‘There were signs in May that perhaps the used van market is slowing down for summer. Traders and retailers complain that there is still not the volume of stock they are used to, and also a lot of the same stock. We are seeing that high mileage turns the retail buyer away at the first hurdle. The trade will even buy low-mileage stock with some damage, as it is easier to sell than high-mileage vehicles.
‘Retailers should note that VOSA are clamping down on van users, with 50% of vans now failing the MOT at the first time of asking. As well as being dangerous, taking shortcuts in the workshop just isn’t worth the risk of legal action should any issues subsequently come to light.
‘In the small van sector, a good supply of Volkswagen Caddy is enough for us to slow values by 1.5% this month, with the exception of DSG and Kombis as these are still good news. Ford Transit Connect has volume and is still finding buyers. Citroën Berlingo also has volume, but the choice of colours and specification means values are staying steady. Fiat Doblo in a good colour with a side load door will make ready-to-retail money if straight and good on the miles.
‘In the panel van sector, Volkswagen Transporter continues to sell well, with 140bhp and DSG models the most desirable, along with Sport line models that sell for fun. The few Ford Transit SWB vans around are finding buyers and the ex-media vans with racking are well sought-after for retail stock. Similarly, the last of the Vauxhall Vivaros coming through from a well-known media company are still finding buyers. These also make good retail stock as the expensive wrapping has protected the vans.
‘Larger panel vans need to be straight otherwise values will be well below our average price. Yellow and green vans look good value for money if appearance is low on your customer’s agenda. Mercedes-Benz Sprinters are in incredibly short supply, especially those in good condition, and low mileage examples are virtually nonexistent. VW Crafter models again have to be level to sell. There are a few Ford Transit long wheelbase vans in the market at the moment, but not enough to put values under pressure.
‘In other sectors, chassis derivatives are good news and anything nice is in short supply. The 4×4 market is very slow, as it should be at this time of year, but we have reduced values on Mitsubishi L200s as volume is killing them – prices are expected to come back a touch later in the year. Isuzu D-Max is still good news and with the Isuzu Truck network happy to sell pickups it is helping to keep values strong.
‘The good news in the new market continues with the SMMT reporting that LCV registrations are up 11.8% on the year to date. What’s more, this trend looks likely to carry on through the rest of 2013.’
