The average asking price was down 1.3% from 2010 to £9,206 – the continued rise in fuel bills is hitting families harder than perhaps we all considered.

Cars like the Ford Fiesta are still a popular used car – and even these are struggling to hold firm. Seems as fuel prices rise, people are forced into making hard decisions about the cars they drive!

Half of the people questioned, thought that their car of choice would be cheaper online, and 30% thought they would get the best deal at a car auction.

Only 10% would choose franchised dealers or car supermarkets.

Daniel Burgess, managing director at HPI, said: “With consumers generally now browsing and buying online, not just by PC but by smartphones and tablets, those dealers that treat their website as secondary now need to be taking steps to shift its priority.”

The exotic Audi R8 supercar sits at the top of the Audi line-up. Aimed firmly at Porsche 911 drivers, the Audi R8 features a mid-engined layout, 4-wheel drive system and good reliability for a supercar.

Rare, hugely powerful engine range

Obviously this is going to cost some money to run!

ALSO: Porsche 911, Mercedes SL

Audi’s take on the large off-roader, the Q7 is a beast! It is bigger than all of its rivals and provides a comfortable ride, spacious interior and a good selection of powerful engines.

Comfortable, good engines

Expensive running costs, cramped seating in the back

ALSO: Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5, Volvo XC90, Mercedes ML, Land Rover Discovery

The permanent 4-wheel drive jacked up version of the A6 Avant. The Allroad offers a better view of the road ahead and is great if you often go off roading (of the gentle variety)

Classy, soft-road capability

Expensive, high tyre wear

ALSO: Range Rover, Land Rover Discovery

The Audi A8 combines the classy Audi brand with a sporty and stylish aluminium bodied executive cruiser. The interior is comfortable and roomy and all models have a good range of features and specifications.

Lovely cruiser, refined and good build quality

Not the best to drive, large costs especially to the aluminium body

ALSO: BMW 7-series, Mercedes S-class

The Audi A6 Avant is the estate version of the saloon. Offers the same classy ride, excellent residuals and superb reliability together with more room in the back.

Good engine range, classy interior styling and good build quality

Expensive should anything go wrong an firm ride quality

ALSO: BMW 5-series Estate, Mercedes E-class Estate

Taking on the BMW 5-series in the executive saloon class, the Audi A6 offers usual Audi refinement with a roomy and efficient package. With good Audi engines, the A6 is capable of high mileage as long as good servicing has been maintained.

Good engines, build quality and looks classy

Ride issues, expensive repairs

ALSO: BMW 5-series, Mercedes E-class

The elegant coupe takes on the BMW 3-series coupe head on with its high quality interior, good range of engines and a good sporty driving experience.

Audi quality, superb engines and comfortable ride

Tight in the back

ALSO: BMW 3 Series coupe, Mercedes CLK

The estate version of the Audi A4, the Avant offers certain obvious advantages over its smaller sister. Beautifully finished the Avant offers more space for load lugging.

Excellent quality, more space than A4 saloon

Heavy handling

ALSO: BMW 3-series, Mazda 6, Vauxhall Vectra