DEALERS need twice as many used diesels as they are able to get hold of, CAP has revealed.

Diesels account for an average one-in-four vehicles on used car forecourts, but the latest CAP Used Car Performance Index reports most would like to see that figure increase to one-in two.

CAP reckons ‘the level of demand for used diesels is one of the most critical issues facing Britain’s car market’, due to the massive increase in new diesel registrations in recent years. This under-supply is good news for future used diesel values, CAP claims.

Managing editor at CAP Monitor, Mark Norman, said: ‘The research puts claims of an impending ‘meltdown’ in used diesel values into perspective. Ongoing research is essential to understanding the long-term future of diesel in the used market.’

The CAP survey reveals regional variations in taste for diesels but an average desired proportion of diesel stock stands at nearly 50%, although the north-west and West Midlands were particulalry short of stock.

BCA’s director, customer affairs, Tom Madden said: ‘We are not surprised CAP is reporting that dealers are finding it difficult to source diesel stock. We are seeing evidence of this everyday in the auction hall and there is incredible demand for diesel products – particularly for the well-maintained, ex-fleet diesel in a good-specification and colour.

‘High-tech common rail models are particularly scarce. Late used examples are very difficult to source and those that are available are selling for a huge premium over their petrol equivalents.’