News

British Car Auctions recorded a £122 increase in used van prices during May, following a drop the previous month.

April's fall of £71 remains the only negative of 2009, and the recovery in May sees used van values rise to £3,595 - just £273 off the market peak of £3,868 experienced in January 2008.

Duncan Ward, head of LCV sales, says: "Nearly new volumes are very low and model mix will have an  effect on value from one month to the next. There continues to be plenty of demand in the nearly new sector despite an average value of over £8,500, which looks relatively expensive compared to dealer part-exchange stock averaging around £2,000 and ex-fleet vans readily available at under £4,000."

Fleet and lease van values increased by 4.2% (£159) to £3,938 and are now just £43 behind year on year.

Ward says buyers are paying the best prices for vans in good condition, particularly those boasting enhanced 'retail-style' specification such as metallic paint, uprated interior trim, in-van entertainment, air-con with bulkhead and sat-nav.

"Rare configurations are equally sought after, and there is plenty of demand at the minute for pickups - both single- and double-cab, while tipper and dropside variants always seem to do well," he adds.