The company's LCV expert David Hill said: ‘The Volkswagen Transporter T5 Sportline 180Bhp is the van everyone wants. The waiting list for a new one is three-five months, so used ones are always snapped up quickly. These vans look the business with all the extras like alloy wheels and leather seats.'
‘In terms of vans that hold their value, safe bets don’t come much safer than the Mercedes Benz Sprinter 313 long wheelbase high roof. In this sector the Transit used to be way out in front, now many people prefer the Sprinter. This popularity means Sprinters don’t depreciate like some other vans I could mention – it has been rock solid on residual value for a few years now.
‘For our “used star” this month I’ve chosen the Volkswagen Crafter medium wheelbase high roof 109Bhp. If you want a Sprinter but can’t afford one then the Crafter is the next best thing. It looks the same from a distance and you can pick one up for a lot less money.'
As to market trends, Hill commented: ‘Prices remained high throughout October and the trade has started to question how high they will go. The average selling price at auction is now around £5,100 for a typical three year-old van, and the signs are this could go as high as £6,000 by this time next year.
‘In terms of small vans, there are very few Ford Fiesta or Vauxhall Corsa models around, which is keeping prices high. Volkswagen Caddy is having mixed fortunes – some sell well, some are struggling – so we have pulled these values back 2.5% this month. We have also seen possibly the first Azure Dynamic electric van sell in open sale – it still sold for a lot more than a comparable diesel version.
‘For mid-size vans, even older Citroen Dispatch and Fiat Scudo are well sought after. Likewise, Mercedes Vito models still sell with big miles on them.
‘In the larger panel van market, demand outstrips supply at the moment. Long wheelbase Transits in clean condition and with Euro 5 engines on 13 plates are difficult to buy at anything less than ready-to-retail values. Even some Transit Jumbos in yellow and green are gaining a following.
‘We are now seeing a few more Renault Masters in the used market – mostly the new shape. And in terms of Chassis models, Lutons are in demand whatever the badge or miles, and it’s the same for drop sides. Tippers, on the other hand, have to be in good condition to sell at the sticker price,’ he concluded.