Used LCV values fall back in June as “seasonal factors” kick in

The average van at BCA sold for £5,339 in June, a fall of £248 (4.4%) compared to May.  Year-on-year values remain ahead, however, up by £633 (13.2%) over the twelve month period, with age and mileage relatively static and performance against CAP declining slightly. 

 Year-on-year table: All vans

Speaking about the findings, BCA’s general manager for commercial vehicles, Duncan Ward, commented: ‘Activity in the commercial vehicle market typically slows over the summer months and we expected to see some pressure on average values. Despite the monthly fall, the underlying strength of the market is highlighted by the year-on-year figure which is up by over £600.  What we have seen this year very much follows the pattern of previous years and, in reality, the marketplace has not shifted significantly from last month as we remain short of good retail-quality stock.

‘With increasing numbers of buyers choosing to purchase via BCA Live Online, vans presented in the best condition with the benefit of Video Appraisal will typically make values well in excess of guide price expectations. However, vendors should beware of expecting a similar return for vehicles in poor or below average condition or offered in obvious corporate colour schemes.   There is little to be gained by placing over-aspirational reserve valuations on LCVs if the market is not prepared to meet those expectations.’

BCA also found that values for fleet and lease LCVs fell by £282 (4.1%) in June to £6,518, with CAP performance improving by nearly a point to 99.2%, but retained value against Manufacturer Recommended Price declining to 37.1%.  Year-on-year, values were up by £545 (9.1%), although performance against CAP was slightly down on 2013. 

Year-on-year table: Fleet & lease vans

Nearly-new LCV values also improved to £13,292 in June, with CAP comparisons up by one point to 97.54%.  As always, BCA stressed this has to be taken in the context of the very low volumes reaching the market and the model mix factor.