The used van market has recorded a strong performance for Q1 2025, new data from Manheim Auction Services reveals.
Sold volumes were up 21% year on year in the first three months while the average sold price increased by £554 between February and March with 22% of stock selling above guide price.
The sector also saw positive performance across days to sell and first-time conversions, indicating strong market health.
Average age and mileage of sold used vans showed downwards movements, falling to 71 months (6 years) in age and 79,822 miles in Q1 in a positive trend for the sector.
But a deep data-dive reveals a clear division forming within the available van stock today. Only 15.4% of stock fell into the ‘prime’ category (under three years old and 60,000 miles). The remaining 84.6% averaged 113,718 miles. Each segment offers a unique opportunity to the market. Prime stock remains competitive due to its limited availability, performing 6.8% above guide value prices, while demand for older vehicles is sustained due to its lower average price point (£5,625).
Matthew Davock, director of commercial vehicles at Manheim UK, said: “These trends are largely driven by fleet and rental operators who have reduced the average age of fleet assets. While competition for prime stock continues to heat up, the lower-cost vehicles offer a viable option for tradespeople looking to reduce their expenditure during tough economic conditions. Overall, this reflects a robust quarter for the used van marketplace, with the industry now in a much better place in terms of price, demand and overall supply.”
Manheim has also observed growth in electric vans across the used market. In Q1, there was a 62.6% increase in electric van arrivals across Manheim’s UK sites. These vehicles are significantly younger than other stock, carrying an average mileage of 29,000 miles at around 42 months old (3 years). However, buyer confidence held performance back with 88% of guide values achieved and only four in 10 vans selling first time.
Davock continued: “The used electric van sector, much like its consumer vehicle counterpart, still faces significant roadblocks to improving confidence. With much higher stock levels being defleeted across the industry, and over 2,500 used electric vans being advised on retail publications today, more must be done to incentivise adoption and promote the consumer benefits of electric van ownership.”
