Used vehicle auctioneer BCA says that the average price achieved by vans in its salerooms rose by £23 to £5,931 in July, compared to June’s results.

Used van auction. Copyright BCA

This kind of small, monthly change is insignificant, in my view. What’s more interesting is that the average sale price was £387 (6.9%) higher than one year ago. This suggests either that buyers are paying more for the same vans or that they are buying bigger, better or newer vans.

The answer appears to be that the vans are newer. The average age of vans sold by BCA has fallen by 3.1 months since last July, while the average mileage has fallen from 76,182 to 69,632. Duncan Ward, BCA’s head of commercial vehicles, confirms that this is mainly as a result of younger stock flowing into the firm’s salerooms:

“Volumes have risen in the wholesale markets with continuing questions over poor condition stock and while average selling price appears to be holding up, this is largely due to the influence of a younger, lower mileage profile of vehicles currently reaching the market.

Buyers have more choice now than they have experienced at any time this year and are understandably focusing on the best presented vehicles.”

Sounding every so slightly like a stuck record, Mr Ward went on to emphasise that “it is vital for sellers to prepare their vehicles and appraise them in line with market sentiment”. It’s a reiteration of a warning Mr Ward has been sounding for some months now. Strong new sales over the last couple of years means have led to an improved supply of good quality used vans. In turn, this means that battered old vehicles will only sell if they’re cheap.

For August, Duncan Ward expects to see “some pressure on average values” ahead of the new registration plate in September. Volumes remain strong but with condition critical, the average could be pushed down by poorly-presented vans.