sell. John Coates, editorial director of PLEX Publishing, claimed that drivers taking the cash-for-car option are heading straight for the prestige and quality end of the used car market and shunning traditional family cars.

He said: 'Cars perceived as 'repmobiles' are being ignored by buyers and even vehicles such as the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat are not holding their value well.

'Over-supply and the desire of buyers to get more for their money in the used market has caused prices to drop for many vehicles in the fleet and family sector.'