Record registrations three years ago are driving the current increase in stock availability.
Additional auction sales across the country are helping to clear the volume. Tired looking, damaged or high mileage stock remains difficult to sell with buyers preferring vehicles in showroom condition. Euro 6 stock values in the London area are strengthening, as more buyers become aware of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone. In other parts of the UK, buyers remain happy trading in Euro 5 stock.
Small volumes of the Ford Fiesta Sport are driving a strong performance, whilst higher specification VW Caddy, Ford Transit Connect, Vauxhall Combo, Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner are holding prices steady. Prices are decreasing for the increasing volumes of base model Ford Transit Connect and Vauxhall Combo.
The oversupply of Ford Transit Custom continues, with some residual demand for the nicest stock. Previous generation Vivaro, Trafic and Dispatch, Expert, Proace are popular, with the higher trims in greatest demand. Lower specification VW Transporter models need air-conditioning to maintain demand. Poor condition and high miles hamper the majority of vehicles in the large van sector.
However, demand remains for clean stock, particularly short and medium wheelbase vans. Specifically, Sprinter and Transit in metallic colours drive higher prices.
The current shape Crafter is expensive against the competition and is proving to be a low priority for buyers keen to find value used vans. Previous generation Crafters, if clean, offer the sought after value for money.
As for pick-ups, the Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian and Nissan Navara Tekna in the two to five year old bracket sell well when coupled with low miles. Ranger and Hilux with automatic gearboxes are in demand, however older examples of Amarok struggled. Sale of 4×4 Land Rover product was limited. High trim Defenders with low miles continue to sell well, whilst other models disappointed. Discovery Commercial needs to be in XS specification to sell.
Andy Picton is chief commercial vehicle editor of Glass’s, the used vehicle valuation experts.
