Many leasing companies are reporting an increasing number of extensions to leases at the moment. The trend is to move from three years to 48 months.

Our research reveals that they are seeing more higher-mileage cars going through workshops for general service work. Up to 120,000 on the clock is now not unusual.

For the service side of the business this is obviously no bad thing. However, it is hardly welcome news to the sales department.

This trend also means more four-year-old cars are coming into the market and, therefore, fewer three-year-old ones – although there is no evidence of concern about a shift in the age balance of available used stock.