USED car prices have revived slightly this month, with improvements concentrated in popular sectors. But niche markets such as MPVs, sports cars and 4x4s saw an accelerated decline, according to the latest CAP Motor Research Index of new and used car prices.

Values this month are down 6.4% on the same month last year, compared with last month's 6.8% drop. CAP said: 'Although the used car market has seen relatively strong levels of activity since the beginning of the year, values have steadfastly remained depressed.'