REGISTRATION figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders confirm grassroots motor trade reports that demand for new cars has slackened slightly this autumn.

September was the month the 52 plate came in, but new car sales fell by more than 10,000 compared with the same month in 2001.

According to Parkers Car Price Guide, new car registrations for the full year 2002 are almost certain to beat 2001’s record despite the recent slow-down.

More than 2.06 million cars were registered in the first nine months of the year - 5.1 per cent up on 2001. Sales were strongest in the first half of 2002; the July to September quarter saw the rate of growth slip to just 3.2 per cent.

Nic Barfield, editor of Parker’s Car Price Guide, said: “Of course, there is a limit to the number of new cars that the market can absorb. The present boom started in late 2000 when manufacturers slashed new car prices in reaction to changes in legislation.

“For two years, private buyers have been wooed with every offer imaginable - cashback deals, free insurance and zero per cent finance. Nearly 2.5 million private motorists have bought new cars since October 2000, with roughly the same number of vehicles purchased by fleet and business users.”

He added: “Interest rates remain low, but other economic indicators show that consumer confidence is weakening.

High street retailers, hotels and the travel and leisure sectors have all found the going more difficult recently, and the motor trade is likely to feel the chill during the winter period.”

Parker’s has found that older small family hatchbacks, even five and six-year-old cars, continue to attract buyers. At this age, quality is everything, and the cars that are in demand are those that were well-built in the first place.

But older cars can bring big bills, so service history is an important factor for peace of mind.