USED values of mass-market family cars, such as the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Vectra, could be in line for unexpected rises during 2003, according to Glass's Guide.

Flagging sales of upper-medium models in the new car market may lead to a shortage in the used car market, encouraging buyers to push up bids for models in good condition. The firm says that with many company car drivers switching to premium brands such as Audi and BMW, models from manufacturers like Ford, Vauxhall and Peugeots could be in shorter supply on the used market.

Jeff Paterson, Glass's senior car editor, says: 'This sector of the market has been depressed but we might see residual values slowly improving because there will be fewer such cars around. At the same time, supply into the second-hand market is being far better managed by the manufacturers.'

His comments came as Manheim Europe revealed that the used car market was 'marginally brighter' than in previous weeks. Andrew Shepherd, senior group auctioneer, said: 'Buyers are prepared to bid and buy, but only if the vehicles on offer are realistically priced.

'Volumes of stock are now starting to even out a little and this is helping the used market place at a time when buying and buyers are traditionally weak with summer holidays taking their effect.

'Looking forward past the summer holidays to September, October and November, we could find that the used car market returns to some sort of buoyancy providing both stock levels remain constant and the general economy remains stable.'