By Duncan Ward, BCA UK Business Development Manager – Commercial Vehicles

'THE current purple patch being enjoyed by the van market continues with high attendances at BCA sales around the country and huge demand in the auction hall.

It has really been this way since the start of the year, when following a relatively quiet week 1, business took off like a rocket. With no sign of demand abating, the first quarter has been one of the best on record.

Late-year vans continue to be in demand, but condition must be good. With many good deals on new product available, it is important that the nearly-new van comes to market in the best possible condition and sensibly valued.

Moving away from the late-plate market, typical fleet & lease sourced vehicles continue to sell well in the 3 – 5 year-old age sector. With older stock it really is condition that makes the difference, while 'use-ability' for the second owner will always be of paramount importance – side loading doors, hi-roof and load-lining will always be in demand. And for the owner/driver – the small business buyer, driver comfort and safety is very important – aircon, in-van entertainment, and all the safety features you would expect rate highly.

Mileage is less of an issue and high mileage vans will out perform guide prices if in good condition. Looking at some high price performers, buyers have been very active in seeking out Ford Fiesta and Escort vans, 4X4 Pick-ups, Partner/Berlingo, Dispatch/Expert, Transit Van, Combo, Astra, Lutons, Sprinter, Vito, Hiace, Boxer, Tourneo and Transit Dropsides – the latter rallying after a quiet period.

While diesel certainly rules the roost, the odd petrol van will stand out and make good money, underlining that there is always demand for something different. For further proof some recent prices from around the BCA network underline the current strength in the used market:

BCA van prices
Reg Model Mileage CAP Price % CAP
95M Ford Tourneo 218k £1200 £2850 237%
99V VW Caddy Pu 55k £2000 £3800 190%
98S VW Caddy Pu 43k £1825 £2900 159%
97P Ford Escort 75 51k £1650 £2600 158%
99V Peugeot Boxer 270S 98k £2850 £4400 154%
99V Nissan 4x4 Pu 96k £3775 £5725 151%
96N LDV 400 Luton 82k £1925 £2900 151%
00W VX Astra 1.6LS 119k £2350 £3550 151%
97P VX Combo LS 82k £1475 £2175 147%
98R Ford Kombi 119k £1025 £1500 146%
99V Mercedes Vito 110 90k £4875 £7050 145%
99S Peugeot Expert D 37k £3125 £4350 139%
99V Ford Escort 55TD 83k £1975 £2750 139%
99S Ford Transit 120 67k £2975 £4150 139%
99T Toyota Hiace SWB 135k £3450 £4800 139%
99V VX Astra Envoy 45k £3225 £4400 136%
00W Toyota Hilux 4x4 DC 47k £7425 £10150 136%
01Y Ford Escort 55D 32k £3400 £4600 135%
97P Ford Fiesta 35D 54k £1225 £1650 135%
99V Peugeot Partner 56k £2600 £3525 135%
98R Ford Fiesta 35D 42k £1375 £1800 131%