Andy Picton's blog: Four medium models shine

Date: Monday, June 26, 2017

April saw sales at auction drop by 27.9% on March and fall 18.6% on the same point in 2016 – however, the average price of those vehicles bought increased by 6% over the previous month.

Reduced attendance both physically and online during the month, caused partly by the bank holidays and a lack of interest in the increase in the number of samey stock, are cited as reasons for this drop.

Nevertheless, the used market has little problem in finding homes for stock with plenty of equipment, sensible miles and in a nice metallic colour. The medium panel van sector in particular performs strongly when examples of the Transit Custom, VW Transporter, Renault Trafic or Vauxhall Vivaro are offered.

The 4x4 sector is a concern, though, with supply and demand very much out of kilter, with many examples struggling to gain much, if any attention. Only extremely tidy or rare examples are selling anywhere near ‘Guide’ money, leaving the majority to do the rounds at auction.

Duplicate stock on offer in the 3.5t large panel sector continues to come under pressure, with hard-worked units struggling the most. Low-mileage, ‘straight’ examples in this sector are few and far between, so expect an increase in demand and, in turn, stronger prices to be paid.

The average age of all units sold at auction during April went up, from 62.8 months to 63.4 months, as did the average mileage. However, age and mileage is still 2.2 months and 5,720 miles lower than at the same point last year.

Andy Picton is chief commercial vehicle editor of Glass’s, the used vehicle valuation experts.

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