Commenting on the findings, MyCarCheck.com/Trade’s LCV expert, David Hill, said: ‘As usual, the used van market slowed down over the Easter period. A few hardy buyers were still out looking for those elusive bargains, but they were mostly left disappointed; although business slowed down, prices didn’t decrease.
‘This month we have kept the majority of prices steady. In terms of small vans, even some older examples are finding homes easily, with Ford Fiesta leading the way on availability. There are a few Vauxhall Corsa vans about which are easily finding buyers, both trade and retail. Peugeot or Renault small vans are likely to go quickly as they are rare. Citroen Berlingo is about in volume but values look to be holding firm. The older models are still good news as these fall into the price range category for buyers looking for cheaper stock.
‘The batch of red Fiat Doblos coming into the market look very good value for money and normal Doblo is still sought after too. Again, values are steady. Ford Transit Connect is still the number one choice for the retail buyer in this sector, with Trend and Limited models the best sellers.
‘In the Fiat Scudo and Peugeot Expert segment, the trade is largely able to pick and choose the best ones. They all tend to sell eventually.
‘Short wheelbase Ford Transits are currently in as much demand as their longer wheelbase stablemates. There’s plenty of interest in the new model Transit Customs coming through, and these are achieving trade values. Volkswagen Transporter is still the number one van on everybody’s shopping list and mileage doesn’t frighten the buyers off, unless it’s a really tatty one.
‘There’s strong demand in the large panel van sector too, as supply is short. However, any sign of volume will quickly distort the values until the volume subsides. The recent sharp burst of long wheelbase Mercedes-Benz Sprinters was soon mopped up by the market. A long wheelbase Ford Transit is still the one the trade looks for first.
‘There are a few Transit Jumbos around in yellow and green which are nice on the miles, just a shame about the colour. The trade is bidding behind average values to accommodate the cost of a repaint,’ he concluded.