Speaking of the findings, MyCarCheck.com/Trade’s LCV expert, David Hill, said: ‘The LCV market was up to speed from the first day back in January, and just kept on going. This immediate return to brisk business was even faster than anticipated, and we see it continuing well into March. Prices will stay strong as the trade is desperate for clean stock.
‘Caution must be the watchword for traders though, as the slightest bit of volume from one manufacturer can lead to a sizeable price slip. We witnessed this recently at a sale with a dozen new shape Vauxhall Combos. The prices were 30% down on guide values and only the lower mileage ones stirred any interest.
‘In general, small vans are still OK. There are some Ford Fiesta vans around which are finding homes at the first time of asking, and the trade is happy to pay trade money for them. Anything with some specification is straight up to ready to retail value. Vauxhall Astra van values are still slipping as the model looks a little dated compared to other marques.
‘Ford Transit Connect values remain steady as the retail market is keen on them – it is usually the case that a new model creates interest in the outgoing model. Volkswagen Caddy values are steady again now that the rush of stock has subsided, but 69PS models are still a problem as the retail man is not interested, almost regardless of price.
‘Citroen Dispatch vans from a media company are slowing down a bit now, but there are a few 10-plate Vauxhall Vivaros coming from the same source – they will sell better than the Dispatches. Mercedes Benz Vito is having mixed fortunes – later ones are struggling a little, especially with no extras on them. Volkswagen Transporter values remain manic due to sky high demand.
‘Ford Transit long wheelbase 350s are still in short supply. These always have the trade fighting to buy them as retail demand is good. Medium wheelbase Mercedes Benz Sprinter is also very good news for traders, as are the long wheelbase variants, so long as they’re clean. However, the sister Volkswagen Crafter is struggling compared to the Sprinter. Renault Master and Vauxhall Movano are good news as there are so few in the market – they make good retail stock, something a bit different on the forecourt.
‘As to chassis variants, tippers should be good news as we move towards spring, but they have to be tidy. The same goes for dropsides, but be careful on mileage as we’ve seen some with very high miles on them. Luton bodies have to be at least 12 foot long to get interest – anything smaller and the retail man would buy a van for less money and get better fuel consumption.
“The 4×4 market is busy, as it should be at this time of year, with Mitsubishi L200 a solid trade favourite. The nice specification and mileage ones make really good money and the rest just go with the flow. There’s plenty of retail interest in Isuzu Rodeo too,’ he concluded.