BCA van auction April 2016

Used van values hit new record in April

The average value of used vans sold by auctioneers BCA rose to £5,966 in April, according to the latest figures from the firm.

BCA van auction April 2016

That’s 1.4% more than in March and the highest monthly figure on record since 2005. On a year-on-year basis, April’s prices were 8.3% higher than at the same point last year, suggesting used van prices have risen well ahead of inflation.

However, potential buyers should note that the average age and mileage of used vans is falling. The average van sold in 2016 was four months younger and had 3,400 fewer miles than at this point last year. That goes some way to offsetting the average rise in value of £458 seen over the last twelve months.

All vans Avg Age (mnths) Avg Mileage Avg Value
Apr 2015 58.08 77,166 £5,508
Apr 2016 54.05 73,758 £5,966

Data courtesy of BCA

BCA’s LCV Operations Director, Duncan Ward commented:

“Buyers were out in force in April with both physical and online bidders competing strongly for the stock on offer.  Values are well ahead of where they were a year ago, underlining the evolution in price performance which has been driven by high levels of demand.”

Despite obviously strong market conditions, it’s worth noting that these headline gains are mostly the result of strong demand for one-owner ex-fleet and lease vehicles up to five years old. These form the bulk of BCA’s volumes and are in strong demand as they are normally well maintained and ready for a second life with a new owner.

The value of older, part-exchange vans is flat, suggesting that a stronger economy and good credit availability may be reducing demand for this type of van. Mr Ward confirmed that quality and falling age in the mid market is driving average used prices higher:

“Average values continue to rise for fleet/lease commercials, with both professional buyers and end users focussing on one owner vehicles up to five years old.  Both age and mileage for corporate vans continues to drop and this is contributing to the steady price evolution seen over the past year.   The better grade vans are selling strongly and making good money, while vehicles requiring work need to be priced in line with market sentiment to sell first time.”

This graph sums up the trends in the used van market very well:

BCA April 2015-16 used van prices

BCA April 2015-16 used van prices across sectors (courtesy of BCA)

1 thought on “Used van values hit new record in April

  1. Pingback: Used van prices level out in May – BCA | Van News: The VanRental.co.uk Blog

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