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The used van market is unusually buoyant for this time of year, according to Manheim Auctions CV sales director Alex Wright. However he expects to see a significant downturn over the next several weeks, and warns that some vendors holding out for top money may get their fingers burnt. Stock is currently limited, with rare and low mileage examples still selling at top prices. Overall, there seems to be a lot of the same product around the country and the majority is in poor condition with high  mileage.

Performance price is hard to predict. Buyers are now only purchasing vehicles to fill their forecourts if the price is right, but may still pay over the odds for a van that meets a customer's particular requirement. In the car-derived sector, non-white Vauxhall Combos may not be around in large numbers, but they are still a good buy. A 54-plate with the balance of a manufacturer's warranty can be bought for around £2,200. The desirability of the Ford Escort still hasn't waned, and the rare examples that go through the auction halls make £300 to £400 over reserve.

The small panel van sector is very up and down, with condition and mileage affecting prices. For example, a high-mileage '04 Citroën Dispatch in untidy condition sold for more than £1,000 under CAP average, whereas a low mileage, tidy '04 Fiat Scudo sold for £500 above book price at £4,925. The quantity of Vauxhall Vivaros and Renault Trafic vans has dropped compared with recent weeks, but prices remain  average.

Tidy examples of vans in the 3-tonne-plus sector are few and far between. When good examples appear, interest from buyers is immense. A good condition silver metallic '04-registered 56,000-mile Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 313 LWB high roof achieved an amazing £2,300 above book price at £11,250.