FLEETS will have to make sure their vans are in top condition when they are remarketed, or face not being able to sell them.

According to commercial vehicle experts at Glass’s, over recent months independent LCV dealers have become far more selective in the type and quality of used vehicles they take into stock.

Analysts say this is because of an increase in the number of used vans on offer, as well stiff competition from manufacturer used vehicle schemes where only higher quality stock is presented.

George Alexander, chief commercial vehicle editor at Glass’s said: ‘Some popular vans from Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Ford, Fiat and a number of others are now returning from contract in significant volumes, and these numbers will grow.

‘Hopefully, the strength of the used market will hold up over the summer and these vans will sell at the first time of asking. It’s not an attractive prospect to go into the autumn with surplus late-year stock.’

Not helping the situation is a patchy period over the past couple of months, with sales levels difficult to predict. There were weeks when sales hit record levels followed by dead calm.

Currently, the lighter end of the van market is the liveliest, with the offerings such as Peugeot 206, Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Fiesta performing well.

Alexander added: ‘The panel van sector is less buoyant. In this highly competitive sector, the message is clear – if each van is properly presented and priced to sell, then customers will be found.’ Star car and what it’s worth Star car

IF your car is leased or outright purchased, knowing its value is vital, particularly if you want to offer staff the chance to buy the vehicle at the end of the contract. Use our weekly guide to benchmark prices.

PEUGEOT 607 2.0 HDI SE
Age: 01 51
Mileage: 80,000
Value – Trade
CAP Clean: £5,725
Glass’s Guide: £6,200
Retail to staff price guide: £6,575

  • Retail to staff source: www.parkers.co.uk based on private trade for good condition

    Going down

    Glass’s experts give the lowdown on what’s selling and what’s sitting

    Going up

    AUDI A3 SPORTBACK

    Demand outstripping supply for this more useful derivative. Premiums of £1,000 over three-door.

    FERRARI F355

    A modern classic – even seven-year-old examples fetch up to 50% of original cost new. Spider convertible especially popular.

    AUTOMATIC SUPERMINIS

    For small cars such as Nissan Micra and Toyota Yaris, examples with automatic transmission are relatively rare, so demand is high.

    Going down

    PRESTIGE 4x4s

    Now easing in value to more realistic levels – need to be properly specced (sat-nav, leather, big wheels) to sell.

    WHITE

    Despite what the pundits are saying, unlikely ever to be a popular colour again (a possible exception is some niche sports cars).

    CARS WITHOUT AIR CON

    Even in a poor English summer, cars without air conditioning are harder to shift.