Used vans sold by Manheim auctions in April fetched an average of £5,154 — a whopping 13.8% more than during the same month last year, according to the latest figures from the auction group.
Fortunately for buyers, the increase was largely due to a significant fall in age and mileage, rather than a boom in demand. The average age among vans sold in April was 63 months, versus 70 in April 2016. Similarly, average mileage fell by more than 10,000 miles to 74,731.
The company says that among the most popular models were Ford Transt 280 SWB models and high spec Ford Transit Custom vans. Long and extra-long wheelbase Sprinters were in demand, as were top spec VW Transporter models.
Less popular were base spec Transporters, older Transits, big Citroen and Peugeot vans and — perhaps unsurprisingly as we head into summer — several of the leading pickup models.
The company says it remains confident about buyer demand heading into the summer, despite April bringing “a slightly tougher atmosphere in the commercial vehicle market than we have seen so far this year”.
Finally, if you’re wondering what the picture at the top is all about, I’d like to offer congratulations on behalf of vanrental.co.uk to Manheim’s James Davis. James’ painstakingly restored ex-HMRC Spy Van Ford Transit fetched a record £10,300 auction earlier this week. All proceeds are going to The Alzheimer’s Society.
You can see photos of the Spy Van in my CV Show 2017 write up, or check out James’ Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Therestorationvanman/
Pingback: Used van sales strengthen in May – Manheim | Van News: The VanRental.co.uk Blog