The latest used van auction sale figures from BCA, the UK’s largest vehicle auctioneer, show that used van values were higher in May 2012 than May 2011 — but only just.
Used LCV values improved across the board for the second month running in May, rising by £99 (2.3%) compared to April to reach £4,370. Average age and mileage fell slightly month on month, while CAP performance declined by nearly a point to 98.19%. There was a marginal increase in fleet & lease values, while part-exchange values reached record levels.
Year-on-year, May 2012 was £152 (3.6%) ahead of the same month in 2011, despite the average age climbing by six months and average mileage increasing by 6,300 to 77,000. Performance against CAP also improved year-on-year, up by more than two points.
Year-on-year figures, all sizes of vans:
| All vans | Avg Age | Avg Mileage | Avg Value | Sale vs CAP |
| May 2011 | 50.78 | 70,977 | £4,218 | 96.00% |
| May 2012 | 56.82 | 77,334 | £4,370 | 98.19% |
Average values have been relatively higher since last September and reached a 20-month high in January. May saw values rise in all three sectors – fleet/lease, dealer part-exchange and nearly new – but supply and demand remains finely balanced.
Duncan Ward BCA’s General Manager – Commercial Vehicles commented:
“There is steady demand for the best examples in the wholesale arena, but sellers need to be aware that buyer confidence is quite fragile despite the relative shortage of stock. Buyers are sensitive to mileage and condition, and excessive mileage or damage will significantly impact the price performance.
The best prices are paid for vans in good colours with a high specification and any rare or unusual vehicles will generate the most attention. Sellers also need to manage the supply of similar makes and models, because it can have a direct impact on price performance – even for attractive retail-quality vans.”
Ward added:
“Now is the time for volume sellers to really get back to basics and ensure their vans are given the best opportunity to sell the first time they are offered. This means full documentation and service histories for vehicles being sold, pre-sale preparation and presentation, valuing stock in line with market sentiment and effective sale day representation to make swift decisions on provisional sales. Make it an easy choice for buyers to purchase your vans!”