Small vans proving popular in used market

Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2009

A surge in demand has hit the used van market after several months of dire new LCV sales — down 43 per cent in March compared to 2008’s figures — according to vehicle valuers Glass’s Guide.

Glass’s has put the rise in interest down to a shortage of used stock, caused by the recent low level of new registrations. George Alexander, the guide’s editor, also cited private buyers bidding against the trade, which then pushes up the final selling price.

Small vans have been the most popular, with demand outstripping supply for supermini-derived vans such as the Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio and Vauxhall Corsa. Bigger vans, such as Peugeot’s Expert and Citroën’s Dispatch have also been in favour. Large panel vans have been less in demand, with only low mileage examples in good condition attracting much interest.

“A marketplace hungry for vans ensures that there is plenty of hammer action across the auction halls, with exceptionally high conversion rates,” said Alexander. “Examples of well-presented, low-mileage lots are proving to be high on the buyer’s wish list.”

What Van? Britain's biggest and best van buyers' guide