David Hill, LCV expert at the consumer vehicle data provider, commented: ‘March was as predicted with most values remaining high. As always, anything different with low mileage will sell well. The trade is scouring the market for price range stock, which is increasing in value due to scarcity. April will continue along these lines.
‘In terms of small vans, the general shortage of good quality stock continues, so values remain steady. Vauxhall Corsa is about but only in light blue, yet these are still finding homes. With Ford Fiesta, if you see one it’s gone, with older models being sold to fill the gaps. Vauxhall Astra van values are down a touch as the few in the market are high on miles and looking their age, but if you see a 150bhp SE Sportive you will have to give all the money to buy it.
‘Citroen Nemo, Fiat Fiorino and Peugeot Bipper values are down this month as there’s plenty of choice in the market. Air-con models or ones loaded with extras are an easy sell to retail buyers. Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner values are steady and the same goes for Renault Kangoo vans, despite a bit of volume in the market. Fiat Doblo is just holding but any more volume and prices will fall.
‘Fiat Scudo values are down a little this month as we are still getting plenty of stock from the media company, as well as some light blue models. Mercedes-Benz Vito is still sought after and stock is short – even very high mileage versions are finding homes as long as they’re tidy. A full service history always helps.
‘Volkswagen Transporter models are still in demand with Crew Van and Shuttle very popular. Vauxhall Vivaro and Renault Traffic are seen as reliable workhorse vans and, as such, they remain popular with retail buyers. The announcement of a new model always raises the demand on the outgoing one.'
Commenting on larger panel vans, Hill said the market is extremely buoyant, adding that the long wheelbase Ford Transit is in especially short supply. He added: ‘There’s demand for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter but the trade are only paying full whack to fill confirmed orders. Fiat Ducato long and high vans are popular, partly because buyers cannot find a comparable Transit.’
For chassis cab models, Hill said Ford Transit long wheelbase dropsides and tippers are very much in demand. ‘There are very few around so you’ll have to give all the money for them. Most other chassis cab models are the same, with a shortage of almost everything. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter fridge vans from the home shopping market are selling, but well behind average values.’
Finally Hill commented on the 4×4 sector, saying: ‘Due to the lack of snow this year there’s plenty of choice in the 4×4 market. Values have remained steady this month, although new tax implications will slightly increase the cost of running a double cab pickup. There are a few Great Wall Steed models around and the trade is happy to take a chance on them, at the right price. We’ve reduced values by about £500 this month in line with those we’ve seen sold.’
