But the critics have been confounded and there has been no slackening of demand in April with well-attended sales and competitive bidding across the board. Both volume and turnover in BCA’s light van sales remain well ahead of 2003.

BCA’s corporate sales programme continues to draw in the buyers, with many vendors attracting a loyal following and high conversions regularly being achieved – 80 to 90% figures are frequent and the magic 100% is not uncommon.

A common thread among these most successful vendors is the investment in pre-sale preparation and sale-day representation – this means the vans look fantastic and decisions on close provisional sales are made instantly on the rostrum. This keeps the sale flowing and the interest high.

Supplies into the marketplace are generally very good, but there remains a dearth of clean late year examples to tempt both professional buyers and end-users alike. Consequently demand is high and prices likewise – even with the many terrific deals on new vans, the late year used example is much sought after.

Vendors should also be aware that presentation is increasingly important for both trade buyers and end-users.

Both want a van that is ready – either for retail or to go to work, as appropriate. A good level of pre-sale preparation can make a hard-worked van look highly desirable and – yes – it is worth investing in paint and detail work on commercial vehicles. Make sure the vans have a long MOT, the V5 is present and that all the relevant service history is available.

Recent prices achieved at BCA

97R Ford Fiesta 1.8 d 3dr 83,622miles £1,400 versus guide price (%) 162.79
98S Land Rover d 90 2.5 tdi ct 3dr 65,410 miles £11,500 versus guide price (%) 152.32
00X VW Transporter 2.5 12 l tdi 5dr 76,720 miles £6,500 versus guide price (%) 146.89
99T Mercedes Vito 113 2.0 5dr 65,803 miles £4,000 versus guide price (%) 141.59
00W Ford Transit 80 2.5 swb 5dr 47,579 miles £4,800 versus guide price (%) 140.15
97R Ford Transit 190 2.5 lwb 2dr 61,038 miles £3,725 versus guide price (%) 139.25
97R Ford Transit 190 2.5 lwb 2dr 132,601 miles £2,875 versus guide price (%) 138.55
98S Ford Transit 100 2.5 swb 5dr 138,599 miles £2,250 versus guide price (%) 134.33
97R Citroen Berlingo 1.9 600 4dr 116,815 miles £1,400 versus guide price (%) 133.33
99V Renault Kangoo 1.9 865d 4dr 38,986 miles £3,000 versus guide price (%) 133.33
00W Ford Transit 80 2.5 swb 5dr 80,183 miles £3,800 versus guide price (%) 133.33
98R Ford Transit 120 2.5 swb 5dr 90,671 miles £2,650 versus guide price (%)132.50
00W VW lt35 2.5 mwb 5dr 144,171 miles £4,500 versus guide price (%) 132.35
97R Ford Transit 150 2.5 swb 5dr 119,001 miles £2,225 versus guide price (%) 130.88
99V VW Transporter 2.5 5dr 133,864 miles £3,950 versus guide price (%) 130.58
97R Ford Transit 150 2.5 swb 5dr 148,778 miles £1,925 versus guide price (%) 130.51
00X Ford Transit 260 2.0 swb 5dr 66,455 miles £5,600 versus guide price (%) 130.23
00V Nissan Pickup 2.5 2dr 104,699 miles £5,000 versus guide price (%) 129.87
98S Ford Transit 120 2.5 swb 5dr 92,367 miles £2,675 versus guide price (%) 128.92
01X Ford Ranger 2.5 s 2dr 31,810 miles £6,150 versus guide price (%) 128.80